The Wokalup Circuit is always a great Day Trip. This outing occurred on Saturday, 15 May 2023.

After meeting at Pinjarra we headed south towards Wokalup and then turned east toward the Darling Scarp.

Our Road Trip consisted of:

Gilbert Karel (Trip Manager) – Toyota Prado
Warren Peers – Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Greg Mazengarb – Landrover Discovery
Duane Buckenara – Nissan Patrol
Peter Walpole – Landrover Discovery

The initial 10 kilometre stretch of the track was relatively easy, providing a smooth start to the Trip with no significant challenges.

However, with the inclination of track so too did the difficulties increase – all emanating from the overnight rain. The track became slippery, posing challenges for all vehicles. One particular hill climb had a choice of two routes – one considerably more difficult than the other. I decided to tackle the harder line. About 80% of the way to the top the slippery mud brought me to a standstill. Winch time!

Duane defied our expectations and drove his Patrol to the top without too many issues – what became the standout accomplishment of the day. Other members of the group attempted the hill climb but ultimately opted for the easier track to reach the top. This challenging hill climb was only the beginning – marking the commencement of the more demanding sections of the Circuit with ruts, rises and rough sections that tested skills and vehicles.

Time for lunch – after which we briefly lost our way but managed to find the correct track after some searching. The hills and track continued to provide us with excitement and challenges throughout the remainder of the day, leading up to the major hill climb at the power lines.

Although some of us had tackled this hill on previous trips, we found it even more rutted and slippery than expected. We made the decision to leave this challenge for our next visit and called it a day.

Once again, the Wokalup Circuit did not disappoint. It proved to be an exhilarating trip, throwing up many challenges that tested our vehicles and our four wheel driving skills. Wokalup is a beautiful area and, combined with the challenging tracks, it’s an excellent choice for a top quality Day Trip.

© 2023 Gilbert Karel and Kim Epton
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The first item to check out on our recce was the Dwellingup Fencelines Track. Lots of medium level challenges that would be substantially more difficult if wet.

Ten kilometres in we reached our turnaround point.  32°45’24″S 115°58’58″E .  No excessively lifted, double diff locked purpose built hill climbers with 37” tyres among our group. No photos, deliberately.

I suppose the keyboard warriors who go to work each morning via the Mundaring Powerlines would profess to ‘eat it up’ in 2WD. We had plenty more places to check out, things to see, and tracks to investigate rather than risk our vehicles.

There was lots of logging activity, often the precursor to bauxite mining expansion and subsequent road closures/realignments.

Roadworks around Lane Poole necessitated a few turnarounds (exactly why we were here) and then it was on to the Park Entrance. The attendant at the pay station advised that Murray River Fireline was a bit rough. She looked at our small convoy and said, “But you’re going to do it anyway, aren’t you?”

Access to the Murray River Fireline via the usual track past Baden Powell was closed due to the same track works that had earlier stymied us. Bobs Crossing was open but required an unacceptably long trip via old Nanga townsite 13 km to the south and then a similar distance back to the north just to get to it. Another time.

We moved on to Driver Road crossing and investigated a few tracks to the east. A particularly difficult downslope full of deep gutters was the last obstacle tackled. Another situation unsuitable  for ‘standard’ vehicles. I was then time to return to Cockburn.

Twelve vehicles assembled at Bullsbrook around 9.00 o’clock on Sunday morning. Trip Leader Jason presented the trip plan and gave us a rundown of how the day would progress. There were many new faces – a very positive sign. A trip recce had been done the weekend before and both Jason and Gilbert, who were on this Trip, had done the recce. The adventure started around 9.25 a.m.

We headed north on the Great Northern Highway and then cut through a back road across to Muchea Road East. The recent rains had made the scenery really green and we marvelled at how much water would be flowing for the upcoming Avon Descent. We then rejoined the Great Northern Highway just south of Bindoon where we headed west on a more scenic ‘back’ route into Bindoon. Morning tea was at the extremely busy, renowned Bindoon Bakery.

Leaving Bindoon we headed south for a few kilometres before turning east onto Flat Rocks Road. It was a beautiful day with the sun on show. At the turnoff for Julimar State Forrest we aired down – in our case to 30 psi.

We soon hit a steep descent taking us further into the forest. There were quite a few dirt bikes and some other 4WD groups out for the day.

We came across a couple of small water crossings and one larger one. Jason was able to give some great advice on how best to cross. Gilbert, who was Sweep (at the back of the convoy) had jumped into the second vehicle across the obstacle (Jenny’s Toyota Prado) to take some photos as the vehicles crossed the water.

