Coorong National Park Beach Front Trip
Coorong Trip Report
Greg, Bridget, Steve, Michelle, Mark, Brenton. Cameron and Lily all met at Mt Pleasant Oval.
With Mark leading we headed off towards Murray Bridge and beyond. Just out of Murray Bridge we could hear Dave on the radio having a few heating problems so pulled over to let the vehicle cool down. He ended up a couple of km’s in front of us heading to Tailem Bend. Here Cameron pulled over for a bathroom stop, and we picked up Ron along the road.
The main convoy met Dave at Meningie who was in the car wash trying to call his car down. Those that needed to fill up as this was the last fuel stop until Monday. We waited for Cameron to catch up and in the meantime, Alex was 10 minutes behind, so we continued to wait.
We all arrived at 42 Mile campsite about 9:30pm and looked for a spot to set up for the night, as there was not much room, we found an area with 1 car and room for us. It was not until the next morning we realised this 1 car has occupants sleeping in it and wondered what they thought going to bed the only ones around and waking up to 9 cars and 3 trailers surrounding them.
That’s right 9 cars and 3 trailers (Greg, Dave and Cameran) on the trip, what a great turnout.
The next morning, we had breakfast and aired down ready to head directly onto the beach. We alternated a car and one towing with Alex originally treated as a towing vehicle due to being a new potential member. The sand was not as soft as we first expected with everyone enjoying the soft sand. Alex was the first to fish tail her back end and go the front a little stuck but by backing out she self-recovered. This was the only incident we had over the weekend. We missed the turnoff to 32 Mile and continued to Wreck Crossing turnoff.
He Mark, Greg, Alex and Brenton drove off the beach and headed to the campsite to have a look around while the others waited on the beach. During the wait Bridget checked her tyre pressure and realised they had increased by 3 psi so put them back down again and suggested to others to check. Once the others rejoined us, we continued along the beach to 28 Mile turn off where this time Mark, Greg with Lily, Alex, Brenton, Steve and Michelle visited the campsite as this one had a toilet.
Again, once all back together we started to look for somewhere to camp for the afternoon, this was about lunch time when we set up for the afternoon. A few went for a fish with Alex catching a total of 4 fish, and 3 crabs, Brenton caught 2 fish and 1 crab but a lot of weed fish, Dave did not catch everything. We all had a touch of sun getting burnt while swimming and had a pod of 4 dolphins swim past. That afternoon and evening was windy which was blowing the sand enough to annoy.
Sunday brought much the same as Saturday with continuing along the beach towards the Granites this time Lily was diving Cameron’s car. We arrived as the Granites by morning teatime, and everyone had an opportunity to take photos in front of the rocks. Michelle and Steve went for a drive up to the top carpark looking for a toilet without any luck. Once all photos were taken, we continued along the beach towards Kingston this time pulling up camp again about lunch time on the beach above high tide.
A few went for a drive into Kingstone to fuel up and get things they required, a couple also visited the Big Lobster. This time the wind was still up and not as hot, fishing was again on the agenda but did not last long when Brenton hooked Alex in the ankle total accident due to the tide, current and wind. That afternoon a few thought they saw a Shark out in the water while others said it was a Seal; we decided to call it as Seal Shark. That evening it was decided to have an early night and get an early start on Monday as the weather was going to be hot.
Monday morning started off nicely while we packed up but quickly heated up. Dave, Cameron and Lily had a later start and left after the main convoy. With the main convoy stopping at Salt Creek for a toilet stop and Meningie again for a fuel and food stop. We all continued home going our own way and making it safely. Dave had a flat tyre about 10 minutes away from his house but finally got there.
Mark did very well as trip leader and it was great to have a moving camp, waking up at a different view each morning. Having the number of cars was also a bonus and great to see. I had a ball and have heard others would like to see more of these types of trips.
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Christmas Trip
Trip report to come
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Eagle View come and try Day
Eagle View Trip Report
On the Friday we camped at the reserve near eagle view. Mark was first at the site with Greg & Bridget followed by Brenton then Lilly, Cameron and willow. We setup camp sites and sat around with absolutely no comfort fire. We positioned our car with the wind behind it to shade us from the rain. About 10pm I went to bed followed by Laurie. Steve and Michelle met up at camp in the morning.
