https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes daily 0.75 2025-07-06 https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/ormiston-gorge monthly 0.5 2025-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f46aff9b-faa8-4dc0-a592-eb0dbe70da0d/P6223639.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Rock pool along Ormiston Pound Circuit Hike A beautiful rock pool is just one of many stunning features you’ll experience on this day hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/130c0385-3973-437b-9ce0-f62e968ed2b4/Ormiston+Pound+Hike+with+elevation.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Ormiston Pound Circuit Hike Map with elevation details A classic circuit route that you are requested to hike anticlockwise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/279b64c1-e915-4324-ab5e-29232f8ae388/Finke+to+Ormiston+Gorge+to+Hermits+Hideaway.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Satellite image of circuit hike If you are a Larapinta hiker, schedule the Pound Circuit into your itinerary. Fast west to east Larapinta hikers will be able to complete it in the afternoon they arrive in Ormiston Gorge from Finke River, but we strongly recommend that slower hikers spend two nights at Ormiston, and hike the circuit on their “rest” day. Order your pies or sausage rolls before you leave on your hike because they will have sold out by the time you return! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ecc9fc0-e6f4-4a76-8f70-f6e8249bea13/P6223661-2-Pano.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Rocky section of Ormiston Gorge The trail is very rocky in parts — notably the gorge — but is well marked other than in the gorge where it becomes a route, and you simply follow the creek bed, zig-zig-zagging across and between rock pools until you reach the main waterhole and exit via its eastern side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a08d69c8-2f8b-4f41-ab34-cb2007af9473/IMG_7974.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Track signage You initially follow the Larapinta Trail east from the car park. The Larapinta and Pound Walks are marked with blue and orange triangles respectively. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/adc551df-b038-4bee-ba00-d135b12f6f3a/IMG_7977.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - rocky trail near start of Ormiston Pound hike Typically rocky trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a7abdba2-7c21-4ad9-865d-5cc950a02f05/IMG_8035.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Bush tomato Bush tomato (Solanum sp). There are a number of species within a group of very similar ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1cff60eb-6e9d-46bf-83a5-efb3e0866904/P6223599.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Ormiston Creek You initially follow Ormiston Creek… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a79a73c-fb8d-4ace-9600-fcb4c68f18e8/IMG_7984.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - crossing Ormiston Creek … before you cross and leave the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/09db18bd-1773-4d92-b2a8-3b26afe533a0/IMG_7990.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - rock steps out of valley It’s a steep climb initially, but with steps to ease your way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e84c4fb-ecb8-4b3b-aac8-ded3df90e0c4/IMG_8055.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Wickam’s Grevillea Brilliant Wickam’s Grevillea (G. wickhamii) makes splashes of red on rocky hillsides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91915a41-cd42-43bc-ae03-832268aaa5b8/IMG_7992.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Spinifex and Curry Wattle line the early stages of the Ormiston Pound track Spinifex and Curry Wattle (Acacia spondylophylla) carpet the hillsides here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8d3818a-369e-441e-be5a-0dce1e8d88f5/IMG_8013-2.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - well graded trail The trail is well graded and contours across the slopes: rocky, but not steep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3fca3a6e-b72d-43f6-bffc-3186b31f73a8/IMG_8022.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Beautiful central Australian landscape Beautiful central Australian landscape, with the red rock contrasting with the greens and greys of the vegetation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c9c2ccd-c30e-40e9-a779-bcf7de7efa75/IMG_8027.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - curry wattle Up a wide gully through a sea of curry wattle to a saddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e2cf13c-e366-45df-a372-c5ef122b4aa5/P6223620.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Ormiston Pound From the saddle you take a short spur trail to the lookout for expansive views of Ormiston Pound: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/258a0c11-9178-4559-8766-9e1e1c373448/P6223614-2-Pano.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - View of Ormiston Pound from lookout Ormiston Pound with the Chewings Range and Ormiston Creek snaking its way across the plain. The Gorge is far left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0af23137-26e1-4430-accf-de8fe5234204/P6223624.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - curry wattle and spinifex fringe the track Down through more curry wattle and spinifex towards the pound… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/368179a8-e437-44bb-9225-0abe15323a89/IMG_8036.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Ormiston Pound track after lookout … you can just make out the trail skirting the base of the hill through the gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9008d8f6-a6e4-4240-aa6a-1c8b5fed8ebd/P6223608.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Australian Golden Orbweaver A beautiful female Australian Golden Orbweaver (Trichonephila edulis), with her small male partner hiding nervously but hopefully nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/edcd7094-b7f5-4864-9acd-11ebcc5e83d9/IMG_8037.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Making way through the gap after Ormiston Pound Lookout Emerging from the Range, the rock glowing red in the midday sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca0a5648-d8a2-4d14-9d57-007b1e58e855/IMG_8041.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Ormiston Pound plain Onto the Plain with completely different plants to those you’ve seen in the hilly country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/315dcdf9-4049-4152-a4b8-51f7faa71319/IMG_8052.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Spinifex Pigeon Spinifex Pigeon (Geophaps plumifera) is perfectly camouflaged and disappears into the rock the moment it stops moving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be82d2ab-83b2-439c-8754-a1a85bf7d27d/IMG_8043.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - gall on a bloodwood A gall on a bloodwood. Inside is an edible insect, prized by the Traditional Owners as a nutritious source of protein and fat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ac5b6a4e-7dbc-4ba8-9b0f-6133db1041ae/P6223629.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - rock pool next to sandy beach in Ormiston Pound Those who keep their eyes peeled will spot this beautiful pool a little off the track as you cross the creek, with many birds flitting amongst the rocks and chattering in the trees nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7685c0f1-554e-4a9a-bb20-b2ca5b28fa0d/IMG_8054.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Ormiston Creek in Pound A little later you cross the creek for a second time. Without recent rain, we were able to rock hop and keep our feet dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/48bf2281-8059-4b3c-8622-0c2ac42e35b2/IMG_8045.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Native Scurf Pea This Native Scurf Pea (Cullen australasicum) looks for all the world like a salvia or plant in the mint family. It is likely convergent evolution to trick insects that would normally feed on the nectar secreted by that family (peas leave their visitors hungry, but still need to attract them!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0dca380c-b32c-4261-b94d-740e537bc44b/P6223642.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Approaching Ormiston Gorge Approaching Ormiston Gorge: it is spectacularly enticing terrain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/54aa9fbf-6cb5-4b32-b142-5a68c9e1247a/IMG_8057.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - track markers are clear and well placed The trail has been very well marked up until now: you are unlikely to lose your way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca170141-2852-47b4-8567-20ba7da70d6b/P6223601-2.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Cassia Butterfly Bush Cassia Butterfly Bush (Petalostylis cassioides) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2dac1908-ced1-4c5d-b1a9-0c42165e1038/IMG_8059.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Ormiston Pound walk signage at entrance to the gorge When you reach the gorge, the trail becomes undefined because high flows jumble the rocks and erase any trail. Not to worry, there is only one way forward, and you won’t be able to leave the gorge except at the other end via Ghost Gum Walk, or beside the permanent waterhole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6adcc021-d506-46d7-a3fe-c1ce4c9d74cd/P6223649.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - rocky section at entrance to gorge You have plenty of rocks to traverse both at the northern end of the gorge… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c104a33-d282-4ca8-b4de-030a07b8bd63/IMG_8078.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - mixture of rock ledges and small sandy sections in gorge … as well as further in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d95b8f8-1920-40d7-b2be-42d19595f00a/IMG_8066.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - sunlight highlighting the red rock faces of gorge It is spectacular even though we are here after midday, when the sun directly overhead sets the entire gorge alight with red and orange. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81aae24b-bc05-417a-9c70-9afdff05b2ab/IMG_8061.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - sandy patches beside pools at the base of the cliffs. You’ll also cross sandy patches beside pools at the base of the cliffs. I’ve included several similar images mainly so that you can see the kind of terrain you’ll traverse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/264dc9ba-295d-4dbe-9163-97e27b413f84/IMG_8071.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - large boulders in base of gorge The pools and boulders grow larger as you go deeper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a7bca23-2979-4f09-95e0-d4a73a70402e/IMG_8081.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Large pool to traverse You will need to wade or swim through this permanent pool, depending on recent rains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d240ed82-9286-41dd-af91-11968c47dc9d/IMG_8084.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - water crossing Crossing the pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f31d3e19-3183-4d5b-a69e-006590ce4355/IMG_8087.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - drying feet after water crossing Drying feet after the water crossing, river crossing sandals foreground. You’ll still need your boots as there is a little scrambling yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dc1abd7b-25d9-49d7-b2df-533aaf95ce0e/P6223671.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Ormiston Pound Day Circuit - Main water pool at Ormiston Gorge And finally you emerge from the gorge near that sandy spit centre back (unless you’ve taken the Ghost Gum route) to arrive back at the Waterhole, serene on the surface but an extraordinary 14m deep. https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/stirling-and-porongurup-ranges monthly 0.5 2023-07-28 https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/mt-barker-south-australia monthly 0.5 2022-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5bac6d09-ea67-463e-a459-7b0e4c3eb33e/view+4+p.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - View from Mt Barker Summit You’ll see beautiful 360 degree rural views on this delightful short loop hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d6c3ee2-4580-450b-b5f1-5c9d98ef4808/Mt+Barker+Map.jpeg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Mt Barker Summit HIke Map With Elevation Graph https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9decee19-baf8-4aa0-adce-593d717554a4/01+start+of+track-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Trail Head The long route starts from the end of Williams Rd. With limited parking, you may need to leave your car a little way back. Go through a gate, then up a grassy fire track between dense Acacia paradoxa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a55584f-d42a-40d1-a5da-85543b7106f4/29+track-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - easy walking closer to the summit As you climb the spine, the track levels off and, amongst the trees in spring, you’ll begin seeing orchids and other wildflowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/57de32d3-08af-4742-a24f-c2303cfc1d5e/32+caladenia+latifolia-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Orchids - Caladenia latifolia Caladenia latifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a968a05b-6446-48c6-9b32-bd343a787ce1/28+track+down-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - granite outcrops Fantastic boulders are scattered along the top of the spine on either side of the track. Gazing beyond them, you’ll have views to the east and west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c238cd3-b9bc-446c-b857-991ff9f741c6/05+on+loop+trail+heading+northwest-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Approaching the loop track You’ll reach the beginning of the loop: head left/west onto single track, with more views through the trees, before the track swings north. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a77aad12-556d-4fdb-b5d5-9fe1384d5ecd/31+thelymitra+rubra-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Orchids In spring, the understorey here is rich in orchids (T. rubra) and lillies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/009cdb6c-bae0-47e0-aece-ec669c297905/06+correa-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Rock correa Rock correa (C. glabra) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/750188c8-2763-4a75-8be9-3094cd7cadfa/35+diuris+suphurea-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Yellow orchid Diuris sulphurea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e94f050-7566-4f84-a503-e83dc80144c9/06+northern+end-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - nearing northern most point of loop Mt Barker Summit After following the contouring track beneath the Casuarinas, you’ll near the northernmost elevation and the vegetation and views open up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c7f182b-fa6a-47ae-979d-5f91740a7c46/36+thelymitra+grandiflora-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - blue orchid On the way you may see Thelymitra grandiflora … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3161c0f7-e38e-4b31-8691-4d962f7c8c09/33+glossodia+major-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Purple Cockatoo … and Purple Cockatoo (Glossodia major) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/37da1d26-a09a-408e-ba6b-459ff7e8f713/view+3.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - view over mixed farmland A pause on a sunny rock to soak in the views northwest; the township of Mt Barker is out of sight to the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9e93f2f2-5e8a-4204-aedc-3d6db41d91bb/07+heading+east-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - southward towards the summit Continue around and you’ll begin heading south again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/28883ddd-2c1d-4579-8334-0365b2f13459/08+drosera-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - carnivorous plants Drosera whittakeri in damp spots amongst the exposed rock slabs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/caa1438f-c2ee-48a3-9c25-dd4eb81e9fe5/10+casuarinas-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - small sheoak forest The track continues to contour beautifully around the peak. Here, casuarinas on the eastern side with an understorey of lillies, grasses and forbs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/08dc571e-9114-4476-bfb0-4f4311ce0d24/34+pink+fingers-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - white orchid Pink Fingers (Caladenia carnea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ee7623e0-2b0d-4892-ab74-61609f9c19bf/30+microtis-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Onion Orchid Onion orchid (Microtis uniflora) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91266848-756e-4d48-81f4-6be3e5ba08be/18-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Peramangk interpretative sign When you reach the carpark, turn right towards the summit proper. Nearby, you’ll see interpretive signs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02aee80c-b073-41d8-bfe1-4bd301eb9487/19+summit-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - final track to summit The main path to the lookout at the summit is well graded and smooth, easy walking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02cf3ab0-c041-48ff-96a5-e91fa213ab30/20+summit-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Picnic Area at Mt Barker Summit Picnic tables with lovely views westwards to Mt Lofty and over Mt Barker township. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ccccfa84-b4d7-4465-9178-1efcf4ef9169/26+route+down-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - steps needed to get to the top Graded steps as the path nears the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75bc129d-8a1c-4356-a061-8a9847f1cb13/24+compass-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Sundial And, right near the top, you’ll find a sundial and, of course, the trig point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/115790d7-691a-4523-8c78-b9af10a7e9ef/25+trig+point-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Navigation trigpoint at Mt Barker Summit Mt Barker summit Trig Point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5187efdb-cc90-4817-a2c2-9535a0c458d6/27+manna+gum-1.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - return loop hike Return to the car park and, if you’ve hiked up the spine from Williams Rd, find the continuation of the loop near a boulder at the entrance of the carpark. Follow this track back down to the spur and retrace your steps down the firetrack to Williams Rd. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d8a16357-2b3a-4bd1-bb23-4019e0a95cc5/view+4.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Mt Barker, South Australia - Make it stand out Mt Barker is not high above the surrounding landscape, but it’s high enough for lovely views in every direction, and this delightful short walk takes in all of them. Highly recommended. https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/warrie-circuit-queensland monthly 0.5 2025-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/211ca3c5-e9f1-4175-9c27-f88af615b2a7/Rainbow+Falls+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - We pass through greenery Greenery and Waterfalls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ac884ee-a64d-4e88-975e-e79cc5f5eaf2/Sign+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Map signage at the start of the track Map signage at the start of the track: it’s worth taking a snap on your phone. Or load up on Alltrails, although you may not have gps reception in the deeper parts of the gorges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ffee52ad-298d-4a41-a460-7b249295626b/Sign+2+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Walking track warning sign Whilst there are variations in the published length of this day walk (approx 17km/10.6mi), most agree on the 700m/3000ft elevation gain! and loss! Slower hikers should make an early start. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7d1694e9-e95d-4791-b4dc-33d8843b6eb6/start+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - An easy track… With an initial gentle gradient through rainforest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640397856027-LLI72Q3LP1KGS38DLI0L/rock+slabs+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Hiking between walls of solid rock Hiking between walls of solid rock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640397873079-ACHH7ODSP5ZRBC225W53/rock+slabs+2+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Hiking between walls of solid rock Hiking between walls of solid rock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/abd31b24-661b-406a-bff5-93ff3615f51d/escarpment+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Vertical rock walls Vertical rock walls covered in moss https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e0ea3cde-f5e2-43c4-a0a8-4e8229bfc7cf/Rainbow+Falls+2+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Walking behind the curtain of water Under waterfalls… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/add97f47-0e01-4b13-a75e-612772c5b52d/Rainbow+Falls+3+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - A vivid rainbow awaits on the other side To see the eponymous rainbow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da7cc14b-1bbc-4e35-9433-121ef2de3558/Pterostylis+nutans+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - There are orchids… Pterostylis nutans https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/576dab3b-b1c8-47a8-93d2-07b4bdd3034d/contouring+gradient+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - And ferns as we walk onwards through the forest to Goomolahra Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/58cffa89-04ac-49ba-83cd-a39b06ea0b4b/Goomoolahra+FallsWarrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Goomolahra Falls So many waterfalls! