Lerderderg Explorer II

Date and time:  Sunday, 15th November 2026  9:00 am – 04:30 pm

Description: Lerderderg State Forest is one of the best destinations near Melbourne for a day off-road trip.

We will tackle a mix of easy and medium tracks, perfect for those keen to test their skills and vehicles without going extreme. 

It’s an exploratory trip! No recon, no guarantees, just a rough plan and a good dose of curiosity. Expect rugged terrain, winding bush tracks, creek crossings, and forest roads that twist through towering gums. There are other easier roads to the destination, and we can alter the route if the planned trek appears to be too hard.

We will finish in Trentham – in 2025 named Victoria's Top Tiny Tourism Town so you may decide to enjoy one of its restaurants for a meal.

Please contact your trip leader if you are unsure of any of the below requirements for this trip.

Weather:  Spring around Melbourne is typically sunny and warm, but conditions can vary. Please check the forecast before departure and come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.

This is strictly a dry-weather trip. If rain is forecast, I reserve the right to cancel or postpone the trip with one week's notice.

Equipment:  Below are the recommended vehicle requirements. If you are not sure if your vehicle is suitable for this trip, please have a chat with the trip leader.

A well-maintained 4WD vehicle with All Terrain tyres, UHF radio (or one borrowed from the club). Bring your standard recovery gear including rated snatch strap, shackles, recovery boards and a shovel.

This is a medium-difficulty trek. While generally manageable, wet weather can significantly increase the challenge, making roads slippery, with muddy sections and standing water in places.

Drivers must have completed the RRCV club training or equivalent.

Meals: Coffee stops will be held in the bush, so please bring your own simple morning and afternoon tea.

Maps and Reference Material: Meridian Maps Wombat State Forest

Trip Standard: Medium in dry conditions – combination of easy and medium tracks (low range driving might be required).

Fuel: a full tank ex Bacchus March

Distance: Melbourne – Bacchus Marsh (57 km), Bacchus Marsh – Trentham (80 km of high and low range driving), Trentham – Melbourne (90 km) – Total: 227 km

Duration: 1 day

Convoy limit: 8 vehicles

No camper trailers, pets or firearms.

Meeting arrangements:  We will depart before 9:15 am from Bacchus March from the front of Baby Black Espresso Bar (10 Church St, Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340). If you plan to get coffee beforehand, then you will need to arrive a little earlier.

We will aim to finish about 4:30 pm in Trentham.

Trip Leader: Piotr Pecho mobile: 0427 439 908 email: piotr.pecho@gmail.com