4WD'ing fun

Although 4WD'ing is still relatively new to me I am very pleased to say I have caught the bug.  My partner Brett has introduced me to this whole other world that the Australian outback has to offer and we just love discovering places where few others can go.  I will admit I was once a 'soccer mum' driving around in a Toyota Prado that never left the bitumen - if only I'd known what these vehicles are capable of!

We recently decided to do a day trip to a place called Blue Valley Weir. You basically follow the Bruce Highway until the turn off to Clare, and then follow the Burdekin River up stream toward the dam. When the public road ends you are met with a gate and a sign:

I'm not certain but I think you enter a privately owned cattle property - they do (at this point at least) allow people on. We follow the basic principle of leaving the place as we found it - close gates after us, don't leave litter behind, etc..... And hopefully if others adhere to this, this beautiful area will remain open for anyone to explore and enjoy for years to come!

It wasn't long before we were experiencing the more challenging of 4wd tracks. Lots of washed out sections and steep declines.  We were travelling with 2 other vehicles, Bretts sisters and their partners.  Deb and Ray with the brand new standard triton were also 4wd novices but we soon discovered they had a very capable vehicle which surprised even them. Diff lockers - makes all the difference!

Photos never do justice but these next few photos show the toughest section. A long steep track with lots of deep ruts. Took us about half an hour for all 3 vehicles to navigate our way up. Some track building (logs, rocks) was required and some precarious balancing acts were experienced.

The challenges continued...... a few wheels in the air and plenty of dust flying

Brett almost came unstuck here - you gotta watch those badly placed rocks...

It was very dry except for one small spot near the river. Nothing to fear. I certainly wouldn't want to attempt this track after lots of rain.

FAST - the only way to get through deep sand....

Rewarded at the end of the track by this beautiful spot. Great for camping (maybe next time), fishing and careful swimming (there have been crocs spotted here).

 

exploring by the river

Of course being only one road in means what you go up, you must go back down.... and so the trek back began much too soon.  Somehow it seemed easier....

You definately need a full day to do this trip - probably around 6 hours just to drive from the gate to the weir and back out. 

Oh and there is another weir just nearby - Gorge Weir.  Next time!!