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d878eb2d-94d5-48f2-925d-e1a0ceb50dc5/Pterostylis+hildae+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Many orchids Pterostylis hildae (?) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71ce4824-ab0b-48a2-8099-8d3f6b27d54a/Fungi+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Fungi abound as well. Keep your eyes peeled! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/07820019-0d61-4804-830c-624f913af6fa/Turkey+tail+fungus+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Turkey Tail fungus Turkey Tail fungus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a65df15-8a95-4ffb-9eca-50b8056d98b0/Warrie+Circuit+2+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Still descending … towards more water https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/09882f80-4a24-40d4-9fb8-381d8d11e39a/Warrie+Circuit+3+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - In steeper sections there are well formed steps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640398967308-JAU305C3VO0BYGH7HB6T/Warrie+Circuit+4+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - A river flowing through boulders awaits in the valley floor Fast flowing river with moss covered rocks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640398966249-SH8DWC9GE3820QLJCF4N/Warrie+Circuit+4+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia-2.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - A river flowing through boulders awaits in the valley floor The river is flowing fast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d86c2582-700b-4a56-9285-cf9991779cd9/lunch+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - with sunlight peeking through the rainforest Lunch time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2be043de-a0c4-4310-9b01-dac5ac3b5c67/climb+out+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Now for the climb out through more beautiful rainforest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2545e7b-2651-4aa3-bea2-0ea4c7d86e89/Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Rainforest rivers another section of fast flowing water https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2dfe61b7-2057-400c-a99e-b50eae0e4cf4/Poonyahra+Falls+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - And yet more waterfalls: here, Poonyahra Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e1b70bac-7013-4578-aa06-798e1a979173/waterfall+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - More waterfalls And another curtain of water with a rainbow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78c8ee17-09e5-4a37-9270-a9b335fae6e5/escarpment+view+Warrie+Circuit+Springbrook+National+Park+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park - Lookout view towards the Gold Coast with its expansive views eastwards to the Gold Coast. https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/kaitjaba-hill-mt-stamford-south-australia monthly 0.5 2025-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d607d8f1-827d-4e9d-8172-6bdf76302a9a/view+from+hill.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park - Make it stand out Glorious sea views https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1625380562849-55P0B185QPDJ2N26KNIA/Stamford+Hill+Hike+Map_4MP.jpeg Australian Day Hikes - Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park - Stanford Hill Hike Map The route and the elevation profile, just 190m gain and loss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1ce22867-2c62-45c2-bf83-c9440686a415/Kaitjaba+Hill+Walk+Lincoln+National+Park+South+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park - Wide gravel track The track up is well made and smooth for easy walking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/95ff713d-ba8e-4a51-8b54-1398015257a2/Kaitjaba+Hill+Walk+Lincoln+National+Park+South+Australia-2.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park - Easy walking A seat for a rest! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf4116d5-04fd-4e08-afa2-1aace568ffbb/signage+Kaitjaba+Hill+Walk+Lincoln+National+Park+South+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park - Signage along the track Here’s a reference to the First Nations People! The first one we’ve seen anywhere in the park! Oh wait, look at the context. It’s really about Flinders, not them!! Oh dear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fe450177-c67f-4edc-ae3a-d75d11344cfd/graded+steps+Kaitjaba+Hill+Walk+Lincoln+National+Park+South+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park - Ah well… the nicely-built track continues with steps through the steeper sections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f58f9cb5-46e9-4f4a-a888-d30e50fbe589/view+from+hill.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park - Panoramic Views to the south Early morning light through threatening clouds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a91279cb-c2b0-48d7-b687-672c6dd21799/views+Kaitjaba+Hill+Walk+Lincoln+National+Park+South+Australia-2.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park - Stamford Lookout Stunning views of the bay to the south https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a08e6594-29cb-43b8-84ad-6f564b951889/views+west+Kaitjaba+Hill+Walk+Lincoln+National+Park+South+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park - Stamford Hill Lookout Equally lovely views to the west. This is some of the coastline on the route from the Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8c2a394a-f364-491d-b5be-c17b6488e0f5/Port+Lincoln+views+Kaitjaba+Hill+Walk+Lincoln+National+Park+South+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park - Stamford Hill Lookout As you descend the circuit, Port Lincoln is clearly visible across the Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/522075d2-7081-4693-a69d-bd5c42d1adb5/Investigator+Trail+intersection+Kaitjaba+Hill+Walk+Lincoln+National+Park+South+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park - Track Junction The Investigator Trail continues both southwest and northeast. Take the latter branch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a8ca9375-ad26-4327-a6c4-fd0a4bc775ab/loop+section+Kaitjaba+Hill+Walk+Lincoln+National+Park+South+Australia.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park - A pleasant walk past old wells, historic ruined huts, and appealing glimpses of the bay A pleasant walk past old wells, historic ruined huts, and appealing glimpses of the bay as you complete the circuit back to the carpark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dd9ed39f-2f5a-4bf8-be8a-198f09af1abf/Port+Lincoln+views+Kaitjaba+Hill+Walk+Lincoln+National+Park+South+Australia+2.jpg Australian Day Hikes - Kaitjaba Hill (Stamford Hill) Hike, Lincoln National Park - Port Lincoln Views Under lowering cloud, but the sea views continue. A delightful circuit hike, highly recommended! https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/tag/rainbow monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/tag/fungi monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/tag/waterfall monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/tag/lookout monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/tag/rainforest monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/tag/Australia monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/tag/orchid monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/tag/coastal monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/tag/day+hike monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/tag/Queensland monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/australia-day-hikes/tag/South+Australia monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/gammon-ranges daily 0.75 2025-09-06 https://slowerhiking.com/gammon-ranges/hike-planning monthly 0.5 2022-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/07ea16c4-8608-46a4-8867-90b7f3d1bfdb/dry+creekbed+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Planning and Tips - Gammon Ranges 3 Day Italowie Gorge Circuit Hike - Dry Creek Bed Many sick looking trees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/72a2f5f4-dfc2-4c18-80be-ccba9e358eeb/Gammon+Ranges+3+day+circuit+hike+map+lr2.jpeg Gammon Ranges - Planning and Tips - Gammon Ranges 3 Day Italowie Gorge Circuit Hike - Map of Hike Our walk details https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628929553611-3YG8IMCVAGC2IQV5QM30/vulkathunha-gammon-ranges-national-park-balcanoona-map_4MP.jpeg Gammon Ranges - Planning and Tips - Gammon Ranges 3 Day Italowie Gorge Circuit Hike - Park Map And the Parks Map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/56fabebe-b7ef-49f5-b46d-fdd91abdca5a/dry+country+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Planning and Tips - Gammon Ranges 3 Day Italowie Gorge Circuit Hike - Bare rocky ground The country is extremely dry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/03c857c5-efd2-41d3-a3a1-6ebdfc3a7f9d/morning+sunlight+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Planning and Tips - Gammon Ranges 3 Day Italowie Gorge Circuit Hike - Despite the dryness the country still has its beauty Best displayed under soft late afternoon sunlight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b4aa30c1-bd9c-45b1-8b24-9fac5a479aca/red+outback+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Planning and Tips - Gammon Ranges 3 Day Italowie Gorge Circuit Hike - Dry rocky slopes The Gammon Ranges are in drought https://slowerhiking.com/gammon-ranges/day-1-italowie-gorge monthly 0.5 2022-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c986f299-9d9d-45b1-b04c-023cc7954fe8/gorge+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - Italowie Gorge We follow the dry creek line into the gorge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a023f46-b837-4b1b-9228-3a7a212014e1/GR+Day+1+Map.jpeg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - Map of Day 1 Distance 12.9 km (8 miles) ; Gain 350 m (1150 ft) ; Descent 275 m (900 ft) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c423222-ea52-4374-bf18-9d5b4d541d75/yellow+footed+rock+wallaby+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - A hopeful looking wallaby Greeted in Italowie campground by this lassie. Saw wallabies only around campsites and a single one at Weetootla springs. They won't leave their range to search for water elsewhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dfe1db88-635b-4523-b74d-4034f1e1232b/dry+landscape+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - We head off Setting off from Italowie campground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1dc48db7-e95a-4061-ab07-d4c582abbf8d/harsh+landscape+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - We walk along track which is placed at the toe of the gorge I'm already beginning to think carrying my macro lens is going to be unnecessary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dfcbba1b-93a3-4a07-a2ee-420ad3fc3485/dry+creekbed+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - Dry Creek bed Following the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/84f58bec-31a9-461e-8a37-3b160aa09591/flynets+essential+in+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - Creek crossing point The track, developed entirely by volunteers, is well signposted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/44a77159-961d-4d03-970c-c9d1a3540570/ti+tree+hanging+on+in+drought+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - Ti Tree begging for rain Ti tree begging for rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6714f01c-87cb-485d-ae6c-e336c182780e/magnificent+gums+in+gorge+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - Classic South Australian Landscape Classic South Oz country. Stunning colours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52d280ec-a1fe-4cf6-a562-21d6cc2b6002/red+outback+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - View across to hillslopes on the other side of the gorge. Beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8396d1bc-3864-4b94-88b9-75d326fd5af2/dry+country+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - We climb over the saddle This is not a summer hiking track! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f2eea47-00e4-49b5-a232-53ab97f73c02/ironstone+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - Classic Gammon Ranges, Ironstone boulders, red dirt Ironstone , red dirt and parched pines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31a776cd-c9c9-4370-bbab-0818237dd6e2/gorge+2+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - We head of up a side Gorge to see if things are healthier up there A quick side trip to Mt McKinley Springs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0610325-2fa6-40c7-aa66-2460b7754e9d/into+the+hills+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - Dry dusty track Beautiful but oh, so dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bc2166f9-1134-4907-97ff-8bc57765d263/so+dry+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - View back towards Nanggarranha and the Rampart Range View back towards Nanggarranha and the Rampart Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3cbb2410-57a6-442b-91b0-663cd5e48ae0/rocky+plain+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - On top of the plateau - its hot and the flys are a pest Fly nets are permanently in our packs. They have come in handy everywhere from Iceland to NZ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7927dd89-dc08-422f-849f-2a4aea1a1c76/red+country+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - Dry but still beautiful Dry, but spectacular country nonetheless. We’re starting to think about campsites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20481dfe-a476-4cdb-b643-d49ead925842/evening+light+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - Our final descent for the day Our final descent for the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/379ad557-97cf-4b43-b11a-19d7d0e6e3f7/evening+campsite+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - Our campsite for tonight It’s surprisingly tricky to find a flat camp spot! Eventually we choose a little flat-topped knoll not far from the intersection of McKinley Springs Track and Wuturta Loop Track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1971226b-3f62-4147-a754-130f5f35293a/preparing+dinner+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 1 - Gammon Ranges: Italowie Gorge - Dinner time Geoff prepares dinner. https://slowerhiking.com/gammon-ranges/day-2-balcanoona-creek monthly 0.5 2022-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5c044b0-96e7-4a0a-ac47-384512e6bab1/morning+sunlight+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - Early morning light A crisp, clear dawn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0160fc1-adcc-47e8-b3be-4e39a4faf250/Gammon+Ranges+Day+2+map+of+hike Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - Map of Day 2 The day ahead : Distance 16.0 km (10.0 miles) ; Gain 500 m (1640 ft) ; Descent 530 m (1740 ft) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c7a11b76-c338-4c6d-81b3-c8fbe67140e8/pack+up+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - Triplex Tent The Triplex is perfect for these conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a68c41a0-beaa-47e2-b4af-d8cbd875b898/breakfast+noodles+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - Noodles Helen’s favourite breakfast! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7474fb70-b386-4937-8239-f049c4074b1d/following+the+river+bed+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - Heading towards Bunyip Chasm We head east towards Bunyip Chasm along Wuturta Track until we get to the old well. Here we branch off following an unmarked track. The trick will be to find the correct gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/21578133-a013-4436-9f00-50aa4747a4eb/Bunyip+chasm+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - We find the right gorge This is the one! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/059fc10a-ecf1-4c0a-8151-fbb555b4fecf/Balcanoona+Creek+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - Balcanoona Creek Balcanoona Creek https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bdda01fc-9244-4d89-9ef3-f816e7d174da/Xanthorrhoea+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - Magnificent Xanthorrhoeas Magnificent Xanthorrhoeas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4891e615-fe0f-4a20-97ac-a0b53365b4f0/Cliff+face+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - The gorge is narrowing Brilliant cliffs, ever narrowing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/84f92823-5c5d-4b2a-abd7-c53feefa5354/gorge+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - More water but it is not fresh. More water, but after this there is a lot of rock scrambling and boulder hopping, very slow, hard going. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fbba6045-fb52-4ffa-b1c2-35fe3df48fc3/towards+Gridells+campground+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - We head towards Grindells campsite We backtrack and head east towards Grindell’s campground. The country is incredibly parched. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ef5fffd-9976-4b91-90e9-86d45481e569/Gridells+campground+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - Grindell’s camp ground at last We top up our water and set up camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0ba3b513-1826-4153-8ce8-ab32be6151ef/dinner+Gridells+campground+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - Geoff’s favourite Green Chicken Curry – one happy camper! But it’s been a surprisingly hard day; and seeing the country under such stress is having an impact on both of us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/261de64d-7089-4928-a420-bca5c7863d9b/rock+wallaby+Grindells+campground+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 2 - Gammon Ranges: Balcanoona Creek - The rock wallabies are very tame. The rock wallabies are very tame. Never feed them, however – they get a disease called scabby mouth. https://slowerhiking.com/gammon-ranges/day-3-weetootla-gorge monthly 0.5 2022-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e64dabc3-e50d-406a-9a30-3bd32fca9d4a/Gammon+Ranges+hike+map+of+day+3 Gammon Ranges - Day 3 - Gammon Ranges: Weetootla Gorge - Mao of Day 3 Distance 17.9 km (11.2 miles) ; Gain 240 m (780 ft) ; Descent 280 m (920 ft) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52e733e3-0e53-43c1-955a-9d7c38aab200/towards+Weetootla+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 3 - Gammon Ranges: Weetootla Gorge - We head off early planning to get to the car in one day. Off to Weetootla through the bullock bush https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67767cb6-78e8-452e-8c23-746e8a57ee96/grazed+spinifex+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 3 - Gammon Ranges: Weetootla Gorge - Spinifex Yes, it’s spinifex! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eb6ab47c-7613-4d54-9fba-f3080c116ae1/gums+and+red+rock+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 3 - Gammon Ranges: Weetootla Gorge - The ranges are still stunning But the ranges still stand proud and we walk towards yet more beautiful red cliffs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aa7172fe-62ed-4985-9d26-35fd96882bb5/stunning+cliffs+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 3 - Gammon Ranges: Weetootla Gorge - Red brown hillslopes Where ever you look they stand proud https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67b16f92-19cc-40de-87dc-701ac9551499/Weetootla+Springs+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 3 - Gammon Ranges: Weetootla Gorge - Weetoola Springs Weetootla Springs - water at last! