Peter Dunn
history
After the usual morning defrosting, the route continued through pine forests around Craigie. On several occasions trees and other debris had to be cleared from the track. At the junction with the highway another of the vehicles departed for Melbourne for family commitments. The remaining two vehicles continued to Mallacoota then Shipwreck Creek to camp for the night. This is a beautiful spot set in gum tree forest but, for the first time on the trip, the mozzies were a nuisance. The next day the route continued along the Betka River Road through stringy bark forest to Wingan Inlet where lyre birds provided entertainment during the morning tea stop. The very scenic drive through Croajingalong National Park was followed by a tour of the Point Hicks lighthouse. There were many steps to climb, but the tour was informative and the views worth the effort. The original group had gone from here along the Old Coast Road but, because it is now closed to vehicles, the current group had to return to Cann River before heading west. That night the local possums had good sport trampolining on the tent awning! The final day began with a return to the coastal track and on to Bemm River. A large flock of pelicans provided an escort for a
walk along the pier. Beside the road to Marlo a large goanna was sunning itself on a banksia tree where it totally ignored the ‘shutterbugs’ gathered below. At Marlo the trip officially ended and it was time to reflect on an eventful week; a week of challenging driving, peaceful camps, spectacular scener y, and good fellowship. The goal had been achieved; even though only two of the four vehicles completed the trip. The fuel system failure was the only mechanical problem experienced. It was also time to sit back and marvel at the original participants that completed the trip in seven days driving basic vehicles on tracks that were poorly maintained and rarely signposted. They had their share of mechanical challenges, including four springs with broken main leaves and a number of minor electrical failures; all brought on by the harshness of the terrain. But the ingenuity and capability within the group ensured that they could carry out repairs to keep their vehicles going. Forty-five years later the roads are better and the vehicles more comfortable, but the efforts of the club’s ‘pioneers’ and others like them contributed to opening up this part of Victoria to other travellers. Long may we be able to enjoy the High Country.
more information Land Rover Owners’ Club of Victoria: Telephone: 1800 357 628 or visit www.lrocv.com.au Land Rover Owners Club Australia and links to all other Land Rover clubs in Australia: Visit www.lroc.com.au or email secretary@lroc.com.au Four Wheel Drive Victoria – The peak body representing four-wheel-drive interests in Victoria: Telephone: (03) 9857 5209 or visit www.fwdvictoria.org.au Snowy Mountains Tourism: www.snowymountains.com.au Parks Victoria – Alpine National Park: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au and search ‘alpine national park’
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