Trip Overview

This is an accommodated trip staying at the Aardvark Lodge, Mt Hotham for 4 nights (27/28/29/30th December) in twin share rooms. Allow 4.5 hours travel time.

There will be 3 full day walks and one 1/2 day in the Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain area.

Cost is $128 + trip fee.

Once the initial accommodation is full, there is provision for prospective attendees to book their own accommodation at one of the other lodges at Mt Hotham (subject to a maximum group size). I can assist in coordination.

Note that there is only a small general store in Mt Hotham and no fuel. It is highly recommended to purchase supplies and fuel in Bright.

Accommodation

The accommodation is at the Aardvark Ski Lodge, Mt Hotham. The lodge has 9 rooms in various bed arrangements (but only 2 people will be allocated per room) and a fully equipped kitchen. The lodge has been recently renovated to create private bathrooms.

Doonas and pillows are provided but you will need to bring your own sheets (min 2), pillow case and towel. Sleeping bags are not permitted.

 

Itinerary and Walk Descriptions

There are 3 full day walks and a half day walk on the last day (31/12). All walks required car pooling. Please be ready to depart 8.30am (unless indicated otherwise).

Day 1: Dinner Plain<->Mt TableTop.

Starting from near Dinner Plain, this return walk gradually ascends through sub-alpine vegetation to a rocky outcrop just below the summit. The summit provides panoramic views. (M, 14km)

Day 2: Razorback to Mt. Feathertop

This is a scenic walk to Mt. Feathertop, with the last 1.5km being a moderately steep climb to the summit. The track mostly follows a ridge above the tree-line with views across adjacent valleys. Since it is a return walk, it is possible for participants to stop part way (19km + 3km [summit], M-H, 8hrs).

Day 3: Precipice plain + Montane track

Starting from Dinner Plain, this track begins by following the Montane walking around the north side of Dinner Plain heading east with occasional northern views of the Bogong Highlands. The second part heads roughly south through former cattle pasture lands with some pockets of Snow gums. The third section traverses the catchment area of the Victoria River, with a 1km return side trip to Carmichael Falls, & returning along the Hotham-Dinner Plain track to the starting point (approx 14km). [A 4km extension is the DP/Hotham & Dead Timber Hill walking track.]

Optional group pub dinner

Day 4: Wonderland/Christmas Hill/Big Spur

This is an easy 8km walk through the sub-alpine forest as a semi-circuit.

[Some alternative walk options are Mt Loch (7km rtn), Huts walk (approx 15km with car shuffle)]

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.

Trip Fee:
Members:  $128 + Booking fee (nil) = $128.

Non-members: $128 + Booking fee ($10) = $138

Payment:

All trip fees must be pre-paid.  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.

Note that $5 isn’t refunded to cover Paypal fees.

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.

 

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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