G'day from B & J

[bj_melb]

We have just bought a 2000 NM Pajero and are looking to have some off road fun with the kids.

A recent camping trip (before Paj) to the Little Desert with the in-laws, whet our appetite.

We dont plan on being hardcore off-roaders, just like to get out and enjoy the bush.

We will be travelling from Melbourne to Canberra, then back down the coast to Melbourne. We will be doing some side trips (Brindabella Ranges, Bendethera Valley, Wadbilliga N.P.), all from the Ron & Viv Moon 50 weekend trips book.

Anyone know of any other short trips or alternate routes along the way?

Also, are there any 4wd tracks near Loch Sport (90 mile beach)?

Any recommendations on tyres? (looking at Cooper and BF Goodrich)

Recovery Gear? hand winches, straps, etc.

Thanks.

B & J

[baby_troupe]

Welcome B & J.
http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modules/phpBB2/images/smiles/new_newbie.gif

I dont know too many tracks down that way myself but there are a few people here who should be able to help out with those.
There is a Thread in the Tech Tips section about the Cooper STs & BFG All Terrains, my preference is BFG.
Hand winches / straps etc, there was an article in this months mag doing a comparo on Snatch Straps & there is info on that in the Feedback section.
For Hand winch, Tirfor is probably the pick of the bunch.
If you want more info, post a thread into either General Discussion or Tech Tips & hopefully people will give you the info you need.

[BigBugga]

Greeting's 8)

Basic recovery gear to start with
snatch strap
2 rated shackle's
Make sure your recovery point's are up to the job, and replace if they are not.

Depending on where you go maybe a set of tyre plug's for any punture's you get.

Then just build your colection of gear from that.

Getting out there is half the fun. 8)

[alki]

Welcome to the forum :)

[PMR]

Sounds like the same thing I am about to do but over here in WA.

I am currently negotiating with a dealer to buy 2000 Model NM.

How are you finding yours to drive around town and on country trips with the kids?

[bj_melb]

PMR,

We love the NM Paj..... its roomy, lovely to drive...we both have family over an hour away in different directions and taking the kids as well as luggage has been no prob...

Driving around town is ok...have got 17L/100KM and 14L/100KM so far...will be keeping track over the next couple of weeks and then on our trip to Canberra...

B & J

[grungle99]

When are you doing the trip.

I know the Brindabella/Bendethra areas.

Unfortunate thing is that most of the areas are closed since the January 18 Fires

Probably re-open in Octoberish.

bendethra is a nervous situation since the big bunch of 4x4ers tore the place to bits - NPWS are considering if the public acces will remain or not.

Let me know when you are heading up this way.

Grungle

[bj_melb]

Grungle,

Will be leaving Melb on Tue 16th Sep and was hoping to do the Brindabella on the Fri 19th Sep, with bendethera on the 21st Sep or there abouts...

Can you lets us know if Brindabella is open or who we can contact to find out.

Thanks.

B & J

[grungle99]

G'day

The Brindabella Rd is open for through traffic from Tumut to Canberra but the Brindabella National Park is closed to 4x4.

I am not sure about bendethra but will make a few calls as my 4x4 club are intending on heading that way in the near future.

I will post some more details tomorrow when I can give one of the local rangers a call.

Grungle

[grungle99]

Spoke to the NPWS at Narooma and they said that Bendethra is open. Both track into there are traversable by 4x4.

Drop me a line when in the area and I tell you some other places. grungle@tpg.com.au

The Brindabella area is off limits at present but if you come via Tumut towards Canberra, about halfway along is Micalong Reserve, and Micalong swamps. Then into Brindabella and through to Canberra via Brindabella Road. Passing Piccadilly Circus (intersection) and Uriarra crossing.


Safe trip. Give a yell if you want to.

Grungle

[bj_melb]

Grungle,

Thankyou very much for the info....much appreciated.

May have to give brindabella a miss....but looking forward to Bendethera and Wadbilliga....

B & J

[grungle99]

Mate

Looked at the Brindabellas this morning and there is more snow than I have ever seen up there.

Brindabella road from Tumut to Canberra is a must with this snow about. Most spectacular....

Grungle