Some time ago, long-time Manning Valley-Great Lakes 4X4 Club member Peter posed an intriguing question: “Is it possible to drive from Forster to the Queensland border mainly on dirt roads?” This sparked a months-long planning process to map a route that prioritized unsealed roads, fire trails, and access tracks through National Parks, State Forests, and private land.
Planning the Journey
The proposed route underwent careful review, with permissions sought from land managers and owners. After months of effort, a final route was mapped out, totaling 1,478 km for a round trip. The journey was expected to take 7–10 days. Club members expressed keen interest, and a date was set for the adventure.
Pre-trip preparations included essential vehicle maintenance: servicing fluids and filters, greasing joints and bearings, checking tires and suspension systems, and ensuring camping gear and off-grid electrical systems were in top condition. With everything ready, the group of four vehicles and five participants gathered at Wingham Showground on a clear Saturday morning.
The Journey Begins
Day 1: Wingham to Brushy Mountain Campground
The convoy began its journey through Tapin Tops and Mummel Gulf National Parks before reaching Werrikimbe National Park. The first night was spent at Brushy Mountain Campground, where the group enjoyed a dry day capped off by campfire stories under the stars.
Day 2: Bellbrook to Blackbird Flat
Another clear day saw the group traverse Bellbrook, Blackbird Flat Reserve, and Styx River State Forest. However, late in the day, they encountered a closed track due to logging works. Forced to backtrack slightly, they set up camp beside a serene river. Chairs were placed in shallow waters to rest weary feet as plans for an alternative route were discussed around the fire.
Day 3: Rain Sets In
The weather turned overcast and rainy as the group backtracked to Bellbrook before heading north through Bellingen and Dorrigo along Waterfall Way. They camped at Thungutti Campground near Point Lookout. Ironically, after a full day of driving in worsening weather (thanks to approaching Tropical Cyclone Alfred), they ended up just 7 km from where their journey had been blocked the previous day.
Day 4: Private Land Detour
Day four brought relentless rain but no dampened spirits. The group visited Dangar Falls and Ebor before hitting another obstacle—an unmarked gate blocking private land access. After backtracking again, they found a roadside spot to camp. Huddled under umbrellas around a fire in the rain, they decided to cut the trip short due to flood warnings along their planned route.
Heading Home
Day 5: Return Journey
The final day saw the group travel south via Glen Innes, Armidale, Walcha, and Thunderbolts Way. After lunch in Gloucester, they completed their journey back to Nabiac.
In total, the group covered 890 km over five days, with 523 km off-tarmac—an impressive achievement given the challenges faced. Despite cutting the trip short, spirits remained high as members resolved to attempt the full journey again under better weather conditions.
Reflections on Adventure
This expedition highlighted both the joys and challenges of off-road travel. From camaraderie around campfires to navigating unexpected obstacles like track closures and adverse weather conditions, it was an unforgettable experience.
