Distance: 20km (13km Saturday + 7km Sunday), 1100m total ascent

Walk Description

The 660km Australian Alpine Walking Track (AAWT) starts at Walhalla, finishes at Tharwa just outside Canberra and along the way takes in the major alpine peaks of Victoria and NSW.   This weekend, walk the first 20km of the AAWT, exploring the historic goldmining relics around Walhalla before ascending through mountain ash forest to Mt Erica, the largest single climb of the AAWT (getting the tough stuff out of the way early!).

Departure from Melbourne will be Saturday morning, meeting at Erica township for breakfast/coffee before setting up a car-shuffle and heading to the start of the walk at Walhalla.  There is the option of a Walhalla township walk (without packs) before setting off along a tramway past old mine sites towards Poverty Point bridge over the Thomson River.   Campsite will be at O’Shea’s Mill site on the bank of the East Tyers River.

Sunday is all climbing – but recommended training for anyone considering one of the Easter walks! – up through mountain ash forest to Mt Erica car park.   From the car park there is an option (particularly for those waiting for the cars to be picked up) for a side-trip to Mushroom Rocks.

More detailed notes about the walk will be sent to participants when their booking is confirmed.

Booking is  required for this walk, the deadline is 8pm on the preceding Monday.  A few days before the walk, the leader will organise car-pooling and provide details of where and when to meet.

If you are not a member of YHA Bushwalking, the cost is $10 plus any share of car-pooling as described on the Joining a Walk page.   The fee can be paid to the leader at the start of the walk.

If you are new to overnight camping, please refer to our Gear Checklist page or discuss with the leader.   Some equipment (eg tents, stoves) can be borrowed or shared provided you advise the leader of this when booking.    Some equipment (eg tents, stoves) can be borrowed or shared provided you advise the leader of this when booking.  For harder-graded walks, the leader has the right not to accept bookings from anyone they consider is not sufficiently fit or experienced, so please provide as much relevant information as you can when booking.