October-November 2016
Drive Torque Inside : Navigation apps Outback Oscar winners 4WD show wrap-up October long weekend trips Meet the new club committee
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October-November 2016
This Issue: President’s report
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Outback Oscars 2016
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4WD and Adventure Show 2016
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Special feature: The world of in car navigation
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Future fun
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Member profile: Meet the new club committee
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Trip reports: Gloucester Tops
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Beachcomber at Potato Point
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Montague Island
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Ophir for the love of camping
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Committee reports: Vice president and Social convener
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Editor
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4WD Now delegates
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Trip conveners and webmaster
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Subaru and Recreational 4WD Club Inc. is noncommercial and dedicated to 4WD touring and associated recreational activities. Our club is open to owners of ALL makes of 4WD vehicles. Members can participate in touring and exploring areas of our countryside, whether it be a day trip, a weekend away camping, or an extended tour. The club endeavours to cater for all with a variety of trips and social outings.
As a member club of the Four Wheel Drive NSW & ACT, we adhere to the "Tread Lightly" campaign and the 4WD driver's Code of Ethics.
Images Cover: October long weekend trips Above right: Club prop at 4WD and Adventure Show 2016
Non members are invited to attend our meetings and participate in one or two trips on a "get to know you" basis before joining the club. See our website for details on future meetings.
Contact information Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc (Public) Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club (Members only) President Vice president Membership Trip conveners
Mark Honor Sandi Strickland Karolyn Honor Troy Strickland Jason Finlayson Public relations Jo Quinn Editor Rashida Stevens
president@subaruclub.com.au vicepresident@subaruclub.com.au membership@subaruclub.com.au trip_convener@subaruclub.com.au trip_convener@subaruclub.com.au publicity@subaruclub.com.au editor@subaruclub.com.au
0418 0414 0459 0409 0402 0409
406 870 111 908 055 771
118 168 096 977 100 019
Articles appearing in this magazine and opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the management committee of Subaru and Recreational 4WD Club Inc.
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Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc.
Celebrate 2016 with us on Saturday 10th December at Myall River Camp. 3pm - Club General Meeting 5pm - Festivities and feast *** Please bring a plate of food to share *** Register via www.subaru4wdclub.com
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October-November 2016
President’s Report
I
am pleased to be writing this report as a committee member and President of our club. A very big thank you to the out -going committee members; Julie Rush w ho is taking some time out to catch up on all those things that get pushed aside when you are President and Editor of a 4WD club, and Evan King who started a family earlier this year. There have been a few role changes on the committee and some new faces returning from years gone by and Rashida Stevens joining as our new Editor. This edition has a profile of your committee members, so take the opportunity to meet those who are new to you. During the last few months there has been plenty happening in the club, including some new initiatives that we hope will encourage more members to join trips, meetings, and social events. The AGM picnic day was received well. We will be looking for other opportunities to hold meetings in conjunction with events. A good example of this is the December General Meeting being held on Saturday afternoon at our Christmas Party weekend. For next year, we are planning some more interesting and varied venues for meetings and arranging for guest speakers and training at some of our meetings.
thanks for Jo from all the members. The October new members special and contacts made at the show resulted in four new members, three of whom attended the prospective members trip several weeks later. The Trip Convenors have been out there talking with members who have lead trips in the past and encouraging others to put forward their trip ideas. If you have any suggestions or questions about trips please make yourself know n to Jason Finlayson or Troy Strickland and they will be more than happy to assist. The Driver Awareness team of Brian Flood and Brett Atkins have added about 4 trips to the calendar which gives you the opportunity choose the type and level of training that works for you and your vehicle.
Another goal the club has in the coming year is to engage with our association on a regular basis. James Wall and David Wellham will be attending the meetings as our delegates with a view to including our club in events such as trips behind locked gates, track maintenance and track grading. All three of us We are delighted to welcome recently attended the Association AGM new members and their at Liverpool and have started families to the club: connecting with other clubs. There are also other special projects we are Paul Byatt investigating outside of the Association which may lead to good Robert Leung camping locations and driving Mark Andrews opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable.
Dominic Llevado
During the last few months I have been encouraged by the enthusiasm of the committee and many of you who have asked questions, suggested ideas for trips and meetings, and attended trips in good numbers. I look forward to the coming year exploring new places and camping with good company.
In September, 43 members attended the “Outback Oscars” dinner and fun awards nights. Already many are looking forward to 2017 where we hope to build on what was started this year. October saw our return to the 4WD and Adventure Show at Eastern Creek. A big thank you to all who attended during the weekend and helped at our club stand. James Wall attended several meetings in the months leading to the show and our PR guru, Jo Quinn, spent many weeks and late nights preparing and organising everything for our stand; a huge vote of
Hopefully I will see many of you at our Christmas Party Weekend. I wish you safe travels during Christmas and the New Year.
- Mark Honor 5
Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc.
Drive Torque
Outback Oscars 2016 By Jo Quinn
F
riday 9th September 2016 was the first, which may lead into many, Subaru Club Outback Oscars. The Oscars were held in the hall at Ermington in place of the September General Meeting – the first thing on the agenda for the new committee. With little lead in time, a sub-committee formed to pull the night together. The aim was a fun night with free dinner, some laughs, some games, and of course, The Outback Oscar awards. A short round of trivia and a scavenger hunt had the tables of 8 sharing knowledge, and turning cars and wallets inside out looking for fishing hooks, cable ties, and a 1984 coin. President Mark Honor did the honours (I’m sure he has never heard that before!) and was our MC for the evening as the Outback Oscar nominations and winners were announced:
Outback Oscar 2016 winners: Most General Meetings Attended…..Chris Mifsud and Kelly Maxwell Campfire Master…..Jason Finlayson Most Drive Torque Contributions…..Troy Strickland Inspector Gadget…..Craig Fitzpatrick Newest Member…..David Cook Sergeant At Arms…..Jo Quinn Most Trips Lead…..Mark and Karolyn Honor Tilt Tray Award…..Brian Flood and Heidi Ploeg Most Trips Attended…..Michael and Julie Rush Most Enthusiastic…..Sandi Strickland Members Choice voted on the night…..Jo Quinn
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October-November 2016
Outback Oscars 2016
Table 5 turned out to be a wealth of knowledge and won the trivia whilst table 7 were the biggest scavengers, claiming fame in the treasure hunt. Congratulations to all who won the prestigious plastic Outback Oscar statues. Thank you to all who attended. We impressively had over 40 members join us on the evening and it was a great night of fun and laughs. Looking forward to the 2nd annual Subaru Club Outback Oscars next year!
