Dargo basecamp

Date and time:  Sat. 7th March 2020, 9:00am - Monday 9th March

Description:  The club's annual Dargo long weekend 4WD basecamp at the Wonnangatta Caravan Park - Waterford (near Dargo) is definitely going ahead on the Labour day long weekend.

The Dargo area has a lot of history to it as well as very spectacular scenery with great 4WD tracks.  Trips will be decided closer to the weekend when weather and track conditions are known but there will be several different trips occurring each day, returning to base camp each afternoon.

Dargo is approached via Princes Highway through Sale and Stratford.   Approx. 23 km past Stratford turn to Fembank, follow signs to Dargo (take care on the Dargo road especially if towing).  Please try to arrive at the “Wonnangatta Caravan Park” anytime Friday 9th or before 9 am Saturday 10th and BOOK IN AND PAY AS YOU ARRIVE IF OFFICE IS OPEN.   

The “Wonnangatta Caravan Park” is at Waterford which is 10km BEFORE Dargo.  Cross Wonnangatta River on narrow one lane concrete bridge, look for caravan park and fuel station on left, less than l km past bridge.  Vic Roads Map 83E2.  In the park, follow the RRCV signs – the Trip Leaders will be there to meet you.  Park amenities are hot showers, toilets, powered sites, gas BBQ, fuel, basic stores and good swimming in Wonnangatta River. 

This is a base camp for 3 nights: Friday, Saturday & Sunday.  Bring your own tent, camper or caravan.  If you wish to come early or stay longer please indicate this in the comments on your registration or let the trip leader know so we can notify the proprietors. 

Before the Saturday night dinner, we would like to have people coming to a common area for some pre-dinner drinks and nibbles (byo drinks and a small plate to share). 

The Annual Cricket Match – “The Rovers versus the Rabble” - takes place on Sunday afternoon. 

Caravan Park Bookings:  Use the club web-site – please indicate in the comments if you need a powered site or plan to arrive early or stay later.  We will be making a BULK BOOKING, so please book early to help us make arrangements.  We will provide the rates closer to March when we have more of an indication of numbers but the caravan park has indicated that the rates will be the same as last year. 

ALL MEMBERS are welcome.  New Members who have not completed driver training will be catered for and are most welcome. 

Weather:  Alpine environment, potentially cold and wet.  Bring appropriate clothing and footwear.   

Equipment:  Vehicles need to be in sound condition, have low range 4WD capability, good all-terrain tyres (minimum profile of at least 65 recommended), reasonable ground clearance (minimum 200mm recommended) and UHF radio (or one borrowed from the club).  Usual recovery gear should be carried.   

Hat, torch, good footwear, warm clothes (cold nights), swimmers, NAME TAGS, kids bikes.

Simple, “on the move” lunches, food for 3 days, drinking water and port. 

DO NOT bring:  Pets, firearms, or motorbikes. 

Trip Standard:  Medium to Hard - some steep, low-range hill climbs and some rocky tracks! 

Fuel: Fuel on the way and available at Base Camp (no LPG) or in Dargo. 

Convoy limit:  None.  This trip will cater for large numbers. 

Meeting Arrangements:  Base Camp “Wonnangatta Caravan Park”, Dargo Road Waterford (10km BEFORE Dargo).  Dargo is approximately 5 hours from Melbourne. 

Trip Leader:   Graeme Carter Ph 0400 195 932