NE Vic Track Info Please

[Xtreme]

Does anyone have up to date infomation on the condition of the tracks to the south of Mt Buffalo. Mainly need to know if you consider we could get a Subaru Forester from Buckland Junction via Scotchmans Ck and Camp Ck tracks to McIver Picnic Area on the Buffalo River near the botton of the Abbeyard/Cobbler track?

There'll be a few Landy's to assist if required but main concern is clearance for a std Forester.

TIA

[Gillie]

I don't think you would get up Scotchmans with the wash outs in a subaru. But last time I went there was about 3 years ago and I was on WR450.

[Xtreme]

Thanks Gillie - Looks like we may have take the usual route unless some more up to date info becomes available that suggests the proposed route would be OK. Our group will be 13 vehicles with two Foresters being the only real concern.

Alternatively, I guess we could send them via the Buffalo River valley and Bennies to rejoin them at Cobbler - that way they would be able to avoid Abbeyard Track as well.

We won't be there until 30th April so hopefully someone might report after Easter.

[Judo]

I can't remember which roads are which without a map....

If it helps, I drove to Cobbler Lake via Whitfield at new years and it was basically just a dirt road. The final 300m around the lake would be sketchy, but you can get to the lake.

[jon3950]

I went up Scotchman's about a year ago and don't recall anything difficult. We turned left up Buffalo Range so don't know about Camp Ck.

Of course, they have had a lot of rain lately so anything's possible. We went up the Buckland Valley a couple of weeks ago as far as Beveridges Station without problems, but it was very wet.

I will be up there again at Easter and may use this route as a way into Myrtleford from Howitt Plains. If I do I'll give you an update.

Cheers,
Jon

[Xtreme]

I can't remember which roads are which without a map....

If it helps, I drove to Cobbler Lake via Whitfield at new years and it was basically just a dirt road. The final 300m around the lake would be sketchy, but you can get to the lake.

Thanks Judo - That would most likely have been via Bennies and the Lake Cobbler Track, which as you say is "basically just a dirt road" with much lesser grades than the Abbeyard track. That's the way I probably send the Foresters.

[Xtreme]

I went up Scotchman's about a year ago and don't recall anything difficult. We turned left up Buffalo Range so don't know about Camp Ck.

Of course, they have had a lot of rain lately so anything's possible. We went up the Buckland Valley a couple of weeks ago as far as Beveridges Station without problems, but it was very wet.

I will be up there again at Easter and may use this route as a way into Myrtleford from Howitt Plains. If I do I'll give you an update.

Cheers,
Jon

Thanks Jon - Would very much appreciate if you decide to do Scotchman's and Camp Ck tracks at Easter and report back.
There's nothing like real up to date infomation ....................... once again the AULRO camaraderie is shown to be alive and well. ;)

TIA

[jon3950]

Hi Roger,

Did these tracks today on the way out from Wonnangatta. Do the Foresters have low range? If not, forget it. Either way I think they would struggle with clearance, especially on Camp Creek track.

Scotchmans Creek track is pretty smooth but I forgot how steep it gets near the top. You would need low range.

The bit of Buffalo Range you do is quite steep too, but spectacular views. Once again, really needs low range.

Camp Creek track was quite rough in parts and very steep. Think they would struggle with clearance as well as gearing. Also I think the crossing of the Buffalo River at the end of the track would be too hard for a Forester - it would probably come out without a bumper or two.

This was a great short cut across to the Buckland Valley, I hadn't done Camp Creek before and really enjoyed the drive. A Defender wouldn't raise a sweat on these tracks, but its not soft-roader territory.

Cheers,
Jon

[Xtreme]

Thanks Jon for the prompt and thorough/excellent report.

You've convinced me that, even though one does have low range.the best option will be to send the Foresters via Bennies and rejoin them at Cobbler or King Hut. We'll have 13 vehicles in the party so splitting the group will have other advantages as well.

Thanks again, much appreciated.

[Gillie]

Not sure which way you are coming from but Rose river Rd has just been graded and suitable for 2wd vehicle (as it always is). Very picturesque valley and about 24km of dirt rd Basically runs from Chesshunt to Dandongadale just North of Abbeyyard. Fair chance you will get on it if you are going to Bennies. The road is a bit powdery in sections, no doubt from the Easter holidays.

I don't remember any serious hills on scotchmans but I do remember the snake I ran over on the motorbike :(
At the T intersection at the end of Scotchmans I headed North to Goldie Spur track. Which runs south of Buffalo and gets you out behind the Buffalo Dam. You are probably just as likely to run into snow up there if this weather keeps up! There are bridges out across the river where you could once get out at the start of Rose River Rd. Goldie Spur track would be alright until you get Buffalo Dam where there are (on occasions) deep water crossings.


Either way you are going to have a blast.

[jon3950]

I don't remember any serious hills on scotchmans but I do remember the snake I ran over on the motorbike :(

Neither did I! But it does get quite steep near the top. Not a problem for anything with low range but I think you would struggle without it, especially if it was damp.

Agree about Rose Rd - nice drive. I have been eyeing off Goldie Spur track for a while, but wasn't sure about access from the Buffalo side. Have looked for the track near the end of Rose Rd but it didn't look passable. Do you come out near the picnic area at the dam?

Notice you come from Bright Gillie - great part of the world! Unfortunately have just returned to Sydney from there.

Cheers,
Jon