Yarraman / Old Coach Road

26th September

We all met at the Caltex Blacksoil for the first Steve Sims lead trip. 9 cars total. I received a call from Mario asking if it was an 8 o’clock or 8:30am departure as he thought it was 8:30am. He said he would catch us up. After chatting and filling out forms etc. it was around 8:15am when we finally left. Mario was pulling in so we took it easy so he could catch us after fuelling up. Well it wasn’t long before the morning tea and coffees took their toll, so first stop Esk. A little further down the road and Mario gave Bill a call asking about Bill’s tyre pressure, as his rear was looking a bit flat - his tyre’s that is. We were just approaching Harlin at this stage so I suggested Bill could call in at the BP and check, and that we would wait at Moore. We actually stopped at the T-junction of the two highways. When we got going again some drivers and passengers indicated a stop Moore amenities would be appreciated so the brakes went on once again. Most people taking advantage of the pause.

We were on our way once again up the Blackbutt range and through to Yarraman (no pick-ups). On to the forestry tourist drive and into Rogers Park for a smoko break. With smoko done we cruised along the drive marvelling at the tall timbers with purple bark (supposedly). At the next point of interest we went for a short dry rainforest walk looking for delicately suspended scrub wren nests, brush turkey mounds and cone shaped diggings of bandicoots. Next stop Tarong power station lookout, followed by the Meandu coal mine look-out.

Well this was all getting a bit too touristy by now, so off we headed to the Seven Mile Diggings and Old Coach Road. Back into Yarraman and my first detour of the day (one street too soon) I got the hint as Gordon had stopped down this street so we can turn right, while I was looking at a dead end. Into repeat gear and turning right lead us to the correct road. On to the dirt section and a left onto Din Din Road (read track) I had it in the back of my mind that Betty would be giving me a reminder if we didn’t stop for lunch soon. We happened upon a lovely manicured green patch, next to a creek bed, just the occasional cow pat to add to the ambience.

After a pleasant lunch, with soccer entertainment from young Lachlan (Bills young passenger) and Matthew Massimissa, we all packed up and headed for the diggings, still supposedly on Din Din Road. Winding through the paddocks we sighted a couple of Goannas and Frilly Lizards. Over several grids and out onto a dirt road, onto some bitumen where the GPS in the Sims head lost the satellites once more, missing the right turn. Gordon once more prompted me to ask the question, as he had stopped at the turning. Ok, repeat gear once again and turning right heading along the bitumen still.
After turning into a gravel road I flew straight past the first turn to the Seven Mile Diggings. Luckily there was a second entrance to lesson my embarrassment. Into the diggings play area and after tentatively looking at a few steep drop offs Gordon started the ball rolling and several of us were then into it, climbing and descending the hills in this area. Much to my delight Mario got stuck on a steep little pinch and without hesitation the mighty 80 series was swung into action, snatch strap attached to the mav and cruiser. Much to my dismay he decided to roll back a little giving the maverick another boot full and manage to get up under his own steam (Must have been the threat of getting towed by a Toyota). Anyway heartbroken I unhooked the strap; we had some more play and headed for the old coach road.

The creek near the camp area was dry as, only a puddle about the size of a bin lid was visible. After passing here Ron Brown and I ventured up a steep track on the right for a look. Only to find several cattle at the top that seemed put out by our presence, so back down and on. At this point we saw quite a few deer. Onward to a few knarly climbs with one being especially rocky and side sloppy. Well that maverick (Nissan) decided to park against a rock with the driver side step and over another with the front diff. After a little road building Mario was able to move back and then up the remaining part of the hill picking a better line this time. Up one more hill, through the gate at the end of the Coach Rd.

We said some goodbyes, a few heading straight home, and some of us stopping at Jesse’s Park for an afternoon cuppa before the trip home.

While there was not a full day of 4 wheel driving I think we all enjoyed the day, sorry to those who had damage, a couple of side steps, a tail gate and a tail light. The last two getting the reversing awards for the day after assaulting a couple of trees.

Thanks to everyone who braved my first trip lead, and especially Riesy, Joyce and Gordon for accompanying me on the recce. And Peter for taking some great photos.

Oh what a feeling.

Simsy