Avoca - Pyrenees
This is a day trip and/or a weekend trip. Those wishing for a day trip only can nominate which day they wish to participate. Those wishing to make a weekend of it can.
The Pyrenees State Forest is located 220kms north west of Melbourne, west of Avoca. Rugged mountain ranges with spectacular views, the Pyrenees are fine examples of natural and cultural history. <!--break--> European settlement began in the 1840s. Most of the Pyrenees was prospected and mined after gold was discovered in October 1854. In December of that year Fiddlers Creek was worked by Chinese and Cornish settlers. Around most of the Pyrenees, especially Percydale, there are relics of Chinese gardens, mines, pudding machines and slate quarries. Slate from Percydale was used to pave the footpaths of Collins St, Melbourne until 1960.
Trips will be run into the nearby regions of Avoca – the tracks are easy to medium but can be hard if it rains (we wish). There are also many wineries in the area including Blue Pyrenees and Mount Avoca – most wineries are within an easy drive of Avoca.
Avoca has a pub, 2 bakeries, a pie shop which has won several awards (over 40 different types of pie including crocodile pies and buffalo pies), several coffee shops (real coffee), service station, library, general store, newsagent etc. These facilities are about 1km from the caravan park – an easy walk even after a few beers.
The Trip Leaders will be bush camping about 15 minutes drive out of Avoca and participants are welcome to join us but alternatives are available – caravan park, motel, etc.
Trip Classification: Medium – may get hard if wet
Vehicle Limit: 10; 2 places reserved for members who have never been on trips before. If trip is full and you are a new member who has not been on a trip before, please email the trip coordinator at trips@rangeroverclub.org.au
Trip Distance: Avoca is approximately 2 hours from Melbourne – about 50 minutes from Ballarat.
Fuel Requirements: Fuel on way and fuel available at Avoca
Meeting place: middle of Avoca, near the public toilets at 9am on Saturday and Sunday
For those travelling from Melbourne, take the Western Highway until just past Ballarat where one will see the turnoff to the Sunraysia Highway and Avoca – Avoca is 57km from the turnoff. Vic Roads Map 57J3 – Avoca township Map 246.
Essentials: Vehicles in sound condition, basic recovery gear, spares and good tyres. Hat, good footwear, warm clothes (cold nights). Simple, “on the move” lunch, and drinking water (water is available in Avoca but it may be best to bring your own drinking water).
DO NOT bring: Pets, firearms, or motorbikes.
Radio: UHF CHANNEL 10
Maps: If required, VicMap: “Avoca North 7523-1-N (1:25000)”,” Avoca South 7523-1-S (1:25000)” available at the Melbourne Map Centre.
Trip Leaders: Phill & Jane Collyer
When signing on for the trip, please make a note in the trip book or in the comment section (if using the web-page) if you are there for the weekend or only Saturday or only Sunday.