Want an Outback Oscar in 2017? Simply:
YOU
WIN!
Turn up to a monthly general meeting Go on a trip Write a trip report Lead a day or short trip Tell us about a trip at a general meeting Lead an extended trip Submit a Drive Torque article 7
Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc.
Drive Torque
4WD and Adventure Show 2016 By Jo Quinn
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4th – 16th October marked the dates for this year’s 4WD & Adventure Show at Eastern Creek. Our Club had not had a stall at the show for a couple of years. The decision was made that it was time for another membership drive and to participate again.
Over three dry, hot, long, and dusty days, our members captured as many people as we could as they walked past our stall. Thank you to everyone who helped across the 3 days. There was a massive 20 members who came out on the Sunday alone – the Subaru Club was out in force!
It is always hard to come up with something different to make our Club stall stand out from the rest. Falling short of ideas, we had a bit of a remote travel theme happening this year. W e had a directional sign post, like the one at William Creek, pointing to lots of iconic outback destinations, complete with a cockatoo on the top. This was quiet popular with many people walking past. Some yellow road signs with camels, kangaroos, snakes, trip photos on display inside our marquees and interactive photo props completed our stall set up. The location for the 4WD Clubs was not ideal. We were as far away from the entry gate as you could get, but all the 4WD Clubs were set up in the one area which was good. There were about 15 Clubs present all together. Sandwiched between Blue Mountains and Bungarrabie 4WD Clubs, our members made the most of attracting people to our stall with free Chupa Chups and brochures.
www.subaruclub.com.au
Welcome to our new members w ho made the most of our Show $60 membership special and joined. Thanks again to all our current members who came out to promote our Club. It was great to be involved again and it was a fun weekend.
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October-November 2016
SPECIAL FEATURE:
The world of in-car navigation By Brett Hampson
T
he world of in car navigation has come a long way in the past 10 years, from the passenger opening the Gregory’s street directory and turning it every which way to find the right direction to go, to being stopped at a remote bush crossroads with the big paper maps sprawled across the dusty bonnet.
Most map apps use what is known as Raster maps. Simply, they are digital copies of paper maps. When viewed on an electronic device the detail shown is the same as a printed version. Zooming enlarges the image without showing any extra detail, and becomes quite blurry the further the image is zoomed in.
Options available for electronic navigation can be as confusing. There are dedicated units such as Garmin, TomTom, and Hema, to a large range of apps for smart phones and tablets. With this article, I hope to explain a few of the App options available, excluding those that offer turn by turn directions.
Some map Apps use an online map which use OpenStreetMap (OSM), which is a free editable map of the world and relies on people adding and updating information. When zoomed in, more details are shown, including street names, similarly to Google Maps.
Hema/MemoryMap 4x4 maps – For many years Hema has been the go to maps for most outback travellers. When they decided to get into smart devices they teamed up with MemoryMap. quite popular but app updates are rare, due to the reliance on MemoryMap, and generally map data updates rather than new app features converting and importing other maps into the Hema app relied on purchasing an extra license for PC software app allows you to track your path, create routes and waypoints, search place names contains over 100 pre-loaded maps including the popular ‘Great Desert Tracks’ detailed topographic maps are an extra purchase from within the app; eg. NSW Topo Maps costs about $99.99 maps purchased in the Hema/MemoryMap format cannot be converted for use in other apps
Hema Explorer – Hema saw a spot in the market that Wikicamps was filling and decided to get in on the act and created Hema Explorer. uses a single map with quite good detail allows users to select from thousands of points of interests including campsites, caravan parks, lookouts, and includes information about them recently been updated to a totally new version, but Hema has been coping a lot of flak for changes made including introducing a regular subscription fee to access some of the features that used to be free, like zooming in to the most detailed level of the map (watch this space to see if Hema retract some of these decisions or make more updates to appease the customers) does not get the range of maps available in the Hema 4x4 app but some of those maps are available for extra cost
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Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc.
