Alpine National Park

Home , Bogong High Plains, Mount Bogong, Victorian Alps

vegetation vegetation Firearms are only permitted in permitted are only Firearms . - park. inNorth is This Ban the accommodation, always carry always carry accommodation, Fuel Stove Only Only Stove . Area Fuel by following these guidelines: these by following metres fromany watercourse metres for others to use, or torecycle others use, it for drained camp site at least site camp drained Water Water instead aportable Use stove Bright and BeautyPhone Mt Bright stoves) on days of ondays of Fire stoves) Total forecasts. provided, bury your waste at bury your at waste provided, most rubbish will not burn not will rubbish or most scarring no are campfires to scarring Dogs andother are not pets Dogs For further information further For Enjoy avisittobut ahut, do Enjoy Please don’t throw this park this park don’tPlease throw Help us your us after park Help look note away. Keep it, return it away. it, note Keep the park in accordance with accordance park in the of lighting a- lighting fire of archaeological and historic andhistoric archaeological above or near the tree tree aboveline or near the recommended is collected Keep to designated tracks to designated Keep Healthy ParksPeople sites are by law protected sites least 100 waterfrom least m or All native plants, animals, animals, native plants, All Alwa be lit on Mt onMt or itsbe lit Bogong Ta hectares ofparklandavailable soul. So,withoverfourmillion Parks Victoria O Victoria Parks to Victorians, whynotescape www.park Choose a firm, dry, well dry, a Choose firm, treatment of any treatment ke your rubbish home, ke your health,mind,bodyand - Visiting aparkcanimprove our website or visit East Fire Ban District Ban Fire East Where toilets are not Where toilets be self Hunting Regulations Hunting ys check fire danger fire check ys damage anddamage visual Centre Information

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(2.5 Walk Peppermint (2 Fern Walk Tree There are information plaques along the track km, approx(1 15minutesreturn) Shady Gully Nature Walk and Camping A The walks (Not shown on map) MountainAround Creek summit plateau. exposed rocky ascent of the Staircase onto the remainder of the walk is very similar to the shelter of the Snow Gums is intersects with the Granite Flat Track. Once the Michell Hut to the tree line where the track The track climbs steeply up the Eskdale Spur past Eskdale Spur Track from Trappers Gap. access Camp Creek Gap ain vehicle4WD along tokm Camp Creek Gap. It is also possible to bottom of the Staircase Spur for approximately 5.5 Follow the track up Mountain Creek past the (8 km, 6 hours return to Camp Creek Gap) SpurEskdale conditions are poor or deteriorating. extremely difficult so turn back at the tree common at this altitude. Navigation can be freezing temperatures, rain and snow are all little shelter in poor weather. Strong winds, fog, The exposed treeless plain of the summit offers ridge leading to the summit plateau. through Snow Gums and out onto the steep ro cky a welcome resting place before the track passes Bivouac Hut, about halfway along the climb, offers begins through a forest of Peppermint Gums. the foot of the Staircase Spur, where the ascent Creek Picnic Area and follows a vehicle track to The track to the summit begins at the Mountain (16 km, one hard day return) Staircase Victoria At 1986 met (Not shown on map) MountAround Bogong among drier peppermint forests on the slopes. hours,through coolfern moist - There is a range of walks from 15minutes to 2 Cre changes, including snow, even mid in summer. prepared for sudden unexpected weather fitness levelhigh required of is km, km, hour1 return) ek Roadek from the Kiewa Valley Highway.

