Trip Overview

Cancelled: Road closures due to floods.  Now rescheduled to Jan 14-15, 2023.

Mt Stirling (1750m) offers pleasant bushwalking along its snow gum-lined network of cross-country ski trails.   This overnight camping trip takes in a few major highlights without requiring any difficult pack-carrying.

• The panoramic summit view, taking in Mt Buller in one direction and the Mt-Howitt-Cross Cut Saw – Mt Speculation chain of peaks on the opposite side
• Craigs Hut, originally built as a film set for “The Man From Snowy River” then becoming such a tourist attraction in its own right that it has been rebuilt twice, most recently after being destroyed by the 2007 bushfires.   At this time of year 4WD access is still closed, so we are likely to be the only visitors.
• Delatite River; descend from the summit of Mt Stirling, following a gently graded track that eventually runs alongside the Delatite River to the Mirimbah picnic ground on the Mt Buller Rd.    There are several river crossings, but all are bridged, so no wet feet!

Camping

Camping is planned to be at Kings Spur, an attractive location about 1.5km from the summit, with a water tank, toilet, plenty of grassy campsites and a small hut for shelter.

 

Itinerary and Walk Descriptions

Distance:
Saturday  – 5km/300m ascent with full overnight pack + 10km side-trip with day-pack.
Sunday    – 15km, 100-200m ascent/1000m descent with overnight pack.

 

Depart Melbourne early Saturday morning, meet at Mansfield then continue to Mt Stirling.  A vehicle will need to be dropped off at Mirimbah picnic ground on the way to the start of the walk at Telephone Box Junction  (TBJ) car park.   From TBJ, approx 5km walk along trails up to King Spur campsite.   Set up camp, lunch then an afternoon return walk to Craigs Hut.   Depending on when the best weather is likely, the summit visit will either be on the return from Craigs Hut or the following morning.

 

Sunday, take either the West Summit Trail or head over the summit to pick up the River Spur trail, descending to cross the Circuit Road and then down to the Delatite River for the final 8km to the picnic ground.

 

All of the walk is on trails; the steepest sections are on the Clear Hills track to and from Craigs Hut, but this only requires a light pack.    For anyone wanting to make a comeback to pack-carrying after a pandemic hiatus, this is an ideal walk with plenty of interest (and a good warm-up if planning to do the Mt Speculation Cup w/e trip).

 

Transport

Transport to and from the walk location is by car. Please indicate your transport requirements and preferences on the booking request form when you book in.

Although drivers can choose whether they wish to take passengers or not, car-pooling is recommended for this type of walk due to its greater distance from Melbourne and will be organised by the leader.

Passengers must pay the driver their share of car-pooling costs as described on the Car-pooling page. Please discuss the preferred method of payment with your driver.

 

Booking

Booking is  required for this walk.

For harder-graded walks, the leader has the right not to accept bookings from anyone they consider is not sufficiently fit or experienced to undertake it, so please provide as much relevant information as you can when booking.

Refer to Walking Grades which, in conjunction with the walk description, will help you assess whether you have the required walking fitness and experience to do this walk.

The Leader will confirm your acceptance on the walk, or not, via email.  The leader will provide details of where and when to meet.

Booking Fee:
Members: free.     Non-members: $10.

Payment:
To avoid handling cash, non-members are required to pre-pay their booking fee.
Payment by Paypal or card is the quickest method, but if you choose to pay by EFT please follow the instruction to email the Treasurer with your payment details.

Cancellation:
If you need to cancel, please advise the leader as soon as possible, so that someone else has the opportunity.
There will be no refunds, so please do not book unless you are fully committed to walking.

What to Bring

• All the equipment, clothing, and food necessary for an overnight camp.   As the camp is at ~1600m altitude, cold overnight temperatures are possible (particularly after a clear day) so ensure you have adequate warm clothing and sleeping bag.

• A small day pack large enough to contain snacks, water, waterproof jacket, first-aid kit is useful for the side-trip to Craigs Hut, although a largely emptied overnight pack is also suitable.

Refer to our Gear Checklist page for more details, or discuss with the leader.  If you are not properly equipped, the walk leader can decide not to let you participate on this walk.

As this is an alpine area, you must carry a good quality rain jacket irrespective of how good the weather forecast is.

Emergency Club Contact

The emergency club contact for this walk is Ken.  The leader can provide you with the contact’s phone number, if you wish to pass this on to any friend/family member who may be concerned if you return late.

COVID-19 Requirements

We need to follow all state government requirements regarding COVID-19 as explained here:   Coronavirus Victoria: How we live

• You should not be attending this walk if you are Covid-19 positive and/or are required to be in quarantine or isolation.
• If you have any Covid-19 symptoms, you should get tested and follow the instructions in the Coronavirus Victoria website.
• If you are a Household Contact (Close Contact) or a Social or Workplace Contact, you must follow the instructions in the Coronavirus Victoria website.

Check out our Covid-19 status.

Safety and Ambulance Insurance

We strongly recommend that you have Ambulance cover. For more details refer to: Joining a walk and your safety

Still have questions?

Check out What happens on a walk.

Check out Weekend and extended walks.

Contact the leader using the “Enquiry” button.

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