After Andrew drove his vehicle across the water there remained only Gilberts’s Prado on the other side of the creek. Gilbert was presented with the scenario that he would have to get Andrew to take him back to his vehicle or he would be stranded. However, Joanne was still on the other side and so with Gilbert’s instructions to keep the vehicle in second gear she drove the Prado across the water crossing with no dramas.

After progressing through the forest we pulled up to an area with a couple of large washouts.

Greg in his Landrover Defender went down a couple of washouts to explore, followed closely by another vehicle.

Brad decided he was going to take his 80 series through the biggest washout which had muddy water in the bottom. He gave it a really good, hard go but unfortunately just couldn’t make it through.

So Peter, in his Landrover Discovery, pulled up on top of the hill in front of the 80 and Jason clambered down to attach the winch rope. A snatch strap was attached from the Landrover back to Gilbert’s Prado and they pulled Brad’s 80 out of the rut. Jenny then followed Brad down another washout which a couple of the other vehicles had also successfully navigated.

Further along the track a tree was blocking the way. Jason asked if anyone had a chainsaw. Rob and Pete answered in the affirmative and, although there was a new track around the fallen tree, Jason suggested should we do a little track maintenance. Pete brought out his chainsaw, the tree was moved to the side of the track and it was once again open to traffic.

Not long after we went up a steep incline – the planned end of the track from the recce. It was decided that the surface of the track was a little too loose and probably not good for any first timers.

We each turned around and headed back down to the powerline road and stopped for a cuppa and afternoon tea.  Jason said we would head out via the powerline road which led out to the main road. As it was 3.30 p.m. he gave people the choice to leave from here to head home or to follow him to do another small section.

Jason provided great leadership and made it an awesome day out for all of us.

Trip Report by Cherie Lewis.

© 2021 Cockburn 4WD Club and Cherie Lewis.
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The Trip started on a cold Sunday morning in Byford. Shortly after nine o’clock, Brad and Bob Swift in a 105 Toyota Landcruiser, Mark Grey and his daughters in a Kia Sorento, and Trip Leader Gilbert Karel in his 150 series Toyota Prado headed to Wokalup, to meet Andrew and Jo Newhouse in their 120 series Toyota Prado with Jo’s parents Peter and Marilyn.

Time to hit the track. No one in the group had done the track before, so its condition was unknown. We suspected that the heavy rains in the week previous to the trip would have adversely affected the state of the track. It started as an excellent graded gravel road without any problems. There was logging activity in the area. While airing down, some had the forethought to collect some firewood.

We followed the track to a gravel pit with pools of water – a combination that provided us with excellent photo opportunities.

After the photoshoot we continued along the track. It was getting more technical.

And it was not long before we hit our first bog hole. Mark required a quick snatch from Brad to get his vehicle through the boghole.

Further along the track we determined that 4WD was not correctly engaging in Mark’s Sorento. With that in mind, we decided to retrace our route back to the main road.

Unfortunately the return track was now uphill and the Sorento couldn’t make it up the steep ascent without 4WD. We opted to winch it up. The next obstacle was the boghole we had negotiated on the way in and the Sorento had the same issue as previously. A quick snatch easily solved the issue.

We found a place for lunch near the main road. Still unable to get his vehicle to engage 4WD, Mark decided to head home. We remaining three drivers got our vehicles back on the track again. It was not long before we had some challenging hill climbs with a lot of low range action. Mudholes in the low lying, soft valleys.

We then arrived at a significant hill climb. It was to be the highlight of the day – a steep, rocky hill climb with a deep drain gully. I was first to tackle the hill. At the top the Prado slid into a drain – virtually a gully. It was at a precarious angle.

After a shout on the UHF, the others walked up the incline and we all assessed the situation.

Under Bob’s direction and some extra weight on the front provided by Andrew, I was able to reverse the Prado out of the gully. Eventually it was on even ground again.

Andrew was the next to try to conquer the hill.

Open diffs and no traction control was not going to cut it on this hill. Andrew got his Prado about halfway up before it lost traction. Clearly another method was needed to continue the hill climb. He offloaded his passengers and decided to use his traction boards. They were in the back of the Prado and when we tried to access them, the freshly collected firewood rolled down the hill.

With the traction boards in place and the Prado a bit lighter (no passengers, no firewood), Andrew made another attempt on the hill. He managed to take the Prado to the top of the hill with some timely application of the right foot and clever steering.

It was now Bradley’s turn to attempt the hill in his Landcruiser. He made it looks easy. The ‘Cruiser walked up the hill.

We continued on interesting tracks, using 4WD as the need arose, for about another hour.

It was late in the afternoon when we reached the main gravel road so we decided to call it a day and return to Cockburn.