Drive Torque
The world of in-car navigation Mudmap – Various versions of the Mudmap app have been released over the years and have proved quite popular as Hema’s main competitor to the offroad market. uses various sources for their maps including Back Country maps, NSW Topo, VicMap etc other maps such as Westprint outback maps are available for purchase from the app importing your own maps is possible using free PC software for conversion to the Mudmap format claim to have over 2,500 4WD and topo maps but not sure if you can download them all without filling your device memory has an Australia wide campsite database but unsure of how updated compared to Wikicamps allows track recording, creating routes, and waypoints maps purchased in the Mudmap format cannot be converted for or used in any other mapping app major releases to the app every couple of years requires users to buy the app outright again, rather than a cheaper upgrade solution
Oziexplorer –This name has been synonymous with maps for years and been one of the standard format for saving digital maps before all the new players came along. app is only available on Android and can open any standard mapping file trial version can be downloaded for those who want to check it out. from my brief usage, it has quite a lot of options which increases its complexity but has all the features needed. MemoryMap – Pretty much the same as the HEMA app but without all the supplied maps hence the cheap price (free!). you get a complete 1:250k map of Australia, but needs to be downloaded in sections as there is no way to download the whole country at once it all but it can be done! you can import your own maps but a license needs to be purchased to do so I could get some of my maps working in it without that license, but not all maps
Above: MemoryMap screen shot
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October-November 2016
The world of in-car navigation
TwoNav – This has been my choice over the last few years because it is not expensive and I have built my digital maps library in standard format. It offers a range of configuration options that far exceed other apps. easy to import digital maps from various sources eg, ECW and OZF files, but they need to be converted using the PC software which the free version can do (although latest OZF4 maps cannot be read by the PC software) has ability to use online OSM maps as well
on screen options allow you to choose what information to see on the main mapping screen including speed, altitude, distance travelled and current bearing to name a few allows track recording, creating routes and waypoints multiple maps can be opened at once allowing seamless transition when moving between maps has access to OSM mapping data and some of which is available off-line range of options can make it look quite daunting Wikicamps – The Camps Australia books had become very popular with travellers searching out campsites on their travels. It was inevitable that this would go digital at some stage and Wikicamps has proved to be the one that most are turning to. allows users to see on a map where campsites are located and drill down into each to see details including reviews and photos that other users have taken of the location. due to the number of people using the app it’s quite up to date on many of the campsites but I feel the quality of the map it is using could be improved Right: Wikicamps screen shot
Motionx GPS –Another cheap app that gives access to online maps. quite good in that it lets you select areas to download for offline use as well as the level of detail required simple to use with big and well explained buttons tracking and waypoints can be done in app cannot upload your own maps
Left: Motionx GPS screen shot
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Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc.
Drive Torque
The world of in-car navigation
Maps.Me – My favourite free mapping app aside from Google maps. allows you to download a map of most places in the world the Australia section is between 200300MB, based on OSM data, and a very clean looking map allows turn by turn navigation if needed does not import any other maps I use it mainly for street mapping when in towns and looking for that park when it’s time for lunch most off-road tracks appear on here but some report that it’s not as accurate as it should be, but I have found it to be fine and happy to use it - for the price you have nothing to lose. Left: Maps.Me screen shots
Camps Australia Wide –The digital equivalent of the book. I have not been able to try this one. Reviews are not very good and apart from the initial purchase price they want an ongoing subscription fee for updated information.
has many points of interest and trek notes that are found on their website. The downside is you cannot download any other map nor see other data like travelling speed, when viewing the map. If you want to try some out I would suggest MemoryMap and Maps.Me if you w ant more detail. TwoNav also have a free version that can be used but you cannot install your own maps with this version but the various OSM maps can be used.
Australia Topo Maps – Android only app that has a bunch of online maps available including NATMAP Topo maps, Queensland Topo, NSW Topo, and OpenStreetMap. I have only tried the free version but the paid version allows saving portions of maps for offline use. Give the free version a go.
If you have any questions regarding map apps, then email me at technical_officers@subaruclub.com.au. I will endeavour to answer your questions or see me at one of the meetings where I am happy to show what apps I have and how they work.
ExploreOz Traveller – ExploreOz website has created their own app using the 1:200k map that they have been developing for a couple of years. It App Hema 4WD Maps Hema Explorer Mudmap TwoNav MemoryMap or Maps.Me Oziexplorer MotionX GPS VMS Map Explorer ExplorOz traveller Backcountry Australia Topo Map Wikicamps or Camps Australia Wide
www.subaruclub.com.au
IOS Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Approx. cost $99.99 $49.99 $99.99 Free or $5.99 Free $2.99 $99.99 $59.99
$7.99
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Android No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Approx. cost $49.99 $99.99 Free or $6.89 Free US$25.00 or free trial
$59.99 Free and $14.99 Free + in app purchases $7.99
October-November 2016
Future Fun Driver Development
General Meetings
Full trip details - all upcoming trips can be viewed at http://www.subaru4wdclub.com/upcoming-trips.html
There are some date and venue changes in 2017:
Registration for trips- please register for trips online. Enquiries about trips - please contact Driver Awareness Officers or post a message on the website.
DECEMBER 2016 - Saturday 10th at 3pm Myall River Camp (Club Xmas party)
Driver awareness officers: Brett Atkins | 0412 208 874 | bea69@bigpond.com
JANUARY 2017 - Friday 13th
Brian Flood | 0425 270 385 | floodb@bigpond.com
Lawn bowls at Brush Farm Bowling Club 77 Rutledge St, Eastwood
FEBRUARY 2017 Sunday 5th of February 2017
Driver development a day at the beach
FEBRUARY 2017 - Friday 10th
Stockton will be soft that time of the year so I'm hoping there will be recoveries a plenty.
Ermington Community Centre 8 River Rd, Ermington
MARCH 2017 Saturday 18th of March 2017
MARCH 2017 - Friday 10th
Driver development at Lidsdale
Ermington Community Centre
All welcome for this day as we will cater for all vehicle types.
8 River Rd, Ermington
APRIL 2017 - Friday 7th
MAY 2017 Saturday 20th of May 2017
Driver development
Details to be advised
Exciting retail venue TBA
MAY 2017 - Friday 12th Ermington Community Centre 8 River Rd, Ermington
JUNE 2017 - Friday 16th Social event TBA
JULY 2017 - Sunday 23rd *** AGM and family picnic *** Venue TBA
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Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc.