We all met at the eagle view office on the sat morning at 9am with the newbies Alex, John and a friend of Ben's James. Lots of kangaroos were checking us out as we made our way slowly up the track to the top. for a photo op & drone out.
We all followed along until we got to the hard tracks and split into 2 groups. hard and easy. I encouraged Lilly to go into Laurie’s car to see what the hard tracks were like; she gave a hug and kiss to Cameron before she left him. when she got back, she said she loved it.
Alex found out what a Bullbar check means. A few mud puddles were around the track. there was a slightly big puddle, so I decided to do what my husband does but went too slow and just stopped in the middle of it. I was laughing my head off at the thought of thinking if Laurie can do it so can I. Michelle said I should have checked the depth, I know I should have but it was too tempting. I tried to reverse out but it was no use. Alex and John helped with snatching me backwards. I was still laughing.
On our way again to enjoy the views and tracks. We stopped for lunch, and the air fryer is the best thing ever for a pie, nice and crunchy. After we got moving, I was a bit hesitant at any puddles, but they were only small ones. Lilly & Cameron fell into a little rut and got out of it themselves. It was just a casual stroll down the hill.
Bridget got into Jodie’s car so she could video the guys coming down the hard tracks around the other side.
We all made it down safely, arrived back at the office to sign out. We said goodbye to Alex, John, Ben and James and we hope to see them again on another trip, they said they enjoyed it very much.
The rest of us headed back to camp, Laurie and I put our weber roast on with veg. we all sat around telling stories and having a couple drinks. Awesome end to the day. Hard track report will be told by the other group.
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Alpana Station
Trip report to come
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Adelaide 4wd park
Trip report to come
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Peake
Trip report to come
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Bri Glen Springs
Trip report to come
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Bendleyby Ranges
Steve and I arrived at the meeting point, when Mark appeared and not long after I
received a call from Bridget that they would be a bit late, and she would call me
back. A few minutes later Greg called asking if we could meet them at the U Go
service station at Hillbank. After we arrived at the service station, we saw the RAA
in front of the 200, little did we know the wheel nuts on the right rear tyre had been
sheared off, and the left tyre wasn't that far off as well. We waited for the RAA tow
truck as the 200 clearly wasn't coming on the trip with us. The rain began to fall
hard, from this point.
The annoying part was that Greg and Bridget had only just replaced the wheel studs
and rims during that week, they were pissed.
We waited less than 10 minutes, and the tow truck was there, and the 200 was
loaded. Bridget had arranged for someone to be at their place to receive the vehicle
while we proceeded to go to Bendleby Ranges. By the time we drove past our
original meeting spot, the 200 was already in the driveway at their house.
We arrived at Terowie where we had to fuel up as Orroroo didn't have fuel, we all
fuelled up and it was that cold that Greg was shivering when he spoke. The rain and
wind continued, right through to Peterborough, where it finally cleared up a bit. We
arrived at camp around 10pm and began setting up, when Bridget came over and
said they had no water in the van. Turns out that the water pipe on the van had
broken and they lost all the water. Some bush mechanics were done and we all
helped to fill the water tank with the jerry cans. At this point we were a tad cold
from the water, we decided not to light the fire due to the time.
We sat around a bit having a few drinks before going to bed, around 1am, our van
was lovely and warm thanks to the diesel heater.
Woke up and had coffee and breakfast before heading to reception to pay and do
the paperwork.
We were advised by Kylie that due to the weather turning bad Sunday that if we
wanted to do the new track, we should do it Saturday. We headed out to the new
track, waiting for other track goers to either proceed or let us pass. One group
ahead of us saw the start of the track and thought he was too top heavy anp
allowed us to pass.
The track wasn't bad; it had a lot of water stop mounds on both the ascent and
descent. We got to the first look out and the wind was horrendous; Steve couldn't
get out of the car because the wind was too strong. Greg got out of his car and
then had to go find his hat. I had to do a bull bar check, and the wind nearly
knocked me over. The track was rated 8/10 but I think it was more 5, but the views
were a 10.