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9783e08d-8c96-48e4-9a8c-5cfe311bfaa3/Weetootla+Springs+2+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 3 - Gammon Ranges: Weetootla Gorge - Long pool of slowly flowing salty water We follow the water east … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20720248-56d4-4825-97e0-4dc612f849c8/Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 3 - Gammon Ranges: Weetootla Gorge - Nearly at the end of the gorge … and out of the gorge into the orange and red of Australia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e513fc8-9697-4ae3-a4b7-174865d6c706/dry+river+bed+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 3 - Gammon Ranges: Weetootla Gorge - We top up our water at the Weetootla Campground and leave the gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/48964bad-d7d4-4c57-a2eb-4f8e1707b5a5/gibber+plain+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 3 - Gammon Ranges: Weetootla Gorge - We head south along the plain Then head southwest on the gibber plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a15ab08f-0d9b-4b9a-851f-0ca33afe74d0/end+of+hike+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Gammon Ranges - Day 3 - Gammon Ranges: Weetootla Gorge - Until, hot and sweat-caked, we reach the car, which has cold water and a beer for Geoff. Until, hot and sweat-caked, we reach the car, which has cold water and a beer for Geoff. The end of a uniquely memorable walk through harsh but stunning country. https://slowerhiking.com/gammon-ranges/tag/multi+day+hike monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/gammon-ranges/tag/desert monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/gammon-ranges/tag/South+Australia monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/walls-of-jerusalem daily 0.75 2025-11-02 https://slowerhiking.com/walls-of-jerusalem/planning-and-tips-11-day-hike monthly 0.5 2023-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a28d16cb-edc7-449d-8a60-7d0ca8affbab/Overview+with+road+to+Trail+Head.jpeg Walls of Jerusalem - Planning and Tips: 11 Day Circuit Hike, Walls of Jerusalem National Park - Map of our 88km circuit hike in Walls of Jerusalem National Park. Map of our 88km circuit hike in Walls of Jerusalem National Park. See our daily blogs for highlights, maps and pics! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff534d7c-207d-4fcf-92a3-bc522a88797d/Lakes+THor+and+Sidon+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Planning and Tips: 11 Day Circuit Hike, Walls of Jerusalem National Park - View of Lakes Thor and Sidon from Mt Jerusalem View of Lakes Thor and Sidon from Mt Jerusalem https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f66facce-2237-411e-a17f-a102420fe2be/Pool+of+Bethesda+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Planning and Tips: 11 Day Circuit Hike, Walls of Jerusalem National Park - The stunningly beautiful Pool of Bethesda The stunningly beautiful Pool of Bethesda accessible by a short side trip from the main track on day 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a018bea7-67ee-40a8-9904-8c89bfbe4a68/P1142599+low+4MP.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Planning and Tips: 11 Day Circuit Hike, Walls of Jerusalem National Park - Sunset over Lake Meston Sunset over Lake Meston - alone worth going further than the normal three route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/48a56b23-e95d-4e19-86ca-20f6cb8d8476/P1152621+low+4MP.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Planning and Tips: 11 Day Circuit Hike, Walls of Jerusalem National Park - Our camp site at Lake Myrtle with Mt Rogoona in the background Our camp site at Lake Myrtle with Mt Rogoona in the background - this camp site whilst beautiful, also provided us with a bail out option should we need it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f2f534fb-40f2-42e1-bfab-8190eb6db44d/Lake+Chalice+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Planning and Tips: 11 Day Circuit Hike, Walls of Jerusalem National Park - Having planned the capacity to get to Tent Tarn we came across Lake Chalice. Having planned the capacity to get to Tent Tarn we came across Lake Chalice and possibly the most beautiful campsite of them all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/25865402-957a-4c27-a8eb-770839e65132/Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek+Overview+Map.jpeg Walls of Jerusalem - Planning and Tips: 11 Day Circuit Hike, Walls of Jerusalem National Park - Our actual final route. Petty much what we’d planned with just a few adjustments along the way. https://slowerhiking.com/walls-of-jerusalem/day-1-dixons-kingdom monthly 0.5 2022-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78446250-1cfa-4202-9144-25a5b972f6e1/warning+sign+Walls+of+Jerusalem+NP+Trek+%281+of+1%29.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - An optimistic warning sign Our route for the day in blue https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18517076-1084-4e57-a056-995fc46708c2/map+Day+1+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpeg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Route for the day in blue. Luckily, the weather is glorious https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cfd7f767-bed4-497e-9f66-1274b5b1cab6/Start+of+Walls+of+Jerusalem+NP+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Our bus drops us off at around 10 am and we head off A gentle gradient before the steady climb begins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15c3b8ca-715e-443f-97ae-8c5092783415/Ferns+edging+the+path+of+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek+%281+of+1%29.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Many colourful and special plants tucked away in the eucalypt forest including greenhoods. Many colourful and special plants tucked away in the eucalypt forest including greenhoods (Pterostylis decurva) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/21e5f350-c68b-48bf-84ac-f8590adacd09/Pterostylis+decurva+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - snail orchid Pterostylis decurva https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0f1eac6-0a53-4428-a992-ef2ddd42c540/Leptocophylla+juniperina+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Spiky bush with red berries Leptocophylla juniperina in Walls of Jerusalem National Park Leptocophylla juniperina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef5819eb-2587-4f1b-abf2-2321d87695df/Grevillea+sp+Walls+of+Jerusalen+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Grevillea shrub with pink bell shaped flowers in Walls of Jerusalem National Park Grevillea sp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ea24d96-b4bc-423e-b6a7-3287d8abf66a/Trappers+Hut+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - The obligatory Trappers Hut stop The obligatory Trappers Hut stop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8a835581-1066-4596-bec9-647ef2b3444d/tarns+near+solomons+jewels+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Lunch on a sun-warmed slab of rock at one of the the tarns before Solomon’s Jewels Lunch on a sun-warmed slab of rock at one of the the tarns before Solomon’s Jewels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a8b1827-338c-4fee-83ce-ec449e58f22b/homemade+crackers+and+dip.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Geoff’s homemade seeded crackers with my home made dehydrated hummus: a lightweight nutritious lunch… just add water and a splash of olive oil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a14b9aa-bb26-4c94-9b67-e999a343e645/view+west+on+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - We have clear skies today so many wonderful views. View west towards the Overland Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/63e4d93f-d8c9-4e09-9f4e-e98475691995/Solomons++Jewels+and+Mt+Ophei+Tasmania.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Solomon’s Jewels Solomon’s Jewels with Mt Ophei beyond https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7f9136e1-c92e-4d2c-84e5-2ea3608aea1a/Approaching+Walls+of+Jerusalem+in+Tasmania.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Approaching Wild Dog Creek campsite (nb green tent, centre). Approaching Wild Dog Creek campsite (nb green tent, centre) . We top up our water bottles, but we’re continuing on through the Walls and out the other side to Dixon’s Kingdom. Other slow hikers might prefer to stop here, then walk into the walls on the second day, taking in Solomon’s Throne and the Temple enroute to Dixon’s Kingdom for the second night, then Mt Jerusalem and Pool of Bethesda (back way) on the third day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/125f4c89-7d90-462c-a9e2-6080e00b6f12/View+to+Overland+Track+from+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - We keep looking behind us, westward to the Overland that we hiked a while back. We keep looking behind us, westward to the Overland that we hiked a while back. This different perspective of a familiar place brings a sense of cohesion to the new landscape https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/313b3ac4-37a6-4c73-8d7d-f519035e2539/Zion+Hill+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Inside the Walls, with Zion Hill to the left and The Temple ahead. Inside the Walls, with Zion Hill to the left and The Temple ahead. The weather is unbelievably glorious and the walking is much easier now – level, with duckboard to protect the fragile vegetation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1a757bf-2324-4d3a-861b-5fc018049f0a/Scoparia+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Scoparia Very prickly bush https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2682c05-3bbe-45f2-83e5-ffc3949c95ae/Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Scoparia Walls of Jerusalem https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fb2b9869-d428-477a-8c45-f2209c627c66/Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek+2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Walls of Jerusalem embraced within a circle of stone walls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36f33373-a52b-40f0-b8f0-2a3dae32cdd6/Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek+3.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Walls of Jerusalem Rugged vertical walls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5514e6b4-8d35-4fcb-a093-777c3fb39537/Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Marvellous rocky outcrops These form the walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d935604-1111-438f-a0cb-e3db39ed0e75/Pool+of+Bethesda+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Pool of Bethesda with the Temple behind. Pool of Bethesda with the Temple behind. No swimming is permitted here, nor camping in the Walls area, but sadly a small group was doing just that. The northern end of the Pool was very muddy – it would be disastrous if every visitor did the same. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1112f393-a01c-4b12-b13a-b6a2783b581c/Solomons+Throne+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - A final push up Damascus Gate. A final push up Damascus Gate, with the mighty Solomon’s Throne and Hell’s Buttress standing guard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/225a4c05-a8c1-467d-8094-64115762ce5a/View+from+Damascus+Gate+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - View back into the Walls from near Damascus Gate. View back into the Walls from near Damascus Gate. We have skirted between King David’s Peak and Lake Salome to here – you can see the track lower right https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5cada72f-ebc0-42b2-8c63-88bd3cfb9ed9/Damascus+Gate+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - A veritable garden of Scoparia at Damascus Gate. A veritable garden of Scoparia at Damascus Gate. The climbing is nearly over for the day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2542b933-875d-407f-8669-289060c5064b/Entering+Dixons+Kingdom+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Descending at last into Dixon’s Kingdom Descending at last into Dixon’s Kingdom https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a6ce15ed-94b3-4e22-96c3-436c469b2af4/Campsite+Jaffa+Gate++Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - We go past Dixon’s Kingdom Hut, with its crowd of tents and pesky possums, and camp up towards Jaffa Gate below Mt Jerusalem. There are few flat areas left. Since we hiked, new platforms, boardwalks and loos have been established to the northwest of the original area and we urge you to use them. But the platforms have not yet been built when we hike, so we go past Dixon’s Kingdom Hut, with its crowd of tents and pesky possums, and head towards Jaffa Gate below Mt Jerusalem. Camping directly underneath the pencil pines near the hut compacts soil and damages them, but we find a spot in the open up near the gate, on the grass behind some trees. There are few flat areas left. I sort out the bedding while Geoff prepares dinner. The Walls is fuel stove only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b80df37-1732-4e97-bfbc-d51614e7dfbf/Campsite+Jaffa+Gate++Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek+2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Hiker sitting on log cooking Geoff gets particularly focussed around this time: dinner is nearly ready! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b1ca12a9-83e5-4592-b4f8-73609fec656d/Morroccan+lamb+dinner++Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Morroccan lamb dinner Moroccan lamb with pinenuts, pumpkin, eggplant and couscous - yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f50ae82f-0d03-4d0b-be4f-ab68ac569d43/Dinner++Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - Hungry hiker Walls of Jerusalem Geoff’s Hangry Face: Hurry up, I want to EAT! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7221e3d0-8401-4990-93eb-3c1652f1c5df/Sunset++Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 1: Dixons Kingdom - View from our camping area Lovely evening light https://slowerhiking.com/walls-of-jerusalem/day-2-mt-jerusalem-solomons-throne monthly 0.5 2025-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2386b928-925a-45e6-b47a-1eda538c553e/Map+Day+2+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpeg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Map of the immediate area around Dixons Kingdom Our route for the day in blue https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e5f3e76-2b1b-4ae1-b0aa-27220ebbcb9a/Pegs++Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Howling winds blasting down through Jaffa Gate overnight pulled out a peg, requiring a quick and dirty fix. Howling winds blasting down through Jaffa Gate overnight pulled out a peg, requiring a quick and dirty fix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c89c742d-b203-43be-9848-5196c6caeb07/Breakfast+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Breakfast with a view into Dixon’s Kingdom. Breakfast with a view into Dixon’s Kingdom and some early risers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ae528d78-e93d-47b9-8f6c-094b6739d441/Dixons+Kingdom+Hut+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Dixon’s Kingdom Hut Dixon’s Kingdom Hut – people camped near here had trouble with possums but we are further away and have none. But we had also hung our rubbish bag and food bag in a tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d2c79ee2-c13c-4f56-8637-6238acf98ca2/Mossy+signpost+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Old and weathered signage. We’d better rely on our maps I think. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69e1966c-7706-4833-964b-3425f1f00b0c/Solomons+THrone+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - We are backtracking towards Damascus Gate for the side trip to King David’s Peak We are backtracking towards Damascus Gate for the side trip to King David’s Peak, the Temple and Solomon’s Throne. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/732e7019-fb6d-4e25-83bd-b9da5314dac8/View+south+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - View south across the vale. View south across the vale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/39b1344f-b05b-4553-baf8-021d1a3ae6ac/Solomons+THrone+and+Hells+Buttress+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Solomon’s Throne and Hell’s buttress. Solomon’s Throne and Hell’s buttress. The climb to the top seems daunting from below, but it’s very manageable. In the narrowest section of clear scree centre right, rocks are arranged into steps to reach the lowest point of sheer wall. The track then follows the edge of the wall to the left, before climbing through a chute to reach the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a6d748bc-ef42-4b43-bfde-93b5b4e9d878/Climbing+Solomons+Throne+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - A comfortable climb through the scree. A comfortable climb through the scree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d183581-71d8-4738-bcfd-bc0ee7984eff/View+from+Solomons+Throne+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - The climb is not especially exposed The climb is not especially exposed but is still worth a try if you are daunted by exposure: the views are worthwhile even partway up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1639908111280-EX8ZI07MFLLIFGLV9ZOF/Rock+Chute+Solomons+Throne+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Rock Chute Solomons Throne Walls of Jerusalem Trek Hiker steeping his way up through a 3 metre wide slot in the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1639908111290-YG3BHQRKAWSNG5A85YF2/Rock+Chute+Solomons+Throne+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek+2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Rock Chute Solomons Throne Walls of Jerusalem Trek 2 View through the slot from near the top of the chute the rock sides frame the view to rolling hills below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f91847a-df49-4a1f-b48e-1dd1392de57c/Lake+Salomone+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Atop Solomon’s Throne, with King David’s Peak and Lake Salomone. Atop Solomon’s Throne, with King David’s Peak and Lake Salomone. The weather is setting in and the wind is howling but it is breathtaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/68a691a9-28b5-4039-9ba2-e28e6c0dfbba/Skink+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - A large skink… Soaking up the last of the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/adb5b1f1-580a-4e48-bb9a-876fc1899de8/Lake+Ball+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - On Hell’s Buttress with a wonderful view of Lake Ball. On Hell’s Buttress with a wonderful view of Lake Ball. We will be skirting the lake’s closest shore tomorrow. We have a snack in the lee of a rock, but we’re keen to descend before any rain wets the descent, so we skip the hike along the spine to King David’s Peak and head down instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d92b070-40c9-4761-a24d-901b8bc64745/Olearia+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Cluster of white daisies Olearia sp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6b0a7383-589d-4ecf-8a5a-b3c03d361443/Damascus+Gate+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Back at Damascus Gate. Back at Damascus Gate, the weather seems to be clearing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4c459652-cfbd-4940-afbc-210a46298208/King+Billy+Pines+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - The King Billy Pines around Dixons are magical. The King Billy Pines around Dixons are magical. Like many alpine species, these trees don’t survive fire, so to see so many ancient ones is an increasing rarity, with climate change causing more frequent and widespread bushfires in areas of the Tasmanian Alps that have seen no flame in centuries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/45a13b3f-b820-4b08-b696-bd0e1e422dfd/Mt+Jerusalem+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - We have lunch at the tent We have lunch at the tent and with the weather having cleared we decide to set off for Mt Jerusalem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0f6abf5-4387-4609-83c2-514e08433225/Tarns+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Many lovely tarns enroute. Many lovely tarns enroute. We spotted people carrying towels returning from these tarns the previous evening so, although they look pristine, you need to treat any drinking water collected from them, as well as around the campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b08a7442-3a14-4f8c-ae7c-f1c12cf99dad/Lakes+Thor+and+Tyre+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - View to the north of Mt Jerusalem. Glimpses of Lake Thor and Lake Tyre to the north of Mt Jerusalem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1639908921598-UCCS9LPT0HY40LFRM5AN/Tarn+on+Mt+Jerusalem+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Tarn on Mt Jerusalem Walls of Jerusalem Trek crystal clear water in tarns with a rocky outcrop in the background https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1639908946785-O0FX0U31DLAU6XU7U7IV/Tarns+on+Mt+Jerusalem+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Tarns on Mt Jerusalem Walls of Jerusalem Trek Low groundcovers between two tarns, sparsely fringed by billy pines https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1619578504621-XKEULVVHEVVZNZQT7JHM/P1132490+low+4MP.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Officers Marsh Officer’s Marsh and Lake Thor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1639909334977-LRM2UXJKDRSXY5AV5JCO/white+alpine+flower+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Many pretty white flowers Delicate white flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1639909357375-NI5JIIM2JXGBCJS8OMME/Skink+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek+2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Skink on a rock Small black skink on a mossy rock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1639909374797-UER2GZM83BY8A9723AXX/Prasophyllum+alpinum+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Prasophyllum alpinum Small green orchid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/abc13b20-b776-42a7-94cd-9c845381f6b1/Lakes+THor+and+Sidon+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - View from Mt Jerusalem R to L Lake Thor, Shepherd’s Pool and Lake Sidon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d0519c2-6e2d-42c5-b9de-ca2aa66792f5/King+Davids+Peak+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - View into the Walls, King David’s Peak and Lake Salome. View into the Walls, King David’s Peak and Lake Salome. Geoff is carrying my pack for me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4f2e588-70d3-49b8-b24b-bd7faa32432b/View+southeast+from+Mt+Jerusalem+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - View to the south east. View to the south east. