Trip Overview

Pack-carry walkers are invited to join our very experienced leader, Bruce, for a 4-day hike over the “Cup Day long weekend” through the Mount Nelse area and Southern Bogong High Plains.

Type of country and weather conditions: Most of the walk is in an alpine environment and above 1600 m. Snow can be expected any time during the year even in November so be prepared for these conditions. We are more likely to experience mild and sunny conditions so make sure you carry a sun hat and plenty of sunscreen. Be prepared for cold nights.

Walk Grade: Easy – Medium (E-M)

Total distance: 35 km

Total walking time: 15 hours

Walking rate: 2.5 km/hour

Climb rate: 200 m/hour

Note: Side trips are not included in the distance and walking time calculations.

Water: North East Victoria has experienced a wet winter so there should be plenty of drinking water on the Bogong High Plains. Water is available along the way and near the campsites. You will need a minimum water carrying capacity of approximately 2.5 litres. Water may need to be treated using filters, SteriPens, boiling or tablets.

Maps: Bogong Alpine Area, Outdoor Recreation Guide, 1: 50000

Bogong High Plains Forest Activities Map, Rooftops

Itinerary and Walk Description

Day 1. Saturday 2nd November.  Leave Melbourne in the morning, about 7.00 am to arrive at the Watchbed Creek Trackhead, to start the bushwalk at 1.30 pm. Allow a minimum of 5.5 hours to do the journey with appropriate stops on the way.

Watchbed Creek Trackhead – Follow the High Plains Road to Langford Gap. Walk along the Langford East Aqueduct east to the creek that leads up to Fitzgerald Hut.

Camp: Fitzgerald Hut area.

Distance: 7 km.  Walking time: 3 hours.

Day 2. Sunday 3rd November. Morning: Fitzgerald Hut – Marum Kelly Track – Big River Fire Track (Australian Alpine Walking Track, AAWT) to Roper Hut.

Camp: Roper Hut area. Distance: 10 km.  Walking time: 4 hours.

Day 3. Monday 4th November. Roper Hut – Big River Fire Track – cross country to the Spion Kopji Fire Track – Mt. Spion Kopji – Spion Kopji Fire Track – unnamed mountain 1893 m – Mt. Nelse North – Mt. Nelse – Johnston Hut.

Camp: Johnston Hut area.

Distance: 13 km.  Walking time: 6 hours.

Day 4. Tuesday 5th November.  Johnston Hut – Big River Fire Track – Watchbed Creek Trailhead.  

Distance: 5 km.  Walking time: 2 hours.

Depart for Melbourne about 11.00 am.

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, but we will do our best.

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.

Summary of food requirements  # Food required.

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.

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.