MT TERRIBLE & BIG RIVER TRIP

The previous two days we had thunderstorms and heavy rainfall so how well the tracks have handled the storm. Would it be wet, muddy or have trees down or still dry? Unlike some recent convoys, there was a mixture of vehicles with 2 Subies, 2 Toyotas, a Rodeo (Isuzu) and a Mitsubishi. Several vehicles, mostly Subarus were late cancellations with a few late mechanical issues. Starting from Cambarville Picnic Area, after airing down we proceeded north-east along Big River Road (good gravel) past numerous riverside campsites surrounded by forest. Past Stockman’s Reward the track

becomes 4WD only with rocky and earth sections but still in good condition. So far clear tracks, damp enough for no dust (great) but no traction issues and a nice, warming day. Right turn into Hope Track. This looks very steep as you exit Big River Road and climbs, but today was a relatively easy climb with good traction (in the dry) and is only 3 km before linking with Mt Terrible Track.

There were several optional tracks along Mt Terrible Track. This one was much

steeper than it looks in the photo and almost entirely made of rocks. The options presented some short, steep and rocky challenges that joined back to the main track. Track conditions were still

good with a few rocky sections. A tree was down but

once cut, slid into the valley below.

Mt Terrible Track is a long track with the Hut and tower

about halfway along. The plan was to follow it until the hut at Mt Terrible (1316 metres) for lunch and we arrived in good time. The weather was fine and the

views to the east of the entire

Alpine region are great.

This is a recent solid rebuild as the previous huts have been the victim of numerous fires through the area. A large telecommunication tower is nearby so mobile reception is good. Tom found his Forester had detached the front sway bar so after some running repairs was ready to proceed.

A short distance after leaving the hut we turned left into Newman’s Track then into Dane Spur Track. All the

height gains made were quickly lost as we descended. These tracks were more clay based so would be a challenge if wet but soon we were back on Big River Road and into the camp site early to set up for the night.

Chaffe Creek is a good campsite with a large shelter and drop toilets along the fast-running Big River with jumping fish. The site seems divided up in a few distinct camping areas so we didn’t see any other campers although

there were a few camped out with trail bikes and another with a sound system that seemed to go quiet at the appropriate time.

Next day the plan was to visit the memorial site for a 1940 RAAF plane crash.

Rather than follow the main road we diverted

along Homestead Track which was a good track with some nice climbs and descents

with the occasional change into low range.

All going well until the trip leader rounded a bend and then realised the track was washed

away and a large amount of rock wall was exposed. Deciding the line chosen in haste wasn’t the best but too committed to reverse

back with a Toyota hand brake, Michael in the Pajero came to the rescue with a short tow back and then spotters to guide everyone safely down with a few rear wheels raised depending on the line taken.

Might have been more difficult if travelling west to east and having to climb up. Some good teamwork here as well as lots of video being shot. The video shot really doesn’t

show the obstacle scale well.

Chaffe Creek Campground

South Couduroy Creek Rd and Torbreck Track were both fair tracks but we were frustrated by fallen trees across the track, some seem to be a metre diameter so Matt’s chainsaw would have had its work cut out

with at least 2 cuts. And what lay beyond that? Reverse, try another way and be blocked again.

The memorial site would wait for another trip.

Barnwell Plains Rd into Mt Torbreck picnic area but before that more tracks to clear but these were easier to cut so we were soon on the way again.

walk option was not taken up although another group in an old army Land Rover did . After lunch a short but interesting track exited sharply into Snobs Creek Rd. A faster drive to the spectacular Snobs Creek Falls, air up and depart for home.

The weather and track conditions were great and the trip was just the right distance for a weekend trip. All the vehicles handled the conditions well so driven with care so a medium rating is warranted.

Trip Participants Vehicle

Les R with Matt E Rodeo Dual Cab

Keong Y Toyota FJ Cruiser

Nick and Deb L Subaru Outback

Tom M Subaru Forester

Michal B and Sharon Mitsubishi Pajero Tim F Toyota FJ40(Trip Lead)