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• • • • areas weather conditions can change rapidly in Alps Liaison Committee (New Holland Press) The Australian Alps national parks by Australian Ex Publications) National Park by John Siseman (Pindari The Australian Alps TrackWalking and Alpine Books a - Source of the Rivers - The High Country a - The High Country Alpine National Park park notes VicMap 1:50,000 Howitt - VicMap 1:50,000 Dargo Plains - VicMap 1:50,000 Bogong Alpine Area 1:140,000 Spatial Vision Touring the Victorian Alps Maps Alpine National Park see the following: For more details and extensive coverage of the publications Other Also, pleaseyourkeepideal. groupis to 6 small. 4 • always beprepared with: of the year and water can be extremely scarce, so All visitors, e care! Take website Victoria for details on (03) 9650 8399 or visit their rafting) in this area. Contact Touris (four wheel driving, bushwalking, horseriding and A number of licenced tour operators run tours guides Tour - a - Valleys andBluffs a - Our Mountain Heritage

walks around Feathertop and Mt Hotham compass and relevant topographical map energy food and water gloves, hat, sunglasses and strong footwear wind andwaterproof jacket warm clothing plore the Australian Alps - round Mitta Mitta, Benambra andCorryong round Bright, Mt Beauty and Omeo round Mansfield and Whitfield roundHeyfield, Licola andDargo . S

- on Australian Printed

www.tourismalliance.com.au nowfalls can be experienced at any time

specially walkers, should realise that

Selwyn made paper 100% recycled

Car touring guide to

Cobungra

m Alliance Alliance m

Nov

ember

alpine

2011

parknotes Return along the same route. ResortCreek andthe surroundingcountry. high small basalt knoll with excellent view gully among Snow Gums. Roper Lookout is a the aqueduct for 1.5 km before climbing a small eastern end of the Rocky Valley wall. dam Follow The walk starts at the “Roper Lookout” sign at the (5.0 k  use of maps and compass. first andcamping aid gear, andbeskilledinthe Walkers must be self sufficient with food, water, day (4 night) hike. high country section of the AAWT as a 60 km 5 Bo Pole 1 is at Loch Carpark and Pole 1285 at Mt spaced 40 metres apart adjacent to the AAWT. Bogong there is anumbered snow line pole Between Loch Carpark (Mt Hotham) and Mt Victoria) to Tharwa (near Canberra, ACT). the Aus mountainous 650 km (10 week) journey through passes across the Bogong High Plains on its The Australian Alps TrackWalking (AAWT)  Bogong HighAround Plains you go, and fill Intentionin Books. photography and rests. Let someone know before make allowances for long steep climbs, cover 3- In good weather along atrack, afit person can howHow far, fast? page. back the on advice care’ ‘take the check Please damaged. easily are which grasses, snow native the on not and roadside onthe cars Park spring. early and winter during covered snow usually is area the as May late until November early from lasts season walking The possibilities. many from aselection just are leaflet this in described walks day The environment. alpine the of beauty and variety the discover to ways best the oneof is Walking Creek Mountain and Plains Country High The Alpine National or visitour website at www.parks.vic.gov.au For more information calltheParks Victoria Information Centre on13 1963

gong. Many people undertake this beautiful Roper LookoutRoper Australian Alps Walking Track AlpsWalking Australian

m, approx 1.5 hours return) tralian Alps from Walhalla (Gippsland, (Gippsland, Walhalla from Alps tralian 4 kilometres an hour. Remember to

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walks around Bogong High High Bogong walksaround

Park Park

rocky summit. scattered Snow Gums and small boulders to the A walk across grassy snow plains and up through (3 km, 1.5 hours return)  the track. Return along the same route. 500 metres east from the highest point (saddle) on MtThesummit of Nelse. summitreached is about grassy fire trail which skirts around below the The AAWT follows a snow pole line adjacent to a AAWT. coming out into opengrassyplains tothe meet Gum woodlands along Watchbed Creek before intersection. Follow this track up through Snow Bogong High Plains Road and walk from the but it is recommended that you park near the the fire trail to agate (please keep the gate clear), Fire Track. It is possible to drive afurther 1 km up after crossing Creek,Watchbed at the Big River from the Rocky Valley dam wall and turn left just Drive 3.1 alongkm the Bogong High Plains Road km, approx(9 3.5return) hours  about 2 km back to your starting point. right again at the Bogong High Plains Road for down Big River Fire Track (Watchbed Creek), and 4.5after AAWTthe andadjacent numbered snow linepole grasslands and scattered Snow Gums, meeting The track then meanders through open herbfields and Snow Gums to Heathy Spur. walking track as it climbs gently through alpine Rocky thepast the Bogong High Plains Road (about 500 metres Start at the “Heathy Spur - (10 km, approx 4hours return) 

