Robert Pepper’s 4wd Treks close to Melbourne – Trek 17 – Blackwood - Daylesford 

Description:   Treks 16 and 17 will be undertaken on Saturday 23/March and Sunday 24/March.  These treks can be done separately, however if you would like to do both treks and stay in the area on the Saturday night then there are plenty of accommodation options to be found in the Trentham and Daylesford areas.  There is also the Blackwood Mineral Springs Holiday Park which is about 550 meters from the Blackwood Hotel.

This Trek will start in Blackwood and travel for a short distance on the bitumen before entering the Wombat State Forrest where we will be spending our day.  Once we pass the Garden of St Erth the road becomes a narrow 4wd track.  We then climb a rocky hill to a height of 700 mts.  Further along we find Mountview track which is quite narrow and rutted requiring high clearance.  It can be muddy as it passes close to the highest point in the forest.  We then mainly follow flat forest tracks until we come to Burnt Stable Spring – the tracks leading in and out of the spring may not be signposted so a lot of care must be taken.  We will finish the trip in Daylesford at the Visitor Centre.  There is a Diner on the opposite side of the road where we can have a drink.

Weather:  This time of year, we can expect it to be anything from quite warm to quite cool, so ensure you bring appropriate clothing and food.

Trip Standard: This trip is classified difficult.  Drivers must have completed the RRCV club training and have had some experience on difficult classified tracks.  Some tracks may have some significant mud obstacles after rain.

Equipment:  High clearance vehicles with low range 4WD capability.  Good all-terrain tyres with not less than 50% tread.  Vehicles must be UHF radio equipped (or one borrowed from the club).  Usual recovery gear must be carried.

Fuel:  Full tank ex Melbourne / fuel available in Bacchus Marsh Ballan, Daylesford

Distance:  Total – approx. 250km. 

Trek 17 – total approx. 44km.  Melbourne to Blackwood – approx. 90kms.  Daylesford to Melbourne – approx. 115kms

Duration:  1 day

Convoy limit:  8 vehicles

Meeting arrangements:    We will depart at 9am from the front of the Blackwood Hotel 22 Martin St, Blackwood VIC 3458. We will finish about 4pm in Daylesford

Trip Leader:  Gary Tinner 0414 742 701 gary.tinner@visaexecutive.com

Trek Manager:  Graeme Allen 0477 488 434 graeme.allen86@gmail.com