MT ROBERTSON KINGLAKE NP

After meeting at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery for breakfast and coffee, (opened at 9 AM and very busy), from Yarra Glen we drove north along the Melba Hwy towards Kinglake National Park. The dirt started at Boggy Creek Rd where some logging had occurred, the soil a crimson and bright red colour, so some gravel and rocks had been laid on the road for the logging trucks.

A short run up Mt Robertson Rd into Gum Creek Tk and that was when 4WD was selected.

While the track was not particularly wet there seemed to be a bog hole of various depths and difficulties every 200 metres. Maybe they never dry out. Many of these were heavily rutted but we were initially diligent at stopping to check the depths and best lines.

We had a narrow squeeze past a ute stuck on the track with a broken tie rod. They had a fire going to heat a rod for a trackside repair. But he was with a few others and they seemed have it in control so we rolled on. We saw them driving out as we were leaving.

While there was a small delay back in the convoy, the trip leader pushed ahead making an incorrect call on the depth of a rut in a large bog. Luckily no water got in and shortly back underway with a now slightly concerned passenger.

Gum Creek Track

A short decent into a creek crossing and a sharp, muddy corner exit to a very steep and rocky and rutted climb out. This led to about 3 km of steep climbs and rutted, uneven descents. All the vehicles had low range and completed the climbs with a little in reserve and engine braking on the descents.

1.5 km walk to view Wombelana Falls which has a 25 fall with plenty of water running over it. A mist was coming in so we called it from there. By Kinglake visibility was about 50 metres.

This is a good, short day trip and would be interesting to do in reverse. But only if in dry conditions! Trip based on Robert and Muriel Pepper’s 4WD Trips Close to Melbourne (2013) Trek 18 and Rooftops

Mt Disappointment-Kinglake Activities Map.

Mud and Bog Holes every 100 metres

Rick guiding Tristian on his first trip. The ruts were deep with minimum clearance around the tree. Trip Participants Vehicle

Tom Subaru Forester

Michael & Sharon Mitsubishi Pajero Tristian Z Subaru Forester

Rick and Jackie L-Series Tim & Kerry Land Cruiser FJ40 (Trip Leader)