Thanks to everyone who joined the trip and see you all on the next one.

Gilbert Karel

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Day Trip to Waroona Dam, 80 kilometres south of Cockburn, on Sunday 2 May 2021.

Hynek Bouska, Stuart Clifton-James, Mark Gray Jenny Jaksic, Warren Peers, Glenda Jones, Lance Martin and Trip Leader Elvis Mestric, did a circuit of the Dam, finding fun places along the way to try out their 4WDs.

On to the next challenge.

And so ended a successful day at Waroona Dam.

Lennard Track is a 12 kilometre drive through Wellington National Park starting where River Road crosses the Collie River and finishing at the top of Mount Lennard where Lennard Road enters the National Park.

It is a challenging track that requires one’s attention, more so as it gets wet – to the point that is closed each year for some months.

Although no rules are in place as to which direction the Track should be driven, convention is that it starts low and climbs high. However, because we were doing recces for other Trips, we approached it from the top and being mid week, we were comfortable in working our way down to the Collie River.

Mushy and Tim were in a V8 powered Troopy with diff locks, front and rear, Aaron was driving a Patrol GU 3.0L Wagon with front and rear diff locks, Scott was in a Patrol GU 4.2L Wagon with portal axles and a front locker and Kim was feeling a little bit inadequate  in a Rodeo dual cab ute with a 50mm lift and tired shocks.

Four hundred metres into the Park, Lennard Road swings away to the south and the Lennard Track continues north-east to a fenceline. It wasn’t too much longer before we were into ‘pay attention’ mode. 500 metres, actually.

Two logs across the track and the consequent 0bstacle was a bit daunting. Someone had tried to cut away a section of the first log that would then allow a vehicle to get through but they had given up. We were discussing how to winch out that section of the log that was nearly cut through and, then, would the gap be wide enough to allow through-passage for a full size vehicle.

As we were making plans Mushy called out that he had found a track around the two logs. Freshly made and not over-friendly but eminently do-able. We were aware that 19 vehicles from Cockburn 4WD Club and a similar number from the South West 4WD Club had completed Lennard Track in the past three weeks. Clearly this newly minted ‘track’ had not had 38 vehicles over it in the past three weeks. The mystery was solved a few days later when we compared GPX tracks with Cockburn and South West. As they neared the top of the hill they had taken a more southerly loop to get to the finish of the Track.

Not knowing this, we drove the new bypass track – which in reality was just flattened bush – to below the second track-blocking log.

250m past the logs we got into some gnarly country, after which the track heads up to a fenceline.

Five hundred metres after the track leaves the fenceline heading south there is a distinct turn to the east and after a further 200 metres a gate blocks access for when the track is too wet. Two hundred metres past the gate there is another distinct left turn and this is the start of the descent down Mt Lennard to the river.

After about 700 metres the Track down to the river levels out and turns south-east. For the next 7.2 kilometres the Track follows the river closely, generally no more than  40-60 metres distant.

Four hundred metres along the Track is an access to the river. This is the site of a now disused ‘flying fox’. Difficult to determine its reason for being.

We followed the river, noting a number of good campsites, however, the area is day use only now.

Sappers Bridge at Sailors Gully, near a small rapid, gives access to Millbrook Trail leading south-west. There is a ford across the river here.

The WA-based 22 Construction Squadron built this bridge in 1968 for the then Forests Department. About 100 men walked up the Darling Scarp from Bunbury to create a base camp here. Earthmoving equipment was used to build a road to Sailors Gully. Jarrah trees were felled and milled on site using a new ‘portable forest mill’. The road and bridge were in place in only a few days.

The Track along the river rose up and down with nothing too challenging. Over a rise and around a bend and there is a bitumen road. End of the Track.

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The Margaret River Tracks and Beaches Road Trip started at BP Baldivis. Because of the large number of vehicles participating and the tight tracks at particular parts of the route the Road Trip was split into three groups.

This is the Report of Brad and Jane’s group including Hyney and Beatrice in their Jeep, Lance and Melissa in a Hilux, Jodie driving a Landcruiser, Max and Lilian in a Patrol and ‘Tail End Tania’ looking after us in her Dmax.

Our first stop was the most important bakery stop at Dunsborough  for lunch and a look around.

We headed off to Cape Naturaliste lighthouse via a cruise through the pretty beachside village of Meelup.

A quick trek to the lookout revealed the first of many beaches along a spectacular piece of coastline. Next stop was Sugarloaf lookout at the end of a smooth gravel road.

