Mt Robertson drive (Victoria)
This is a nice little 4wd drive which can be done as a drive in itself
or as just a different way home from/to the North east (
Yea-
Mansfield).
Also makes good little diversion if you have been out playing in Tolangi area.
Actual track drive is about an hour, but there are plenty of
off the main track diversions.
Mt Robertson is about 20km north of Kinglake.
Last week we did it north to south beginning at
Flowerdale.
From
flowerdale you drive south 3km on the
Yea-Whittlesea rd
until you see
sign "Long Gully rd". (E 0348400 N 5865700)
Its really just a matter of following the long gully rd all the
way to Kinglake.
However its not quite that easy, only 500m into long gully road
you are faced with signs saying "private property" & "No road"
then a
gate.
Really looks like genuine thing and turns a lot of people off.
Shortly there are more signs and another
gate to go thru.
After second
gate you soon see why you need a good 4wd as the track
goes straight up steeply and there is a significant rock ridge running
along the middle of the track.
Can be done in standard Patrol class vehicle if dry, but makes you take
care with wheel placement.
The track continues up for another 2 km of good 4wding before you
come to
the ridge top and begin the less challenging drive to Kinglake.
On way you pass Mt Robertson workings
ruins and fenced off
mine area.
Several short track sections take off on either side and are worth exploring
but watch out for bogholes if wet.
Slowly the track improves and becomes bitumen before Exton and the
left turn T
intersection towards Kinglake.
Pretty straightforward, recommended map is Rooftop's "Mt Disappointment
forest activities map".
If you only have 1/2 a day, a good loop is Yarraglen, Glenburn,
Flowerdale, Kinglake Yarraglen.
This gives you at least 3 cappicino opportunities and you can usually pick up
maps at Glenburn servo.
Have fun!
Robin Miller