Drive Torque
Future Fun - Events and Trips Full trip details - all upcoming trips can be viewed at http://www.subaru4wdclub.com/upcoming-trips.html Registration for trips- please register for trips online. Trip grading definitions - view online at http://www.subaru4wdclub.com/trip-grading-levels.html Enquiries about trips - please contact the trip leaders directly or post a message on the website
Movie: The Rough Stuff - Blacktown Drive-ins Saturday 3rd December 2016 Social trip A new Aussie movie - The Rough Stuff When - 3rd December Time - 7:30 session Get your own tickets via http://www.roughstuffmovie.com/movie-screenings.html
December 2016
Heidi Ploeg | 0438989793 | possum_heidi@yahoo.com.au
Club Xmas Party - Myall River Camp Saturday 10th December 2016 Social trip Club general meeting, Christmas activities, and party will be held on the Saturday afternoon/evening with Santa Claus arriving for the kids. Followed by a buffet type Christmas feast where each person brings a plate of food to share. If you wish for Santa to include your child, please bring a wrapped and labelled Christmas present for Santa to hand out to your child (or adults) but please make the value is no greater than $10 to ensure no child thinks he/she is missing out. Sandi Strickland | 0414870168 | sandis@exemail.com.au
West Kunderang Monday 26th December 2016 to Tuesday 3rd January 2017 Easy grade
Set up for the whole week or a few days. Fish, swim, paddle, drive, explore or any thing else you might want to do. More details soon. Mark Honor | 0418406118 | mjhonor@gmail.com
January 2017
Australia Day 2017 - Bielany on the Colo River Wednesday 25th January 2017 to Sunday 29th January 2017 Social trip
Australia Day is a Thursday so in typical Aussie fashion, we have turned into a long weekend by taking Friday off! If you have to work Friday, we are close enough to go to work for the day and come back afterwards for the rest of the weekend. Campsite is right on the river so bring the kayaks, floaties & inflatable thongs. Hot showers and toilets, BBQ's are all on site. Camp access suitable for caravans. Jo Quinn | 0409771019 | j.quinn@uws.edu.au
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October-November 2016
February / March 2017
Future Fun - Events and Trips
Currently, no trips planned for February or March 2017. Got an idea for a trip or event? Contact Trip Conveners: trip_convener@subaruclub.com.au Troy Strickland Jason Finlayson
0409 908 977 0402 055 100
Wonnangatta Easter Weekend Part I Thursday 13th April 2017 to Tuesday 18th April 2017
April 2017
Medium grade Members must have completed a full Driver Awareness Day before attending this trip. Well set-up vehicles and drivers ready for some very steep tracks. Start heading south on Thursday evening. Spend 4 days exploring some great tracks, huts and campsites in the Vic High Country and then travel home on Monday night or Tuesday or stay for Part II.
Mark Honor | 0418406118 | mjhonor@gmail.com
Hawkesbury Relay for Life - Hawkesbury Showground Saturday 27th May 2017 to Sunday 28th May 2017
May 2017
Social trip Please join us for our 10th year of participation in the fight against cancer. For those not familiar with our involvement in the Relay, we usually set up and staff a “camp kitchen” to sell foodstuff to raise funds and, optionally, camp overnight. I encourage you to join us for some fun at this year’s event by registering via our team page as well as register for the trip at the club website. Donations to our team effort are very welcome and can be made via the team page link. Kevin McCormack | 0428408568 | kevin_mccormack@bigpond.com
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Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc.
Drive Torque
MEMBER PROFILE:
Meet the new committee We are well and truly into the 2016/207 financial year for the club, and the committee elected in August 2016 has been working hard to make things happen for the club. Committee members are introduced below, along with what their role is and a bit about themselves.
The information officer provides valuable information to members on various subjects pertinent to camping, touring and 4WDing. A case of “last man standing”, I think, rather than volunteering for the role, but I enjoy being back on the club’s committee. My 4WDing words of wisdom to new members are “Get to know your vehicle and its abilities and when travelling outback it’s best to travel light.” Photography combined with is astronomy is something that I enjoy doing when I can.
32 years membership
INFORMATION / TECHNICAL
Brett Hampson
I work in the IT / telephony field for an investment bank.
WEBMASTER/ TRIP CONVENER
Troy Strickland
These roles allow me to have input into the club. I’ve also previously been Editor, Vice President, President (inherited), Association Delegate. When not on a club trip, I’m skiing, bike riding, or possibly cruising.
My high point of 2016 was the Pacific Cruise in November, closely followed by skiing over winter.
18 years membership
Sandi Strickland
VICE PRESIDENT/ SOCIAL CONVENER
I look after the club’s website and I manage upcoming trips.
The VP assists with or takes on the role of anyone away and supports the President. The SC organises or helps to organise social outings and events throughout the year. I love this 4WD Club and particularly enjoy socialising with members so Social Convenor felt like the right fit. I volunteered for VP because I had some more time to support the President and attend the meetings. I’ve previously been President, Trip Convenor, and have also have been VP and SC before. I like to hike, I love the Blue Mountains and try to get up there to enjoy all the wonderful hiking trails up there. When I grow up, I’d like to have a little cottage overlooking one of the glorious valleys. There has been no single big highlight but 2016 has been a busy year! I am thankful for the 2 cruises that I have been on to NZ and the South Pacific. We have shared this with some wonderful friends and we hope to make many more memories with these people. I have enjoyed camping in the NSW high country over Easter and loved going to a private property behind Yerranderie. I am lucky to have a great husband and two wonderful daughters who are both individuals and becoming gorgeous young adults. A highlight yet to come is a new kitchen before Chrissy!
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October-November 2016
Meet the new committee Cath De santis I am responsible for recording and keeping the minutes for both the committee and general meetings and collection of the club’s mail.
SECRETARY
As I am not a confident trip leader I feel I need to contribute to the club in some way, so being on the committee fills this role for me.