Mount Cope Mount Nelse Heathy Circuit Spur

km. Turn right along the AAWT, and

Valley dam wall). Follow the

Mt Nelse” sign beside

vegetation vegetation Firearms are only permitted in permitted are only Firearms . - park. inNorth is This Ban the accommodation, always carry always carry accommodation, Fuel Stove Only Only Stove . Area Fuel by following these guidelines: these by following metres fromany watercourse metres drained camp site at least site camp drained Water Water instead aportable Use stove Bright and BeautyPhone Mt Bright stoves) on days of ondays of Fire stoves) Total forecasts. provided, bury your waste at bury your at waste provided, most rubbish will not burn not will rubbish or most scarring no are campfires to scarring Dogs andother are not pets Dogs For further information further For Enjoy avisittobut ahut, do Enjoy Help us your us after park Help look the park in accordance with accordance park in the of lighting a- lighting fire of archaeological and historic andhistoric archaeological above or near the tree tree aboveline or near the recommended is collected Keep to designated tracks to designated Keep Healthy ParksPeople sites are by law protected sites least 100 waterfrom least m or All native plants, animals, animals, native plants, All Alwa Ta be lit on Mt onMt or itsbe lit Bogong hectares ofparklandavailable soul. So,withoverfourmillion Parks Victoria O Victoria Parks to Victorians, whynotescape www.park Choose a firm, dry, well dry, a Choose firm, treatment of any treatment ke your rubbish home, ke your health,mind,bodyand - Visiting aparkcanimprove our website or visit East Fire Ban District Ban Fire East Where toilets are not Where toilets be self Hunting Regulations Hunting ys check fire danger fire check ys damage anddamage visual Centre Information

a tent water ue to ue to s at at s ro 2 at 0 t t

and Camping A Victoria At 1986 met (Not shown on map) MountAround Bogong The walks (Not shown on map) MountainAround Creek summit plateau. exposed rocky ascent of the Staircase onto the remainder of the walk is very similar to the shelter of the Snow Gums is intersects with the Granite Flat Track. Once the Michell Hut to the tree line where the track The track climbs steeply up the Eskdale Spur past Eskdale Spur Track from Trappers Gap. access Camp Creek Gap ain vehicle4WD along tokm Camp Creek Gap. It is also possible to bottom of the Staircase Spur for approximately 5.5 Follow the track up Mountain Creek past the (8 km, 6 hours return to Camp Creek Gap) SpurEskdale conditions are poor or deteriorating. extremely difficult so turn back at the tree common at this altitude. Navigation can be freezing temperatures, rain and snow are all little shelter in poor weather. Strong winds, fog, The exposed treeless plain of the summit offers ridge leading to the summit plateau. through Snow Gums and out onto the steep ro cky a welcome resting place before the track passes Bivouac Hut, about halfway along the climb, offers begins through a forest of Peppermint Gums. the foot of the Staircase Spur, where the ascent Creek Picnic Area and follows a vehicle track to The track to the summit begins at the Mountain (16 km, one hard day return) Staircase (2.5 Walk Peppermint (2 Fern Walk Tree There are information plaques along the track km, approx(1 15minutesreturn) Shady Gully Nature Walk changes, including snow, even mid in summer. prepared for sudden unexpected weather fitness levelhigh required of is among drier peppermint forests on the slopes. hours,through coolfern moist - There is a range of walks from 15minutes to 2 Cre km, km, hour1 return) ek Roadek from the Kiewa Valley Highway.

