Track Diffiulty

Kilometers ?

If you go to Treks you will find difficulty rated there .

Cheers
Jim

That makes sense. Once again, many thanks!

Hi Peter, that makes sense. Having a common definition of 'difficulty' would be helpful and I understand you have your own rating system that you use. Thank you for your response.

The Victorian 4wd peak body, is association with Parks Victoria and DELWP have classified and categorized a wide range of tracks. There are 4 categories and it describes the experience necessary for each category.

It's a well thought out, comprehensive system. It is being adopted in other states ( eg ACT) and should be adopted Australia wide. Hema High County Maps show the category on the relevant tracks.

The same classification is displayed on tracks by the authorities.

Fantastic system.

https://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/iconic4wd/index.php/safety-information/track-classification

There you go, I drove Davies Plain Drive from Tom Groggin through onto Limestone Creek in an AWD with no low range and 30" tyres about 6 or 7 years ago and it didn't seem difficult at all. Yet, it's rated at the highest rating of "Very Difficult"? I'm not special, so I just wonder how bad or totally green you have to be to have trouble on that track when the weather is fine. I'd rate it on a par with Abercrombie River NP in NSW and Subarus regularly go there.

Michael H9 - Coincidentally the day on which you posted I completed that track. I did it in company with a mate and we were both driving 70 series Toyotas with lifts and front and rear lockers. The track was in good condition and whilst I wouldn't rate it as particularly difficult it had its challenges. From The Poplars for a few ks it was steep and at one point I actually locked the front in which is rare (for me). Mainly to save the track when I felt a bit of wheel spin which would have been creating wombat holes. The truck was going to get there either way but the surface was pretty loose. I would take a novice in there in an appropriate vehicle but I would hesitate to suggest an all wheel drive attempt it mainly because of clearance and low range. I was in low 1st a few times which I am guessing is quite a bit lower than an all wheel drive. It highlights what others have said in this thread - rating so much depends on the condition on the day, the experience of the driver and the appropriateness of the vehicle. If it was, as I found it last week, when you did it, I take my hat off to you and your vehicle.

We did Davies Plains from Tom Groggin decades ago in a Hilux petrol and MQ Patrol diesel - no winches and no mud terrain tyres. I'd rate it M-D in dry conditions in a "typical" 4WD. The first crossing was reasonably deep at that time. The track was damp in spots and we also had some light rain overnight which made the track a little slippery - esp for the (inappropriate) wide Desert Duellers I had on my Patrol then. Haven't done Wonangatta but from what I've read there is no comparison.

Looking at the Vic classification system at first blush I think it's probably "overengineered". A good idea though.

Hi Michael, That makes even more sense, a map cannot recognise what the condition of the track is and whether maintenance has occurred. Best to rely on other sources or multiple sources and consider the topo lines on a map. Thanks for the help and I will certainly consult youtube too :)

I think there is a great potential for a small set of parameters to be established for communicating these things clearly. Maybe starting with factors that affect all driver skill levels (at least to some extent).
As a starting point:
* How much difficulty would oncoming traffic present?
* How wise would it be to tow a (variety) of trailers?
* How easy is it to turn around at reasonable intervals if you so chose?
* Is the track overgrown such that a wider than a LandCruiser would find it a paint hazard >> impassible?
* Does it suit a truck based motorhome, usually wider than a LandCruiser but also taller (as would a full height offroad caravan)?
* Is a high clearance vehicle (combo) preferred/sensible/essential?
* Does the terrain suit warning oncoming travellers by UHF in a timely manner? Channel?
* What interest does the track offer for adventure/sightseeing beauty/camping/fishing/wild-flowers/wild-life, etc?
* Any dangers to be especially aware of wrt free-camping? Nearby gaol!