My best trip was Cape York – reaching the top of Australia and the fact that our vehicle (Suzuki Vitara) made it all the way there and back without any problems. The trip was our first extended trip and the trip leader was awesome and helped both Tom & I achieve our goal. I’d really love to do to The Kimberley in WA.
14 years membership
The 3 words that best describe me compassionate , and love-the-outback.
are:
helpful,
I advise club members on how to drive and recover a 4WD or AWD vehicle safely. I do this because I love the change in a member’s confidence, from the start of the day saying “I can’t do that” to the end of the day, with big smiles, saying “I did that!”, and knowing I was a part of that. My advice to new members is “You should have bought a JEEP.”
DRIVER AWARENESS
Brian Flood
Adventure, Jeeping, and Out-there are words that best describe me.
DRIVER AWARENESS
Brett Atkins
14 years membership
12 years membership
I conduct Off-road Driver Awareness and Development for all willing club members to improve their skills, confidence, and knowledge in 4WDing techniques for their chosen vehicle. I enjoy mentoring our club members in this role. It is great to see the satisfaction they get from our recreation as they gain more skills and confidence through driver development days. My favourite trip with the club was one that I led in 2010 to Cape York with a small group. We had a fantastic time with a great variety of 4WDing terrain and tracks, and varying scenery. It was also a memorable trip for me with my father as passenger and river crossing walker. Sadly he is no longer with us but some great memories to hold.
My advice to new members is, when approaching a 4WD obstacle, decide first, “Do I really need to go there?” If so, do not be afraid to firstly get out of your car and walk the track to decide the best course of action to drive it. Outside of the club, I love photography, videography, and music of all genres, particularly Australian artists (Country, rock, and pop). I also enjoy attending music gigs at live venues and open air music festivals. My highlight in 2016 has been seeing my beautiful teenage girls really growing up and moving into the big world. I have been very proud seeing my eldest daughter, Bree, complete schooling and make important steps into university. My youngest daughter, Britt, stepped further into photography working along side me in business and achieved some great success in her work and other part time jobs.
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Drive Torque
Meet the new committee Karolyn Honor
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
I manage all memberships. This role allows me involved with the club.
to
be
more
Of the many memorable trips, my favourite was one organised by Jo Quinn which was abseiling and it made me step out of my comfort zone. When not camping or out 4WDing, I love spending time with my 6 grand children. Going on our first cruise with two of our beautiful friends has been the best part of 2016 so far.
6 years membership PRESIDENT
Mark Honor As President, I run meetings, listen to the members and coordinate committee tasks and club activities. Members asked me to consider the role as they felt I had skills to contribute (I work in project management for the survey and construction industry). My message to all new members is: Purchase good tyres and travel light. What do I listen to when I’m driving? Easy – my wife! The highlight of the year has been spending 7 days with Karolyn on a cruise.
Jo Quinn
PUBLIC RELATIONS
I promote our great Club to the wider community.
6 years membership
I volunteered for this position because I wanted to be involved in coordinating our Club stall for this year’s 4WD & Adventure Show. The Corner Crawl in 2011 would have to be one of my favourite trips, although there has been a few. My most memorable moment from that trip would have to be the 20+ times I tried to get my Nissan X-Trail up Big Red in The Simpson Desert. It was also my first real outback trip and it instilled a passion in me for the wide open spaces and deep, red earth of Central Australia, to which I have now been back several times.
When driving, I’m listening to Lee Kernaghan, Kenny Rogers, and 1980’s retro.
A long awaited trip to my dream destination, The Kimberley in WA, has been the highlight to 2016 so far. An absolutely stunning and remote part of our country. Can’t wait to go back! Additional committee members:
Treasurer – Sandra Moss Trip convener – Jason Finlayson Delegates to 4WD Association – James Wall and David Wellham
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CLUB GEAR Place orders online, in person, or by email: http://www.subaru4wdclub.com/club-shop.html
Karolyn Honor 0459 111 096 membership@subaruclub.com.au
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Drive Torque
TRIP REPORTS:
Gloucester tops Gloucester Tops Riverside Caravan Park GPS 32°03'02.6"S 151°41'43.4"E 1 - 4 October 2016 (long weekend) Led by James and Gill Wall - Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series Attendees: Ross Macbeth - Subaru Forester Craig Fitzpatrick – Subaru Forester Tony McManus – Subaru Forester Paul and Jenny Sistrom – Subaru Forester Report by James Wall
Gill and I went up on the Friday, met up with Craig who had arrived before us, and set up the camper in a spot out of any wind with some shade as well. Very nice spot, and just a very short walk to the river cascades. With just the three of us until the Saturday it was a quiet night round the campfire and a relatively early night. Ross and Tony arrived on Saturday with the Sistroms arriving in the afternoon. With only the local radio station on air, I had to wait for the news that my Swans had gone down in the AFL Grand Final. Disappointing, but who could begrudge the Western Bulldogs their first win since 1961! I consoled myself around that night’s campfire with great conversation from our friends and a number of Captain Morgan rums to help ease the heartache. Sunday dawned bright and surprisingly warm. The plan was to drive up into the Gloucester Tops for some sightseeing and a few walks. Only three or four kilometres up the road from our camp was the Gloucester Tops Campground, just inside the World Heritage area. It was fairly busy and looks to be a fantastic place to spend a few days; although in the warmer months it would be chockers for sure. National Parks have installed enough new toilets and the campground is right on the Gloucester River.