km, 1.5 hours return . Climbing Mt Bogong is strenuous

start from the Mountain Creek Picnic

res , Mt Bogong is the highest peak in rea, 10.5 rea,

km alongMountainkm )

leftbehind the

. filledgullies or

You must also be

line if and a

• • • areas weather conditions can change rapidly in • Alps Liaison Committee (New Holland Press) The Australian Alps national parks by Australian Ex Publications) National Park by John Siseman (Pindari The Australian Alps TrackWalking and Alpine Books - a - Source of the Rivers - a - Valleys andBluffs - a - Our Mountain Heritage - The High Country a - The High Country Alpine National Park park notes VicMap 1:50,000 Howitt - VicMap 1:50,000 Dargo Plains - VicMap 1:50,000 Bogong Alpine Area 1:140,000 Spatial Vision Touring the Victorian Alps Maps Alpine National Park see the following: For more details and extensive coverage of the publications Other Also, pleaseyourkeepideal. groupis to 6 small. 4 • always beprepared with: of the year and water can be extremely scarce, so All visitors, e care! Take website Victoria for details on (03) 9650 8399 or visit their rafting) in this area. Contact Touris (four wheel driving, bushwalking, horseriding and A number of licenced tour operators run tours guides Tour

walks around Feathertop and Mt Hotham compass and relevant topographical map energy food and water gloves, hat, sunglasses and strong footwear wind andwaterproof jacket warm clothing plore the Australian Alps - round Mitta Mitta, Benambra andCorryong round Mansfield and Whitfield roundHeyfield, Licola andDargo round Bright, Mt Beauty and Omeo . S

- on Australian Printed

www.tourismalliance.com.au nowfalls can be experienced at any time

specially walkers, should realise that

Selwyn made paper 100% recycled

Car touring guide to

Cobungra

m Alliance Alliance m

August

alpine

2012

parknotes

Return along the same route. ResortCreek andthe surroundingcountry. high page. back the on advice care’ ‘take the check Please damaged. easily are which small basalt knoll with excellent view gully among Snow Gums. Roper Lookout is a the aqueduct for 1.5 km before climbing a small eastern end of the Rocky Valley wall. dam Follow The walk starts at the “Roper Lookout” sign at the (5.0 k  Victoria) to Tharwa (near Canberra, ACT). the Aus mountainous 650 km (10 week) journey through passes across the Bogong High Plains on its The Australian Alps TrackWalking (AAWT)  Bogong HighAround Plains you go, and fill Intentionin Books. photography and rests. Let someone know before make allowances for long steep climbs, cover 3- In good weather along atrack, afit person can howHow far, fast? grasses, snow native the on not and roadside onthe cars Park spring. early and winter during covered snow usually is area the as May late until November early from lasts season walking The possibilities. many from aselection just are leaflet this in described walks day The environment. alpine the of beauty and variety the discover to ways best the oneof is Walking Creek Mountain and Plains Country High The Alpine National use use of maps and compass. first andcamping aid gear, andbeskilledinthe Walkers must be self sufficient with food, water, day (4 night) hike. high country section of the AAWT as a 60 km 5 Bo Pole 1 is at Loch Carpark and Pole 1285 at Mt spaced 40 metres apart adjacent to the AAWT. Bogong there is anumbered snow line pole Between Loch Carpark (Mt Hotham) and Mt or visitour website at www.parks.vic.gov.au For more information calltheParks Victoria Information Centre on13 1963

gong. Many people undertake this beautiful Roper LookoutRoper Australian Alps Walking Track AlpsWalking Australian

m, approx 1.5 hours return) tralian Alps from Walhalla (Gippsland, (Gippsland, Walhalla from Alps tralian 4 kilometres an hour. Remember to

