Starting early Saturday morning we plan to head into the hills and
explore the wonders of beyond Walhalla.
Come along and enjoy a weekend of exciting caches, Learn about
vehicle recovery, trip planning and trip leading, enjoy the wonders
of Baw Baw, explore the history of Gold Mining and join in on the
fun of stories-food and drinks by the campfire.
Walhalla is a small, picturesque and historic mountain township
in the Gippsland district's Baw Baw Ranges in Victoria, about a 45
minute leisurely drive from Moe.
We intend to set up camp Friday night at Coopers Creek
campground which has good camping facilities. Starting early
Saturday morning at the Coopers Creek hotel (now referred to as the
Coppermine Hotel) we will cross the Thomson river, before heading
up the Happy Go Lucky track to the old gold mine area of Happy Go
Lucky. The Thomson river is very seasonal in its depth and can go
from tyre deep to snorkel deep depending on the winter mountain
range weather.
Explore many tracks and areas including Bruntons Bridge, river
crossing Merrington campground, historic Aberfeldy, Toombon
including the old mine boilers, Donelly Creek track, Maybe Morning
Star Mine and track. Camping Saturday will be at either O’Tooles
flat or O’Keefe.
As most tracks are currently closed making a track assessment
impossible I am basing the trip as difficult at this stage. Until
such a recognisance can be done I am limiting the trip to high
clearance 4wd with a low ratio transfer case
EQUIPMENT: You will need a UHF radio for communication between
vehicles, Basic recovery gear and tool kit (hopefully not needed),
Although water is available you may choose to carry extra drinking
water, Due to the closure of the petrol station at Rawson it is
advisable to top up your fuel at Moe as this is the last fuel stop
available.
CLOTHING: Walhalla is a high rainfall area so pack clothing to
suit.
EXTRA’S: pen and pad.
FOOD: BYO Food and Drinks.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of individuals to ensure that
their equipment is mechanically sound and capable of undertaking
the trip safely, and that the driver/s of the 4wds are capable of
completing the trip which will require a reasonable level of 4wd
experience. Remember to pack your vehicle sensibly.
Due to the fact that many of the tracks are narrow and require
vehicles to be called up steep inclines one at a time there will be
a limit of around 12 vehicles.
I will update this cache page as time gets closer and add more
information regarding camping facilities and track conditions.
RSVP by the 15th October.
Further information about Walhalla can be found at the
Historic
Walhalla website, and I will post more notes as it gets
closer on the GCA
Forum link. For more interesting reading on 4wd,
preparation, driving techniques visitExplore OZ or contact
me via Mr.Coffee
Email . Regards Mr.Coffee.