The Pinnacle Fire Trail from Sunny Corner to Capertee - The Unforeseen Challenge
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JO29A9PDXk
Need a challenging track that is beyond that'll push you just that bit? The Pinnacle fire trail will keep you on your toes at the best of times. It's dog friendly bar the final exit via the Turon National Park.
On this trip Nick, his partner and I ventured from Sunny Corner to Capertee via the less beaten (or rather not beaten at all) path. Here's a brief run down on what you can expect.
The Journey to Sunny Corner Begins in Sunny Corner
Sunny Corner is a Tiny town just west of Lithgow. It's a bit of a struggle to find the exact start of the track as there's a ton of pine forest to weave through on your way in. However you'll know you hit it when you're driving through a gully, see some large 'wheeling' areas on the right and take a left across a tiny stream to the first obstacle in the video.
Off-Roading Essentials for Sunny Corner to Capertee via The Pinnacle Fire Trail
Off-roading here isn't for the inexperienced. Here’s what you need to Tackle Pinnacle Fire Trail:
- Vehicle: A 4x4 vehicle is non-negotiable. I have a heavily modified Volkswagen Amarok. However most near-stock 4WD's shouldn't have an issue provided they drop a little pressure. I wouldn't recommend this trip for anything that's not lifted unless you're prepared to cop some damage.
- Tyres: Good quality off-road tires are crucial. I run Yokohama Mud Terrain Geolander G003 M/T tyres. An aggressive or extreme all terrain tyre is preferable. You will need to drop some pressure as the hill climbs are shaley and can become extremely slippery when wet. Nick's 70% worn all terrains really struggled. DO NOT attempt this with Highway tyres they will get destroyed and you'll likely end up with more than one flat.
- Snorkel/Breathers: While they're generally not required, I have seen vehicles float away on some of the creek crossings during heavy rain.
- Winch & Straps: Don't attempt this track without a Winch, recovery points and straps. As soon as the rain hits some of the hill climbs can become hazardous. There's some nasty descents too.
- Navigation: I'd strongly recommend offline maps. There's little to no reception along this track. If you get stuck it may be a few days before someone comes to help
- Communications: It goes without saying, however you should ALWAYS be carrying a 5w UHF. Again, if you're stuck you may find yourself hunting for help.
The 4WD Trail
- Sunny Corner to Capertee: It's a moderately difficult track for anyone without experience. The rocks hills are slippery in the wet and shaley in the dry. Even in the dry it would be unwise to attempt this in a stock vehicle
Experiences That Stay With You
- The Starting point: Approximately 10 minutes from the Tarmac you're straight into it. There's a hill climb with wombat holes and trees in less than ideal locations. Hitting this straight off the bat will give you a fair idea of what is ahead.
- The first big hill climb/Blackbutt Mountain: It's a long steep climb, if it's a hot day you'll undoubtably see your engine tempts rising but the view from the top is 100% worth it. This is a great spot to stop, relax for a moment before proceeding along the ridge line.
- Creek Crossings: Stunning creek crossing with endless greenery around, a stark contrast to the shaley mountains you've been traversing..
- The Power of Nature: All it takes is a little bit of rain before nature decides to reclaim a track, campsite or destroy a section of road.
- The Pinnacle: It's a huge structure of rocks at the top of a mountain and makes for an amazing view! Every time I go I think of the moment where Rafki holds Simba out over the mountain in Lion King.
- Camping in the clouds: Every time I've driven past and wondered what it would be like to camp there. While it was raining, we couldn't resist camping in the clouds. This was by fare the most magical part of the trip. Throwing the ball for Nugget with a beer in hand, sharing banter with Nick, this was one of those magical memories.
- Turon National Park: if you don't have a dog, or simply don't care for NP rules then it's worth a stop. Do be aware that there can be leaches in this part of the river. Either way it's stunning to drive through.
- Royal Hotel Capertee: While we didn't really show it in this video, the Royal Hotel is a place I'll always stop at. There's a cool whisky distillery out the back and they always have independent beers on tap. Dog friendly with a great outdoor area and stunning old finish inside, I highly recommend it.
Off-Roading Challenges and Triumphs
Despite my best efforts this record fails to show you exactly how much the trail can slow you down — think of steep, shaley sections where tyre placement, careful driving and a spotter are 100% essential. Each obstacle will give you that dopamine hit once you've passed it.
Tips for Future Adventurers
- Prepare for the Unexpected: There's near zero phone reception. Ensure you have spares, another vehicle or a sat phone and someone that's willing to come help.
- Respect the Environment: Stick to established trails to minimise impact on the ecosystem. Keep your tyre pressures down and avoid spinning wheels or tearing up the tracks
- Pack light, driving a heavy vehicle like me is less than ideal.
In Conclusion
Sunny Corner to Capertee is a hefty adventure. If you're experienced and have a friend this is a great place for them to cut their teeth. It's a great introduction to the finer parts of 4WD wheeling while providing a sense of adventure and allowing you to become one with nature.
If you're experienced and looking for a 4WD track where you can take your dog and not be bothered, this is it!
Take a camera because there's some amazing views and streams to jump in.
