TRIP VACANCIES
Caravan Capers #6 Grampians Grandeur
DATE/S OF ACTIVITY:5th March to 9th March 2018
MEETING TIME:12:00 Noon
TRIP LEADER NAME:Brian and Sue Hay
TRIP LEADERS MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:1497
TRIP LEADERS EMAIL ADDRESS:[email protected]
TRIP LEADERS PHONE NUMBER:0415 701 645
LOCATION/DESCRIPTION:Once again, we visit the Grandeur of the Grampians, otherwise known as Gariwerd National Park. This is the sixth trip aimed at exploring some of the 168,000 hectares of natural attractions the park has to offer. We’ll traverse a variety of roads and tracks by vehicle and on foot to: visit lookouts; view waterfalls; explore heritage sites; and undertake scenic drives. As of January 2018, some roads remain closed following damage due to washouts and past fires. However, it is anticipated (and hoped) that some of these roads will be repaired and open by the time the trip takes place. Where roads and tracks do remain closed alternative roads and tracks will be substituted without detracting from the overall trip. The trip will traverse some elements of one of 4WD Victoria’s Iconic 4WD Adventures: “Grampians Drive”. We’ll venture into the park each morning (so bring your morning tea and lunch, also the binoculars and the camera) then return to the comforts of your caravan and amenity of the caravan park each afternoon (don’t forget the happy hour nibbles and refreshments). Whilst all comers are welcome, this is another chance for caravan owners to kick out the blocks and get the wheels rolling. For those who would like occasional time out to relax locally, Halls Gap food and coffee shops are a popular, easy and pleasant 30-minute walk or a 4-minute, 3 Km drive away. The local hotel serves dinner and is a flat 500 metres walk away (and possibly a 600 metre stagger back).
Halls Gap is approximately 230 km from Melbourne via Ararat along the Western Highway, and Moyston/Pomonal along the Ararat – Halls Gap Road. The distance to be travelled in the national park will be around 100 to 120 km each day. Some 10 minute to 60 minute easy to medium walks to attractions will be involved, depending on conditions and situations with track closures. Some walks will involve clambering over rocky track sections and up rocky steps and the effort required may get rather physical for those with very low fitness levels. Make sure you wear sturdy footwear. Some road works should be anticipated on the Western Highway with varying speed zones, 40 – 60 – 80 kph and Stop/Go points. We will stop to refuel at Ararat on the way up which is normally enough to last whilst out on the tracks, however fuel is available at Halls Gap or 15 mins east at Stawell on the Western Highway.
MEETING ADDRESS:Beaufort Homemade Cafe, 49 Neill St (Western Highway), Beaufort, Victoria 3373, next to the Bakery, at 12:00 noon for lunch, then depart at 13:00, heading for base camp at the Halls Gap Gardens Caravan Park, 2223 Grampians Road, Halls Gap, 3381, approx’ 90 mins away.
TYPE OF ACTIVITY:REGULAR CLUB TRIP (insured activity – any ‘non member’ guests will be required to obtain a Temporary Membership.
TRIP/EVENT STANDARD:MEDIUM
TRACK CLASSIFICATION:Medium – Blue Square
MINIMUM DRIVER TRAINING REQUIRED:Proficiency
IS THIS TRIP SUITABLE FOR AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE – (SOFT ROADER)?NO
VEHICLE & RECOVERY EQUIPMENT REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE ON THE TRIP:Snatch Strap, Shovel, AT Tyres, UHF In-car, UHF Handheld