Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug
Caves, climbs, cloudbase views and variety over a short fun distance
We respectfully acknowledge the Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjali people as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of Gariwerd.
Looking west today. No superlatives left!
Today’s hike of just 8.1km/5mi climbs the rocky tops of Signal Peak and Mt Abrupt, with 580m/1900ft elevation gain for the day. You’ll have steep and rocky sections, but they are not as consistently demanding as the steep Central Section days, and stone steps have been built to ease your way and reduce erosion.
As on every other day, you have glorious views not only atop the peaks but as you ascend them too. In addition, caves, tors and cliff faces make for plenty of variety on the track itself: we guarantee that, in clear weather, you’ll be wowed! This day was one of our favourites of the entire track.
The wildflowers over the last part of the southern section are particularly rich and varied — orchid enthusiasts will love these final two days — so, even should low cloud obscure your views, there is much to see close by.
If cloud is forecast, an early start may present clear skies before convection increases or, alternatively, a late start can see peaks clear as cloud base rises: it will depend on conditions. Faster hikers should not be afraid to delay their departure if they wake to cloud.
How to Make Today Easier:
Today’s distance is relatively short so you should not need to split the day, but there is a fair bit of elevation gain and you will likely do the spur trails to Mt Abrupt and Signal Peak. You have no significant scrambling but plenty of steps and some steep walking over rock. Start early if necessary, particularly if you have hiked the entire trail without a rest stop in Halls Gap and are growing weary.
If you have dropped food at Cassidy Gap Rd crossing about one kilometre from the hut, you will pick up your last dinner for the trail, plus supplies for the day and for tomorrow into Dunkeld. However, your pack will be light by now anyway with just one night left.
There is no water at Cassidy Gap Rd because the tank at Djardji-Djawara is serviced, just carry what you need for the day from the hut.
Walk with Us:
Straight out of camp along the service road, Signal Peak beckons.
Wild weather and rainbows along the Serra Range.
We have left early but already cloud is forming around the peaks. Sometimes, you just have to keep your fingers crossed for views!
The ascent begins alongside marvellous rocky tors. You will have lots of climbing today!
But there are steps…
…beautifully constructed to fit the land and even the trees.
Glorious views from the flanks of Signal Peak, here looking north along the Serra Range.
Another sheltered spot under rock and behind centuries-old Xanthorrhoeas: they grow approximately one centimetre per year! This overhang is a good choice for an early second breakfast or a cuppa should it be raining.
Today’s weather is threatening, but there is time to find a comfortable perch (there are many) to take a breather on the climb up Signal Peak. We have donned our rain gear in preparation for the passing squalls.
Don’t forget to look behind you to the north as you gain altitude and the Serra and William Ranges stretch ever further into the distance… unless obscured by passing rain squalls as here. We have dodged them so far, but are keeping an eye out westwards. If you’re lucky, they will hold off until after the summit.
A riot of colour around your feet, too.
Hmm, already at cloud base and the peak is higher still. Will there be a view?
No, not today.
Bright orange lichen, probably Xanthoria sp.
Downy Star-bush (Asterolasia phebalioides)
Small shelters in the rain on the misty descent…
Another large overhang provides a nice place to pause for a drink in the drizzle. It’s very easy to forget to drink in cooler weather, but it’s still important. We stop for five minutes every hour, and always have a drink then. The switch telling us older folk that we are thirsty gets a bit sticky as we age, so a routine like this is useful and worth trying if you regularly find yourself dehydrated at the end of the day.
Sadly no views at the moment but the weather is so changeable, who knows what’s around the corner?
More steps, that’s what!
But hooray, clear weather to the west and the lush Victoria Valley.
Orographic cloud is cloud that forms due to terrain — the Grampians is sufficiently prominent above the surrounding flatlands to ‘make’ its own weather — and this was one of the most interesting examples Geoff and I have seen. Air blowing from the west (left) rises up along the slope and through gaps to condense on the eastern side. It looks almost like smoke:
…but it is cloud. Fascinating!
In any case, when you are almost at cloud base, going in and out of the wispies is a lot of fun!
Finally descending from Mt Abrupt, with completely different vegetation on its southeasterly slopes.
A rock face has become a spectacular hanging garden in this cool, sheltered environment.
Coral Lichen, probably Pulchrocladia retipora
It’s otherworldly, and such a contrast to everything else today!
View south towards Mt Sturgeon, with The Piccaninny in front and Dunkeld to the left on the flats. You’ll be there tomorrow!
Nearly at the hut. Looking west again, we can see a huge squall coming; it is opaque so will last a little while and it will be heavy. Will we have time to set up the tent?
There’s the hut, tucked tight against Mud-Dadjug! Wow! Location, location, location!
But first, set up the tent. We get it up just in time: we have it down to under four minutes on these platforms where we have to use deck hooks and find non-existent gaps. It’s fully battened down for the gust front which hits just as we finish.
Although we’ve chosen a (somewhat) sheltered platform in the gusty, squally weather, you also have a choice of these magnificent ones on the edge of the escarpment.
Ah, my, the hut is welcome. It’s always great to meet different folk, and we are dry and warm with hot tea and puffy jackets. Everyone is wearing puffy jackets, as well as beanies!
Yet another glorious sunset to end the day. It doesn’t get much better than this!
Tomorrow is your last day, so enjoy this amazing hut, perched on the edge yet again for incredible views. Last days on some hikes can be anticlimactic but, worry not: you should know by now that this won’t be the case on this walk. You will have Piccaninny to skirt and then Mt Sturgeon to climb, followed by an exciting descent onto the flatlands.
