4x4 tracks

Hi Guys

Just how extreme are some of these tracks? Are thinking of camping at sheepyard flat but are unsure of road conditions? We drive a ford escape, tow a goldstream wing but have no off road experience. We have to take our dog when we go so are limited to places to camp. We are quiet self sufficient so don't need much in the way of facillities.
We like peace and quiet but realise we won't find much of that in Janurary, should I just be bold and go for it or just hang around the crowds?

Thanks
Richard
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Reply By: Member - Tony V (NSW) - Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 15:31

Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 15:31
Richard,

Sheepyard Flat from Merijig is not too hard. The road can be rough from the tarmac but you should not have too much trouble. You may need to check the river height.

You didn't say what engine your Escape has, the 2.3ltr has a towing capacity of 1 tonne, the Goldstream Wing is about 990kg which is on limit unless you have the 3ltr which has a 1.6 tonne capacity.
AnswerID: 438241

Follow Up By: Member - Richard L (VIC) - Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 20:59

Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 20:59
Thanks Tony
We have the 3ltr not the ideal car but we bought it before we discovered the world of camping. We are saving for a real car but until then we stick to the easier tracks. Its a bit restricting but beggars can't be choosers! We are trying to find a spot that we can use as a regular get-away and are having plenty of fun along the way.
Richard
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FollowupID: 709991

Reply By: BrownyGU - Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 18:11

Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 18:11
Rick,

As Tony has mentioned, you'll have know problems entering from the Mansfield/Merijig road, plenty of two wheel drives can enter from that direction IF DRY!!!, but if it's peace and quiet your after you'll find that Sheepyard is one of the more busy camping spots due to it's access and wide open flats, there are plenty of quieter spots further in but more dificult for your vehicle to get too.


Cheers..........Browny
AnswerID: 438265

Follow Up By: Member - Richard L (VIC) - Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 21:02

Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 21:02
Thanks for the reply Browny, don't mind busy campsites it's the ones that end up as disco's that s**t me. We have an 11 yo and an 8 yo not a pretty sight when they are kept awake all night!
Richard
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FollowupID: 709992

Reply By: Dunaruna - Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 19:01

Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 19:01
Considering the rain lately, I would definitely be checking with the Mansfield cops beforehand.
AnswerID: 438279

Follow Up By: Member - Richard L (VIC) - Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 21:04

Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 21:04
Its the police that supply that kind of information? Hadn't realised, would have thought Parks?
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Follow Up By: Crackles - Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 21:31

Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010 at 21:31
In general I wouldn't be bothering the Police asking for High Country road reports. DSE in Mansfield look after that area and would travel it daily. Parks Vic look after the National Parks area & some historic sites only. The Howqua Hills Road was upgraded quite a few years back to a wide all weather gravel road so even when wet, a soft roader with half decent tyres could tow in & out safely if taken steady.
Anyone looking to head up that way this weekend could however have some issues as all the rivers in the area are at flood level tonight so may be some damage about.
Cheers Craig............
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FollowupID: 709997

Reply By: allanmac856 - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2010 at 13:01

Wednesday, Dec 15, 2010 at 13:01
Personally I would give Sheepyard a big miss & consider heading to Talbotville. Wont have any issues entering via Dargo & is a huge grassy area & even when it does get busy, you dont have others camping on top of you, so to speak.
AnswerID: 438951

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