“The Llamas in Pyjamas” 8hr Rogaine– Between Bendigo and Eppalock

Event details

Starting at a Llama farm this event uses the forests to the south east of Bendigo and to the west of Lake Eppalock.

Fast open forest, no steep climbs, no thick stuff and with a reasonable track network. The forest is surrounded by farmland, with a section of out of bounds farmland in the centre of the map.

The sun sets early so bring a torch. In July the sun sets at about 5.20pm so bring a torch or headlight even if you plan to be in before sunset.

Camping is permitted at the hash house, but I imagine drivers would want to make it a day trip only (with plenty of stops on the way back so no one falls asleep at the wheel).

This will all be discussed at the meeting on the 7th July (2 weeks before the event).

What is a Rogaine?

Apart from being a must-do for all MUMC members (we did help invent it after all) a Rogaine is where teams of up to 5 people hunt for markers placed in the bush. Teams go together and get to as many markers as they can, in whatever order they want, and return before a set finishing time. Points are given for each marker found, with more points given to markers that are further away from the start point or pose a navigational or terrain related difficulty to get to. These events are organised by the Victorian Rogaining Association (VRA), and often see a number of teams from MUMC participating. Top finishers of several categories all receive delicious prizes to make up for effectively doing an Easter egg hunt without Easter eggs!

NB: No need to worry if you do not have any experience with reading maps or compasses, we will teach you everything you need to know before you start. It can be as hard or as easy as you like, you go to your own pace. And the most important thing to remember is no matter what score you get, everyone gets a free feed at the Hash House at the end. Mmmm cheese toasties.

Cost/ What to bring

It will cost $30 to compete in the Rogaine, but MUMC will refund you $10 the following week (take your map to MUMC and speak to the Treasurer). Camping is free so the only other cost is fuel for your driver and your own lunch/snacks/breakfast…Dinner after the event is provided.

You are required to carry with you a whistle, first aid kit per team and a compass. These can be hired or bought from MUMC or VRA on the day.

Bring a plate/bowl/cup for your free Hash House meal at the end of the event.

You should also bring a light jumper, raincoat, sunhat, 2-3 litres of water, snaplock bag or something to waterproof your map and snacks/lunch to last you the rogaine. Bring pens/pencils/highlighters to mark your map. You may wish to wear long trousers or gaiters to protect your legs. Torch in case you are late.

Finding MUMC teammates 

Come along to the trip meeting and we will help you find teammates of a similar level. No need to worry if you do not have any experience with reading maps or compasses, we will teach you everything you need to know before you start.

Signing Up and Trip Meeting

This Rogaine is run by the Victorian Rogaining Association (VRA), but MUMC will hold a trip meeting to organise teams and transport.  The trip meeting must be attended if you need transport or to find MUMC team mates. 

Creating a VRA Member Account

Before attending the trip meeting, please create an account through the VRA website http://vra.rogaine.asn.au/getting-started.html. An account is free to create, just click on ‘’Online Entry’’ (this won’t actually add you to the event at this stage, we will do that when we sort out your team at the trip meeting and I will provide further instructions via email) then click on “Create a Rogainer Profile” and follow the prompts.

*Please make a note of your VRA Member Number to bring to the trip meeting*.

If you are not sure if you can make this Rogaine, create a free VRA member profile anyway as your account will remain active for next time J

Other notes

See the Rogaine Board at the MUMC clubrooms for more information and photos