Trip Overview

The Victorian High Country is a popular camping destination in summer. This trip will take you there, with some hikes through the magnificent Howqua Hills planned. I don’t know this area particularly well – there are lots of hikes in the broader Mansfield area. The beauty of this area is that Mansfield isn’t far away, so we can pop in for dinner one night.

Use the Enquiry button below to contact the leader to receive the full trip flyer which includes details about what to bring and what to expect on the trip.

Camping

The Howqua River runs through our campsite, which will be our water supply. You can also paddle in it at least to cool down.

As a base camp, you can bring camp chairs, big comfortable tents, eskies, barbecues – whatever you need..

Itinerary and Walk Descriptions

We aim to depart for each day’s hikes at 8.30am sharp. This will give us plenty of time in the afternoons to enjoy the surrounds and enjoy a drink or two with friends, old and new. Please note that if there is hot weather, we may start earlier.

Friday 27 December: Arrival and Sheepyard Flat to Fry’s Hut

4.3 km // 1 hour // Easy

Arrival any time you like. A short walk will be on the agenda this afternoon to shake out a few cobwebs.

Those feeling particularly energetic may also choose to do:

Mount Timbertop

5.8 km // 2 hours // Easy

This is about a half hour away.

Saturday 28 December: Four Mile Spur

16 kilometres // 5 hours // Medium-Hard

Lunch in Mount Buller! However, we may need to call ahead to confirm whether anything is open.

Sunday 29 December: Plain Creek Track from Carter’s Mill Campground

12.2 km // 4 hours // Medium

We leave our campsite and drive 40 minutes to nearby Sawmill Settlement for this relatively cruisey hike. Enjoy!

Monday 30 December: Ritchie’s Huts

18 kilometres // 7 hours // Medium-Hard

A relaxing though long day hike; there are river crossings, so either get wet boots, or consider sandals.

Tuesday 31 December: Return Home

We pack up camp for the drive home.

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.

If you don’t have a car, we can’t guarantee to provide you with a lift – this will depend on available drivers and their locations.

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.

By booking into this event you acknowledge that you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.

Booking Fee:
Members: free.     Non-members: $12.

Payment:
To avoid handling cash, non-members are required to pre-pay their booking fee.
You can pay by Paypal. If you are not a Paypal member, you can use Paypal to pay by credit or debit card.

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 the walks and overnight stays (refer Trip details above).

• To help manage the Covid risk, the following may be useful: Hand Sanitiser, Face Mask(s), RAT test(s).

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.

Safety and Ambulance Insurance

We strongly recommend that you have Ambulance cover. If conditions are hazardous, the walk may be cancelled. If any doubts at all, check your emails the night before and the morning of the event. For more details refer to: Joining a walk and your safety

If you are Covid-19 positive, have any Covid-19 symptoms or are a contact of someone with Covid-19, please follow the instructions in the Coronavirus Victoria website.

Still have questions?

Check out What happens on a walk.

Check out Weekend and extended walks.

Contact the leader using the “Enquiry” button.

Follow us on

Facebook: @YHABushwalkingClubVictoria
Instagram: @YHABushwalkingClub.

Members who wish to submit photos for social media or Yeti should refer to Member Resources.