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9bd59dbf-1413-49ee-8e13-d1b90852064e/Lake+Thor+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Lake Thor. If you can, schedule in plenty of time on the peak. The views are glorious - Lake Thor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d2bb66b1-ba79-41bc-bb1d-eed46804e5a3/King+Davids+Peak+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek+2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Weather seems to be coming in again. Weather seems to be coming in again but we stay for as long as we can. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1639909681037-YMVY6DHJBWDRNK8OQUGZ/Bellendena+montana+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Alpine rocket, Bellendena montana A large mosquito like insect on a white flower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1639909726989-O68CYROP3NIU0O7EA436/Leptospermum+alpestre+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Alpine tea tree, Leptospermum rupestre Little white flowers on a tea tree ground cover https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/30156c1a-b72d-467f-88a9-477354ff9d9e/Tarn+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - More alpine tarns The water is clear and reflective https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a27db07-3b7e-4feb-92f3-ed8688b07f03/Dixons+Kingdom+with+Solomons+Throne+behind.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Dixon’s Kingdom foreground (our tent just visible behind a pine lower left) Dixon’s Kingdom foreground (our tent just visible behind a pine lower left) with a mist-shrouded Solomon’s looming behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6f743e44-a721-45ff-8ac2-c2a641c85171/Back+tiger+snake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - This black tiger slowly came closer as we stood very still watching her. This black tiger slowly came closer as we stood very still watching her. When she got to this spot, we stepped quietly back to let her have the duckboard but we scared her and she disappeared underneath it. These snakes are not aggressive and have very short fangs. If you are wearing long pants and thick socks, you are safe! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7dc87b7-c3b9-46a0-b058-99d89d42e78b/Campsite+Jaffa+Gate+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Our last night in this lovely spot with Mt Jerusalem behind. Our last night in this lovely spot with Mt Jerusalem behind. You can see our rubbish bag and washing sponge hanging from the tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/313c0c52-642a-469c-9717-c8373a2689fa/Chicken+and+veg+soup+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne - Dinner time Dinner time - Yum! https://slowerhiking.com/walls-of-jerusalem/day-3-lake-ball-lake-adelaide-lake-meston monthly 0.5 2022-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78f404fe-ab82-42b9-a4d1-b2aea5a56ad6/Map+Day+3+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Today we walked 12 km, mostly gently down hill so only climbed 100 m… Today we walked 12 km, mostly gently down hill so only climbed 100 m … but the track conditions meant it was a slow and steady day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1aac94f4-aa06-4d52-9cb8-f570865f9655/Jaffa+Vale+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek+%282%29.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - There is no marked track towards Lake Ball, but it’s a matter of following Jaffa Vale. There is no marked track towards Lake Ball, but it’s a matter of following Jaffa Vale. The hikers in the centre look a bit confused so we decide not to follow them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9862285c-4d24-45b2-a061-bfcf94c24272/Jaffa+Vale+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Instead, the two of us skirt the western edge and then spread out, using numerous lightly worn pads. Instead, the two of us skirt the western edge and then spread out, using numerous lightly worn pads. There are far fewer hikers on this section, probably because it isn’t marked or signposted – most seem to be doing a straight out and return. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d51635fc-4e25-4b46-97e9-9cc5e9699fbd/Jaffa+Vale+creek+crossing+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - It is lovely walking… It is lovely walking and only one tiny creek to cross: much easier than our Iceland experiences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67c537bb-9964-4947-b4be-8b5cf95ed0e4/Approaching+Lake+Ball+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Lake Ball. Lake Ball. We will skirt the right hand side but, looking at the terrain, it will not be a shore walk. There is a campsite off to the left of the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7d110e78-85d6-4a50-b564-f467677cdff9/Approaching+Mt+Moriah+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Mount Moriah. Mount Moriah. The weather and lighting are delightful, the walking is easy, the views beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/813c9912-207d-4e8b-82cb-15f3ba170247/Approaching+Mt+Moriah+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek+2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - The marshy area is mostly dry. Well at least at the start. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c92b003d-de29-4106-a8b9-2f2997c0130d/Boggy+track+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Then the first of many, many bogs. The first of many, many bogs. It’s important to walk straight through them, not around them, or the path gets wider and wider, with more and more damage to the vegetation. It is Tasmania. Sooner or later, your feet will get wet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/61439586-2d26-4993-b7f3-47d640f949fe/Lake+Ball+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - The path begins to climb. The path begins to climb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e6bc293a-9e29-4d6e-986d-1d1f8a6fd8b8/Lake+Ball+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek+2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Lake Ball Lake Ball https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f4e3dce2-1416-46a8-a722-b23c0cc82aa3/Lake+Ball+Hut+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Lake Ball Hut. Lake Ball Hut, where we stop for a snack - where’s Opa! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ab4d801-daf8-4c81-ad54-0fa97bb55fcf/Lake+Ball+Hut+Interior+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - The huts are for emergency use only – bring your closed cell pad, not just your air mattress! The huts are for emergency use only – bring your closed cell pad, not just your air mattress! Plenty of flat spots outside for tents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de919825-7aee-48ec-9b9e-2f539d94000e/Lake+Ball+Steep+Slope+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Hmm, not quite the gentle shoreline stroll I expected! Hmm, not quite the gentle shoreline stroll I expected! Here, crossing a small scree slope. But bonus – the views are wonderful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/257fe259-d0cc-4dc9-9ec4-99e8fff77508/Lake+Ball+track+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - More views of the lake. We can see the end of the lake is just beyond the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9cb7fcc7-7125-49dd-a67e-d094a2de14f0/Lake+Ball+track+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek+2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Reaching the end of Lake Ball. Reaching the end of Lake Ball, we are following its shore now and keep turning back to savour the view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1ec58f0-a6be-4c33-a1b4-96eb4836f812/View+South+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - We climb the saddle between Lake Ball and Lake Adelaide Looking south. It is perfect hiking weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1619587516637-PBM104POSB4AUY8FXMKM/P1142568+low+4MP.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Bird Orchid, Chiloglottis grammata Small orchid with burgundy and green flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1619587516879-RFZJ43R61X2IZ8YZ8YRM/P1142571+low+4MP.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Chiloglottis cornuta Small orchid this one with pure burgundy flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/42cc6d81-751e-4866-9c51-98022da753e8/Lake+Adelaide+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Lunch at Lake Adelaide. Lunch at Lake Adelaide. Long sleeves against the mosquitoes. A lovely spot to stop with a comfortable seat and spectacular view. Another one! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/030e1876-e18d-454e-8cdb-70b513318d23/Lake+Adelaide+Track+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - The start of a long section following the eastern edge of Lake Adelaide. It is brushy, a bit overgrown, and with quite a few fallen trees. Our pace slows but it doesn’t matter. The start of a long section following the eastern edge of Lake Adelaide. It is brushy, a bit overgrown, and with quite a few fallen trees. Our pace slows but it doesn’t matter. Geoff’s conservative schedule means we’re under no time pressure and have hours yet. We have the flexibility to stop at the end of this section at a campsite at the southern end of Lake Adelaide, or continue on to Lake Meston. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1619588031736-5VUROCY49WT8ZAE7Y8NU/P1142577+low+4MP.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - More greenhoods – Pterostylis dubia Small greenhood orchid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1619588031794-0Q3AP21AYME5QPFFKMYW/P1142585+low+4MP.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Another Chiloglottis Small green orchid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da5b41ff-e920-40f7-9c5a-daa5a8d4b286/Lake+Meston+campsite+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - We decide to keep going to Lake Meston No pictures of the last 2.3 km section between Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston due to drizzle, but here we are at Meston. It’s a lovely campsite and we have it all to ourselves. In fact, since arriving at Lake Adelaide, we’ve seen no one. Delightful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dad49617-17ac-47bc-bbfc-e6ec41a594b6/Lake+Meston+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Time for a sponge in the lake (no soap, of course)! Time for a sponge in the lake (no soap, of course)! It’s our own private - albeit icy - spa! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/519ec1ab-2b87-4271-8973-e8f269eb6881/Lake+Meston+campsite++Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Rugged up warm now. Rugged up warm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3d82e8d0-ff31-411c-937c-f79dde329355/Dinner++Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - Did I say we liked our food ? My favourite Bolognese recipe! Did I say we liked our food ? My favourite Bolognese recipe! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2337dde6-3f34-49d4-8998-9b5689c0f459/Dinner++overlooking+Lake+Meston+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - And a convenient rock seat Again with a view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b1a4752-96ee-40b9-8493-afc5d8d21f02/Spectacular+sunset+Lake+Meston+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston - The sun is setting. Wow ! https://slowerhiking.com/walls-of-jerusalem/day-4-lake-myrtle monthly 0.5 2022-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f95f8ac7-3ee8-4ce2-a876-63d2926fc449/Map+Day+4+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpeg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 4: Lake Myrtle - Map for the day with our route in blue We walked 11 km with an elevation gain of around 300m today https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7521bc28-78ef-4894-95df-b141e68b899a/Cooking+in+tent+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 4: Lake Myrtle - Its raining in the morning The day begins with bucketing rain and we wait for it to ease before we leave. A cosy breakfast in the tent is always welcome and the Stratospire Li’s huge, well-ventilated vestibules and offset door pole design make cooking straightforward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cd857ea5-3816-4526-ab5f-a0e788188489/pandanus+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 4: Lake Myrtle - The rain clears momentarily. The rain clears momentarily. We’ve been pushing through vegetation. We’re very glad for our bombproof heavy goretex jackets. Anything light would get shredded. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0e03345-defc-4035-9c82-6f0d829441df/Inside+Lake+Meston+Hut+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 4: Lake Myrtle - Lake Meston Hut is perfect for a break. We are still bone dry and our wool thermals have kept us at just the right temperature. The rain doesn’t clear for very long. It rains pretty much non stop but we are down in a sheltered valley rather than at altitude. Lake Meston Hut is perfect for a break. We are still bone dry and our wool thermals have kept us at just the right temperature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5fe9725-d98e-4550-a377-7056933147e9/Spagnum+insulation+Meston+Hut+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 4: Lake Myrtle - Rustic sphagnum insulation Rustic sphagnum insulation! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/765c75f6-cccb-4395-a866-ba0f790123c8/Interior+Meston+Hut+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 4: Lake Myrtle - Most of the huts have a few bits and pieces left behind for visitors. Most of the huts have a few bits and pieces left behind for visitors. This one is used by fishers – there is apparently a boat down by the water’s edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f956af65-c483-4673-a639-eca0f154362c/Lake+Meston+Hut+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 4: Lake Myrtle - Lake Meston Hut, as pretty as all the huts we’ve seen. Lake Meston Hut, as pretty as all the huts we’ve seen. Just as we leave, two drenched young lads in shorts arrive. They are heading to Junction Lake and the Never Never Track but have no dry clothes. I hope they will be okay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/22f03634-6f8c-4ce2-9209-ab0ff3dc641e/Tracks+around+Meston+Hut+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 4: Lake Myrtle - It took a little while to find the track to Lake Myrtle / Mt Rogoona because there is a plethora of them immediately from the hut. The trick is to backtrack a little way north along the path we walked in on – we’d passed the fork but had missed it because of the angle it diverges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00b88d4a-f8ef-48e3-9de5-9b6c195484a2/Ascending+Mt+Rogoona+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 4: Lake Myrtle - Making our way up Mt Rogoona. The cairned route leaves from just before the saddle. Making our way up Mt Rogoona. The cairned route leaves from just before the saddle. The cairns are actually quite hard to spot – can you see the two in this picture? Lake Meston in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/927fa534-443e-467f-894f-35e87b74b80f/Lake+Meston+from+MT+Rogoona+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 4: Lake Myrtle - Mist and rain over the lake. Mist and rain over the lake. This is to become a familiar sight! We are very grateful for excellent wet weather gear and a great tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/59b6ad8a-f072-4c3e-a342-4a75b39b6b02/Campsite+Lake+Myrtle+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 4: Lake Myrtle - The weather worsens up Mt Rogoona. We don’t reach the top and stop for a late lunch. The wind is howling and rain is coming. The weather worsens up Mt Rogoona. We don’t reach the top and stop for a late lunch. The wind is howling. There is plenty of water and good rocky campsites but it doesn’t occur to us to camp there. In hindsight, we could have continued to the top, but it would have been very windy. Instead, we hike down to Lake Myrtle, which is every bit as beautiful as we had hoped it would be. We set up the tarp as well to cook under should rain arrive early. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6e4d2c7-90aa-41be-ad8a-616d0b9e5394/Campsite+Lake+Myrtle+and+Mt+Rogoona+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 4: Lake Myrtle - Mt Rogoona hulking over the lake. Mt Rogoona hulking over the lake. We don’t use the tarp, the wind is absolutely screaming across the lake now so we find a sheltered spot tucked under a tree instead to cook. https://slowerhiking.com/walls-of-jerusalem/day-5-junction-lake monthly 0.5 2022-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c74885d-e4e8-4c81-a00c-18e0cb8f4255/Map+Day+5+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpeg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 5: Junction Lake - Our route for this day 9 km and 150 m elevation gain today https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1639980366391-J520P8LFWE3LZZ67O02X/Breakfast+in+tent+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 5: Junction Lake - Breakfast in the tent A little cramped but this plenty of room to cook https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1639980366636-3MNVXW4AVC6BYZ0J6CK6/Breakfast+in+tent+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park-2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 5: Junction Lake - Cooking in the vestibule Pot on an alcohol burner heating up water in the vestibule of a small tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6002ce2-6b4a-4130-b74a-60d73046421c/Echidna+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 5: Junction Lake - The rain eases momentarily, we pack up and set off. The rain eases momentarily, we pack up and set off. We spot this little fellow. The echidnas here are pale and furry compared to South Australia’s dark spiny ones! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/37ad4d9e-725f-40df-b31b-fbe661d49fbe/Lake+Myrtle+Track+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 5: Junction Lake - Raining but lovely. Raining but lovely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3895d538-40ed-40d1-aaba-6dee667cbfcd/Geoff+in+rain+gear+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 5: Junction Lake Our trusty goretexes. Worth every gram of their not inconsiderable weight! A good visor and shielding around the face is especially important when you wear glasses like Geoff and me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/55438fcc-8c8b-4801-b439-9a35b0600bb9/Prasophyllum+alpinum+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 5: Junction Lake - Another gnarly leek orchid, Prasophyllum alpinum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67559cd2-f289-484d-93ef-94070fdf316e/Spaghnum+moss+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park+%281+of+1%29.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 5: Junction Lake - The sphagnum moss is an almost iridescent yellow. The sphagnum moss is an almost iridescent yellow. A thrill to see such healthy living mounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/09c67a69-8e32-49c5-be4c-8a9de7283ed4/Lake+Youd+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 5: Junction Lake - Lake Youd. Lake Youd. The walk has been lovely along the Mersey River Valley and Mayfield Flats, with towering gums and open country interspersed with scrub and marsh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a61ea551-665f-4c20-8db5-2e2c5e85c227/Campsite+beside+Junction+Lake+Hut+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 5: Junction Lake - A single sheltered campsite close to Junction Lake Hut. A single sheltered campsite close to Junction Lake Hut. We checked the campsite on the mound near the lake, but it was very exposed. The wind just about knocked us off our feet! https://slowerhiking.com/walls-of-jerusalem/day-6-lake-artemis monthly 0.5 2022-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3b4bb207-4a02-4ad0-bcfa-ce4f1b1a7d24/Map+Day+6+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpeg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 6: Lake Artemis - A map of our route to Lake Artemis An easy 6 km return, 250m climb day - or so we thought! