The format I use is to describe short sections of track that you can then link up to form longer walks. I hope to develop this over time, however, the only way is to get out there and do it. I first want to concentrate on the tracks around Mt Bogong. It will take some time for this page to grow.
Details:
map 1:50,000 Bogong Alpine Area (Vicmap Outdoor Leisure Series)
start Mountain Creek Picnic and Camp Ground - 600m
finish Mt Bogong - 1986m
distance 8km
time 3.5-4.5 hours (walking time only)
links:
- Mt Bogong to Cleave Cole Memorial Hut walk
At 1986m Mt Bogong is Victoria's highest point and the 13th highest in Australia. On a clear day the spectacular views show the Austrlian Alps in all directions and all the way to Mt Kosciuzsko. On a bad day the weather will pound and freeze you and you won't be able to see 10m.
The Staircase Spur climbs Bogong from the north side of the mountain. Departure is from Mountain Creek picnic and camp area, 10.6km from the Kiewa Valley Highway in Tawonga.
0km - Mountain Creek Picnic & Camp Ground - 600m - water from Mountain Creek, toilets available
Walk east from Mountain Creek Picnic and Camp Ground along the 4WD track. The track crosses Mountain Creek a number of times and foot bridges have been built so that you don't have to get your feet wet.
2km - Start of Staircase Spur - 700m - water from Mountain Creek, 20m north of track junction
The start of the Staircase Spur is signed. From here it is uphill all the way to the summit. The track is easy to follow as it ascends the steps of the Staircase.
5km - Bivouac Hut - 1430m - water from tank (use a piece of material over the tap as there are larvae of some sort in the water), pit toilet behind hut
7km - Gorge Gap - 1810m - tubular metal snowpoles with holes punched thru at intervals, now colapsed
7.15km - Gadsdwn Memorial Cairn - 1900m - A memorial to three skiers who died in 1943
7.7km - Staircase Spur Point - 1950m - The point where the Staircase Spur track meets the numbered snow pole walking track that starts near Mt Hotham and leads to Mt Bogong. The pole here is number 1278. Turn right.
8km - Mt Bogong Summit - 1986m - A large cairn marks the highest point in Victoria. The pole number is 1285.
Details:
map 1:50,000 Bogong Alpine Area (Vicmap Outdoor Leisure Series)
start Mt Bogong - 1986m
finish Cleave Cole Memorial Hut - 1780m
distance 4km
time 1-1.25 hours (walking time only)
links:
- Mt Bogong via Staircase Spur
- Cleave Cole Memorial Hut to Ropers Hut
Cleave Cole Memorial Hut is one of the best huts in the Victorian Alps. The strong stone structure was built in memory of Cleave Cole, a skier who died from injuries sustained on the mountain in 1936.
This short walk follows numbered snow poles starting at pole number 1285 at the summit of Bogong and finishing at pole number 1191 at Cleave Cole Hut.
0km - Mt Bogong - 1986m - Pole number 1285.
0.3km - Staircase Spur Point - 1950m - The point where the Staircase Spur track meets the numbered snow pole walking track. The pole here is number 1278. Continue straight following the numbered snow poles. See Mt Bogong via Staircase Spur for details of this track.
0.5km - Eskdale Spur Point - 1960m - The point where the Eskdale Spur track meets the numbered snow pole walking track. The pole here is number 1272. Continue straight following the numbered snow poles. See Mt Bogong via Eskdale Spur for details of this track.
1km - Hell Gap - 1920m - It always seems to be windy in this place.
1.5km - Rocking Stone Saddle - 1910m - signed - pole 1254
2.5km - Tadgell Point - 1900m - signed
4km - Cleave Cole Memorial Hut - 1780m - the hut is nestled among snow gums
Details:
map 1:50,000 Bogong Alpine Area (Vicmap Outdoor Leisure Series)
start Cleave Cole Memorial Hut - 1780m
finish Ropers Hut - 1710m
distance 10km
time 4-4.5 hours (walking time only)
links:
- Mt Bogong to Cleave Cole Memorial Hut walk
From Cleave Cole Memorial Hut to Ropers Hut one must contend with crossing Big River which has formed a deep valley cutting off Mt Bogong from the rest of Victoria's Alps. This walk descends 700m down T Spur to Big River and then ascends 700m up Duane Spur.
This walk follows numbered snow poles starting at pole number 1191 at Cleave Cole Memorial Hut and finishing at pole number 936 at Ropers Hut.
0km - Cleave Cole Memorial Hut - 1780m - pole number 1191 - go east
1km - Camp Creek - 1700m - pole no. 1160 - water from creek
It is worth turning right here and following Camp Creek 500m down to Howman Falls. You'll come across small falls at first but continue on along faint foot tracks to the larger main falls. If it's a hot day you might even try a dip in the water.
1.5km - Maddisons Hut - 1710m - pole no. 1152 - The area around the remains of a ruined hut make a good camp site
1.6km - Track Junction - 1710m - pole no. 1150 - This is the junction with the Australian Alps Walking Track. Turn right (south) here. The track is obvious as it twists its way down T Spur. After pole no. 1100 the pole numbers are attached to trees and not always obvious.
5.5km - Big River - 1015m - pole no. 1038 - water is available from the river
There are good campsites here and a chain to assist you across the cold river. On the other side of the river an obvious track ascends Duane Spur. From pole no. 960 snow poles are again fixed by the track.
10km - Ropers Hut - 1710m - water from a tank, pit toilet provided
At pole no. 936, three un-numbered poles lead past the toilet to Ropers Hut. Good campsites are available around the hut.