Bendleby Ranges
We progressed through the new track and made our way back towards the
monument loop. Completed the Kokoda track and headed towards Gum Creek Drive
Track. We headed towards North South Ridge; we had to wait a little bit as other
cars were ahead of us.
We proceeded along and made our way to sunset ridge
lookout for some photos before we headed back to camp for some lunch.
We had lunch and Bridget, and I stayed back at camp, while Steve, Greg, Brenton
and Mark went out and ended up doing Billy Goats Ridge. No issues doing the track
and no one else was there. Bridget and I got the fire going about 20 minutes before
the boys got back.
We sat around the fire for a while when the rain started, it wasn't heavy at this
point, but enough that some of us got out the umbrellas. As time was getting on, I
decided to get tea started when I went down, I tripped over a root that was coming
out the ground. Thankfully nothing was broken but some sore muscles. Greg and
Steve got me up, where I then dusted myself off and continued to do tea.
Tea was almost done when the rain got heavy and we all ended up having dinner in
our vans. After dinner I noticed that my rings were missing, I went out to where I
fell and asked the others still braving the rain around the fire if they could shine their
torches. I found my wedding ring first, but my engagement ring was being elusive,
thankfully Brenton found it. The weather set in, and we stayed in our vans till next
morning.
Following morning we had breakfast and sat around the fire, the wind had eased but
the rain was persistent, before we headed out to the Hungry Ranges.
We went up back track and proceeded to 3 Gates, we turned right towards Pats Peak
where once we got to the top, where it was level Greg got out his drone and went
over to the new track for some footage. We did our descent down Pats Peak, some
gnarly ruts, and wheel lifts had by all.
All made it down with no issues, hopefully our dashcam should have some nice
footage of the wheel lifts. After coming down we headed back towards Ridge Top
Back Track, Mark got hung up on the uphill track, just needed to find the right line
for his tyres. We came upon the Overlander club who was ahead of us on the final
descent of the hungry highway. The pulled over when they got down to let us
continue and then proceeded towards Quartz gorge, where we stopped for lunch at
the turn off.
We continued after lunch and ended up in the creek bed, where marks awning on
his driver's side, was slightly wedged under a tree branch, no damage done to the
awning. We were still in one of the creek beds when Greg was caught up on a rock
in the middle and had to change his line, Mark took a different line, he didn't get
hung up, but his arse end spun a bit, our arse end also spun.
Bendleby Ranges
We got back to camp, and Mark proceeded to pack up as he was needed at home.
The rest of us sat around the fire as the wind and rain held off. After tea, I prepared
the desserts that we were supposed to have Saturday night, Brenton was happy
about that. Dessert went down a treat and after that was all cleaned up, we sat
around the fire until it was time for bed, Steve and I went first back to a lovely warm
van.
Following morning we had coffee and breakfast and wished Brenton a Happy
Birthday.
We all packed up ready for the drive home, stopped for a toilet break at Orroroo,
before we proceeded to Terowie for fuel. Bridget and I went to get the toilet key
only to be told that you must use the toilets in town and not at the servo, wasn't
happy so I went in my van to go to the toilet.
It was a great weekend with the Dirtydeeds crew, and looking forward to do it again.
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Terowie
Terowie 4wd park
Friday 16thmay
After Steve got home from work, we hooked up the van and headed to the meeting point, Maccas carpark at Smithfield.
We were waiting for Greg and Bridget and toby. Our first stop was at burra for a much needed toilet break, normally no issue with parking there but there was a party and parking was limited.
We continued on and arrived at camp around 8.30/9pm, when ben was already set up and had a nice fire going.
Once we were all set up we sat around the fire having a few beverages, when all of a sudden 5 pony’s appeared. Me being me gave them carrots and celery, which resulted them sticking around wanting more. Everything we touched they thought was for them, they were even licking toby’s empty beer bottles.
The funny part was when Steve was making his drink one of the ponies got right up to him and his scotch bottle, and he said “Its not for you shit head” so glad ben got that on camera.
We all sat around the fire to about 1/1.30am, before we headed to bed.