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/134db3a8-109c-489a-8865-bcfe146db2ca/Junction+Lake+Hut+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 6: Lake Artemis - Geoff chatting with one of the hikers who camped atop Rogoona the night we went to Lake Myrtle. Geoff chatting with one of the hikers who camped atop Rogoona the night we went to Lake Myrtle. They plan a dayhike out and return along the Never Never today, while we go to Lake Artemis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91e62de9-71e1-4a19-85ab-5d30d096d9ab/Beech+forest+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 6: Lake Artemis - It is a rest day. It is a rest day, so a short out and return of about 6 km to Lake Artemis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e377c135-b13f-40e8-8006-097d3107aad0/Mossy+stone+cairn+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park+2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 6: Lake Artemis - Camouflaged cairns! Camouflaged cairns! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/39333662-1871-4d2c-9a45-6bcf1b8faa71/Overgrown+track+Lake+Artemis+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 6: Lake Artemis - Dense chest high vegetation and steady climbs means that this is not quite the rest day I’d expected. The rain hasn’t stopped. Dense chest high vegetation and steady climbs means that this is not quite the rest day I’d expected. The rain hasn’t stopped. I’m feeling grumpy and tired. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e0c1dd6a-4c60-4d4b-be95-085f9f615adc/Lake+Artemis+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 6: Lake Artemis - At Lake Artemis it is almost sleeting, sideways. At Lake Artemis it is almost sleeting, sideways. Even amongst the trees we’re almost blasted off our feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8a873027-eb33-4cdb-9e9a-363ec0096a3a/Mossy+stone+cairn+Lake+Artemis+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 6: Lake Artemis - More moss covered canes Lovely https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c06a9952-f07d-4d7b-87c9-31f34dda53ac/Beech+Orange+Cyttaria+gunnii+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 6: Lake Artemis - Beech orange (Cyttaria gunnii) is a parasitic fungus that attacks only native beech. They were fruiting everywhere in the amazing forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1619663152646-XY0E1FZAFCSNA0LSID3W/Chapter+Lake+Hut+Walls+of+Jerusalem.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 6: Lake Artemis - The hut looks very inviting so we warm ourselves inside, have a mug of hot tea. The hut looks very inviting so we warm ourselves inside, have a mug of hot tea and Geoff breaks out the extra chocolate he smuggled into his pack! https://slowerhiking.com/walls-of-jerusalem/day-7-chapter-lake monthly 0.5 2022-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0783d81-8654-42f2-a7ce-88c619455b0d/Map+Day+7+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpeg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - Route to Chapter Lake 7 km, with a gradual 200 m climb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be7a8234-be72-4afb-a10a-38484e6d13aa/Junction+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - Junction Lake, still windy and wet. Junction Lake, still windy and wet. From this point onwards, we see no one for four days! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9da1f5e7-560e-4def-92b6-be4918fb40a6/Route+to+Chapter+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - This first section is an uncairned route north through the valley. This first section is an uncairned route north through the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/494432a4-dda4-4309-9280-6ddc3a092121/Beech+forest+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - There are no pictures of the scoparia battle but bunting appears after a kilometre or so… There are no pictures of the scoparia battle but bunting appears after a kilometre or two and at last we reach some lovely beech forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c848cd99-2af2-4382-a692-d5371abc43c2/Cyttaria+gunnii++Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - More beech oranges. More beech oranges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a528f7b4-3ae9-4190-81bd-2a76d16be7e0/Cloister+Lagoon+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - Another misty lake! Another misty lake! It’s still raining and we stop for lunch in a slightly less wet spot under a pine at the southern end of Cloister Lagoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a36122e2-a0ca-478f-8d7e-cea4498c06f1/Cloister+Lagoon+Walls+of+Jerusalem+2National+Park-2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - The rain is getting heavier. But the lake is relatively sheltered so it is not too windy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1619665616520-IYFLJOZ0FCUVBLPFGGS9/P1182687+low+4MP.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - Moss Moss hanging from a branch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1619665616260-NW4IFWSIU42SXWV4YGMB/P1182698+low+4MP.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - Telopea Pretty red flower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1619665618009-EBTAM0TRJ1A90TTTPPHO/P1182702+low+4MP.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - Another Pterostylis. Another Pterostylis. a green orchid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a4d7d5f-b2f4-4806-b37c-e835efed96d9/overgrown+track+Chapter+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - There is a track but… Numerous logs to clamber over. I want to take a shot of them so I ask Geoff to climb over these. He looks at me strangely and does so, then waits for me. When I get there I see that the path hooks right just before the logs! But in any case, you get the idea! There is a lot of clambering today! The track is also quite overgrown with head high scrub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a33209b-fe7c-465f-b96a-32a3bf671b5b/Near+Chapter+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - Yes its wet but… The mist is moody and really quite beautiful as it swirls over the hills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c691230-74de-4ace-8f15-df003b6cc8a6/Stratospire+Li+Chapter+Lake+campsite+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - A cosy Chapter Lake campsite with Grail falls crashing nearby. A cosy Chapter Lake campsite with Grail falls crashing nearby. It is a push to find a spot for the Stratospire Li’s enormous footprint (bigger than our 3 person Triplex!). But we squeeze it in. Here at the very bottom of a shady, narrow valley at the head of the Lake, it is very cold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49d3e837-e004-43e1-a947-83929a519b27/Chapter+Lake+campsite+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 7: Chapter Lake - Here at the very bottom of a shady, narrow valley at the head of the Lake, it is very cold. A hot filling dinner is something we look forward to enormously. https://slowerhiking.com/walls-of-jerusalem/day-8-tent-tarn-twin-spires-south monthly 0.5 2022-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/43f9e542-2d02-4bee-aa8c-3acdc7d86cac/Map+Day+8+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpeg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - Today we will be climbing again 8 km, 450 metres elevation gain for the day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7572a855-591b-4071-8e3e-cc9389cb1b94/Scramble+beside+Grail+Falls++Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - We take a look at the falls from the bottom. Then there’s a steep scramble up alongside Grail Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e42df3b6-4ef2-4013-a071-84ef00916d90/Chapter+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - With perfect timing, the weather is clearing for us as we ascend again. With perfect timing, the weather is clearing for us as we ascend again. A pause to appreciate Chapter Lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1a4cc7e-df22-46a6-af01-032f6b114abf/Creek+Crossing+below+CHalice+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - Crossing the Creek below Chalice Lake. Crossing the Creek below Chalice Lake. A big thank you to Bender and Xing for their clear description of how to find the crossings – the cairn on the opposite bank was easy to spot once we knew where to look! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00f096f8-e3bd-436e-929d-8386d36532a6/Creek+below+CHalice+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - The country here is breathtaking. The country here is breathtaking. We keep stopping to gasp, and not just to catch our breath! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2656646f-1a8e-4874-9ef5-cb5c34443be8/Creek+belowLower+end++CHalice+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - Chalice Lake We’d be camping on the rock on the right in a days time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c155e9cf-1bf8-43aa-b858-a8ebbc70c70b/Chalice+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park3.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - Chalice Lake Chalice Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/103c8fb1-cf5d-4659-9277-917ac1a89434/Chalice+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park+4.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - Chalice Lake - further round this time Its getting windier but the rain is holding off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4dfba7e7-8f3d-475b-b4d3-15dfd0150246/Chalice+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park+5.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - Still Chalice Lake. Just grand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b53f36b8-fedc-4fd6-8baf-e6e1ca5d3d52/CHalice+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park6.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - We eventually approach the top of the lake And there are litle rocky islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/94087da5-f7bf-4b08-9721-0a59eb2fa11d/Xerochrysum+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - Alpine paper daisy, Helichrysum sp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ffa60beb-ac5a-4607-a45f-063fb16fa657/Lake+Chalice+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - Marshy sedge crossing at the northern end of Chalice Lake. Marshy sedge crossing at the northern end of Chalice Lake. I see orchid leaves but alas, no flowers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a755fd7-b222-4c89-952b-a5b1969f325e/Tent+Tarn+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park+3.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - First views of Tent Tarn. First views towards Tent Tarn, with Mt Rogoona in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6633d180-0250-4b6a-befb-30d15afb53c5/Tent+Tarn+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - Tent Tarn Tent Tarn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1e0a81b-5ebe-4aee-a892-aaab485ab830/View+from+Tent+Tarn+campsite+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - Our campsite on the hillside overlooking Tent Tarn. Our campsite on the hillside overlooking Tent Tarn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e381398-b627-4184-aa2e-cd7ba5128b0c/View+over+Tent+Tarn+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - There is plenty of daylight left so Geoff takes my pack as a daypack and we head to Twin Spires South. There is plenty of daylight left so Geoff takes my pack as a daypack and we head to Twin Spires South. View over Tent Tarn left, and Chalice Lake, right. The bony finger scars from the 2016 bushfires are sadly evident. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6fb4a04-0ecb-451b-9c15-bf4697120b7e/View+Twin+Spires+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - View north. View north towards what we think is Bishops Peak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dca9a1f2-5868-4205-be7b-ac092dd5b6d1/View+west++Twin+Spires.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - And oh my goodness, west towards the Overland. And oh my goodness, west towards the Overland. I’m regretting not having brought the tent up here. There are plenty of small tarns and flat campsites, the weather is cold but not windy and the forecast (via our Garmin Inreach Mini) excellent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5cd319be-c9d0-4ec4-bfda-dfb9f49ff163/Twin+Spires+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 8: Tent Tarn, Twin Spires South - Atop Twin Spire South. Atop Twin Spire South. There is an easy unmarked route to Cathedral Mountain along the top but I am exhausted. We stay for a while, absorbing the view then, with chattering teeth (and legs for me), head back down to our tent. https://slowerhiking.com/walls-of-jerusalem/day-9-chalice-lake monthly 0.5 2022-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/61fb6d22-22d8-4915-8af9-9f59cd1b1955/Map+Day+9+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpeg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 9: Chalice Lake - Our map for day 9 2 km, 50m climb - that’s a proper rest day - at last! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c9cfc66-09f5-48aa-8924-b2bac8daf4e7/Chalice+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 9: Chalice Lake - I am smiling but I have run out of puff. I am smiling but I have run out of puff. My legs are shouting at every step. I am dreading the steep climb down after Chalice Lake and alongside Grail Falls. But thanks to Geoff’s conservative plan, we don’t need to rush. We still have a spare day up our sleeves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18ffbf09-ef60-4a4d-9138-819d3fa5d327/Chalice+Lake+campsite+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 9: Chalice Lake - So just 2km back down we set up on bare rock beside Chalice Lake So just 2km back down we set up on bare rock beside Chalice Lake at what turns out to be the most beautiful campsite of the trip. It is sunny with a breath of wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8a0fcae5-6c91-4bbb-944f-ea47e68a3b20/pegging+on+rock+Walls+of+JerusalemNational+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 9: Chalice Lake - Big rock, little rock with line extensions holds the tent rock (haha) solid. Big rock, little rock with line extensions holds the tent rock (haha) solid even when the wind comes up at night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/08797be8-018a-48ac-965d-d07fd4f506ce/swimming+in+Chalice+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 9: Chalice Lake - For a wash, Geoff goes for a swim For a wash, Geoff goes for a swim and I stand in the shallows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/59cb8d98-95fb-4f7d-8467-852444dc70a5/Rock+camp+site+Chalice+Lake+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Patk.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 9: Chalice Lake - A refreshed Helen makes full use of our luxury items A refreshed Helen makes full use of our luxury items - a shoe horn and sit pad! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640043981961-J4W0LT8CBNHE5W98QTN5/dehydrated+meal+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 9: Chalice Lake - Green chicken curry with rice noodles for dinner. Two freezer bags one with rice noodles the other a curry mix https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640043979478-WBS7GL51GYLWE2D29L8Q/rehydrated+chicken+curry+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 9: Chalice Lake - Yum! Geoff’s Favourite Green Chicken Curry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1619767358138-7162JZ25DSIPFIPRVWY2/P1202782+low+4MP.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 9: Chalice Lake - Lovely evening light across our campsite. Lovely evening light across our campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1619669503301-52J1JEHYWS554DSM80GT/P1202804+low+4MP.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 9: Chalice Lake - And if possible… Even more beautiful! https://slowerhiking.com/walls-of-jerusalem/day-10-pine-hut-plain monthly 0.5 2022-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a3407123-e8c4-493d-b11c-a23117aa8857/Map+Day+10+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpeg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - Map of route to Pine Hut Plain 9 km walk with a short climb out of Chapter Lake - total elevation gain for the day 100m https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/142d8051-e757-451f-abb2-0eb0eb4d94b1/Lake+Chalice+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - Chalice Lake’s morning mirror before the breeze picks up. Chalice Lake’s morning mirror before the breeze picks up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02ccd90a-5d4c-4b03-bebc-03dfa98ac769/Overgrown+track+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - There is a track here somewhere. This gives you an idea of why the tracks are tiring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/70d1925c-e7dd-4db6-b867-9dc1e4c3e588/Bridge+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - We’ve climbed down and out of Chapter Lake and are now descending down into the forest on the other side. Descending down into the forest, with log crossings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f2b37471-a610-45cc-b5a4-dbbfe07a2c0d/Ferns+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - Ferns and eucalypts. Ferns and eucalypts. It’s warm! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dcdc3476-ebd5-481e-ae53-cd0d736f4261/Fallen+Mountain+Ash+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - Many of the biggest, oldest mountain ash have fallen. Many of the biggest, oldest mountain ash have fallen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/679d51fd-b6d6-4bba-9af5-1548ff59482c/Silver+wattle+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - Further down, silver wattle is at the end of its succession after the last fire. Further down, silver wattle is at the end of its succession after the last fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3b74c27-a779-43f6-8929-60a9dc6d49b7/Jacksons+Creek+Bridge+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - A welcome landmark… Jackson’s Creek Suspension Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31c65e15-25a7-4b6b-ba1a-3b9ace7603d1/Mersey+Forest+Rd+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - The end of Mersey Forest Rd! The end of Mersey Forest Rd! Never has a road walk looked so inviting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/603b1eae-86f0-4f9f-b796-384ba035d839/Lees+Paddock+Track+and+Pine+hut.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - Lees Paddock Track. Lees Paddock Track and Pine Hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6542da73-3176-4419-8a3f-c4a2856414e2/Lees+Paddock+Track.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - Lees Paddock track continues to Cradle Mountain National Park. Lees Paddock track continues to Cradle Mountain National Park. We’ll do a Day walk there tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c5a7733-2eb0-494e-96ca-8c2bbeeaa5bf/Mersey+River.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - Time for another wash! Time for another wash! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/14e6fafb-2c84-4d26-a847-3eee699edf46/Mersey+River+campsite.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - And another lovely campsite. Another lovely campsite beside the babbling Mersey River, with Premier Peak behind, and Dean’s Bluff in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/084ce1c5-8fdc-482f-b462-3b7942c1cd09/Soaking+up+the+sun+on+banks+of+Mersey+River.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - Soaking up the sun ! Soaking up the sun ! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9b53adc9-1d43-441b-864a-8a70057ae4b3/caldera+cone+with+toaks+titanium+stove.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - Our trusty alcohol cook system: Our trusty alcohol cook system: Caldera Cone Tri-Ti with Toaks siphon stove and evernew pot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/738a40d9-e01f-42b0-98c3-43a285b9e013/banks+of+Mersey+River.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - Another dinner with a view. Another dinner with a view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fcbb9e49-b4bf-4b9e-a5e6-38b102e53757/View+from+tent+beside++Mersey+River.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 10: Pine Hut Plain - Its our last night on the track. We’re pleased we booked the room with a view. https://slowerhiking.com/walls-of-jerusalem/day-11-lewis-and-oxley-waterfalls-and-cake monthly 0.5 2022-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e7c8813-647f-413e-b028-2a67f389ff8f/Map+Day+11+Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek.jpeg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - A short easy day walk today Before we catch the bus back to Launceston https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83a0e574-cd79-44ca-bda3-2519ad616994/Wild+Sky+Mersey+River.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - But first we are greeted with an amazing sky But first we are greeted with an amazing sky - wave and lenticular cloud! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d1e1529-a15d-4c91-b233-2fe56fd41839/Wild+Sky+beside++Mersey+River.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - It’s like our own cinema! It’s like our own cinema! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b396e3d-803e-4ebf-a2c1-85cddc3fd62e/Pine+Hut+beside++Mersey+River.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - Pine Hut Pine Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/801e4e0e-5ede-4fd1-908f-f0c8a1cbd34a/Wild+Sky+behind++Mersey+River.