Trip to the Sand Dunes at the Portland Dune Buggy Club 19th Nov 2021 to 22nd Nov 2021
Trip Plan Overview 19th Nov (Fri). • Meet at the Portland Dune Buggy Club’s grounds Swan Lake, Mount Richmond (see map above), from 1200 onwards • Setup camp • Briefing and familiarisation • Gear check • Recovery practice (time permitting) 20th & 21st Nov (Sat & Sun) • Driving the sand dunes 22nd Nov (Mon) • Relaxing pack up, return to Melbourne
Driving Overview The club is no stranger to driving at the Portland Dune Buggy Club site, have had multiple trips there in the past. The most recent trip was in 2019 before Covid.
In fact, the Club has published several excellent videos depicting the driving conditions and the campsite at Portland. The sand is expected to be soft, but the exact conditions will be weather dependent. The dryer the weather, the softer and deeper the sand it will be. Click on the images to access the videos taken on the 2014 and 2019 club trips.
Q&A? Question I have never driven on sand dunes before. Who will be leading the drives?
Answer A number of Club members experienced in sand driving will assist with leading the drives.
Will I get stuck in sand?
Probably. It is part of the experience. It is important to have with you the appropriate recovery equipment and be familiar on how to use them.
What facilities are available at the campground?
The campground has two flushing toilets. There are water taps suppling bore water. 2 vehicles with no more than 6 people are allowed per camp site. 5 sites have been booked.
What is the cost involved?
$50 per driver (for temporary Portland Dune Buggy Club membership) No cost for non-drivers Firewood for the trip will be organised from a local supplier, with the cost of wood split between the participants.
Checklist ❑ READ and AGREED to the Portland Dune Buggy Club’s Code of Conduct (see next page) 4x4 Gear ❑ Sand Flag (securely mounted onto vehicle) • Red flag of not less than 600cm2 • Mounted at the top of a pole that is not less than 4m from the ground. The pole must be of a material that does not lay horizontal at speed. ❑ 2 x rated Bow Shackles / Soft shackles ❑ Snatch strap x 1 ❑ Bridle strap x 1 ❑ Accessible recovery points (front & rear) ❑ Shovel ❑ Traction boards (optional) ❑ Airbag jack / Jack base plate ❑ Air compressor & Tyre pressure gauge ❑ Spare tyre & tyre plugs
Vehicle Spares ❑ Spare fluids (coolant, engine oil, transmission oil, differential oil, windscreen washer fluid) ❑ Tool kit ❑ Spare Fuel (it is a 80km return trip to resupply in Portland)
Safety ❑ 3x Emergency Personal Details form ❑ Personal First-Aid kit ❑ Minimum of 2L of water ❑ Sunscreen & insect repellent
Camping & Food ❑ Camping gear (can get cold at night) ❑ Sufficient food & water • Only bore water is available at the campground • Closest grocery resupply is a 80km round trip ❑ Liquid/gas fuel stove for cooking (open fire may not be permitted due to the fire risk danger rating at the time)
PO Box 463 Portland Vic 3305
Mobile 0447 517 360 E-Mail pdbc@aussiebb.com.au Website portlanddunebuggyclub.com.au
PORTLAND DUNE BUGGY CLUB INC REG NO A3587S
CODE OF CONDUCT For MEMBERS, 4 WHEEL DRIVE CLUBS, GROUPS, or INDIVIDUALS As a user of the Portland Dune Buggy Club Please be aware that other Members will be using the area, you do not have sole right to the sand dunes as a booked in Club or group. The following is a code of conduct to be read in conjunction with the club by laws and other regulations. If at any time COVID-19 restrictions change, the Portland Dune Buggy Club reserves the right to cancel your 4 Day booking. ➔ Please be mindful that the area is a National Park and Parks rules apply. ➔ No Dogs, Cats, Firearms or Drones are permitted in the area. ➔ Registered care dog or a registered assistance dog (i.e., for blind or deaf) must have appropriate paperwork and PDBC must be notified prior to arrival to the area. ➔ No Motor Bikes, Quads or Trikes are permitted on the area. ➔ A Maximum of 10 Vehicles per 4 x 4 Club/Group. ➔ The Track to the dunes is not a playground for children or large holes to be dug. ➔ The camp area is fragile; digging holes for 4-wheel drive photo opportunities or kids digging holes (e.g., Sand pit) is not acceptable. ➔ Seat belt must always be worn by all occupants while driving in the area. ➔ NO one is to be outside the vehicle. For example, hanging off the side or riding in the back of Ute trays. ➔ Signs are for everyone’s safety, please ensure that whilst in the camping area, walking pace only. ➔ Poles and Flags must be visible at all times whilst driving on the area. ➔ All Fires are to be lit in designated Fireplaces or Fire rings and they are not to be removed to suit individual camp sites. We suggest share a fire ring and met new friends. ➔ Towing of sand boards, bonnets or the like with individuals riding on such items is forbidden. ➔ Night driving on the Dunes is NOT permitted, unless driving directly to the beach to fish.
Please consider the safety of everyone while using the area and enjoy your stay.
Point of Contact Trip organiser Daniel Ho (#2032) • 0407048152 • Daniel.L.Ho@gmail.com