Bush tracks near Geelong

[willem]

G'day guys,

I want to take a mate through some mildly challenging bush tracks as close to Geelong as possible. In the past I have gone either to the Otways, Anglesea, or the Wombat State Forest. These are all a bit of a drive to get to. Does anyone know of something closer?

Willem

[Sleepy]

Willem,
I was going to suggest behind Angelsea for some easy tracks.... it's only about 30 to 40km. Not sure you'd get anything closer.

I wish I had something that close!

[willem]

Willem,
I was going to suggest behind Angelsea for some easy tracks.... it's only about 30 to 40km. Not sure you'd get anything closer.

I wish I had something that close!

Thanks - and it might have to be Anglesea. Perhaps there might be something up Anakie way? I shall have to go out and buy the map! ;)

Willem

[Sleepy]

Don't know Anakie that well - could be. Have a look on Google Earth - it has great detail in that area.

[willem]

Don't know Anakie that well - could be. Have a look on Google Earth - it has great detail in that area.

That's a good idea - hadn't thought of Google earth. Thanks!

Willem

[steveG]

Let us know if you find anything around Anakie as its very close for me too.
I know there is an entry into the park (Brisbane Ranges National Park) on the right when you get to the top of the hill after driving thru Anakie, but not sure if there are any decent tracks coming off it.

I haven't had a close a close look at it, but this might have some more info:
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources05/05_0296.pdf

Steve

[rmp]

Nothing in Bris Ranges or surrounds that I've found and I've been there quite a bit. Many MVO tracks. Suggest the eastern Otways.

[long stroke]

One good thing putting up with all the rain around Cpffs Harbour is that the tracks are only 5mins max drive from our place:cool:

[rijidij]

Nothing in Bris Ranges or surrounds that I've found and I've been there quite a bit. Many MVO tracks. Suggest the eastern Otways.

I've been there quite a bit too, and there is nothing as far as 'good' 4WD tracks at Anakie/Brisbane Ranges. It's a nice area for an easy drive though.
I'm only 5 mins from the bush north of Angelsea........I don't know of anything interesting closer to Geelong than that.

Murray

[grover7488]

i dont think that there is anything closer than Anglesea and even most of those tracks are pretty tame and often graded.
Might be interesting if it rains and you take some bald tyres.
Maybe try 'pady's swamp'. bit futher but can be some good stuff there

[rijidij]

i dont think that there is anything closer than Anglesea and even most of those tracks are pretty tame and often graded.
Might be interesting if it rains and you take some bald tyres.
Maybe try 'pady's swamp'. bit futher but can be some good stuff there

There are some good tracks at Paddy's Swamp, but be prepared to share them with a lot of dirt bikes.

[willem]

There are some good tracks at Paddy's Swamp, but be prepared to share them with a lot of dirt bikes.

Where's Paddy's Swamp?

Willem

[grover7488]

be prepared to share them with a lot of dirt bikes.

another reason why steel bullbars are the go:wasntme:

[isuzubob]

From your side of town jump on the by-pass and head to the south western edge of the Wombat, near Spargo Creek and you'll be there bang on 60 mins give or take - and you'll be lucky to see ONE traffic light at the Anakie off ramp. Plenty of hidden gems up there and it seems just too far west for the Melb boys to bother with ;)

Rob W

[grover7488]

Where's Paddy's Swamp?

Willem

sort of between Bambra and Wensleydale

Head down the Cape Otway Rd, left after Wurdibollic Reservoir.

Australian travel maps, street directory, driving directions & aerial photographs - Whereis.com (http://www.whereis.com/#session=NDY=)

[steveG]

We had a rep from the Geelong 4WD club at the LROCV meeting tonight and apparently many of the tracks at Paddy's Swamp have been permanently closed in the last couple of months by DSE.
After submissions by 4WDVic and others, on-site meetings with DSE etc they just went ahead and closed them anyway.

SteveG

[V8Ian]

I wish I had something that close!
The King's Way?:p

[willem]

We had a rep from the Geelong 4WD club at the LROCV meeting tonight and apparently many of the tracks at Paddy's Swamp have been permanently closed in the last couple of months by DSE.
After submissions by 4WDVic and others, on-site meetings with DSE etc they just went ahead and closed them anyway.

SteveG

Do we as 4WD owners and as citizens need to start a 'Lets make proper use of our forests' movement to counteract this stealing of the natural resources of our land from its citizens? And perhaps people with a more balanced view of the environment need to send themselves or their kids to uni to qualify themselves for work with these departments so that a more balanced and fair approach to the use of the bush is used.

Right now I reckon that these departments are staffed by people with so-called 'deep green' philosophies, which venerate the bush and want to keep people out. Its not right and its not fair!

Willem