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - More shredded clouds. More shredded clouds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa679ee3-cd7b-4718-97cf-15472711b014/Wild+Sky+mammatus++behind++Mersey+River.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - Swirling mammatus. Swirling mammatus. Never seen a sky like this – wouldn’t want to be up there in our hang gliders! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/53d73e96-d7df-47cf-9578-0135ede19a16/Lees+Paddock+Track.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - Heading off on a day walk to a couple of waterfalls up Lees Paddock Track. Geoff is carrying my pack as a daypack - the big advantage of a 62L ultralight main pack that weighs just 650g! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f4d537c6-67fa-4fdf-82ae-3808ff660c41/Lees+Paddock+Track2.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - Flat and pleasant walking, and no scrub to push through. Flat and pleasant walking, ideal for families and indeed we see several this morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b2be418-ef30-410e-aa42-de2bd74a55ab/Lewis+Falls+Lees+Paddock+Track.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - Lewis Falls. The very pretty Lewis Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1074739c-731a-48d4-a181-b22fec2fc5b7/Oxley+Falls++Lees+Paddock+Track.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - And a bit further up the track. And Oxley Falls a bit further up the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/827c1823-0bcd-4182-98a9-b1261c63c542/Lees+Paddock+Track+sign.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - Sign on the way out. Sign on the way out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f4b8cdd8-e753-4420-9228-a038f8c0c839/Mersey+River+Bridge+sign.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - The swing bridge back over the Mersey River. The swing bridge back over the Mersey River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e6f7a076-3699-4141-9bbb-8d051598b9a9/Mersey+River+Bridge.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - One last peruse over the Mersey… One last peruse over the Mersey… our walk will soon be over. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76294796-fe26-484a-b5a2-a15e70db6d3c/Geoff+Fisher+and+Helen+McKerral.jpg Walls of Jerusalem - Day 11: Lewis & Oxley Waterfalls and Cake - Waiting for the bus on Mersey Forest Rd. What a wonderful adventure! https://slowerhiking.com/iceland-central-highlands daily 0.75 2025-11-02 https://slowerhiking.com/iceland-central-highlands/planning-and-tips-nine-day-trek-central-highlands monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ca651de-01d5-43d8-b2ba-5c25c7b8cc6b/mist+shrouded+mossy+mountain+Hellismannaleid+Track.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Iceland is young and ever changing Our hike linked the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals trails where we enjoyed many ‘otherworldly’ experiences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1626573144797-75Y0YWM9Z8BD3KL2DDIH/Overview+Elevation_4MP.png Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Graph of distance and elevation gain Elevation profile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/56971056-4da2-47a8-915b-27c6a0184d6d/Mgni+and+Modi+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - The kiers are tiny dots as they leave the snow Spectacular volcanic landforms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/910ae797-c67c-4830-b937-2e4cec7a73f2/Spectacular+Views+on+the+Laugevegur+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Just stunning country With views like this we quickly forgot about our trekking back and forth at Oslo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1626579185790-VVY5HFBYEYVT6GWHY8R5/Botnar+Emstrur+Campsite+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Red roofed, green sided huts for rent. We prefer sleeping in our trusty tent - so we only stayed in huts for the two highest points and after one unscheduled very long and wet day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8559a44b-ce8d-4544-9f30-952afa70be30/Hraffntinnusker+Hut+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Its cosy (cramped) inside the huts! A little cramped, but warm and welcome highland hut - after a day hiking in the elements there’s no problem falling asleep! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8992c57-4660-4624-8314-d29194aa366a/Lunch+sign+Alftavatyn+Hut+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Álftavatn hot meal: Álftavatn hot meal: the soup of the day was very expensive but deliciously welcome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fffd7145-6a4a-4811-8ad1-cb6067f067e7/Hvanngil+Hut+and+campground+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Hvanngil Hut Small campsites, few of them flat, around Hvanngil Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/785193c0-d2d6-4640-8133-052db6e82dbd/Campsite+Alftavatn+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - The infamous tent-destroying Álftavatn campground The infamous tent-destroying Álftavatn campground. At elevation, winds here can be extreme. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3ab58b8-7220-4fb6-9804-86b9a40a6372/Landmannalauger+Campsite+after+a+storm++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Landmannalaugar campground after a storm Landmannalaugar campground after a storm - our Duplex served us well! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/03510353-4604-42c2-bc6b-7039cc8c96f1/On+the+Laugavegur+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Still smiling: Still smiling: knowing there’s a hot meal and shower awaiting us at Volcano Huts tonight may help a little! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/80a61805-17bb-4c49-96c1-4d3265445654/Outside+Hrafntinnusker+Hut++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Understand Clothing Layers: Layers: wool thermals under fleece, and rainshells in our packs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2140941e-f9e8-4be5-8a91-3a1415e60d97/Poor+visibility+Hellismannaleid+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Poor visibility on the Hellismannaleid Poor visibility on the Hellismannaleid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b899b31c-d05a-4ad2-bab8-062c3dc46e2a/Hot+pools+LandmannalaugerIceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Landmannalaugar the trial head for the Laugavegur Plenty to do in Landmannalaugar if rangers ask you not to start the Laugavegur! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/273bb357-c818-4ac4-89fe-38993eac7c1c/Rhyolite+mountains+LandmannalaugerIceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Landmannalaugar Spectacular country around Landmannalauger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ba8c3bc-80e2-4092-b415-aed640aac302/Protective+signage+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - The revegetation process is slow and gradual. Fantastic to see the above sign is working. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/94601fb9-632f-46bd-a3c7-b65b73a7a4cb/Protective+signage+2+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - A discrete access closed sign. If there’s a sign, take your selfie somewhere else just as beautiful . There is always somewhere else just as beautiful in Iceland! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67458a3a-470e-4645-8804-03ca97fc6acc/Protective+signage+3+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - Please respect signage. Mosses are especially sensitive to traffic and can take decades to recover - so please respect signage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc89fe4f-dab7-472a-955c-149cfecba365/No+pooping+sign+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Planning and Tips - A Nine Day Trek Combining the Hellismannaleid, Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trails - This sign shouldn’t be necessary Farmers really shouldn’t have to put up signage like this! https://slowerhiking.com/iceland-central-highlands/day-1-hellismannaleid-rjupnavellir-afangagil monthly 0.5 2025-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c12577e-a452-477f-8702-58698b414a6a/Fossabrekkur+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland_.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - Hellismannaleid through a land of volcanos, ash fields… and waterfalls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627351359584-26A7PP4Z1EDCSK3KOJNO/Hellismannaleid++Day+1+Map_+corrected+Scale_4MP.jpeg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - Hellismannaleid Elevation Profile Day 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3b007803-21ab-41fa-929c-a1349986eede/Star+of+Hellismannaleid++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - The walk leaves the huts on a gentle track. The walk leaves the huts on a gentle track. Easy walking in perfect weather and it’s likely that your heart will be pounding with anticipation and excitement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/72835f56-d7f0-4f85-912e-de8e2a2cfe28/Burfell+on++Hellismannaleid++Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - A bare Burfell to the west A hint of things to come, with bare Burfell to the west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d0235fd-c4e2-4045-bad4-e2419557a694/Stile+on++Hellismannaleid++Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - The track is well signposted, with well-built stiles. The track is well signposted, with well-built stiles. After all we’ve heard about Iceland, just look at the weather! A light breeze, warm sunshine and puffy clouds! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91506708-987e-4fc5-9755-d96d101e6f44/Ytri+Ranga+River++Hellismannaleid++Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - The Ytri-Ranga river. The Ytri-Ranga river provides a restful soundtrack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ab2e060-1bf2-431c-bc2d-e94a8b24de59/Ytri+Ranga+River+2++Hellismannaleid++Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - The colours are amazing The colours of the soil, the greens of the vegetation, all so different to Australia’s olive tints and hazy blues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75f0fa87-dea1-4eed-b124-64aa68cf52e9/Ytri+Ranga+River+and+Ash+plain+Hellismannaleid++Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - And the water is clear and fast flowing First glimpse of ash plain - there will be plenty more! You have scarcely begun the walk and already there is a hint of the contrasts you are going to experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c75d164a-442d-4b3f-863e-2555dc7e68f4/Sign+Hellismannaleid++Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - Signage remains good. There is a network of tracks throughout this region and much of Iceland. You could spend a lifetime exploring just this tiny island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cf006839-b081-4845-abc0-65db67645e97/Crossing+Ytri+Ranga+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - Its nice to see a landmark we’ve read about Across the bridge to the eastern side of the Ytri-Ranga. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f607d4c4-3f3b-4b9d-af6c-b66df88a9c62/Hellismannaleid++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - We leave the main river You’ll ford several small side streams. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cdd0a026-d10b-43c2-922f-9e9961362d9a/Hellismannaleid++Iceland+2.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - Our first ash plain Crossing the first of Hekla's ash plain, with Hekla in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/749ba15a-92b2-4276-aa00-0739504744ad/Hellismannaleid++Iceland+3.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - The starkness is astonishing. The starkness is astonishing. Such irony, that this beauty is partially due to deforestation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d981f8ef-4664-49d8-861d-7a61e1e58029/Hellismannaleid++Track+Iceland+4.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - Another stream to cross. The water is shallow and icy, the floor pebbly. Another stream to cross. The water is shallow and icy, the floor pebbly. Many people suggest neoprene booties, but harder-soled sandals are more comfortable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78a1ab5f-8544-48ae-b622-bf5ed51f5b2c/Hellismannaleid++Track+Iceland+5.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - A moonscape Moonscape! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69faf981-29da-47b0-a6b6-aeee94f1f2d2/Hellismannaleid++Track+Iceland+6.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - The terrain is not steep The terrain is undulating but not steep. It’s the perfect start to a multiday hike! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e83a408e-8199-4c99-b65c-1d1298afb9ab/Hellismannaleid++Track+Iceland+7.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - Bizarre formations Bizarre volcanic landforms, as if a dragon has pooped on the hillside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c8b1dbf0-d509-4c20-a2b0-ada51a435e59/Arctic+Thyme+Iceland_.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - Arctic thyme Arctic thyme (Thymus praecox ssp. arcticus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/154bbf61-2286-4629-9cb9-f70f6f68e077/Fossabrekkur++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - Fossabrekkur Descending steeply with wonderful views of Fossabrekkur… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7fd9cbce-c290-46dd-b450-b54d248db2ba/Fossabrekkur+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland2_.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - The grassy floodplain opposite A perfect spot to pause for a snack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a7bf3dfb-ed15-47d7-ba04-fb1bc91977fc/Arctic+Riverbeauty+Iceland2_.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - Artctic Riverbeauty Artctic Riverbeauty (Chaemerion latifolium) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0d3d5af7-d5be-41e6-b4d2-5a3ebdf225ba/Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland7_.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - Skirting along close to the river. Skirting close to the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f70a04c-aa44-4249-8dd3-30ed7fcff942/Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland8_.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - Then turn onto a flat plain but then suddenly… Flat plains, and then you suddenly come across a deep gorge with rushing water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7d2f1f6f-d3fe-4936-9712-b95710738ee0/Late+evening+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland_.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - One more plain to cross: One more plain to cross - you can see the way markers stretching into the distance. It's already about 7.30pm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d41fccfa-fd9b-4834-b34c-350046f06a42/Campsite+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland_.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - As planned we stop short of the Afangagil Hut Campground As planned, slower hikers won’t quite make Afangagil Hut Campground - you’ve walked about 13km/8mi today. But you are not yet in the national park so can wild camp. This is our only wild camp while in Iceland. It has been the best start to a walk imaginable, and tomorrow promises to be even more exciting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5d285f0-da93-4583-8a32-afe28ceb4f48/Campsite+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland+2.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 1 - Hellismannaleid: Rjupnavellir to Afangagil - But first, dinner: But first, dinner. Bolognese from home – yum! https://slowerhiking.com/iceland-central-highlands/day-2-hellismannaleid-afangagil-to-landmannahellir monthly 0.5 2025-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b9cbfe88-d258-4102-832d-6f43de825d0a/Mossy+mountain++Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Mist on the mountain top Today, you start to climb. You’ll see lava fields, wide gravel plains, and there is a moderately challenging creek crossing. It’s a longer day than we originally planned, so we recommend you spend the afternoon and night in Rjupnavellir to even out your distances. There are no suitable campsites before you reach the protected park area, so you have to reach Landmannahellir Huts – no wild camping is allowed in the park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627351468926-TOJEBNBU6GGO5CGX8DI1/Hellin+Day+1+Map_+corrected+Scale_4MP.jpeg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Today’s map A steady climb into the central highlands today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1626595205817-IOWFRRMCQYRGC1EJVOTH/03.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Bladderwort Small white flowers in the gravelly ash plain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640070367495-X4UEPCKPRS73E80LH66Q/Armeria+maritima+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Armeria maritima More this time pink flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/179c2891-3717-4f89-9a84-3f5535a0fb3c/Sheep+dung+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Sheep dung from a few seasons ago. Sheep dung from a few seasons ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fc67361d-91e6-4aef-863e-5d75bc5dcb4b/Lavafield+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - The ash field stop abruptly at the old lava flow The lavafield stops… here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/35f33f6a-49dc-413a-942d-d4e165f9aa2a/Lavafield+2+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - So rugged Just extraordinary! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/73e29137-376e-4db8-9892-9279fea1b96c/Wild+thyme+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - More wild thyme More wild thyme. Botanist will be excited! As you’d expect, there are relatively few flowers here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06e548e8-7926-4f67-a4a7-2918919f1aa4/Into+snowline+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - More ash Bare plain with Hekla behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0cd61cbd-930e-435c-84cd-0ca1946ac6e9/Creek+in+ashfield+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - We continue on through the ash and lava. Numerous short, sharp, steep ascents and descents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d46b2d12-c930-47ba-b50e-5da66a5d4978/Descending+to+Afangagil+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - At last we can see Afangagil Huts At last, the descent into Afangagil Huts AND ITS TOILET nears! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd4844c6-ad18-43cc-b15e-b6b6781355d0/Alcheilla+alpinal+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - The descent to the huts is a grassy steep slope Alchemilla alpina, but if you’re like me, by now you won’t linger long! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/50dc9e3f-7e88-47cb-b3e9-ef0909a2e2b6/Afangagil+Hut+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - The Huts are quirky. After you’ve found the loos, you can now continue at a more leisurely pace. The Huts are quirky - the Icelanders were doing earthship homes centuries before they became fashionable! A horseriding group is staying here – a riding trek in this area would be fantastic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01fd6850-233b-4ce1-ad27-fc557c34ec6b/Way+sign+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - The signage is excellent. Signage is excellent. You still have a way to go but summer days are long so you have plenty of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/330ec846-fb84-440b-928f-c216597623e5/Approaching+Aldan+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Part way up our climb out of Afangagil Part way up your climb out of Afangagil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9dd2514f-2ae2-42f2-9771-470e43cce51f/Approaching+Aldan+2+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - We climb Aldan’s flanks Up Aldan’s flanks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27e4a67e-bdb5-4140-a4fd-98b7084a644f/Aldan3++Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Another ash covered hill So huge and bare and black! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8d2c36c4-9a48-4fd3-948b-ea3d5b7e16b4/Ashplain+and+mountains+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Even the wide plains are wonderful. Even the wide plains are wonderful because they are surrounded by volcanoes and mountains and lava. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb7fa37d-df26-43aa-871b-2f6cc270592d/Crossing+the+ashplain+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Part way across. Yet another vast plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/af7486fc-8603-459b-835f-74dc60dff1c5/Checking+the+map+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - We reach the end of the plain and check our map At the end of the plain, a pause to check the map. Rain is approaching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4466b001-b856-4c11-8fe6-3d63fb020fef/Silene+uniflora+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - There are many bizarre lava formations More fantastical lava formations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a2397ab5-1daa-45eb-b4a9-811dd178bb38/More+ashplain+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - This is such a foreign landscape You can imagine Orcs charging around one of these knolls... