IT WAS Toyotas galore at the Mansfield Showgrounds last week for the Landcruiser Four Wheel Drive Club gathering which rotates between the states every three years. Delivering a huge economic boost for the district, the Landcruiser Club of Victoria approached the Mansfield Agricultural & Pastoral Society to discuss hiring the showgrounds for the 2025 event two years ago.

The chair of the club’s sub-committee, Michael Martin, met with fellow members and the A&P Society executive for an onsite inspection to start the early planning.

“It was two years in preparation for the national gathering which happens every three years, last one was in Western Australia and the next one will be in NSW,” said Mr Martin.

“We have 111 campsites with 250 people on the block at Mansfield.

“The reason we chose the high country was because it is an iconic place for four-wheel-driving but in a responsible way,” he said.

The Mansfield A&P Society was delighted to host such a well-organised event and support the benefits it brings to our local community.

“The members of the Toyota Landcruiser gathering have been captivated by our High Country landscapes and the friendliness of the township people,” said A&P president, Amanda Swaney.

“The Mansfield Showgrounds has proved to be an ideal area for a large body of vehicles and campers for six days.

“Of course, the magnificent weather has made the destination even more attractive,” said Ms Swaney.

The showgrounds provided a base for keen four-wheel-drivers to participate in different tag-along-tours each day.

Each trip is limited to 10 vehicles with “tail-end Charlie” bringing up the rear.

Tours included Ned Kelly country via Stringybark Creek and Powers Lookout, the hills beyond Lake Eildon and into the nearby mountains.

“We are running 34 different trips (over five days) covering 234 vehicles and everyone gets to go on at least two trips,” Mr Martin said.

The Landcruiser Club of Victoria prides itself on being a well-established organisation of 52 years and as a “true four wheel drive club”.

Mr Martin a member himself for more than 20 years describes the club as encouraging responsible four-wheel-driving with all potential members completing compulsory driver training at the club’s property at Yarck.

The 360 acre Yarck property boasts more 20 kms of training tracks and the club boasts accredited training status as a drive and recover four-wheel-drive organisation setting a high standard.

“The focus of the gathering is to take people somewhere they have never been before,” said Mr Martin.

Equipping members with driving skills allows for a more enjoyable and less stressful experience.

The club even allows some non-Toyota owners to join with the odd Nissan and Ford four wheel drive visible on the grounds.

Most of the participants are couples, with very few singles and a small number of families, said Mr Martin.

The Mansfield gathering attracted many drivers from Western Australia (who are used to more sandy terrain) keen to pit their skills against the mountains and the bush environment of the high country.

Besides the road trips during the day, various activities were organised at the showgrounds in the evening.

There were welcome drinks on arrival on Sunday, March 30, a bush dance in the Ed Harris Pavilion on the Wednesday night and a farewell barbeque provided by the Mansfield A&P Society on the Friday night.

One night there was a competition between the different states to light a fire and be the first to boil their billy.

The council was on hand with an information caravan with lots of resources for visitors as well as local food vans.

The Mansfield Shire Mayor Cr Steve Rabie and CEO Kirsten Alexander dropped into the showgrounds on Wednesday night to welcome club members to the district.

“We are pleased you chose this town; we love tourists, and we want to keep the bush open,” said Cr Rabie.

Cr Rabie laughingly made a reference to his Toyota farm ute parked nearby as the mayoral vehicle.