Mount Disappointment Night Trip
Date and time: Saturday, 20th February 2027
Approximately 7:30 pm – 07:30 am (TBC)
Trip Standard: Medium in dry conditions – the trek follows formed dirt roads, but a significant portion are 4WD tracks (low range driving will be required). Driving after dark will also add to the overall challenge.
Description:
This trip will follow the itinerary of trek 14th 'Mount Disappointment', from the 5th Edition of '4WD Treks Close to Melbourne'.
The Mount Disappointment forest offers tracks covering various terrain. We will be tackling a combination of easy and medium tracks, but the real excitement will come from driving them at night.
On Saturday, 20th February, the moon will be approaching its full phase (100% on Sunday at 10:23 am). If the sky is clear, we will be travelling under beautiful natural moonlight (moonrise at 7:44 pm | moonset at 6:50 am).
We will make planned stops at Anderson Garden, Blairs Hut and No. 1 Camp along the way.
There are other easier roads to the destination, and we can alter the route if the planned trek appears to be too hard.
At the end of Murchison Spur Road is the Murchison Gap Lookout, which provides stunning views over the rolling hills. Facing east, it is an ideal spot for capturing beautiful sunrise photographs, especially when the valley is filled with low-lying clouds (sunrise at 6:55 am).
We will finish our trip in Strath Creek.
Please contact your trip leader if you are unsure of any of the below requirements for this trip.
Weather: Summer in the Mount Disappointment area is typically warm during the day, with cooler temperatures overnight. Please check the forecast before departure and come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear.
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 fitted with All-Terrain tyres.
- A UHF radio is required (you may bring your own or borrow one from the club).
- Bring your standard recovery gear kit, including rated snatch strap, shackles, recovery boards and a shovel.
- A reliable torch or headlamp.
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 meals, snacks, water and thermos with coffee.
Maps and Reference Material: Rooftop’s Toolangi-Macedon Adventure Map
Fuel: a full tank ex Melbourne
Distance: Melbourne – Wallan (53 km), Wallan – Strath Creek (69 km of high and low range driving), Strath Creek – Melbourne (89 km) – Total: 211 km
Duration: 1 night
Convoy limit: 8 vehicles. Only 4 open for signup - if you cant register, put yourself on the wait list. 4 spots have priority for new trainees.
No camper trailers, pets or firearms.
Meeting arrangements: We will depart before 8:30 pm (TBC) from Hadfield Park in Wallan (42 Bentinck St, Wallan VIC 3756).
We will aim to finish about 7:30 am in Strath Creek for a morning coffee.
Trip Leader: Piotr Pecho mobile: 0427 439 908 email: piotr.pecho@gmail.com
Melbourne 4WD Club