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/388f0388-5ee0-4cb9-b310-3e39a931ab44/ashplain+3+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Or perhaps Martians? Or perhaps Martians ? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bcfb7371-5971-4add-bec0-5f4c2d9b6022/ashplain+4+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - We walk along the flat valley floor to the edge of the ridge where we cross into the next valley. As the rain starts, the trail followsvalley floor to the edge of the ridge where you cross into the next valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/096b20c3-f94c-468e-9f0f-23e2b5879c21/Luch+overlooking+ashplain+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Lunch in the rain. Lunch in the rain with a view - who needs a shelter anyway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/431725cb-94b7-49aa-9f02-82c6e50a462f/golden+moss+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Moss contrasts with rich earth and fascinating landforms. Moss contrasts with rich earth and fascinating landforms. This spectacular golden moss from a distance is easily mistaken for some kind of reflected sunlight … but no. It is especially bright in contrast to the dullness of the day. Glorious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8cb09310-44e3-4160-b318-2f155019114e/rain+shrouded+mountains+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - The ethereal rain-shrouded hills are like nothing we’ve ever seen before The ethereal rain-shrouded hills are unique, and such a contrast to the Martian ash plains. Venus perhaps? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e37feb7-e528-4bf5-9447-e325d80e0e85/Main+creek+crossing+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Finally we get to the main creek crossing. Finally you reach the main creek crossing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b1009759-76f7-44db-ba03-6f55398b5e5e/Donning+shoes+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - We make it to the other side. On the other side, donning pants and socks that rather amazingly are still dry, despite the bucketing rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5288c9e1-7185-4f3c-a42a-41c8e2f01f11/Crossing+lavafield+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - Crossing a mossy lava field. Crossing a mossy lava field. It’s really important to stick to the tracks. The moss is very fragile and takes decades to recover. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/03a44532-28ac-4146-8e81-8f2fbce039da/Into+the+mountains+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - It’s must be impossible… It’s impossible, yet the scenery is even more spectacular! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e9e96fd-dcaf-46a1-a709-c0c46bf84044/Herbjanar+Lake+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - We skirt Herbjanar fellsvatyn. Skirting Herbjanar fellsvatyn, breathtakingly beautiful in the rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/51504709-94fd-4fee-9e03-c3c027490cf4/Landmannahellir+Hut++Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 2 – Hellismannaleid: Afangagil to Landmannahellir - We decide to stay in track hut rather than the wet, sodden campground. There is a well appointed kitchen and we break out the chocolate - bliss. https://slowerhiking.com/iceland-central-highlands/day-3-hellismannaleid-landmannahellir-to-landmannalaugar monthly 0.5 2025-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ed44605-d7fe-4461-93f1-e6368aac1dcd/Spectacular+mountains+2+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Hellismannaleid Day 3: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar Rainbow lands under cloudy skies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627351711977-95NP6IT1LUPNY3OK62LK/Hellin+Day+1+Map_+corrected+Scale_4MP.jpeg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar Map Back on track for a “standard” day today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/59370376-e44f-483c-b292-8f725ce58c98/Climb+behind+Landmannahellir+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - We decide to take the scenic route The day begins with a steep ascent behind the huts (an alternate lower route around the hill is possible, but you’ll miss out on views). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/47b0678a-fdc2-480d-9747-92fb22121e3f/Landmannahellir+Huts+and+Plain+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Landmannahellir Hut Landmannahellir Hut - ours was the central of the three larger ones with bunk/dorm accommodation. The others are cabins. You can see that the campground is extremely exposed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b72b9c0c-79a1-4bcd-8819-1b29e9e9d696/Snowy+mountains+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Glimpses of snow ahead: Glimpses of snow ahead: you’ll walk over some today! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5832ced1-134d-4d4c-b368-9679cd626913/Hellisvisyl+River+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - You can walk around the mountain behind the hut but we decide to climb it. You can walk around the mountain behind the hut but we recommend that you climb it for the views, here Hellisvisyl snaking across the plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/beeb4690-5df3-4579-b964-42feadbc0b7c/Lodmundarvatyn+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Oh wow. Oh wow. Descending down the other side with a view over Löðmundarvatyn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de031ad3-3a82-4d39-b3db-3f0e56e5636a/Skirting+Lodmundarvatyn+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Skirting the lake. Skirting the lake. The rotor gusts are insane, almost strong enough to knock you over. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6892bfad-227f-4759-abff-b07ee7bd48b7/Dactylorhiza+viride+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Frog Orchid (Dactylorhiza viride) – great excitement! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/acea1728-7b3b-4f3d-81b9-5aa5dec6605b/Sheep+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - The sheep here are very different to our Oz merinos. The sheep here are very different to our Oz merinos. They are strangely triangular in cross section, and their wool is much more coarse and hair-like. Not surprising seeing as it’s so cold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a941719-f9f8-49fe-b4f0-6372e21f427e/Boulderfield+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Large rock boulders dropped over the grass land We figure these small boulders have been tossed out or down from a volcano? Geologists, please help! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c1d10fdc-0f7d-4e01-bbed-9b79dcf67f6b/Mossy+runnel+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - The moss in the creek is an iridescent lime green I’ve tried to capture the colour of this moss. It is an iridescent lime green that looks completely out of place in a natural environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/865cbaf7-c403-42c3-aa29-bfd94f11e937/Lifrafjallavatyn+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Lifrarfjallavatyn just has a few gusts across its surface.T The wind is a good 35+knots on this hillside and it's drizzly. Few pictures as it is just too exposed. Lifrarfjallavatyn just has a few gusts across its surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ad4d748-c155-4190-9f51-90b38898ea2d/Increasing+snow+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - One more short climb Here you have already crossed the (one) road and are finally at the snowline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78088267-5c83-4b4e-98bd-8dce1f5a9fd9/Snow+and+rock+formations+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - The rain has been steady all day… but there are always things to see: abrupt extrusions and columns of rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f735aaae-850d-4710-8984-11c932cb6914/Misty+plains+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Only half a day from busy Landmannalaugar. You’ll still have the trail almost entirely to ourselves, less than a day from busy Landmannalaugar. Nearly everyone heads south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f256de25-c8b2-4c81-aa8e-d7821783d5c9/Frostastadvatyn+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Frostastaðavatyn Frostastaðavatyn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/529f05b9-8096-4086-b464-ca3185cf5e34/Snow+and+ice+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - We start to descend The fog is dropping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/508db42b-9d98-4a65-85c0-9162ec27b809/Fog+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Fog descends so we go slowly. Fog descends. No hurry. Waymarkers are mostly visible but a couple of times the gps route helps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b7e2b17e-a823-48d9-b0fa-fc0ff741c10c/Harrimanella+hypnoides+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Mossy mountain-heather: (Harrimanella hypnoides) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d65acd0-7759-4ab4-9429-3b736e000a8d/Rhyolite+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - First glimpse of the famous rhyolite of the mountains around Landmannalaugar First glimpse of the famous rhyolite of the mountains around Landmannalaugar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/21300b5c-ae9b-4733-bfef-4f8785a3b327/and+snow+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Just a bit more snow More snow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5a9105f-a466-4c3e-b7be-ef47bd1221d0/Spectacular+mountains+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - And here we are. Wow. And finally… wow. After seeing so many pictures when researching the hike, you’ll find the reality is so much more than you expect. More vast, more colourful, more awe-inspiring... just... more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f2bf0f71-1c63-4b40-bc36-e55c314cb9b2/FloodplainHellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Another river crossing Onto the flood plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/29064900-b3cf-4436-aa23-be2900db1927/Rhyolite++mountains++Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - These are the colours as I saw them on a rather drab, drizzly and gloomy day. These are the colours as seen on a rather drab, drizzly and gloomy day. Jaw dropping. You’ll keep stopping to marvel. The tiny people on the plain bottom left give you an idea of the scale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6df9885e-aea7-47bf-b9b9-ad2a4ed8639d/Multicoloured+rhyolite+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Waterfalls, snow, green, white, orange and red rhyolite… Waterfalls, snow, green, white, orange and red rhyolite, and Trolls’ Dicks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7eeb26a2-b89c-4626-973c-a487a347e54c/Braided+river+crossing+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - One last river to cross. Landmannalaugar is tucked behind the lava field top left. One last river to cross. River crossing sandals are essential when hiking this region in Iceland - thongs are no good as you’ll lose them. Landmannalaugar is tucked behind the lava field top left (you'’re approaching from the northwest). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8191a1ea-251d-4008-8423-6bb4813ca692/Signage+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Great to see that most people seem to respecting the signage. Great to see that most people seem to respecting the signage. Moss is incredibly sensitive to trampling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ba3417fc-bda1-4e11-93cd-58a50c5ed7bc/Lavafield+and+rhyolite+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - And of course… A lavafield to cross to reach tonight’s campsite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb10b8fd-7fd5-415b-8a59-d6e54784704f/Landmannalaugar+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Landmannalaugar. Landmannalaugar. It’s a bit of a shock to see so many people after the solitude of the last few days! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5f0cb8d6-37c0-4145-92d3-5cd341449f5c/Duplex+tent+in+Landmannalaugar++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - 70+km/hr wind forecast plus rain 70+km/hr wind forecast plus rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ed52be50-585a-4e46-b0d4-dc02cee039bf/Landmannalaugar++approaching+storm+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 3 – Hellismannaleid: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar - Here comes the weather. Here comes the weather. What will tonight will bring? https://slowerhiking.com/iceland-central-highlands/landmannalaugar monthly 0.5 2025-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e08ec42-a2df-4a86-8a55-7b01df1318b9/Landmannalauger+after+storm+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Rest Day – Landmannalaugar - Carnage in the campground overnight Carnage in the campground overnight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67e056bc-0643-43fc-964e-b8e3ba7d68a7/Breakfast+in+tent+Landmannalauger++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Rest Day – Landmannalaugar - We cooked in the vestibule rather than the marquee camp kitchen. Hot breakfast, hot cuppas and a cooked dinner in our vestibule rather than the marquee camp kitchen. The mixture of aromas from every corner of the globe in the camp kitchen was somewhat overwhelming! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a4f3d1e-2e77-4ce6-80bc-e7c4be387d8d/Tents+after+storm+Landmannalauger++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Rest Day – Landmannalaugar - Carnage in the campground! Some cheap tents pitched very well survived. Many quality tents pitched poorly - there were a lot of these - did not. The enormous difference of proper guying technique was eye-opening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27487053-4ce2-4ec0-825f-eec52843b534/Broken+Tents+after+storm+Landmannalauger++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Rest Day – Landmannalaugar - Tents pitched with rocks not only on snowflaps, but on tent flies. And zero guys. Tents pitched with rocks not only on snowflaps, but on tent flies. And zero guys. The little MSR, normally moderately reliable, might have survived if properly guyed, like the lime green tent behind it. You can see our little triangular non-free-standing Duplex in the background. Pitched with hiking poles, it's virtually indestructible, but we added extra guys not so much for structural integrity, but to minimise flapping that could loosen pegs. Because the fabric doesn’t stretch when it gets wet, we didn’t even need to get up during the night! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bb3e1368-5afd-4c28-8bed-9f2d90914b8e/Rainy+day+Landmannalauger++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Rest Day – Landmannalaugar - Landmannalaugar After a deliciously hot shower, we spend the rainy, windy morning in the tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e0edc093-ad3b-4656-aeb3-8267727ed128/Hot+pool+Landmannalauger++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Rest Day – Landmannalaugar - Landamannalaugar's famous hot springs Landamannalaugar's famous hot springs ... People spent a lot of time in them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b348597-edfb-45bf-96fe-e6694f6dba0d/Mountain+Mall+Landmannalauger++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Rest Day – Landmannalaugar - Mountain Mall: Mountain Mall: an interesting history. In one bus, a shop selling camp essentials such as noodles (Helen) and chocolate (Geoff) along with some camp food, plus rainwear, alcohol and a range of touristy accessories. There’s a cafe in the other buses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/956e0e3d-e344-4c7d-aa9e-244c64c5cc2b/Skogafoss+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Rest Day – Landmannalaugar - Mountain Mall A fascinating history! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640223894192-VEPFLB7DQXU2F6K8L7P1/Laugavegur+signl+Landmannalauger++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Rest Day – Landmannalaugar - Some simple but important tips Surely no one leaves without considering or having these things? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640223911180-WN1S45CXV1HRG052YE2J/Map+Landmannalauger++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Rest Day – Landmannalaugar - Signage at the trail head for Laugavegur Hike Signage at the trail head for Laugavegur Hike https://slowerhiking.com/iceland-central-highlands/day-4-laugavegur-landmannalaugar-to-hrafntinnusker monthly 0.5 2025-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c790aa29-64ab-48b5-b74f-ef8287c60c0e/Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker Otherwordly landscapes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627352737042-I4EW8UM6B0VEBPL45FFM/Lag+Map+01+Corrected_4MP.jpeg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - Map for the day Our intended journey over the next few days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8d0bb63-5ca6-41dd-8fff-98ae746167b9/Graenagil+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - We follow Graenagil River as an alternate route to avoid doubling back along the Hellismannaleid. You leave the main valley and follow Graenagil River as an alternate route to avoid doubling back along the Hellismannaleid. There are dozens of walks in the area (note hiker in a yellow jacket top centre) – if we did this route again, we’d schedule in at least two days around Landmannalaugar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640074265186-V14DZS06HFJLT7YJ75VQ/Viscaria+alpina+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - Alpine catchfly, Viscaria alpina Wildflowers pop up in unexpected places. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640074275395-QJJDTE5AW5Y2WF5APQNS/Salix+arctica+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - Willow tree (Salix artica) Iceland-style. So different to the ones in Ox https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b00cbdb6-bbcf-43c9-86dc-d3b2bad44832/Stream+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - Rugged lava fields, a rushing river and rhyolite. Rugged lava fields, a rushing river and rhyolite. That “horny” formation in the background is colloquially known as a "troll's dick"! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/50944604-7fda-422b-ba34-7ce5d46504ac/Fumes+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - Into the hot area - steaming fumaroles and mudpots. Into the hot area - steaming fumaroles and mudpots. A sulphorous miasma blankets the area. Goodness, it’s smelly! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/201b0526-24ef-4303-9362-e55d47fdee34/Into+rhyolite+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - This area, so close to Landmannalaugar, gets plenty of day hikers. This area, so close to Landmannalaugar, gets plenty of day hikers, but they thin as the day wears on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/85935d05-624d-48fe-b1e8-b3a74a283e45/View+over+lavafield+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - The lava field is such a contrast! Astonishing. You’ll scarcely know where to look – you are completely inside the vista. The lava field is such a contrast to the surrounding rhyolite and river plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7f7979a1-b582-47c1-b1da-7a309ee9e57d/Fumeroles+and+trolls+dicks+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - The path follows spines ever upwards. The path follows spines ever upwards. It is a very slow journey not because of the climb, but because you’ll stop so often to savour the views, to peer at bubbling mudpots or steaming fumaroles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3fea64c-66b0-4e1d-8efe-aeb9b8e6df3a/Snow+and+rhyolite+2+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - We are climbing higher and approaching the snow fields. And the views keep changing around every corner! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d39e662a-d7ac-45b9-81b3-5d6774519728/Snow+and+rhyolite+3+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - The scale is impressive. For an idea of scale, those are people silhouetted against the snow top centre! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/046b8fdd-7a0e-4c79-9aac-9068bb0bafdc/Snow+lava+and+rhyolite+3+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - You keep thinking it can’t possibly get any more spectacular, You keep thinking it can’t possibly get any more spectacular, and then you see this… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4bc3da8b-72ec-426a-bfb7-42b709e21d58/Spectacular+landscape+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - Or this… or this! