HUT

Saturday Mansfield was a busy place as we met up under clear, blue skies ready to depart. It was interesting to see a lot of water past Bonnie Doon and water skiers. The last few trips I could have driven across Lake Eildon under the bridge. A few vehicles had had some recent repairs so this was to be a good test run. After leaving Mansfield first stop was Powers Lookout. At lunch, we checked the viewing platform near the carpark and another a short walk (and climb) away. Both give spectacular views along the King Valley that bushranger Harry Power in used to ensure he had warning of any police approaching in 1870.

The intention was to follow a short track down into

the valley below but the gate was closed, We backtracked and took McDonalds Spur Track, which had a few challenging sections before following Christophers Rd into the sealed Upper King Valley Rd for the run into Lake William Hovell, which was seemed to contain a good volume of water and had a few swimmers and non-power boating activity.

The Top Crossing Track to Sandy Flat Campsite was a little rough in parts but the difficult rating arises from 2 water crossings. High water levels would make this crossing impossible. One had a rough exit which caused some wheel lift and spin but the

Powers Lookout

McDonalds Spur Track

Sunday We traversed Sandy Flat Track into Stockyard and then Burnt Top Track. Good surface grip but with some steep sections, rocky and rutted areas keeping the speed down and occasional use of low range. On one drain, Martin and Dot had sufficient undercarriage showing for a keen observer to note the underbody protection was missing. His mechanic had failed to re-install the bash plates after recent work. Martin was not happy. A lot of expensive parts were exposed but undamaged. Somebody has been collecting firewood. A few nicely cut pieces had fallen onto the track which were collected for later use. second on the King River was deeper. Dan tried an alternative approach in the XV and managed to get some water over the bonnet and a Facebook video out of it.

Overnight at Sandy Flat Camp. Almost hidden river side bush site with a drop toilet but not much else. The day had been warm and the sky clear but Martin may have been tempting fate leaving the sunroof open as we awoke to a heavy dew and wet tents and awnings. Charlie packed his camp away but then couldn’t find the car key. On

unwrapping the swag they were still nicely stored in the swag pockets for keys and phones so as to not lose them!

By lunchtime we had pulled into Pineapple Flat camping area. A large campsite along the river. The only condition is the depth of the river which

today was flowing but only about 30 cm deep. All along the King River the base is rocky and the water crystal clear.

Burnt Top Track

King River Crossing. The water is crystal clear

By lunchtime we had pulled into Pineapple Flat camping area. A large campsite along the river. The only condition is the depth of the river which today was flowing but only about 30 cm deep. All along the King River the base is rocky and the water crystal clear.

After lunch we forded the river, Martin and Dot (in search of a bash plate) and Charlie departed for home, the rest turned left along King Basin Rd. The track condition varied by the signage, in the Alpine National Park it was rougher than in the Mansfield State Forest. There is a series of

river crossings which caused no concern in the last few kilometres before arriving at King Hut camping area. After heavy rain or snow melt this would be a different story but many of these would have the gates locked by then.

After setting up camp near King Hut, we went for a driver to Lake Cobbler. Part of this is short, step sections of track along Speculation Rd. Towards the end there is a series of switchbacks. The

vehicle in the photo is 50 metres below but about 500 metres along the track. Once known for The Staircase, it is still rocky but easily managed.

Lake Cobbler Track had deteriorated from

previous visits. It was rocky and rutted with a few holes to negotiate and a few had rising

Into Lake Cobbler, full of water and a small campsite of hikers on one side. Every other visit this has been full of 4WDs but we were the only vehicles today. A short drive on to view Dandongadale Falls (255 metre fall, tallest in Victoria) which had a steady stream of water in the distance.

The plan to take Little Cobbler Track back to camp was met with a Road Closed sign and locked gate. But it was open on the other end! After heading up Lake Cobbler Track and down Speculation Rd again, Sam saw the closure sign –thrown into the bushes. Back to camp for dinner and a campfire with the collected wood. We didn’t

need to use Tom’s log in the earlier photo. King River Crossing

Switchbacks on Speculation Road

Highest tree in Victoria

was at work on Speculation Rd clearing the side drains and dumping everything onto the track. It was like driving through a mix of top soil, small rocks and garden cuttings and quite deep in parts. From there a short run to the Craig’s Hut turnoff

and onto Clear Hills Track.

A couple had been flown by helicopter but we mostly had it to ourselves during the visit. This is a rebuilt hut (after fire) from the Man from Snowy River (1982) movie (also think it should be nearer to Corryong) but is quite impressive hut and has spectacular views. And we scored a really good weather for the views and photos.

Clear Hills Track was a moderate drive with some

rocky sections and a few short climbs until turning near Mt Stirling for a walk at the summit and a visit to the tallest tree in Victoria, a snow gum, the lone survivor. It was then drive down Howqua Hills Track (rated difficult but OK) to the Howqua Gap huts for lunch. From there Circuit Rd to Mirimbah to air up and say our farewells.

As trip leader I think we found a nice balance between driving and camp time, tracks that were never boring but not overly challenging, excellent views, fine weather and great company. If you missed it, look out for another trip to the area next year.

Another trip with a very high percentage of Subaru’s.

Trip Participants Vehicle

Erica A Forester

Martin F and Dot G Forester SJ Diesel

Tom M Subaru Forester SF Daniel H and Samantha L Subaru XV Charlie H Forester Tim F (Trip Leader) Toyota FJ40