Trip Overview

Some people are genuinely surprised to learn that Australia’s outback descends into Victoria. OK, it isn’t very big, but yes, we have a section of outback in our little state.

I am therefore hoping you will join me for one of Victoria’s most unusual pack carries. It’s graded Medium due to the distance (75km over 4 days).

 

Camping

Various campsites throughout the Little Desert – see below.

 

Itinerary and Walk Descriptions

Distance: 75 km

Friday 3 Nov – Drive to Dimboola or Horseshoe Bend

It’s recommended that you proceed up on the Friday night (staying at Dimboola, or simply go straight to Horseshoe Bend). Dimboola is a good four hours from Melbourne.

It’s actually not impossible to do it Saturday morning, however, I do not wait for latecomers, so it’s on you to be punctual. We will meet at 10.00am on the Saturday morning to commence our hike.

Saturday 4 Nov– Horseshoe Bend to Yellow Gum Hikers Camp

We meet at 10am at Horseshoe Bend which apparently has flushing toilets, fire pits and rainwater tanks.

Expect 21 kilometres or so on well formed tracks. There are fire pits, rainwater tanks, bush toilets and shelters at Yellow Gum.

Yellow Gum is a hike-in camp.

Sunday 5 Nov – Yellow Gum to Kiata Campground

Again, expect 21 kilometres or so. Firepits, rainwater tanks, shelters and flush toilets (expect them to be a bit rough regardless) at Kiata Campground. Those of you wishing to leave early could leave from Kiata (which is accessible by car) but will need to make your own arrangements.

Monday 6 Nov – Kiata Campground to Mallee Walkers Camp

Expect 20 kilometres again . . . and similar facilities as per Yellow Gum.

Tuesday 7 Nov – Mallee Walkers to Horseshoe Bend

A mere 13 kilometres hike prior to the long 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.

Drivers can choose whether they wish to take passengers or not.

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: $10.

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 is 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.

 

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 and/or are required to be in quarantine or isolation.
• If you have any Covid-19 symptoms or are a contact of someone with Covid-19, please follow the instructions in the Coronavirus Victoria website.

 

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

 

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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