Wyperfeld
Date and time: 8th June 2019 9:00 am
Description: During our last trip to Wyperfeld on AFL Cup Final weekend we came across a track heading north from approximately half way along Milmed Rock Track. The track is not marked on any of the maps. The track was well formed but narrower and less well travelled than the other tracks in the park. From the satellite photographs of the area it is evident that the track connects with the Big Desert State Forest. I’ve been told that the track is interesting and worth investigating. A photo of the tracks plotted from the satellite photographs is posted on the RRCV Members FaceBook page (13.5.2019).
On Saturday we intend to depart from Wonga Camp site and travel along Milmed Rock Track until we meet this track then follow it north through to the Big Desert State Forest and then camp in one of the camp sites there. On Sunday we plan to explore the tracks in the Big Desert State Forest, and depart on Monday either via the Mallee Highway or through the Wyperfeld National Park – depending on how we feel. If the going is hard on Saturday we may end up camping off the track.
The trip will give you the opportunity to refine your vehicle setups and establish such important factors as ease of setting up camps, and your fuel consumption.
Victoria’s deserts are located in the north east of the state on the border with South Australia some 450km north west of Melbourne. The drive to Wonga camping ground in Wyperfeld NP takes approximately 5 hours from Melbourne.
The camping grounds have drop toilets with no washing facilities, potable water, or showers – bring adequate water for drinking a cooking, and plan to cook on a fuel stove (though we’ll almost certainly have a fire)
The travel distances are relatively long and so we will stop for morning coffee, lunch, and afternoon tea.
Please note there is no mobile phone reception once we have entered the park sections and that a fresh fruit and veg scam quarantine is in operation at Vic-SA border (in the past I have left fruit and veg at the border whilst I go into Pinnaroo to get fuel).
Camping: Friday evening 7th June (optional): Wonga Campground (Wyperfeld NP) You will need to book online as there are no manned ranger stations in the park. Booking : http://www.parkstay.vic.gov.au/wyperfeld-national-park
Saturday and Sunday evening 8th – 9th June: Big Billy Campsite (Big Desert State Forest): Free
https://www.freerangecamping.com.au/directory/item/big-billy-bore-camping-area-big-desert-state-forest-fc/
https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/big-desert-wilderness-park/things-to-do
Facilities: The camp site at Big Billy Bore has Toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces, and water.
(alternative free camp sites within the Big Desert State Forest: Coburns Pines campsite, Red Gums campsite and Blue Gums campsite. There are no facilities at these camping areas so campers are required to be self-sufficient.
http://www.campingvictoria.com/camping-big-desert-state-forest/)
Weather: e.g. Mallee/Desert, potentially cold and wet. Bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
Equipment: Bring recovery gear, snatch strap, shackles and a shovel [if you have MaxTrax (or the like) you can throw them in if you like]. Cars should be in good condition and all terrain tyres. You should carry adequate water for two days (as it is possible that we may fail to get to a
UHF Channel 15.
Don’t forget to bring your morning tea and lunch.
Please leave pets and camper trailers at home.
Trip Standard: Medium - Most of the main tracks will be medium but there may be track sections that are more difficult depending upon weather and sand conditions – it may be a little scratchy in places as well.
Fuel: A full tank from as close to Wonga Campground as possible. We will have opportunity to refuel in Pinnaroo (ca. 250 km from Hopetoun, on day 2, and day 3 if needs be).
Distance: Approx. 700km
Duration: 3 days
Convoy limit: 8 vehicles
Meeting arrangements: We plan to meet in the Wonga Campground in Wyperfeld National Park west of Hopetoun and aim to set off at 9.00am on Saturday morning We will aim to finish about 3.00pm (or earlier) in Hopetoun on Monday.
Trip Leaders: Mark Bown and Sherry Mayo; 0437251645