s of Fallss -

walks around Bogong High High Bogong walksaround

Park Park

Mount Cope Mount Nelse Heathy Circuit Spur

km. Turn right along the AAWT, and

Valley dam wall). Follow the

Mt Nelse” sign beside

Around the historic huts  Roper Hut Ruins Roper Hut was destroyed in the bush fires of 2003, but Wallace Hut was rebuilt in early 2008. (1.5 km, approx 45 minutes return) The walking track to Wallace Hut commences 7.7 km The start of this walk is the same as that for Mt Nelse. After climbing the Big River Fire Track beside Watchbed along the Bogong High Plains Road from the Rocky Valley dam wall. Park your car on the side of the road Creek, follow the AAWT past the signposted turnoffs to and walk down the short well-graded track to Wallace Edmondson Hut and Johnston Hut and the exposed Hut. Built in 1889 from Snow Gum slabs and Woollybutt rounded summits of Mt Nelse and Mt Nelse North. shingles, this timeworn cattleman’s hut is thought to be Continue on across the huge expanses of rolling high the oldest on the high plains. plains with panoramic views west to Mt Buffalo and north across the steep slopes of the Big River Valley to Mt Cope Hut Bogong. 10 km from the Bogong High Plains Road, (0.5 km, approx 15 minutes return) Roper Hut ruins are reached nestled on the edge of the The track to Cope Hut commences a further 2 km along high plains among old gnarled Snow Gums. A pole line the Bogong High Plains Road. Cope Hut was built by the leads from the AAWT to a lovely grassy area, perfect for Ski Club of Victoria in 1929 after the state experienced a camping or picnics. surge in skiing in the 1920s. The hut was called “The Menzies of the High Plains” by early skiers and walkers because of its size and comfort.

 Wallace to Cope Heritage Trail (6 km, approx 2.5 hours return) Start with the walk to Wallace Hut and continue past the hut to the aqueduct. Cross the aqueduct and turn right onto the AAWT. The track takes you past the Rover Chalet. Turn right at the “T” junction about 200 metres past the creek crossing and follow the track up to Cope Hut and the Bogong High Plains Road. Return to the start along the road or by taking the walking track down Fire in the Alps a heath-filled valley to the Wallace Hut Track. During the summer of 2003 and 2006 a number of fires swept through the Australian Alps. Fire killed trees that  Fitzgerald Hut and Kelly Hut now may be unstable and fall at any time. Take care in (10 km, approx 4 hours return) fire affected areas. The start of this walk is the same as that for Mt Nelse, but just after you join the AAWT a signpost “Fitzgerald Hut” and a snow pole line is reached branching to your right. Follow this pole line for 4 km to an indistinct intersection. The left hand track drops gently past Visiting the huts several magnificent old Snow Gums to Kelly Hut and the There are nearly 60 huts and hut ruins in the Bogong right hand walking track goes to the picturesque area of the Alpine National Park. Enjoy a visit to one of Fitzgerald Hut. The original hut was one of the oldest these historic huts, but do not use them for and most appealing of the cattlemen’s huts in the park. It accommodation - they are only for emergency refuge. was destroyed by fire in December 1991, but skilfully Always carry and sleep in your tent, and take your rebuilt in 1993 using salvaged and recycled timbers. rubbish home where you can dispose of it thoughtfully.  Tawonga Huts (8 km, approx 3.5 hours return) Drive to Pretty Valley Pondage via the Pretty Valley - Mt McKay Road. Walk over the causeway and follow the Fainter Fire Track to the west. This rough vehicle track climbs 140 metres over a spur before dropping gently down to Tawonga Huts (and on to the Fainters). About 1 km before the huts, a short diversion to the south takes you to a small saddle where magnificent views can be seen towards Mt Hotham and Mt Feathertop and into the West Kiewa River Valley. The cattlemen’s huts known as the Tawonga Huts nestle in a small snow plain below the Huts may be difficult to find or already full, often with native rock outcrops of the Niggerheads. Bush Rats or antechinuses - another good reason to BYO tent!