We hit Three Bears Track shortly after. We stopped to air down and were confronted by a few surfers charging back towards town, probably late for their shift at work. Some interesting sand driving to whet our appetites, stopping along the way to admire the surf break and as a bonus we spotted some whales spouting and breaching. Beautiful sunny day with clear skies and crystal clear water.

Cruising along Caves Road took us to Yallingup and Canal Rocks lookout.

The footbridge had to be partially rebuilt after being badly damaged in a big storm.

Currents swirl and rip through the narrow passageways at Canal Rocks.

The track into Wilyabrup took us through some sand requiring good driving skills to navigate. Tania, doing an excellent job as Sweep, copped the track after we had all cut it up, however,  she successfully cruised the DMax through. We got to the car park at the end and were not able to get onto the beach as a grumpy fisherman had parked his car and swag along the track blocking the way. I think he was very surprised to see us rock up!

Running out of daylight we went back to Caves Road and took the Boranup Drive turn off which took us though some magnificent tall timbers and were rewarded with a panoramic lookout stop.

We were rewarded with an excellent camping ground at Contos. Great camp kitchen with running water, fire pits and clean toilet facilities. We helped Nick celebrate his birthday, had a big campfire and eventually climbed into bed after a great rewarding day.

Sunday

From Contos to Cockburn via little known bush tracks.

We continued to weave our way back homewards. True to style we avoided main roads and travelled some classic tracks. Such a perfect way to spend a Sunday.

From Contos we headed a little further south before heading inland. First off was Bobs Track, and excellent drive in to the beach. Once at the end of the Track, we could see Hamelin Bay. The spectacular beach is popular.

We came across some interesting local signage.

Brad was doing a great job trip leading but only as good as his navigator – we did three or four U turns. Nothing too major, thankfully. We did take a detour which took us along a short river road and past a very interesting cottage, full of vivid field of artwork.

The paddock was full of paintings of all shapes, sizes and colours of the rainbow.

There were lots of flowers still in full bloom on the roadside, including native orchids.

As we headed north we hit some lesser used tracks with really tight turns. One of the trees had a lot of chunks of bark removed and required a three or four point turn to get around. There was some good obstacles to track around – including a crossing of the Margaret River.

We had to find a path around a fallen tree.

At the Margaret River crossing we found some baby marron, about 25mm long, swimming around the pebbles.

We stopped for a stroll around Frogs Hollow, really cute.

It was an excellent trip at a lovely pace with great company that made for a really enjoyable weekend.

Thank you to our convoy for making it such fun and to the bigger group for sharing our weekend! Tania did a great job as Sweep, keeping us on track and safe. Thanks Tania.

Good on you Brad for first time as Trip Leader. He got us there back and we had fun. Thanks Brad.

The Margaret River Tracks and Beaches Trip was a bit like a tasting platter – tempting you for the next adventure.

Now see Tania Pongratz’s Gallery of Photographs.

CREDITS

Trip Report/Photographs
Jane Dooley

Trip Leaders
Brian Hunt
Nick Carroll
Brad O’Neil

Reconnaissance
Kim Epton
Aaron Howell
Scott Overstone

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Eighteen vehicles wheeled out of Byford, with participants looking for some 4WD fun on the hills around Harvey Weir.

At the weir (and after having picked up another vehicle along the way) tyres were aired down and the convoy was split into two groups.  Nick Carroll lead the first group and Brian Hunt lead the second.

Within minutes of departing the start, Nicks group came across their first hill. Upon investigation Nick found the track to be quite soft underneath the firm crust. Good news, both thongs were recovered.

Almost immediately, the second group was into some tricky country – an eroded, uphill scramble.  This track is deeply eroded with plenty of places to catch the unwary.

All vehicles made it up the hill and around to a more level area although those without suspension lifts had to exit half way up and take an easier line. The standard Triton (Nate) and Pajero Sport (Roger) acquitted themselves very well. Nate overshot a bit and got a bit of air under his right rear wheel. He reversed out with no issue.

After a morning of enjoyable tracks, Nick’s group pulled up at Harvey Dam to meet up for lunch.

Nick’s group headed off from a short lunch break and within a short distance found the next obstacle. A hill leading away from the dam.

Brian’s group drove a number of tracks of varying levels of difficulty, crossed a couple of muddy sections, drove up hills and drove down hills before it was time to head to the meeting/lunch point.

Brian came across the first climb of the 2019 Harvey Hills Day Trip. After a recce on foot Brian decided to tackle the hill. As matters eventuated, this turned out to be a bad decision.

Brian drove his Triton half way up before it lost traction.  He decided to winch the vehicle over the hump it was up against. Murphy intervened. The winch failed, dropped the Triton into a ditch and on its side.  Exciting times for both the driver and those watching!

