Hi all SJC members
** Dates: Friday 28th May - Monday 31st May 2004 **
I'm thinking of leading a trip to the Davies High Plain region over a Fri/Sat/Sun/Monday sometime before the June long weekend - at the end of May. This is seriously one of the best high-country trips you can do in this country. It takes in both NSW and Victorian terrain that is almost alien in both fauna and flora. Make SURE you bring along a camera and plenty of film/compactflash cards
I was hoping for a maximum of 8-10 cars, otherwise it gets very tight for time. I've been up there before with just us and one other car - and that was a bit risky. We've also been up there with six cars - and that was ideal.
I have to ask that only RELIABLE vehicles come along. If it breaks... there's a good chance it stays there until the spring season
So, if you have an older Jeep - make sure it's going to go the distance.
The trip would start in Sydney and we'd convoy down to Thredbo on the Friday morning. Getting to Thredbo Village, we keep going down towards Khancoban and cross the Murray River at Tom Groggin. Camp the night just over the river in the lower campground.
Saturday/Sunday we'd try to get as high up into the ranges as the DHP track takes us - visiting a number of cattleman's huts along the way. Packing up Monday morning, we'd head off south towards Melbourne and head around north back to Jindabyne and leave for home.
It's a fantastic trip - plenty of off-road, and plenty of beautiful scenery. We get to around 1850 metres, so bring something WARM. It snows up there at that time of year, and one year we had to drive through piles of it. Muddies or new-ish AT's are essential. Winches are a good idea too - as is FULL RECOVERY GEAR for every vehicle - including solid recovery points. Tirfors are fine. You'll aslo need to bring extra fuel. I'll calculate the total low-range trip distance over the next couple of days by going back through my GPS track logs. A couple of jerrys ought to do it if you're careful. I'll be bringing the satellite phone, so we'll have full comms with the outside world if need be.
The Murray River crossing can be fairly deep (from 25cm to bonnet depth - I'll check the week before we go) and fast-flowing - so snorkels or VERY WELL FITTING WATER BLINDS are required. There is an alternative route via a causeway on the privately owned Tom Groggin Station if we pre-arrange access. Good sleeping bags and tents will be needed too.
I'll be bringing this up at the next SJC meeting Wednesday week.
I'm in for sure... as is my wife Jenny - anyone else?
NSW/Vic High Country May trip - the aftermath :)
