Trip Report - Janowen Hills - Part 2

Ok Ok Ok - I know this has taken some time. The website has taken a fair bit of our time lately. So here goes - Part 2.

After breakfast we went for a drive out to the office/store to pay our fees, pick up some shower tokens and grab the track mud map. As mentioned it was important to stay to the easy tracks on this trip - we had a range of different skills and vehicles and we didn't want to have leave anyone behind. We were travelling with a Toyota Rav 4 with Cooper ATs and a 40mm lift, a Pajero with a suspension lift (but otherwise factory) and a good old Troop carrier that had seen a few dirt tracks in its time.

Park for a good view

The big "G" aka the stig!!

We stopped at the Gymkhana track. The Rav4 is surprisingly good on the dirt and at speed. Gabes has a reputation for aspiring to be The Stig. The Gymkhana track itself is a typical figure-8 circuit which allows for some good spectator vantage points and would be good to see used at an event. It gives those knew to driving at speed on dirt, a chance to feel the way the car moves in a relatively safe enviornment.

Wombat holes!

There were some interesting Wombat holes to one side which the Pajero managed easily and which the Rav was smart to stay away from... (awaiting comments on this one ;-))

Paj heading up!

A nice drive through the bush brought to a curved track on a small incline but with a lot of rocks and loose dirt. The old Troopy took the track in its stride with its big tyres and good suspension flex.

The Rav struggled. The hill wasn't that big but a few choice boulders on the track made it hard. With no low range the Rav needs lots of momentum which is difficult when grip is hampered by loose rocks.

backyard blits on tour!!

The clutch was heating up a little so a time out was called and a few of the bigger rocks were moved off the track to help with clearance.

Right foot down!!

A quick pep talk, a deep breath and a bit of pressure on the accelerator and she made it up no worries and is wiser from the experience.

Lift off!!!

The Pajero gave it some pep from the start and with a bit of a wheel spin made it up first go. By the time it was my turn everyone had decided to stand around to see how we went.

Here i come!!

Traction action!!

With the benefit of low gear, some nice Cooper tyres for traction, a little lift and LSD in the rear, I slowly drove up without spinning a wheel and was promptly told that I made it look too easy!

We continued through the tracks at a slow and steady pace, taking a few poser shots and making sure the kids were comfy and still enjoying the bumpy ride.

Heading back to camp for lunch and a kick of the footy, we decided to have another go on a few more tracks. Just the Suzuki, the Pajero and the Troopy. We checked out a few tracks. For the more adventurous there is the chance to follow the tracks up the hills for some great views.

Uuummm i dont think so!!!

While travelling around we stopped and had a look at the more challenging tracks including a few with rutts and holes big enough to swallow a few small children.

All in all the availability and quality of tracks in Janowen is good. As said earlier, we were out to stick to the easy tracks only and we were happy with the quality and accessibility of those for the variety of cars. But it was easy to see that there were some real opportunities for fun for the more adventurous and those whose vehicles had a few easy modifications. While we knew there were a few other vehicles using the tracks, we rarely encountered any one along the tracks.

While the park is family friendly, it is set up as a 4WD park for those who like to spend the whole weekend on the tracks. I would be interested in going back during an event or club run to see how it handles bigger crowds of people. There is good variety of tracks, good facilities and is well priced.

More information about cost and contact can be found at their website.

The Outdoor Auto team gives the Janowen Hills 4WD Park:

( 2.5 SUVs out of 5)

See you next time! :-)