High Country
Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 23, 2011 at 22:01
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Harry
G'day,
Will be up on Mt Stirling early next year and not having been there for a number of years was wondering if anybody could give me an update on
The Monument track down to the circuit road.
I will have the T Van in tow but it will do anything the 4bie will, so that's not an issue. The last time I went down, it was all washed out and quite challenging, but my Rooftop map says it was due to be graded in 2005. Did this happen ?
Know anything Crackles ?
Cheers
Reply By: dazza62 - Wednesday, Nov 23, 2011 at 22:30
Wednesday, Nov 23, 2011 at 22:30
Hello Harry, went up that way in March this year. Circuit Rd was closed due to a landslide and only way to Craigs Hut was via Monument Track. Track certainly did not appear to be graded and whilst it was damp from recent rain it posed no problem either going up or down. Whilst we left our Tvan at Sheepyard Flat I am confident it would not have caused any issues on this track. Just remember to drive to the conditions and weather permitting you should be fine.
Cheers Dazza.
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470777
Reply By: Mr Pointyhead - Thursday, Nov 24, 2011 at 09:44
Thursday, Nov 24, 2011 at 09:44
I did Monument track a couple of weeks ago (Targa Weekend).
I found it quite a easy and drive for me... But as always it depends on your vehicle and experience. I drove up in 4x4 High ...I did not need low range.
I was driving a HZJ105 TDi with a long travel
suspension kit (Autocraft) and 33 inch Wrangler Kevlar M/T tyres with plenty of tread.
The track itself did not have what I would consider any washouts that I really noticed. However, some of the switchbacks on the track where a little slippery with a fair bit of lose rock and gravel that may cause a bit of grief.
If I was doing a track rating on it I would have been wavering between Medium and Hard (Probably go for hard) due to the steepness of a few bits and the size of some of the rocks on it (I am a certified track assessor). I don't remember any significant washouts but to be honest I was not paying as much attention as when I am assessing tracks.
Also, I think (From memory) there where one or two
places where some rock steps where starting to appear in the track from wheelspin ...
So if you have a 4x4 with good tyres (Agressive A/T or M/T) and good wheel travel and a 50MM lift and the weather is dry I thing you could consider doing the track.
If you are on road tyes and standard
suspension then I think you could get into trouble with the camper trailer. ( I am aware of the capabilities of a TVAN)
BTW, the track is in better condition than when I first drove it in 2003...
Hope this helps.. A little vague because it is difficult and dangerous to recommend a track without knowning your vehicle setup and your driver experience. I don't want you getting into trouble because of advise I gave ...
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Follow Up By: Harry - Thursday, Nov 24, 2011 at 20:12
Thursday, Nov 24, 2011 at 20:12
Thanks guys, that's the sort of info I was chasing.
Sounds like a fun track and must do in the Troopy and the wranglers.
Take it easy and most obstacles can be overcome.
Sept. we drove the Telegraph track with the T Van and first crossing was Palm ck, man what a doozy.
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Reply By: Crackles - Thursday, Nov 24, 2011 at 20:40
Thursday, Nov 24, 2011 at 20:40
Harry monument track was touched up a few years back so is in pretty good condition. Couple of ruts forming after the 2 switchbacks but no problem for a full sized 4x4 with reasonable tyres. Not normally the track I'd recommend towing up but suitable for an experienced driver in the dry.
Cheers Craig......
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Follow Up By: Harry - Thursday, Nov 24, 2011 at 21:44
Thursday, Nov 24, 2011 at 21:44
Thanks Craig, thought you'd missed my query, but no, you come good in the end.
Will be going down so shouldn't be too many dramas.thanks for the input.
Harry
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