The idea for a trip can generate from anyone anytime and a segment is set aside at each monthly meeting for organising future trips and events. Once the idea emerges and a date is set, the Trip Leader completes a Trip Notice for committee approval, which includes the Trip Rating and other information about the trip.

Once an approved Trip Notice is sent via email and uploaded to the website, you may book a place on the trip using the booking form . Unless specified, bookings are accepted in the order they are received until the vehicle limit is reached. You will be informed when your booking is received and when your booking is accepted (or not accepted). You must be a registered member (General or Temporary) to book on a trip.

The Trip Notice will tell you of any special things to take. Generally, you should take:

• Something to protect seat covers and the floor
  • Old mats or a tarp in the back for all the messy bits and to kneel on if necessary
  • Old rags and ‘wet ones’ for cleaning up
  • Plenty of water, drinks, snacks and food for the trip
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Warm jackets and wet weather gear
  • Toilet paper
• A chair is sometimes handy

Check also the vehicle requirements in the Trip Rules.

Ensure you have completed a Personal Details Form and placed it in the glove compartment or console of your vehicle.

Participants must comply with Club Rules, Trip Rules and Club Values. Our Club Values reflect the club’s culture in regard to inclusion, participation, the environment and the club’s reputation.

As a driver you are responsible for:

• Only booking onto (and participating in) a trip that is within your driving competency.
• The pre-trip preparation of your own vehicle, using Club 4X4 Trip Rules.
• Any visitors participating on the trip travelling in your vehicle
• Respecting the authority of the Trip Leader
• Sharing the load when help in needed

Expect the tracks, and hence the driving competency required, to be as described in the trip rating. However, it doesn’t always go as planned. Tracks change constantly. Sometimes it might be more difficult in places than expected. Sometimes you might be delayed and the trip duration much longer than expected.

If you want some advice on driving techniques for a particular obstacle, just ask the Trip Leader. Don’t be embarrassed to ask over the radio. Most club members are passionate about 4-wheel driving and just love to talk about it. Even the most experienced drivers like to talk about the approach to obstacles and road conditions. Helping each other, and talking about it, is part of a club trip.

Your trip should be planned with adequate breaks. If you need to stop for an unscheduled break, just inform the Trip Leader when you stop, and when you are going again.

You should expect to see great places, have great company, have some fun on the tracks, and feel safe.

Getting ‘stuck in the mud’ is just part of the fun, provided there is no personal or property damage, and providing you were not doing something the Trip Leader advised you not to do. If you need to be ‘snatched’, use your own snatch strap. It is your responsibility to attach the snap strap to your vehicle. Yes, you might get muddy, so take spare gear, and plastic bags to put all the muddy stuff in to carry home.

The person in charge of the recovery will be the Trip Leader, or someone authorised by the Trip Leader. The person in charge of the recovery will clear the area of people for safety reasons. It is important to have only one person in charge, and for everyone to obey his/her commands. Also refer to Trip Rule #40.

All trip participants can share and record their experiences after the trip. The Trip Reporter will provide processes and tools for all participants to record the event in words and pictures. At least one person on a trip will be asked to write a report about the trip for the club’s historical records. The Trip Report and photographs will be placed on the Website.

It can’t be said enough – Trip Leaders are the heart and soul of the club. The most important people in The Club are the volunteer Trip Leaders.

Volunteers are not perfect! They do their best.

The Club needs LOTS of Trip Leaders.