Trip Reports
Where we've been · What we found
Where we've been · What we found
The Oombulgurri — or Carson River Track as it's also known — has been on our to-do list for over 15 years, with the opportunity to join a tour group this season finally seeing it happen.
We joined the Just Over the Hills tour at Home Valley Station for the 470km journey over the remote Kimberley track to Kalumburu.
The route starts off innocent enough across dried-up mud flats but soon turned nasty on the Durack River. Massive boulders, rock ledges and washouts saw the first slashed tyre and bent sidestep early on. A system soon developed — stacking rocks, guiding wheel placement, and often winching to get the group through. What's left of the track has eroded from recent cyclones and flooding, with much of it detoured across country. We were pretty much in low range for the first 7 days, often at walking pace!
The abandoned town of Oombulgurri has been completely overgrown following its closure in 2011, with just a dozen buildings and the avenues of Boab trees remaining — a haunting and fascinating sight in the middle of the Kimberley.
Camps each night were on rivers — some with perfect swimming holes, others with crocs — and the fishing was a highlight throughout. The standout of the entire trip was the King George Falls, an absolutely spectacular sight.
After 9 days we crossed the Drysdale River and rolled into the former Carson River Cattle Station — some cars more beaten up than others. One vehicle suffered 10 punctures with no spares left for the return run over the Gibb. Oombi track done! 😁
– Craig & Kristen
Three vehicles departed from Glenrowan on a four-day adventure to the SA/Vic border track. Crews: Gary & Janine Jordan, Damian & Thomas O'Connor with Jason Devern, and Graham & Sue Abotomey — later joined by Glen & Robyn Norton at Murrayville.
Three vehicles departed from McDonald's in Glenrowan. First stop was Beechworth Bakery in Echuca for morning tea, then west via Mitiamo to Boort to visit the famous 'Spanner Man'. Continuing west, the convoy pulled into Patchewollock for a cold ale and took in the impressive silo art. The day concluded at Murrayville Caravan Park where Glen and Robyn Norton joined the group for a BBQ camp dinner.
The group fuelled up at Murrayville — the last reliable fuel point — then headed to the SA/Vic Border Track. Tyres were aired down before continuing south into soft, sandy conditions. Highlights included a stop at Hensleys Trig with wide views across the flat mallee landscape, and some memorable dune work — one particular dune requiring three attempts before the chicken track bypass was taken. Glen Norton had a character-building moment in one sandy section, requiring a tow-out. Camp at Red Bluff Campground.
Sandy, overgrown conditions — one section requiring the convoy to stop and clear the track with chainsaws before progress could continue. A standout highlight was a guided tour of the historic Serviceton Railway Station. The track exit was the Minimay-Frances Road junction. Frances Hotel was closed, so the convoy pushed on to Apsley — a free camp behind the pub with dinner at the pub rounding out three brilliant days.
The Nortons departed. The remaining vehicles headed to Horsham for a hot breakfast then visited the famous Stick Shed at Murtoa before the long drive home via St Arnaud, Bendigo, Murchison, and Violet Town.
Rolled out Friday arvo for another mission to Bourkes Beach No. 3, just past Yarrawonga, rolling back in Sunday arvo feeling suitably unproductive and all the better for it.
Let's be honest — this wasn't a trip about smashing tracks or ticking off destinations, it was about parking the swags, cracking a few coldies, and putting in some serious hours around the campfire solving the world's problems.
The "fishing expedition" deserves a mention purely for effort. A few keen blokes dragged the boat out chasing dinner and came back with a whole lot of nothing — the fish clearly got the memo and stayed well clear. Lucky the fire crew had it covered, because the food game was strong all weekend.
Saturday morning kicked off proper with fresh scones straight off the coals, and Damian once again wheeled out his championship-belt damper Saturday night, no doubt fuelled by the steady stream of drinks being handed his way as "inspiration."
So no fish, no dramas, no dramas full stop really — just a solid weekend of good mates, good fire, and Damian reminding everyone why he's never allowed to bring anything but damper. Bourkes No. 3 delivers again. Same time next trip?
There's something exciting about setting off on a trip without knowing exactly where you're headed, and that's exactly what made Tom's Mystery Tour such a memorable day.
On the chilly morning of Saturday, 1st August, the Wangaratta 4WD Club gathered at McDonald's at 8:45am, rugged up and ready for whatever adventure Tom had planned. With full fuel tanks, plenty of laughs, and a sense of curiosity, the convoy rolled out right on 9:00am.
Our first destination was Ryan's Lookout, just outside Wangaratta. Overlooking the picturesque countryside, it was the perfect place to stretch the legs, enjoy the fresh country air, and take in the beautiful views before the day's real adventure began.
With time on our side, Tom decided a bushwalk through the Warby Ranges was in order. Of course, every good mystery needs a twist, and this one came in the form of a "slightly unexpected" detour. We're still convinced someone moved the track sign! Thankfully, the extra walk only added to the laughs and became another memorable story from the day.
Back behind the wheel, the convoy made its way to Devenish, where everyone admired the town's impressive silo art and colourful murals. A stop at the local pub for Gary's famous coffee break gave everyone a chance to warm up before continuing to St James — proudly recognised as the first town in Australia to have a Coles store. After taking in another striking silo mural, the tour continued on to Tungamah, where lunch at the Tungamah Hotel provided a welcome chance to relax, share stories from the morning, and enjoy an hour's break before the second half of the adventure.
The afternoon journey took us north to admire the impressive Katamatite Silo Art, but everyone knew Tom was still keeping one final surprise under wraps.
That surprise turned out to be Cactus Country. As the convoy arrived, Tom greeted everyone with a grin: "Welcome to Mexico, Wangaratta 4WD Club!" It certainly felt like stepping into another world. With thousands of cacti from across the globe, winding walking paths, and stunning desert-style gardens, Cactus Country was unlike anything most of the group had experienced before. For Justin — and many others — it was a first visit, making the surprise destination an overwhelming success.
Before heading home, members browsed the plant nursery, with Kerry and Janine finding a few new additions for their gardens, while others couldn't resist stopping by the café for a well-earned treat.
As the sun began to set, the convoy made the journey home, reflecting on another fantastic day exploring North East Victoria — discovering places both familiar and unexpected, and enjoying great company along the way. From scenic lookouts and country towns to incredible silo art and an unforgettable hidden destination, it was a day full of laughs, friendship, and adventure.
We look forward to seeing everyone on the next club run. Until then… see you on the tracks!
– Tom
More trip reports coming soon — check back after the next run!