Saturday 17thMay
We all woke up and had breakfast before the ponies come back, and then set off to the office to do paper work and pay, before heading out onto the tracks.
We were cruising thought the tracks, before a branch had to be removed which were placed into Toby’s car for our “fire donation”.
We headed back to camp to have lunch, which Bridget showed me the damage to her car from going up a rutted hill, a dent in her driver’s side door.
After lunch Steve, Bridget and I stayed back at camp, while Greg, toby and ben went back out onto the tracks.
I decided to do Steve’s and my tea prepared before the horse came to eat my potatoes,
We sat around the fire when I asked over the radio if some donations were possible and that’s when Greg said they wouldn’t be long as something “broke”
The guys come back with toby’s car being towed by Greg. It turned out that toby’s clutch had broke whilst he was it the creek bed, so a lot of winching was to be had to get him out of the creek and back to camp
Toby had rang his dad to ask if he could come and collect him and his car, which his dad said he would be there about 8am the following morning.
We all had tea and sat around the fire, the horse came back but didn’t stay for long.
We didn’t stay up as late as the night before and went to bed around 10pm.
Sunday 18thmay
We all woke up, and used the rest of the wood for a morning fire. Toby had said that around 3am the horses were messing with his swag and got into his beer bottles again.
We pushed toby; s car out onto the road so ben could tow him to the gate where he could met his dad.
We all stared to park up when Greg has said his battery was flat, so ben had lined up his car to jump start him, but we couldn’t get the bonnet to release. After much swearing, I could see that when you tried to release the catch is was going down instead off across, so when Bridget had her fingers under the bonnet to release the catch, I used a screw peg to lift the catch off the bonnet. The bonnet finally opened but we still couldn’t get the car to turn over, the key wouldn’t work. So Greg and ben worked on it and the car finally started.
We all headed out of the park and were driving along when ben noticed something stuck, a kangaroo. So we stopped to help him out and once he was free we headed on our merry way again.
We caught back up to Greg and Bridget and proceeded onto home. The call came out of the radio if the toilet stop was needed at mt Bryan I was quick on the radio and said yes please. Once we got there, a problem was noticed on Bridget’s 200 the left rear wheel has a wheel nut and pin missing, after changing the tyre Greg drove the 200 home whilst Bridget drove princess. We all drove carefully and made it home with no more issues.
It was a great weekend away with the Dirty deeds family.
Report by Michelle
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Easter/Anzac Day High Country Trip
Trip report to come
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Keith Jetsprints.
Trip report to come
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Morgan
Trip report to come
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Sunset Murray National Park
Trip report to come.
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Coorong National Park
Trip report to come.
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Loveday 4WD Park
Trip report to come.
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
(Moonta) Christmas Trip
Chrissy Trip Adventure
Most of the club members arrived early to kick off the festivities, while we joined them later in the evening around 6 PM. After setting up camp, we enjoyed a few drinks and helped others settle into their campsites.
Saturday brought some wind, so we made sure to secure the ropes. Fortunately, the weather remained beautiful, with no rain to disrupt our plans. Breakfast was a real treat, lovingly prepared by Lisa, Michelle, Bridget, and Jodie. It was the perfect start to a day of relaxation.
In the afternoon, the gift exchange brought joy to everyone, followed by entertaining games with metal puzzles that kept us all laughing and engaged. Later, we ventured out for a walk to the water park, where Nicole and Jodie had a fun time splashing around.
The group then attempted to grab cocktails, but to our dismay, the lone staff member wasn’t able to make them. Undeterred, we tried for ice cream, only to find gelati as the only option—another minor disappointment. Dinner, however, turned the evening around, with a delicious pizza feast enjoyed by all. A heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who helped with cleaning up afterward.
As the night unfolded, we prepared for the lighting competition. The arrival of penguins provided plenty of entertainment, as they strolled around the park delighting the children. Unfortunately, one penguin costume overheated and had to retire early.
When darkness fell, the park owner and their children judged the camp lights. The winners were:
1st place: Michelle and Steve
2nd place: Jodie and Laurie
We gathered around Michelle and Steve’s campsite to celebrate, sharing drinks, laughter, and stories before gradually calling it a night.
