Newcastle and Districts Four Wheel Drive Club Inc. takes all reasonable care and precautions to reduce risks to persons, property and the environment during Club activities. Members and visitors participate by their own choice, and act on their own behalf, at their own risk. The Club, its Office Bearers, Trip Leaders and Members can accept no responsibility for any mishaps.
'Advice' given by Trip Leaders or others indicates what they would do in the same situation. The decision to follow such 'advice' is the choice of the recipient.
| Club Trip Grades |
| A |
Extremely difficult. Participants have to be experienced at travelling over difficult terrain. Winching or towing will be required. |
| B |
Moderate to difficult. Winching or towing will almost certainly be required. |
| C |
Moderate. Sections will require cautious driving. Some towing may be required. |
| D |
Relatively easy. Formed forest roads, loose surfaces. Maybe suitable for All Wheel Drive vehicles - trip leader to advise. |
| E |
Very easy with little or no 4wd. Usually on sealed or formed roads. Usually suitable for All Wheel Drive vehicles - trip leader to advise. |
| F |
Generally a social day out and will be suitable for all classes of vehicles. |
Whenever possible, trip leaders reconnoitre their trips during the weeks leading up to the scheduled date.
Bookings should be made by contacting the trip leader no less than 48 hours before the start of the trip.
The trip leader will inform you of meeting place, time and other details you might need to know.
If a trip is cancelled due to weather or track conditions it may be run on the following week. Ensure the trip leader has your contact details in case you need to be informed of any late changes.
If unsure, discuss the suitability of your vehicle and recovery equipment etc. when you book in.
Changing weather conditions can adversely affect any trip. So be prepared.
Obtain sufficient fuel (with reserves) and food etc. before arriving at the designated meeting place.
Vehicle Registration and Insurance must be current. As well as CTP insurance for registration, the vehicle shall have appropriate comprehensive or third party insurance.
Compulsory equipment: except for F Grade trips all vehicles shall have appropriate front and rear Recovery Points (tie-down points are not suitable), two ‘Dee’ or ‘Bow’ shackles rated at 3.25T or 4.75T WLL, one 8000 kg snatch strap, one air brake or strap damper; one pair of leather gloves and one First Aid Kit.
Recommended equipment: long handled shovel; rated winch extension or tow strap, power or hand winch, rated tree protector, high lift jack and jacking plate, tool kit and spares to suit vehicle.
The trip leader shall not permit vehicles deemed unsuitable to attend the particular trip.
Club Events Calendar:
| CHICHESTER SF |
| 8th January 2012 |
C Grade |
250 kms |
Contact: Gary, 49662009 |
| The trip will be run in the mountains above Chichester Dam with some moderately steep hill climbs. | |
| Australia Day Long Weekend Woko National Park Camp Ground |
| 26-29th January |
E / C Grade |
200-250kms |
Contact: Darren, 49 877 432, 0417 400 140 |
| Grassy camping areas near a good swimming river, Eco toilets & BBQ's with a C grade trip on Saturday 28/1/12 for those up for a day trip. Woko is easily accessible for caravans and camp trailers.
| |
| Stockton Beach |
| 18 th & 19 th February 2012 |
C Grade |
50kms |
Contact: Brian & Ann-marie , 49 668 202, 0439 631 883 |
| Come for the day or stay for the weekend. Don't forget your swimmers & fishing rods. **Beach permits and fishing licences are required and available at the Lavis Lane Servo**
| |
| Bush Drivers Awareness Course |
| 3rd & 4th March 2012 |
Variable Grade |
100 kms |
Contact: Steve, 49588879 |
| The DA Course will be held over two days in a bush situation with sand driving to be held at a later date. Day one will be a day of basic skills and techniques, while day two will expand on what has been done and provide an opportunity to practice day one's skills. The course will cover environmental awareness, vehicle familiarity, throttle control, stall start recovery and other common 4wd situations. This level is aimed at newer members but all are welcome to attend. |
| Tuff Truck 2012 |
| 16-18th March |
E Grade |
250kms |
Contact: Darren, 49877432, 0417 400 140 |
| A Great weekend to watch some serious 4wd action. Tickets need to be pre purchased for details www.tufftruck2012.com |
| North Watagans |
| 25th March 2012 |
C Grade |
150 km |
Contact: Rick, 49 661 093, 0412 055 014 |
| .Have to think about this one some more??? |
| West of Wauchope |
| 6 to 9th April 2012 |
C Grade |
500 kms |
Contact: |
Camping will be at a suitable base west of Wauchope for the Easter Weekend (Good Friday to Easter Monday) with excursions to areas of scenic, historic and 4WD interest. There will be opportunity for swimming and relaxation.
For those interested an extended trip of 4 to 5 days in the areas further west and north will be held. This will involve some four wheel driving and overnight camps in some spectacular scenic areas.
Members can attend one or both parts of the trip. Further details will be provided after a survey
|
| Wallaroo State Forest |
| 15th April 2012 |
C Grade |
50km |
Contact: Darren, 49 877 432, 0417 400 140 |
| This trip can involve off camber driving, wash outs and slippery surfaces |
| 21s t to 22nd April 2012 |
Grade |
|
Contact: Keith, 49 451 549 |
| Details to come |
| |
|
| 4wd Beach Driver Awareness Course |
| 29th April 2012 |
D Grade |
75 km |
Contact: Steve O'Brien, 49 588 879 |
| This outing will be held separately to the other part of the DA course. It will include the basics of sand driving, safe ascent and descent of dunes, recovery techniques in sand and the opportunity to practice techniques. This level is aimed at newer members but all are welcome to attend. |
| Camp Quality |
| 6th May 2012 |
C Grade |
50 km |
Contact: Vicki, 0425 360 435 |
This is the annual trip where the clubs of the Hunter Region take Camp Quality children &
their carers to Stockton Beach, once there they are treated to a BBQ, sand dune rides and NP
talks & displays. Club members may have to pick the kids up at Wallsend Plaza & transport
them to the beach. |
| Trip Committee Meeting |
| 16th May 2012 |
D Grade |
|
Contact: Darren, 49 877 432, 0417 400 140 |
|
| Ourimbah State Forest |
| 20 th May 2012 |
B Grade |
250kms |
Contact: Wayne, 0438 183 726
|
| This trip will involve off camber driving, steps and washouts and rocky sections. |
| June Long Weekend Nundle |
| 9 th to 11 th June 2012 |
E Grade |
500 kms |
Contact: Gary, 49 662 009 |
Motel and Hotel accommodation bookings and deposit no later than March meeting. Things you can do include visits to craft and antique shops, visit the trout farm.
There will be a C grade trip on Sunday and a D grade trip on the way home Monday. |
| Kurri Kurri Ladies Day |
| 17 th June 2012 |
C Grade |
80 km |
Contact: Joan, 49 588 879 |
| This will be a chance for the men to sit back, while the ladies do some driving
| |
| 9th National 4wd Gathering |
| 28th September to 1st October, 2012 |
|
|
Contact: Gerry 4945 8963 |
| The gathering will be held at Mount Ive Station on the edge of Lake Gardner in the Gawler Ranges of South Australia, approximately 150k's NW of Iron Knob or 200k's west of Port Augusta. Not a lot of information available at the moment, but google "4wd gathering 2012" or visit www.mtive.com.au for more info on the venue. Lots of options for touring in the vicinity. One option might be to run the Googs Track after the gathering. Other options include the Eyre Peninsular, Flinders Ranges, Cameron Corner.. More information to come. |
