With the Victorian Four Wheel Drive Club (VFWDC) having been around for 50+ years, past issues of the club magazine, Free Wheeling, offer a fascinating glimpse into not only the club’s history, but of four-wheel-driving and camping in Victoria and Australia generally.

From time to time we’ll pull out trip reports, articles and snippets from issues past, showcasing them in our blog. Don’t forget to check out the Archive if you want to get more in depth.

Trip Report: KIMBERLEYS SEPTEMBER 1988

“Not more than 200 yards down the track John decided to do some freewheeling with only 2 wheels on the dirt, balanced over the shoulder of the track. At the same time Ken’s flat tyre re-appeared.“

ROLL CALL:

• Tom Brachna and family
• John & Margaret Smith
• Andy Moore and family
• Ken Beith and family
• Jim Lee and family

Sunday – left 1:20 a.m. Had a great run. Contacted the convoy in Adelaide on Club radio. They were leaving as we were arriving. Run between Adelaide and Port Augusta was fairly tough due to head winds. We finally met up with the rest, had lunch and off again.

Camped same spot (exactly) as we had last year.

Monday – had an early start (8 a.m.) heading for Coober Pedy (friendly folk ha ha). We all refuelled cars and ourselves and drove off into the sunset. Soon found our camp for the night where we spent most of the night fixing Ken’s flat (tyre). After the evening meal there was the usual session around the fire and a reasonably early night.

Morning greeted us all bright and early with beautiful warm sunshine and twittering Budgies. Breakfast was soon over and we were left to face the dreaded packing. Two bright sparks (Josie & Liala) decided to be helpful and pack the tents, but alas someone foiled the effort. The old tent bag had disappeared nowhere to be found. There it was gone, rolled up neatly inside the tent.

Finally we were all ready and eager to set off. Not more than 200 yards down the track John decided to do some freewheeling with only 2 wheels on the dirt, balanced over the shoulder of the track. At the same time Ken’s flat tyre re-appeared. We snatched John off the mound and Andy lent a spare to Ken and we were once again on our way.

We took the back road by Mount Connor and stopped at Curtain Springs for lunch, then on to “the Rock”. Made camp at Yalara, then set off to the Rock for a bit of a climb. Those who preferred remained at the base watching the smaller children climb their own little mound, while the other braver and stronger folks raced to the top. Two of the little folk, Steven and Dustin made the trek all the way.

After the climb we all had well earned refreshments then on to Maggie Springs to look at the permanent water hole. The water was crystal clear, ice cold and yummy to drink.

We then drove round the base of the rock back to camp where we had a barbi tea, much needed shower and kip.

Had a fairly early start after a cold night. Off to the Olgas on that dusty, corrugated road. Ken and John were having trouble with the dual battery. We finally arrived at the Olga gorge, equipped ourselves with our touristy bits and headed up the gorge.

The budgies dominated the birdlife, however two young men in our party spotted a perfect hole to roost in, half way up the rock face. Bald Eagles I presume!

Returned to the vehicles, had lunch and headed off to Alice where we arrived by 6p.m. Made our homes at the Caravan Park and began to fix Ken’s flat. (Yes, yes, Ken did leave the screwdriver inside when he fixed it last time!) Another evening of joke telling around the non-existent camp fire, just a few drinks and then “good night”.

Next day, “fo par” Margaret went to the showers WITH NO TOWEL. Drip!

After packing the vehicles once more we proceeded to fill up at the depot (60c per ltr) and replaced Ken’s battery and restocked our pantries.

Back on the road again, but not for long. Yep, Ken had another flat tyre, so while he fixed it, we fixed the growl in our stomachs.

Off again and onto the Tanami Track. 200 Kms later made camp with our friendly bindi eyes.

A reasonable start at 8 a.m. Guess what. Yes, another blow out at 8.20 a.m. All fixed and on again to Rabbit Flat where fuel was up to 92c per litre so we gave it a miss. Instead we all had lunch and a freshen up in teh shower then headed for Wolf Crater. About 60 kms out of Wolf Creek, Jim noticed something hanging down under Tom’s vehicle. He had done a shocker.

The Tanami had taken it’s toll on vehicles and people that day.

It was a general overhaul for all that night at Wolf Creek, even had showers.

Ken found his spare tyre was not repairable so borrowed John’s.

An early start the next morning, some fuelled up then on to the Crater.

Arrived at the car park where we rudely interrupted someone’s morning sleep in. Donned the camera gear and walked to the edge of the crater, Magnificent sight.

We headed for Billiluna Community where Andy tried without success to find a friend working on the station. Hall’s Creek was the next stop where we shopped for spare parts. Ken wasn’t impressed with their Rip Off attitudes – new tyre $276 – but managed to find a second hand one for $100. Tom had no luck with his shocker as it had to be flown in from Perth or Darwin and would have taken a day or two. We weren’t interested in staying.

After a quick lunch we left Hall’s Creek for the Bungle Bungles. The road meandered for many miles through beautiful terrain, bull dust patches, and little oases. We come to the “T” intersection near the base of the Bungles and turned right towards Belburne Camp, where half of Victoria had arrived before us.

Teas were organised, the trusty blag shower bag was hung and chores completed. Had the usual round chair discussions that night graced with the presence of the ranger who had come to collect his $20 per vehicle.

Next morning we were up early and had a leisurely morning around camp. Morning lunch at around 10.30 and then on for a look at the Bungles about 1 hour’s drive from camp, and an hour or so up the Cathedral Gorge. (The battery was still playing up and Ken had no radio, John had a flat battery and Tom’s indicator was still not working).

We walked up the gorge in at least 40° heat but the views were breathtaking. The sheer cliffs provided some welcome shade and we were rewarded with a small pool at the end of the gorge. Here we propped for several hours enjoying the beauty and peacefulness of this wonder.

The children enjoyed a swim and so did Ken when Steven decided to test the depth in the middle.

Spent some film in our cameras and headed back to our vehicles and camp at about 4.30 p.m. where some arranged dinner and others attempted repairs to the circle that night after which Tom decided to become primitive and slept in his little white tree house.

Headed out of Bungles. No, not Ken this time – Tom had the flat this time. A quick tyre change then Jim took the lead so as to position himself with the video for some action shots through the bulldust. He got more than he bargained for cause he was right in the way of the breeze!

Made our way to the bitumen then on to Kununurra where we propped at the Caravan Park (with no shade). Some partook of the pool where they stayed until sunset, others did their stocktaking and chores, while still others buried their heads in under their cars.

Next morning we drove to Ivanhoe Crossing and of course the boys (big) played back and forth across the causeway. The water was crystal clear and the Pelicans and other water fowl hovered in their feeding ground. The river was inviting, but the crocs weren’t! So we didn’t! Some were seen pruning long, tall, decorative weeds.

Fresh food had been scarce in the past week so we all stopped at the market garden stalls on the way back to Kununurra where we restocked with fruit and veggie delights.

We then headed to Zebra Rock Gallery and Wildlife Park, where the birds welcomed us with open wings the Crow said “hello” and Ken shared his ice-cream with his favourite galahs “Peter and Rambo” (when we checked Ken’s car to make sure he hadn’t hi-jacked them). Margaret found a small joey and became quite fond of him.

We wandered around the park for a few hours, had lunch under the Mango trees and fed the Cat Fish in the lake. Some of us collected specimens of Zebra Rock as souvenirs.

Returned to the Park and some to town to do some shopping. Had a leisurely tea then converged to the pool till dusk. All had a wonderful night’s sleep.

To be continued…