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October-November 2016
Gloucester tops
On we drove ever higher on a good dirt road up to 3.30pm nibbles and after dinner, it was quite a late over 1000m height to have a look at the Andrew night for some around the campfire. Laurie Lookout. If you are fitter than us, you can Monday morning we all managed to leave for home continue down to the Gloucester Falls. Gill and I also about 10.30am in order to miss any traffic snarls. did the Antarctic Beech Forest Craig led the four Subaru’s Walk, which is just toward the coast via some To walk on the remains of the spectacular, complete with backroads, while Gill and I, waterfall and giant ferns. To super continent of the prehistoric with plenty of time up our walk on the remains of the sleeves, headed west to super continent of the Gondwana era, under the canopy take the Putty Road home to prehistoric Gondwana era, Penrith. It may have been a of trees up to 1000 years old, is under the canopy of trees up little longer but we made to 1000 years old, is an an absolute privilege. good time with no traffic all absolute privilege. the way home. After a leisurely lunch, we made our way back to our Many thanks go to Ross Macbeth for his first trip camp dodging quite a bit of traffic. It is easy to pick destination. It was a good campsite; rustic would be the drivers who rarely venture off the tar, as they an appropriate description. No latte sippers camp steadfastly stick to the middle of the dirt road. The here, and the regular visitors are exceptionally trick was to get them to move over by taking just friendly, and the wildlife is prolific. ď ľ enough road to get their attention. We decided on
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Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc.
Drive Torque
TRIP REPORTS:
Beachcomber Beachcomber Holiday Park GPS -36.082394, 150.132373 1 - 4 October 2016 (long weekend) Led by Chris Mifsud and Kelly Maxwell Attendees: Ann-Marie and Travis Meade Bernadette and Chris Tiller Dennis and Nell Hoffman Jason and Karen Finlayson Jo and Shahni Quinn Kim Nolan Mark and Karolyn Honor Joshua Parkinson Richard and Rashida Stevens and kids Report by Jo Quinn Beachcomber Resort is located 8km off the highway, just south of the tiny town of Bodalla. It is definitely a hidden gem located in the Eurobodalla National Park. It is privately run and set right on the beach front at Potato Point. The sites are large, have a fire pit between every two sites, the amenities are ample and clean, and even at its fullest on the Sunday of the long weekend, the park was not overcrowded. A well-equipped camp kitchen was available with a wood fire pizza oven for patrons’ use. Ready-made dough for pizza bases and wood was on hand to purchase. The wildlife in the park was prolific. Kangaroos and wallabies were all through the grounds. They were not intimidated by campers nor were they aggressive in their search for food. Being early spring, many of the wallabies had baby joeys in their pouches. On the Tuesday morning as the grounds emptied of campers, the baby joeys came out of the pouches in the early morning sun. It was amusing to watch them as they were tiny, and as they tried to stand on skinny, spindly little legs, they were wobbly and unbalanced. They looked like they had enjoyed a few beverages the night before as they tried to jump around their mothers without falling over.
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October-November 2016
Beachcomber
The kookaburras were not only loud with their trademark laugh early each morning, but they kept a keen eye on all things meat from their vantage point in the trees above our camps. One took a liking to Jason’s Kilpatrick oysters as it swept between four of us at the table to claim some bacon. Shahni also lost half a steak off her plate in the same fashion. A couple of goannas who were on the rather large size also meandered around camp and under trailers. Again, not aggressive, just intimidating, silent predators. For all my years spent travelling down the south coast of NSW, Potato Point was a spot that I had never heard of, let alone called into. Now I have been there, I will definitely be returning. Just 50kms south of Batemans Bay and about 12km’s north of Narooma, it is ideally located as a base to explore the heap of attractions that the South Coast has to offer.
Now I have been there, I will definitely be returning.
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Drive Torque
TRIP REPORTS:
Montague island Montague Island - side trip during Beachcomber long weekend trip Attendees:
Jason and Karen Finlayson Jo and Shahni Quinn Report by Jo Quinn
In typical Aussie fashion, the Finno’s and Quinn’s made good use of the long weekend and turned it into a week-long rest and relaxation trip. On Wednesday we had booked a visit over to Montague Island and a swim with the seals.
the water. I have seen whales before, but never this close. They are fascinating to watch and it amazed me that such massive animals can jump high out of the water with what seems to be a minimal effort. One giant critter even swam right underneath our boat! The whales were definitely a bonus to the day trip that we had not anticipated.
Montague Island is 9km off the coast of Narooma, accessed by a 20 minute boat ride. The island is home to some of the best wildlife in NSW. Montague Island Lighthouse was built in 1881 and retains most of its original form and structure today. An impressive granite tower, it took almost a decade to build.
Once on Montague Island, we walked up the path towards the lighthouse and there were thousands of seagulls nesting either side of the track. Usually linked with scabbing free hot chips, the birds were fiercely guarding their nests, most of which had 2 or 3 eggs in them. The noise coming from the thousands of birds was deafening.
We travelled over to the Island with Narooma Tours. As we boarded at the jetty, the biggest sting rays I have ever seen were floating lazily in the water beside the boat. Huge pelicans were also hanging around the jetty keeping a watchful eye on the men cleaning their fishing catch hopeful for a feed of fish guts. For big birds, they are extremely graceful when coming in to land in the water, a bit like seaplanes. Once underway for the short trip to Montague Island, we were all on alert when the skipper told us that there was a pod of whales just ahead of us. We were extremely fortunate enough to see the humpback whales en route for their summer migration. They were not at all wary or intimidated by the three small fishing vessels as we watched them breach and play in www.subaruclub.com.au
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October-November 2016
Montague island We had a guided tour up to the top of the lighthouse that was in extremely good condition and well maintained. The views from the top were awesome and we could see quiet a fair distance down the south coast, as well as the mainland back to Narooma. The view of the Island was also quiet spectacular, well maintained green lawns, white buildings all surrounded by the crashing waves against the shores of the small island. After the lighthouse tour it was back on the boat to swim with the seals. As we rounded Montague Island, the seals were everywhere! New Zealand fur seals, as well as Australian seals were all over the rocks close to the water’s edge. They were snorting, lazing in the sun on the rocks and also playing in and out of the waves as they frolicked along the shores. The only down side was that they stunk!! Jason, Shahni, and I got our snorkel gear on ready to swim with the seals, but Karen made the right decision to stay on the boat and take photos. As soon as I jumped into the water, it literally took my breath away!! There had to be ice bergs floating not far behind me – it was freezing!! We had ample time to snorkel around with the seals and interact with them close to the shore. A fantastic afternoon trip that I would highly recommend. We were lucky enough with the time of year to see so much diverse wildlife. A great day!
