Billy Goat Bluff track Condition

Treg-trecker,

I was lucky enough to drive Billy Goat Bluff track last Thursday.

A couple of years ago the track was graded and all the big holes filled in. Since then the track is starting to show signs of being used.The track is still very steep with some parts still loose.

When we go there it is a run up to the fire tower and then back down again. I would not like to pull any type of trailer with out driving it first. There is a hair pin bend near the bottom of the track which is very tight and I had to drive up the embankment to get around in one go. The Troopie has not a good turning circle and the only reason I can get around in one go is that I know how tight it is and how far up the embankment I have to go. Even with warning the convey, most of the other vehicles had to have two goes to get around.

This is a great drive and the views are fantastic, but if you don't have to take the trailer on the track leave it and pick it up after doing the track.

Wayne

Treg Trecker,

I also second Wayne's opinion on Billy Goat's Bluff Track, as we did a trip through Butcher Country two weekends ago, and did Billy Goat's Bluff track. Altough the track is in much better condition these days, than it has been in the past, the tight hairpin bend at the River Valley end, as well as the steepness of the climbs, could prove to be very challenging to you towing the van, especially if there has been recent rain. The two point of challenge, as well as the climbs, being the hairpin at the river end, and a short 40 metre section of rock steps (not severe, but don't know what sort of driving you are used to) at the other end.

I would also encourage you to unhitch the van at the bottom (There is a large picnic/parking area off the road at the River end directly at the bottom of the track, if you are coming from that way) and drive the section to the helipad first to see how you go without the trailer. If all is ok and you think you and the vehicle are up to it, then just turn around and grab the van.

Mic

Mic & Wayne,

Thanks for the update. I think I will take both your advice and not temp it with a TVAN. Although the TVAN has the capacity and is small and nimble, from both your description, it may be the hairpin that is the issue. Added lenght does not help.

Although the Touareg V10 has a fantastic turning circle and lots of usable traction along with it's torque at all wheels. Maybe a drive with out the TVAN hitched is the go.

Any way, I will take a look.

Thanks for the feedback.

Gerald

There are lots of tracks in that area that I'd tow on, but regardless of the quality of the trailer I'd not tempt fate by towing up the BGB Track.

I'm not sure how much time you've spent in the High Country or what level of 4wd competency you hold so will temper my comments a little, but there are many tracks in that area from there across through Dargo and back the other way toward and past the Wonnangatta that are not suited to towing.

Help is a long way off if it all goes pear shaped too.

A few to avoid would be Hearn's Spur, Harts Spur, Station Track, Collingwood Spur. This is not an exhaustive list there are others.

There are lots of great spots to base camp in this area and explore from. This would be much safer, less stressful on driver, passengers, equipment & rescue personel.

Good to see not all Touregs stay in Toorak.

Dave

Treg-trecker,
Off the original thread....
We have had our TVan for a couple of years - been great.
Have a V10 Touareg on order - how do you find yours?
I had been hanging off getting one because of the low ball weight (our Tvan loaded is around 130+Kg and I can't get it down much with second water tank etc) but a new Touareg tow bar set up was released just a couple of weeks ago that ups the ball weight to 350Kg so my reservations on that score were settled.

What consumption do you get with the TVan on the back? What suspension setting do you prefer when towing?
Does your TVan have a long or short draw bar?
How have you found the Touareg OE tyres? Do you carry a full spare - if so where?

Look forward to hearing,
IAN

If your vehicle will handle Billy Goats Bluff, then your T-Van will most certainly be OK. Just make sure your trailer brakes are operating well, also the switch back should present no problems if your turning circle is reasonable.
Just do it & enjoy it!