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Trip Overview

A 56km section of the Australian Alpine Walking Track (AAWT) between where it crosses the Licola-Jamieson Rd near Mt Skene and Mt Howitt, exiting via Vallejo-Gantner hut to the Mt Howitt car-park.   This section is where the AAWT breaks out of the steep valleys and thick forests of the Thomson river catchment, ascending to a ridge of 1500-1600m peaks that provide spectacular views in clear conditions.

The walk is over the Easter period plus three additional days, returning to Melbourne on Thursday 13th April.   Food for up to six nights is required.

Participants must have prior experience of at least weekend pack-carrying in Victoria’s alpine region.

Itinerary and Walk Descriptions

Day 1 – Mt Skene Rd – Rumpff Saddle Most of the first day is setting up a car-shuffle by leaving sufficient vehicles at the Mt Howitt car-park.   It’s preferable that participants stay in Heyfield or Licola Thursday night so we get an early start.   The campsite is only 1-2km from the road, but depending on what time we arrive at the start point, side-trips are possible to Skene Lookout and Mt Skene.

Day 2 – Rumpff Saddle – Low Saddle (17km, 700m climb, 1100m descent), likely to be the longest day of the trip as there are no suitable campsites with water until Low Saddle.

Day 3 – Low Saddle – Mt MacDonald – Nobs Track (11km, 800m climb, 450m descent)

Day 4 – Nobs Track – High Cone – Square Top – Mt Clear (11km, 600m climb, 300m descent)

Day 5 – Mt Clear – Chesters Yard – Magdala Saddle (13km, 850m climb, 800m descent)

Day 6 – Magdala Saddle – Vallejo Gantner hut (5km)

Day 7 – Vallejo Gantner hut – Mt Howitt car-park (5km), drive to Licola, return home.

The itinerary has an inbuilt spare day.   After Day 3, there are other campsite options which allow flexibility to walk shorter or longer distances depending on conditions.   Given reasonably favourable weather it is possible to comfortably reach Vallejo Gantner hut by the end of Day 5, and even with the above itinerary it is likely that the group could walk out on Day 6 and at least return part of the way back to Melbourne.    Nevertheless, food for six nights should be carried.

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.

Sufficient vehicles will be needed for a car-shuffle to take the group to the start of the walk and be available to return from the finish point.

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. Please indicate what similar walks you have done recently (i.e. in the past few months) to give the leader confidence that you are capable of doing this one. 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, food and water you will need for an extended overnight walk (refer Trip Details above).    As this is in an Alpine area, this means being prepared for adverse weather (rain or snow) and night-time temperatures at or slightly below freezing (the coldest nights being the price for fine, sunny days).

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.

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

• You should not be attending this event if you are Covid-19 positive or are a contact of someone with Covid-19.

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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