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The island is home to some of the best wildlife in NSW.
Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc.
Drive Torque
TRIP REPORTS:
Ophir the love of camping in the woods Ophir / Macquarie Woods 5 - 6 November 2016 Led by Robert and Sandra Moss - Isuzu DMax Attendees: John Hocking - Mitshubishi Pajero Paul and Denise Byatt - Subaru Outback Report by Sandra Moss
We met in Bathurst for the short last leg out to Macquarie Woods and as we arrived a few minutes late we managed to score the trip report. Paul and Denise are new members and this was their maiden trip. After introductions, we headed out to camp.
The roads were in very good condition in the most part until we arrived at the boundary of Ophir Recreation area, where it was evident that it still bore the scares of recent rains with some decent gutters cut across the track in some places. The causeway was dry and the creek was clear. We progressed up the other side and visited the cemetery and had a small history lesson about one of the surviving graves; the headstone of a man who was shot in the head and died about one week later from the wound. The incident was over the ownership of a saddle.
The day was clear and mild when we left home but as the journey progressed it became windy, very windy, and considerably cooler. Setting up camp was reasonably easy for Robert and myself - we cheated and towed the caravan. John had a couple of attempts to ensure his tent set up was up to the wind. Paul and Denise had a brand new dome tent they had purchased online for the occasion. It had only arrived on Thursday so it was straight out of the bag. I wandered over to help keep the ground sheet from blowing away while they unpacked the tent. In doing so, we noticed that the tent pegs supplied were not going to do the job in this wind. As we were not using our awning this weekend they were utilised on their tent. Once set up, the dome tent lasted well for the weekend. A bite to eat and we were off to Ophir via White Rocks and Lewis Ponds. We were privileged to see the area in glorious condition, and as most of the area is grazing we were treated to miles and miles of lush green from grasses waving in the paddocks like ripples on a lake, to the fresh new growth on the trees and the white of the blossoms on the flowering trees and the crystal clear blue sky (thanks to the wind).
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October-November 2016
Ophir the love of camping in the woods
We then followed the track to Millers Crossing, a nice The wind died down around 7.30pm which allowed us spot with an interesting creek crossing which we will to boost the fire for the rest of the evening. It had to keep in store for a future time. On this track we be built in a BBQ pit for protection from the wind. passed a mining operation of some sort, no signs to Sunday morning we packed up and did the South help identify which or what but I assume would Forest drive before heading towards Orange. Paul & probably be gold related. There Denise decided not to join us for were tumblers of different sizes this next part of the trip and … we were treated to miles operating, rock piles of different headed back towards Sydney. sizes below each of the tumblers and miles of lush green The first cellar door we were and a contraption that seemed to going to visit was Turners but be washing a very fine residue from grasses waving in the it appears they don’t have one with a sand like discharge from paddocks like ripples on a anymore, so we pulled into one end and liquid dispensing Chainman’s Bend rest area and into silt ponds. lake... had a quick look at the Settlers We followed Old Newtown Road Cemetery before going back to part way, there are some other tracks at the top on Mt Canobolas/Highland Heritage Estate and enjoyed the northern side worth looking at in the future. We a selection of wines. Then we visited Moody’s Wines, had a break at the picnic area and I will say Ophir which is the smallest Vineyard in Orange and it was Reserve was looking very clean, fresh, and a pleasure to meet the owner, Tony. It is well worth welcoming on this occasion. a visit to this very non-traditional cellar door, where Travelling back to camp we stopped to ensure a the wine tasting is carried out in his living room. He large and very healthy looking echidna made it safely only grows two varieties of grapes. From these two across the road. We were blessed with a varied bird varieties he produces 3 wines; a Shiraz, a Sauvignon life this weekend; we had a Maggie nesting in the Blanc, and a Rosé. tree near our camp (no swooping) some King We were advised that should you have the parrots, Wattle bird, Asian minors, Rainbow opportunity to purchase Shiraz from the Orange lorikeets, and we even disturbed a small flock of region, vintage 2016 or 2017, that the Shiraz crops Yellow-tailed black cockatoos on a track on Sunday of the region were of the finest quality and so should morning. We even saw a hawk in flight in search of be the wine. prey.
Bunnings BBQ
22 October 2016 at Lidcombe Bunnings By Julie Rush Huge thanks to Craig Fitzpatrick, Paul Sistrom, Troy Strickland, Cath and Tom De Santis, David Kirkby, Michael and Zoe Rush for their help at the Bunnings BBQ. You guys are amazing! With your efforts we raised a fabulous $881 which was sent to Aussiehelpers.org.au to help out farmers in need. It was really nice on the day the number of people who commented on what a great cause for which we were raising money.
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Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc.
Drive Torque
Committee Reports VICE PRESIDENT / SOCIAL CONVENER
As the silly season approaches, make sure you register for our Annual Christmas Party. This year it w ill be held at M yall River Camp, Hawks Nest on Saturday the 10 th December. Generally, people start arriving the Friday night but you will notice that this happens to be the club meeting night….
