Four Wheel Drive Club enthusiasts from around the state made the trek to Blackbutt for the annual Four Wheel Drive Queensland (FWDQLD) Corroboree recently.
More than 200 4WD vehicles were based at the Blackbutt showgrounds, where drivers had the choice of various trips rated from scenic through to extreme, depending on the ability of both driver and vehicle.
The event was organised by the members of the Queensland Four Wheel Drive Club Inc who had spent many weekends in the small country town setting up the activities.
The event, which originally started back in 1980 as the Queensland Country meeting with a few trips thrown in, has now grown to a weekend of excitement, entertainment, and of course, drives.
Blackbutt trek has it all
Also incorporated into the program is Four Wheel Drive Queensland’s annual country meeting which enables clubs from the outer reaches of the state to see first hand what happens at the highest level of the organisation.
They can have input and hear about the goings-on of the governing body.
Issues on track access and maintenance, vehicle modifications and driver training were discussed with contributions from members taken on board to be brought up at State Government department level, on not only four-wheel drive club members, but four-wheel drivers in general.
Trips over the weekend ranged from the scenic self guided destinations of the Bunya Mountains and local wineries, to the restricted areas of the Old Coach Road which the event organisers gained special permission to use.
It was amazing to think that horse-drawn coaches would traverse the track we were following.
The cobblestone sections in the steeper areas are still visible. Private property access granted by local farmers let us explore their extensive land holdings.
One such property boasts one of the largest bottle trees in Queensland.
Access to HQ Plantations' various plots in the area also proved popular with spectacular scenery and some interesting climbs to add to the fun.
The weekend was a great opportunity to explore places we would not usually venture into and gave many local community groups, along with the small businesses in Blackbutt, a much needed income boost to the drought declared area.
The Bundaberg 4WD Club thanks the Queensland 4WD Club for their efforts in organising the event and we look forward to next years Corroboree, that we will be hosting at Mount Perry.
To find out more on the Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club and activities we have on, or offer support for next years event, we are on the net at www.bundaberg4wdclub.com or catch us on Facebook.
Brad Praed
Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club
