Track Hire (February 2021 onwards)

The following table indicates track facilities hire charges.

Cost for 4WDVic Affiliated Club using our Clubroom, Training Track and Trainers for their own member’s training.  Minimum cost is $1700 which includes use of Clubroom, Training Track and Trainers.

The Course is usually run over a weekend and also includes camping on-site at Smythesdale Training Track if required.  Includes Paperwork and Training Certificate costs through 4WDVic.  Minimum cost includes up to a maximum of 10 trainees.  Each additional trainee cost above 10 is $170 per trainee, up to a maximum of 15 on any course.

Other Training Requirements for commercial or non-commercial organisations, not covered by the above categories and rates, can be negotiated with the Training Committee and The Club Executive Committee on application.

Other special rates may apply to selected organisations at the discretion of the Training Committee and The Club Executive Committee.

In all Cases, undue damage to any part of the track or the infrastructure provided is the responsibility of the hirer.

Our track has basic toilet facilities, a shower, and the main shed overlooking the track has an open fire place.  Other facilities (BBQ, cool storage, hot water) are available on request but may require a member to be onsite.

TRAINING TRACK CODE OF CONDUCT

A) ENTERING THIS TRACK INDICATES YOU UNDERSTAND AND WILL ABIDE BY THIS CODE OF CONDUCT.

i) Ballarat District 4WD Club reserves the right to refuse entry, and to revoke permission to use the track at any time, to any vehicle deemed unsuitable, and to any person deemed not abiding by this code of conduct.
ii) Actions deemed dangerous or damaging to people, vehicles, or the track will not be tolerated.
iii) The primary use of this track is driver training. This is not a race track!
iv) The various elements of the track have been designed to simulate features found on public roads and tracks.
v) While the track can be useful to compare the abilities of different vehicles, it is not designed to test any vehicle to its limits.

B) WARNING:

i) This track contains elements that require ground clearance typically found on vehicles designed for off-road 4WD use. Some light-duty 4WD and most AWD vehicles may not have suitable ground clearance and under-body component protection, and could sustain damage on some elements of this track.
ii) Vehicles with low front spoilers, low mounted side steps, and low hanging towbars are not suitable for use on most elements of this track.
iii) If you think your vehicle is in one of these categories, or if you are advised by a club trainer or track supervisor that your vehicle is not suitable, then do not enter the track.
iv) During club training sessions, the trainers may allow vehicles in these categories to use specific elements with supervision.

C) CAUTION:

i) The driver or vehicle owner is responsible for understanding their vehicle insurance and how it applies to driving on this track.
ii) Be aware this track is not a gazetted public road or track and may not be covered by some policies. Ballarat District 4WD Club has executed its duty of care by presenting this code of conduct to educate drivers prior to using the track, however the driver is totally responsible for their actions and Ballarat District 4WD Club cannot be held responsible for any damage or injury sustained while using this track.

D) PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE FOR USE ON THE TRACK.

i) Remove the "goose-neck" from the towbar (if fitted).
ii) Stow all loose items securely in the vehicle.
iii) Ensure all occupants have appropriate seatbelts or child restraints correctly fitted and fastened.
iv) If you have an animal in the vehicle, ensure they have an appropriate harness to prevent them hitting objects in the car, or remove the animal from the vehicle while on the track.
v) Animals out of vehicles need to be kept on lead away from vehicles and other users.

E) DRIVING THE TRACK.

i) Prepare your vehicle
ii) Obey all instructions given by trainers and the track supervisor.
iii) Always proceed in the direction indicated by the track supervisor.
iv) Do not enter an element until the vehicle before you has cleared it.

F) DRIVE SLOWLY

i) Use the minimum amount of force and speed to negotiate each element.
ii) Always try to minimize wheel spin.

G) STOP IMMEDIATELY WHEN WHEELS START TO SPIN.

If you get stuck do not apply more power and spin your wheels excessively, try to reverse out or call for recovery assistance.

H) TRAINING DAYS

i) Prepare your vehicle
ii) Obey all instruction given by trainers.
iii) If you are unsure of what to do - ask your trainer.
iv) Do not tackle elements unless instructed to do so by your trainer.
v) Getting stuck is a key part of training.
vi) You need to understand how to recover a vehicle, and how to be recovered.

I) AFTER DRIVING THE TRACK

i) Check your vehicle for damage.
ii) Clean your vehicle, pay particular attention to brakes, lights and radiator.
iii) If your car is running hotter than normal check for mud stuck in the radiator.
iv) Clean up and take your rubbish away.
v) The track and surroundings have a ”TAKE IT HOME POLICY”

J) NOTES:

i) Damage - Ballarat District 4WD Club reserves the right to pursue any organization or individual to recover the costs to repair damage done to the track deemed in excess of expected wear and tear, or any damage done to club property.
ii) Privacy - Ballarat District 4WD Club reserves the right to photograph people involved in training and using the training track and other facilities on site for historical record and promotional purposes, unless specifically instructed not to.