It has been decided that we will hold the General Meeting at Myall River Camp on Saturday 10 December instead of the Friday night, and then, follow ing the meeting, cocktail hour will be provided by the club before we swing into some Christmas activities and our party. In the evening Santa Claus will arrive for the kids. This will be followed by a buffet type Christmas feast where each person brings a plate of food to share. Bring your canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board and get out on the water during the weekend or just enjoy the peace and quiet of the campsite. This is a basic campsite with no power or showers but there is a toilet. Camping cost is $25 per vehicle per night. th
Check the website for more information about our January general meeting. It will be replaced with Lawn Bowls at Brush Park Bowling Club. W e w ill meet at 7pm and enjoy a sausage sizzle and salads before we have a friendly game of Barefoot Bowling in the evening. What a lovely way to spend a Friday night in January! More details to come. That’s about all from me at the moment. If you would like to make a suggestion or need some help running a social trip, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Take care,
Sandi EDITOR
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the online survey about Drive Torque a couple of months ago. The feedback was extremely useful, and will guide what you’ll see in this magazine going forward.
Your collective responses indicated you’d like to see less repetition, and more content relevant to 4WDing and camping. The feedback also suggested you’d like to continue seeing Drive Torque issued every second month. The magazine will continue as 6 editions per year, with 3 of them printed. Trip reports are a favourite for readers, so please continue sending them, accompanied w ith high resolutions photos. The more reports, the better! This my first issue of Drive Torque, and I welcome any further feedback, comments, or suggestions you may have regarding this issue or any future editions. Please send to me at editor@subaruclub.com.au Happy reading!
Rashida
Ray Stanborough Damien Lauric Mark Honor Shahni Quinn Jean Hocking Bob Ronai
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October-November 2016
Committee Reports Hello and G’day from the Dynamic Duo.
4WD DELEGATES
We are now your Club Delegates to Four Wheel Drive NSW-ACT (aka “4WD Association”). These positions were not filled at the Club AGM, so we volunteered and were appointed by the committee at the October committee meeting.
Four Wheel Drive NSW-ACT is the Association to which our great club is a member. It is the peak body for four wheel drivers in NSW and ACT, and represents us to government and land managers on issues like National Parks, State Forests, track access, and track closures. They also provide accredited driver training, access to a number of locked areas and have started a track classification program. Have a look and register on their website – www.4wdnow.com As your delegates, our aim is to be as involved with the association and projects as time allows us, and to encourage you, the members, to get involved in some way as well. Every month there is a meeting of the 4WD Clubs in the Sydney Region. James attended the October meeting and noted the following points: 4WD Association is to receive $20k from the State Government for the Lithgow project interpretive signage on Newnes Plateau Access signs will be erected on both ends of Spanish Steps under MOU 4WD Association/ NSW Forests. Double Black diamond rating for track. Lightbars and driving lights above the top of bullbars or on the roof are still illegal and police will defect. Status quo remains in place until working group finalises position and legislation changes. April 29/30 2017 date for 4WD Association/clubs camping weekend in Abercrombie area. Looking for clubs to help in organisation. Brochures from clubs to be added to 4WD Association trailer to be available for displays outside Sydney area. Every quarter there is a meeting of the 4WD Association Executive and Delegates from the 90+ affiliated 4WD clubs in NSW and ACT. These occur in November (AGM), February, May and August at different locations. The next meeting in mid-November is in Liverpool and is the AGM. Both of us will be attending and our club has 2 votes. At this meeting the executive is elected and there are motions on notice for some changes to the 4WD Association’s constitution. Reports are given from the executive and various sub-committees to update us on issues that are of interest to us as Four Wheel Drivers and people that enjoy the great outdoors in our wonderful state. The first quarterly Association meeting of 2017 is being held in February in Wagga Wagga. We will keep you informed of what Four Wheel Drive NSW-ACT is doing for us and let you know of activities that you might be able to assist with in the promotion of our recreation and in the running of the 4WD Association. “Stay safe on the tracks” from him and “happy travels” from me.
James Wall and David Wellham
Jessica Dalkolmo Cathy Hird Geoff Adcock Ethan Lucas Isabelle Flood John Young David Wellham Chris Mifsud
If your birthday is in October or November and not mentioned here, contact editor@subaruclub.com.au
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Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club Inc.
Drive Torque
Committee Reports Hi all,
TRIP CONVENER / WEBMASTER
Hope you are all looking forward to the summer months with a variety of trips on offer. This year I am joined in the Trip Convener role by Jason who is not a stranger to the position. Welcome back to the role, Jason!
We have had lots of enquiries and interest from the 4WD & Adventure Show at Eastern Creek, so we hope we can put on a few more trips in the New Year to fill up those vacant calendar spots. Come talk to Jason or myself and we can help you get it in the calendar. We have a few trips on to finish off the year with our Xmas Party to also incorporate the December meeting. Come along and get into the festive spirit. (Club Xmas party on Saturday the 10th December at Myall River Camp,Hawks Nest.) The popular weekends of Australia Day, Easter, and the Queen’s Birthday June long weekend, and the July NSW public school holidays have all got a trip running but there are plenty of other weekends available to pick. If you also want to run a trip somewhere else, please feel to discuss and put up a trip on those extended weekends. The website now has the ability to download events to your calendar in iCal format from the Upcoming Trips section. I hope you find this useful. If you do find any issues with it, (like iPhones importing some entries as 'New Event'), then let me (Troy) know. Please keep suggestions for improvement coming and I will try to accommodate. Hope to see you out on the trails,
Troy Strickland and Jason Finlayson
The final Footy Tipping results for 2016 were: Jean Dunstan Jan Malone Nick Capratsis Sandra Moss Julie Rush Harley Sadler Troy Strickland Amanda Capratsis Pat Malone
161 150 148 139 137 136 134 132 94
Congratulations, Jean!!!
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