Tallarook Plateau Wanderings II

Date and time:  9:00am to 4:00pm, Sunday 6th December

Trip Standard:  Medium - Training must have been completed.

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

Tallarook State Forest, situated only an hour and 15 minutes’ drive of Melbourne, provides excellent opportunities for recreational four-wheel driving.

This trip combines two treks from the 5th Edition of '4WD Treks Close to Melbourne':

Trek 3 – Tallarook Plateau and Trek 13 – Tallarook Wanderings.

We will tackle a mix of easy and medium-rated tracks that provide some challenge without going extreme. Whether you're looking to build confidence behind the wheel, learn from experienced members, or simply enjoy a day out in the bush, this trip has something for everyone (new and old members).

Expect rugged terrain, winding bush tracks, forest roads and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of this area. There are alternative easier routes available, and the itinerary can be adjusted if any planned sections appear too challenging for the convoy.

We will visit Mount Hickey, the highest point in the forest at 805 m above the sea level. There are various granite outcrops around the forest, great as short scenic stops or lunch spots.

Weather: Summer 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 "on the move" morning tea and lunch.

Maps and Reference Material: Rooftop’s Toolangi-Macedon Adventure Map and Tallarook Forest Activities Map

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

Fuel: a full tank ex Melbourne (fuel available in Broadford)

Distance: Melbourne – Broadford (90 km), Broadford – Murchison Gap Lookout (75 km of high and low range driving), Murchison Gap Lookout – Melbourne (99 km) – Total: 265 km

Duration: 1 day

Convoy limit: 8 vehicles

No camper trailers, pets or firearms.

Meeting arrangements:  We will depart before 9:15 am from Broadford from the front of The Duck Inn Cafe (101 High Street, Broadford VIC 3658). If you plan to get coffee beforehand, then you will need to arrive a little earlier.

We will aim to finish about 4:00 pm at Murchison Gap Lookout (Strath Creek Road).

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

Club Guest Registration policy:  It is club policy in regard to insurance cover that if a member brings any non-members on the trip they must be registered and have paid the required fee as Temporary Members BEFORE the event. 

i.e.  non- members can no longer register on the day with the trip leader. 
Temporary Membership information and ways to register can be found at:

Temporary (Guest) Membership

Also if a non-member wishes to bring their own vehicle, the member inviting the non-member must contact the trip leader for approval to bring the vehicle. Such approval will take into account skills of the driver, suitability of the vehicle and whether or not a place within the convoy limit is available for a non-member's vehicle.