Sunday morning was a leisurely affair as we packed up, exchanged warm goodbyes, and wished each other a Merry Christmas before heading home.
It was a fantastic trip filled with wonderful memories, good company, and plenty of laughter.
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
Participants:
Greg – Pathfinder
Shane – Prado
Neil – Prado
Asitha – Prado
Mark – Ranger
Dave – Landcruiser
Ray – Landcruiser
Peter – Landcruiser
Cameron – Ranger
Bridget – Landcruiser
Laurie – MUX
Participants staying overnight made their way to the campsite at their own pace. When Greg and Bridget arrived, Mark was already there, along with two newcomers—Dave and Cameron, who brought along his family. After setting up camp, the group had an early night. However, during the night, a snake made an unwelcome visit to Cameron’s site due to the warm and balmy weather. Fortunately, those with vans and fans were more comfortable.
It was an earlier start than usual, with Ray and his cousin, Laurie, and Jodie joining the group at the campsite. Neil arrived just as the convoy was preparing to head out. At the gate, the group met two more newcomers—Shane and Peter, accompanied by their families. After introductions and paperwork, the group checked in with the owner and aired down their tires. Asitha and his family arrived just in time, making it a total of five club cars and six newcomers—a fantastic turnout.
Greg led the convoy, alternating club cars and newcomers along the track. The first obstacle, a tree climb, saw most cars taking the harder path. Dave, Peter, and Cameron opted for the middle track. The group then enjoyed a scenic drive, stopping along the way for a group photo.
As the convoy continued, Cameron and Peter took the easier tracks during more challenging sections. The harder path included leaning tracks and a tricky climb, where some vehicles struggled but ultimately succeeded. A new track brought fresh challenges, with Dave guiding Cameron through tricky sections. Meanwhile, Ray, facing overheating issues, took the simpler route with Peter.
The next section led through the valley to a hill climb and descent, finishing at the mud holes. While Asitha’s Prado successfully crossed the deepest hole, Mark’s Ranger broke through the crust and got stuck. After attempts with Trax, Mark’s vehicle was eventually pulled out by Laurie’s MUX. Unfortunately, Mark injured his forearm during the recovery, affecting him for the remainder of the trip.
On Laurie’s Hill, true to form, Laurie pushed the limits and nearly tipped his vehicle but managed to recover. The descent to the lunch spot featured steep slopes, with Bridget facing a wheel lift and slight rear slide at the top before continuing down safely.
During lunch, Greg demonstrated how Cameron’s vehicle’s diff locks worked, which proved useful as the group tackled the next section. Cameron joined the track through the creek and up to the tower, requiring a snatch recovery from Greg to navigate the climb. Ray and Peter opted for an easier route and met the group at the tower.
The convoy pressed on past the picnic area to a steep descent. Laurie guided Dave through a challenging section where his vehicle tipped slightly, leading to a significant wheel lift. Laurie’s assistance was invaluable in restoring confidence as others followed.
Ray and Peter headed back to the office as Ray’s overheating issues persisted, and Peter’s family had other commitments. The rest of the group tackled one final hard track before heading back. At a challenging corner, Cameron was turned back due to clearance limitations, while the rest managed to complete the track with some effort.
Just as the day was nearing its end, Bridget encountered trouble on the last climb, taking a wrong line and severely damaging her vehicle’s CV joint. With assistance from Greg and Neil, the vehicle was moved off the track, while Bridget ascended the hill on foot. Greg carefully limped the damaged vehicle back to the office, while Bridget drove her other vehicle, Princess.
The damaged Landcruiser stayed at the office overnight. After arranging a tow truck for the morning, the group packed up and waited for its arrival. Once Air Force 1 was safely loaded, the group aired up their tires and began their journey home. Some newcomers departed directly, while others returned to the campsite for one last night.
The Eagle View trip was a fantastic experience, showcasing the camaraderie and support that define the club. From overcoming challenges to welcoming newcomers, it was a memorable adventure that highlighted the spirit of the DirtyDeeds 4x4 Club SA Inc.
For more information, please contact the trip coordinator via email trip@dirtydeeds4x4clubsa.com.