Everyone pitched in to assist in retrieving the vehicle. The situation could certainly have been a lot worse.  It took just over 90 minutes to get the Triton back on its wheels and down the track far enough that it wasn’t going to slide off sideways – at which point Brian was able to reverse the rest of the way down the hill.

David Macdonald and Stuart Clifton-James both used their vehicles’ winches to effect the safe recovery of the Triton.  Nick’s group arrived to offer assistance.

Once the Triton was down the hill, Nick’s group headed off for some more challenges and came across a great photo opportunity on a granite lookout.

Brian’s group headed to the water’s edge so that the kids and dogs could have a play. – and everyone could have a rest!

Nick’s group re-joined Brian’s group at the water. Some had had enough and others wanted to continue on.  Nick lead out those departing.

Brian lead the others around to the far side of the weir, via some more mud and a steep descent that had a couple of drivers a bit nervous.  Well done to Jax for her first guided, downhill crawl.

David (Macca) got himself stuck in a mud rut, wedged up against the side of the hill.  To avoid damage to the vehicle Brad attached his vehicle’s winch and pulled Macca’s vehicle out and away from the wall.  Soon all vehicles were back on the move.

The Day Trip finished around 4.30 p.m.

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Text and Layout
Kim Epton
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Cherie Lewis
Nathan Barkell
Tania Pongratz

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A one day Road Trip to the hills on the northern side of the Harvey Weir.

We located the correct track down the valley into the area where we wanted to be and aired down by the edge of water. A few hundred metres along the track and we were into the first obstacle.

Next up was what turned out to be the longest climb of the day.

The bottom was softer  than Bradley thought.

Not far along the track was the first mudhole.

A shrt distance further on a freshwater stream was flowing across the track.

Lunch was a a beautiful grassed area on the edge of the water.

The last hill of the day was the most technical and challenging.

The return journey was by of Lake Brockman (Logue Brook Dam).

Brian (Trip Leader)  – Mitsubishi Trition dual cab ute with canopy
Aaron – Nissan Patrol GU Wagon
Bradley  – Mitsubishi Triton dual cab ute with canopy
Craig/Anne – Toyota Landcruiser Wagon
Diane – Nissan Patrol GU Wagon
Fiona – Nissan Patrol GU Wagon
Kim  – Holden Rodeo dual cab trayback
Matt – Nissan Navara dual cab trayback
Paul – Nissan Navara dual cab ute with canopy

© Cockburn 4WD Club 2019 and Kim Epton

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The Club’s first trip from York to Cockburn in May 2019 intended to follow a really interesting and challenging course found on the way home from a Holland Track trip. Whether the track has been re-aligned or a turn was missed is uncertain but the trip – although a pleasant-enough drive through the jarrah forest – was a bit of a squib compared to what was expected. In the days that followed Aaron Howell went out and found the tracks that had been missed – plus more! And this was the Route for the Darkin Ridge Day Trip.

We entered the Wandoo National Park at Mt Observation just off the Great Southern Highway, 24 kilometres east of The Lakes.

The drive through the wandoo forest is mostly open parkland right through to Helena Hill. Many groves of grass trees. After a short run on the sealed Talbot West Road, we turned onto Kent Road and drove past the first of two small, isolated stands of radiata pine. Interesting relics in the National Park. The ominously-named Crawler Road wasn’t.

A short time later we stopped at Darkin Swamp. Parks and Wildlife have deemed this to be an Environmentally Sensitive Area.

We left the Swamp and took Warrigal Road, Dog Road and Wotnot Road towards Beraking Pool (not found).

A shady spot at the corner of Wotnot Road and Running Brook Road was a good stop for lunch. Flies were friendly.

Late wildflowers were still out.

Trip Leader Aaron promised some interesting, technical terrain for the rest of the trip. A true statement. We drove through the Helena National Park to Beraking.

A short drive along Qualen Road took us to a hill climb up (and down) a rutted track.

From the hill climb we followed Darkin Ridge to a gravel pit east of Bartons Mill. A barely discernible track led out of the gravel pit, up a hill and returned to the pit between two substantial trees that were too close for the Disco to squeeze through. A re-alignment of the ‘attack angle’ was required before Lee was able to drive his vehicle between the trees with only millimetres to spare.

We headed along Hairpin Bend Road to Dale Road. It was a lot later than we expected to finish the Day Trip and the sun was very low in the sky. Coupled with the ‘ball bearing gravel’, corrugations, and deep potholes it was an uncomfortable drive to Ashendon Road.

Aaron’s intense, all day recce last week assured that Darkin Ridge was an interesting, educational and exciting Day Trip.

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