I set out on what I figured would be an epic solo run out to Julimar State Forest.
Mind was locked on catching a bit of serenity, thought I’d roll up, spot the Avon River doing its thing, get that peaceful flowy water vibe. You know the one. Me, the Landy, and a bit of calm.
Yeah… not quite how it played out.
Turns out I didn’t really do my homework (classic), and instead of a river, I found myself parked next to a dry creek bed that looked more like a cracked-up art project than anything out of a postcard. No gentle water sounds, no reflections just dirt, dust, and that awkward silence where you realise you’ve definitely taken a wrong turn on expectations.
But once I stopped laughing at myself, it wasn’t a bad day at all.
The Landrover was in its element ruts, climbs, and chunky terrain that actually made me work for it. No crowds, no pressure. Just me, the track, and a 4WD that seemed stoked to finally stretch its legs on something a bit gnarlier than a gravel car park.
I snapped a bunch of pics, not of rivers, obviously but of the rig getting down and dirty. If nothing else, they’ll remind me that even when the “destination” flops, the drive is still where the fun lives.
Honestly, that’s the magic of a solo trip. It’s quiet, weird, and a little unpredictable. And when things go off-script, you’re the only one to laugh at it... or with it.
So here’s to dry creek beds, dust-covered detours, and solo missions that go sideways but still leave you smiling.
Gear Notes
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Tyres aired down to 16-18psi: Julimar’s got sections that’ll test your grip, especially on those long rutted hill climbs.
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Traction boards & recovery gear: Don’t skimp. When you're solo, there’s no second vehicle to yank you out of trouble.
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Comms: I ran a handheld UHF just in case.
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Snatch strap + shovel: Even if you don’t need them, they’ll give you peace of mind.
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Tyre pressure gauge & compressor: You’ll likely need to deflate and re-inflate more than once out here.
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Map or GPS with topo detail: Phone service is sketchy, and tracks can get confusing fast.
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Plenty of water, basic first aid, and a good podcast lineup: It’s solo, you’ve gotta cover all bases.