Balfour Track Tasmania
Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 12:13
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Tas-tourers
We are doing the Balfour track this weekend (24th/25th January) and need to make a convoy to appease national parks recommendations.
Anyone in the area wanting to join us please let us know.
Reply By: Les PK Ranger - Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 12:27
Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 12:27
Hi Tt, wish I was down there, would be a great track to do.
One recent 4x4 Earth
forum members trip here
Tassie tour and pics.
Probably a good idea to go with at least another capable vehicle, some of it looks like it could be awkward.
Did parks deny access as a solo vehicle, or did the just 'strongly' recommend not going alone ?
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Follow Up By: vk1dx - Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 12:43
Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 12:43
A good thing about the Balfour is that the bottom of the main track (not any bypasses - didn't use them) appeared to be good and solid with only one short crossing giving me a hassle. All good and deep Christmas 2013 Enjoy. Use a water blind.
Half way through Part 1 is the deepest. It actually lapped the windscreen.
Balfour Track Christmas 2013 Part 1 Balfour Track Christmas 2013 Part 2
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Follow Up By: Tas-tourers - Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 12:43
Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 12:43
They VERY strongly and repeatedly recommended not tackling it alone, and in a disapproving tone lol.
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Follow Up By: vk1dx - Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 13:03
Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 13:03
Very true.
The main reason not to travel alone is that if you get stuck there isn't anything to winch yourself out on. No trees etc. We were advised to stick to the main track as the bypasses were very muddy and sticky.
A mate and his son also did the track and got stuck a couple of times but just on the bypasses.
However that said
check both ways carefully before proceeding. A good idea is to run out a winch strap for recovery before entering the water. We usually run it in the passengers window and wind it up to hold it in place. Something like that. Or the passenger holds it. No good leaving on the bonnet because the water may wash it off if it is as deep as it was for us.
No need to charge in like a hoon either. Just astead pressure on the gas pedal and "follow" your bow wave. Easy does it.
We have had deeper water up north in the tropics but no way was it as long and as smelly. Took three washes of the carpet to get the stink out. The damned panel beater did not fix the membrane in thedoor lining and water rushed in. Hence my wife's comments.
Would I do it again. No need!.
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Follow Up By: CSeaJay - Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 17:18
Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 17:18
Good on them to have common sense in requesting more than one vehicle, (as opposed to closing the track to all)
CJ
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Reply By: Idler Chris - Vic - Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 18:03
Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 18:03
One of the reason tracks get closed is because people do not heed the advice/directions of the land managers. Other reason is if people engage in practises that most sensible 4WD drivers would not. Please think about what you do in the bush and think about the rest of us so we can enjoy the same tracks and not have them closed.
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Follow Up By: Tas-tourers - Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 18:24
Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 18:24
We ARE being responsible by putting a request out there for another vehicle to accompany us so we can do this track! So please don't use us as an example of irresponsible 4wders!!!
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