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b74851c8-412f-4f25-8ec3-9f0747b9d0ff/Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - Steam or Snow Sometimes, your brain won’t fully understand what your eyes are seeing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b68e402-6e8a-4fb8-ad87-b7b4d77700a1/Steep+terrain+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - There are a lot of small, steep valleys to cross. There are a lot of small, steep valleys to cross. This would be tricky early or late in the season with snow or ice bridges collapsing underfoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e69269bb-a049-4631-a46b-a149ab3e32f9/Following+the+spine+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - We keep climbing. The track shimmies along spines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/780a0cdd-22b5-4b8f-96f0-2f5f0961a194/Into+the+Snow+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - From fire into the snow. From fire into the snow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3d636a7-d1b6-4327-9897-bf9fabbc2033/Fumeroles+in+snow+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - More of what Geoff calls humpty-doos, steep ups and downs. More of what Geoff calls humpty-doos, steep ups and downs. And snow and golden moss and steam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/82037966-c620-4177-8ffb-54c97c541dbc/Fumerole+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - The Icelandic people are rather wonderful. It’s particularly refreshing not having everything roped off, as it would be in Australia, in case some moron decides to stick their hand into a fumarole. The Icelandic people are rather wonderful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a9784077-17bb-4df7-9b00-abd7205a1599/Fire+and+Ice++Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - More snow and steam Words fail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad97b8ec-e48b-4844-bd0f-4b4477da7cfa/Hrafntinnusker+sign++Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - Signage is still good! Still climbing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb500f4a-42d8-4c7d-b2c2-554634071db4/Numerous+fumeroles+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - Just amazing. Wow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/617792ed-ba7b-4926-bfd7-b507909ef02e/Hrafntinnusker+pass+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - We finally reach the snow covered pass And finally up onto the pass and into the snow. You can imagine this in whiteout conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7d14792a-1c03-4d71-9f73-923eb05b4f09/Hrafntinnusker+Hut+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - There it is! There it is! Hrafntinnusker Hut! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4837ca17-f7c9-463c-83c8-9d1efd0f8bf0/Hrafntinnusker+Hut+and+Rekyafjoll+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - Reykyafjoll, is the backdrop Reykyafjoll, with chocolate icing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6f801aa5-727d-4fad-9ff6-c156288965b2/Hrafntinnusker+Hut+Interior+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 4 - Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker - With double the number of hikers in the hut because of all of us who had to delay a day, it’s packed! With double the number of hikers in the hut because of all of us who had to delay a day, it’s packed! Even downstairs the whole dining room floor gets filled. But falling asleep is not a problem; everyone has had such a great day. https://slowerhiking.com/iceland-central-highlands/day-5-laugavegur-hrafntinnusker-to-hvanggil monthly 0.5 2025-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/adc369d8-5bac-4c7c-a994-854667830367/Aflftavatyn+and+squall+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - This day begins with volcanic glass and gleaming snowy ridges and valleys, before descending to Álftavatn. The highlight being the stunning view across Álftavatn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627352681488-FXCJZXT32Q4EXUWP8C3Q/Lag+Map+01+Corrected_4MP.jpeg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Map for the day Map and elevation gain/loss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9983df7d-ab19-48f6-af10-3077bc5b5bc5/Hrafntinnusker+breakfast+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - The morning greets us with sunshine Yummy breakfast noodles with protein and vegetables … and not a bad view from the breakfast table! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91983fa1-fcc9-4b7c-8ae9-60d1bb2850ae/Hrafntinnusker+patio+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Ready to go! Ready to head off. The weather is perfect – the views will be wonderful – and we’re raring to go. You can see our clothing layering system of wool base layers, synthetic fleece, and waterproof wind shell for the top, with synthetic (not cotton) pants. Cotton is very cold when wet and takes ages to dry; a hiker saying is, “cotton kills.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c7c5d38-b946-4c95-a29b-71466c8e9557/Plateau+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - We head south. First up, head due south across the plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/041c2cbb-7b37-4548-a833-ee04c89e3900/Landforms+and+Hrafntinnusker+Hut+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Looking back towards Hrafntinnusker Hut, Looking back towards Hrafntinnusker Hut, just visible top right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7fd57986-0d00-43ef-ab29-d74a8a6882cc/Sunny+weather+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - We are incredibly lucky with the weather. You can be incredibly lucky with the weather, so enjoy it while it lasts. Today, the sky suggests it will overdevelop and cloud over this afternoon; in this situation, try to see all of the highest section before then. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/281a7f8a-a1fc-481e-9c1f-e96ebae7cf95/H%C3%A1sker%C3%B0ingur+peak+and+Kaldaklofsj%C3%B6kull+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Háskerðingur peak Háskerðingur peak and Kaldaklofsjökull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3027add7-6ec9-4b03-b4c0-0169a6935e2f/Snow+walking++Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Some more snow walking - Some more snow walking - but it’s a firm path so going is easy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a390ad67-5646-4cfe-b72f-f0795b991f25/Rhyolite+mountains+4++Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - At the edge of the Torfajökull caldera with more incredible colours. At the edge of the Torfajökull caldera with more incredible colours. And just look at how fast those clouds are building! It will sock in for sure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627173971505-P7VU2YTV33W2BH11SL6V/14.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Saxifraga sp. Adapted to an incredibly harsh environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627174059791-J0Q037TX5GW6GD5ECFIW/16.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Onwards after our break. Onwards after your break. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627174161429-QBS44CTMZ5Z59D1F4XS4/17.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Steaming water right beside snow. Steaming water right beside snow. No superlatives left! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/616dd519-7761-462e-97e2-26eafba53df3/Morning+tea++Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - But wait, what is this?!? That aqua green below? But wait, what is this?!? That aqua green below? It is literally hard to believe our eyes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a3c7391-6ac2-42ba-8d06-bc565a011223/Descent+into+Alftavatn+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - The long, spectacular descent down Jökultungur begins. The long, spectacular descent down Jökultungur begins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/176ddcd9-ea1d-48a5-8e83-ebc256600a77/Rain+squall+Alftavatn+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - As we suspected: As suspected — there is weather on the way from the west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627174442086-TY1FXA1YTHSVF5LXQGJ0/20+P8010007-ORF_DxO_DeepPRIME-2.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Álftavatn (Swan Lake)… Álftavatn (Swan Lake) and the Álftavatn Valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6cd2b79f-9ab8-4f48-8450-56b456844e49/Alftavatn+and+Hattfell+view+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Ever closer, with that rain encroaching. Conical Hattfell behind the lake, Torfatindur to the right and Brattháls to the left. Ever closer, with that rain encroaching. Conical Hattfell behind the lake, Torfatindur to the right and Brattháls to the left. And there’s your destination for a hot lunch – Álftavatn Huts, the little cluster of buildings just left of the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f26abb01-7316-4a79-b49d-906b2ae7faad/cafe+Alftavatn+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - We’re safe inside now. Safe inside now. No pictures of the approach: the rain is hammering on the roof, raingear and boots are in the wet room. The weather-sealed Olympus is fine in drizzle, but not when it’s bucketing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16420db2-5a54-4d0d-801f-179656aa161b/cafe+Alftavatn+menu+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Hot soup, yum even at $28/bowl! Hot soup, yum even at $28/bowl! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/519a2ef6-039e-4e79-8ac2-25cb3d5b934f/Alftavatn+campground+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Another notorious tent-destroying campsite with one lone dome – stunning, but windy. Another notorious tent-destroying campsite with one lone dome – stunning, but windy. Still, even the loos are picturesque! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18fb7900-47ff-4c98-bd77-875e960a45ed/Leaving+Alftavatn+campground+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - After lunch, we continue with a small stream to cross. After lunch, you have a small stream to cross. The squalls are easing and the cloud hasn’t descended completely, which is fantastic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9e227431-1fcf-474d-b373-9f74ff184e1b/Alftavatnplain++campground+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Just this morning, we were in snow and richly coloured earth. Just this morning, you were in snow and richly coloured earth. And now look! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/57861cd9-ec1b-4539-83f7-1039b4270217/Storasula+volcano+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Stórasúla Volcano. Stórasúla Volcano. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69f76fc6-2df9-4f60-92b6-465b2492765e/Hvanngil+Hut+and+campground+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - And finally at Hvanggil. And finally at Hvanggil or “Angel Valley”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e71b9688-6a29-4f5c-9d00-9752fa41c469/Hvanngil+Hut+and+campground+2+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - The campsites are quite small and there are not many of them. All the best flat spots are gone. The campsites are quite small and there are not many of them. All the best flat spots are gone. There are some humps under our tent! But who cares with the views we’ve had today? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7424d49a-dcc7-4b15-bfbd-af68d7a650ea/Hvanngil+campground+dinner+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 5 - Laugavegur: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanggil - Dinner with yet another view. Dinner with yet another view. What a day! https://slowerhiking.com/iceland-central-highlands/day-6-laugavegur-hvanggil-to-botnar-emstrur monthly 0.5 2025-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dc536a96-cb1e-4343-8fb4-ef59645b3788/River+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - The day dawns dull, but it’s dry: The day dawns dull, but it’s dry and the views – again – are fabulous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627352786640-IWGIUC8ZYA2AG0GMCOYH/Lag+Map+01+Corrected_4MP.jpeg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - Todays map. Walking wise it’s pretty straightforward today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/79cbe55a-2389-48bf-b826-c5ccb8087675/Arctic+Riverbeauty+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - Arctic River Beauty. Arctic River Beauty (Chaemerium latifolium). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01b9de24-8cac-4f11-a350-79434f745a2d/Crossingfrom++Emstrua+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - Crossing from Emstrua. Crossing from Emstrua. We meet a small group coming from the other side. Firm-soled sandals are really worth carrying on this hike but, if in doubt, the safest option is to wear your hiking boots or shoes because they provide the most secure footing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/532cb2c1-b2e2-4584-84fb-442fff4d2c62/Rocky+plain+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - Moss and grasses with the odd wildflower thrown in. The trail is well-trodden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640080195685-6ZCYYRTE7MBPWVF1WQ75/Rumex+sp+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - an interesting Rumex form an interesting Rumex form https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640080244320-ZCAFB81CRISZHEB7DTCR/Poa+alpina+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - Poa alpina Poa alpina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fef75efc-e9f6-45f5-a074-1d02873bb844/Glacial+meltwater+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - More streams to cross - but they are straightforward Crossing more streams - here, glacial meltwater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/53eb0197-ab89-4100-bb90-7148b81d9d79/Amazing+geology+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - Random rocks: Random rocks either dropped out of a glacier or spewed out of a volcano, dunno which. So often here, we wish we knew more geology. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/82d32a6e-aeca-410e-a05a-162233d826d0/Gap+onto+ash+plain+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - We come to another another gap… Through a gap and onto …. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2e1b323-134c-4237-acab-3d29603bad84/Vast+ash+plain+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - Another vast ash plain. …. Another vast ash plain, with conical hills rising abruptly from its surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/165e6ed7-3fb7-4d31-87d3-ac1108d03b55/Descent+to+Emstrur+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - We commence our final long descent for the day. Your final long descent for the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/759ea512-3205-462f-9c54-6a1c63a31e46/Botnar+Emstrur+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - And finally Emstrur comes into sight, And finally Emstrur comes into sight, nestled amongst the folds of ash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b22b05c4-22d8-473c-9b11-58c9dab99cdc/Botnar+Emstrur+campsite+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - We quickly set up the tent. Set up the tent and have a quick cuppa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640080752668-7QUL3HOAB2ZUAELQXTKC/Platanthera+hyperborea+orchid+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea) Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640080772716-RZI0OD10S37FFC55NB4P/Lychnis+alpina+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - Lychnis alpina Lychnis alpina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640080813021-3NX9EJGVST2YA23UJ14P/Pyrola+minor+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - Common Wintergreen (Pyrola minor) Common Wintergreen (Pyrola minor) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e42ba27e-b165-429d-aec6-c7c6cce16da4/Markarflj%C3%B3tsjglj%C3%BAfur+canyon+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - We reach the canyon after a short easy walk. The canyon is yet another unexpected gift. Wow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d384e4b1-902e-45df-9487-846162fad7e6/Markarflj%C3%B3tsjglj%C3%BAfur+canyon2++Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - And you’d never know it was here. And you’d never know it was here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/695cb852-d189-4109-95db-583427e9e722/Glacier+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - We decide to do the return loop… More views on the way back… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640084030483-ZKZN0MKNBWVJTRJVAHJA/Parnassia+palustris+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - Northern Grass of Parnassus (Parnassia palustris) Its amazing that there is such diversity https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640084049520-WMBV6X454SB1VMLG11KL/Dactylorhiza+viride+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - and Frog Orchids Dactylorhiza viride. And still more https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/62312224-e65e-4931-8fc0-135b9c57cab5/Entujokull+Glacier+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - We get to the point and there’s a clearer view of Entujökull. When you reach the point, there’s a clearer view of Entujökull. Do not miss these vistas! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ffdc44dc-b279-4417-81bd-b3a4b33185b2/campsite+dinner+Botnar+Emstrur+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur - And back to our small but flat spot on the tiered campground. And finally back to your small flat spot on the tiered campground for dinner, redy for another amazing day tomorrow. What a hike! https://slowerhiking.com/iceland-central-highlands/day-7-laugavegur-botnar-emstrur-porsmork monthly 0.5 2025-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/568e089b-d5db-4c17-b87d-6f225312ad28/Following+Marsjasjokull+CAnyon+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - More canyons today, More canyons on today’s 15km/9.3mi walk, with the magnificent Eyjaffjallajökull an ever-present backdrop. Towards the end of the day, you enter lush low birch forest with a carpet of wildflowers beneath. If the lure of hot food and showers is too much for you as it was for us, you’ll choose to divert a few kilometres extra and stay at Husadalur (Volcano Huts) instead of the more basic hut and campground at Langidalur. Faster hikers will reach Basar on the other side of the river but, in our opinion, this is too far for slower hikers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627352844907-PUQA96UEMC5JD8KWOKRE/Lag+Map+01+Corrected_4MP.jpeg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - Todays Map Today is to to Porsmork but a detour to Volcano Huts at Hasduladar rather than Langidalur provides a hot shower, not to mention a bar! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/17f398d6-ccd8-4262-a5aa-b5bdb887ec2a/Stream+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - But first plenty of streams to cross. First, plenty of streams to cross... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/10b72be5-5fc8-462c-a51d-8ce294761a7c/Towards+Myrdalsjokull+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - More ash and scattered rocks. …with Mýrdalsjökull as your backdrop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c24d534-2148-427a-acfb-5e125b12d0f7/On+the+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - Where following alongside a river. The terrain is still extraordinary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9c5650de-b539-446e-9de0-9d6c4a721c86/View+to+Entujokull++Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - You occasionally drop to near the water’s edge, View up to Entujökull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1dced5a2-4e36-4ba3-adb3-d46c2817ec8f/Crossing+Fremri+Emstrua+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - Crossing at Fremri-Emstrua. Crossing at Fremri-Emstrua https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d8816468-4993-4a1f-8d58-4b95d066e1fa/Undulating+plain+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - We make our way along an undulating path across the plain. An undulating path across the plain and you will be awed by that incredible glacier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06f07171-db24-4875-a64a-93716e555098/Approaching+the+glacier+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - We are getting closer to the glacier. Closer to the glacier. Come on Helen, a freshly brewed hot coffee is calling! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c8ec96e-ea1b-4c16-b3ec-dd8c09552de0/Wild+Boar+Rock++Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - But first a short rest, looking across to Wild Boar Rock. A rest, looking across to Wild Boar Rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d8bee83b-0686-40f0-ba5d-e4905c3c99e1/Markafljot+RiverLaugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - We’ve actually been tracking alongside the main arm of the Markarfljót River all day. You’ve been tracking alongside the main arm of the Markarfljót River all day, every now and then nearing the edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9dbc6f33-219a-43a4-8490-66a7cabde22d/Sedges+rLaugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - Across mostly ash and rock plains. Beautiful grasses and sedges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f7b6226c-8cac-48b0-bbd1-785fd994ad05/Wild+thyme+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - And wild thyme. And wild thyme. It has been dotted along almost the entire trek, often on bare ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/288957c8-fe5b-440d-8eb6-945b7553fa91/A+rest+on+the+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - Another short rest In a grassy “field”! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c520461f-29a5-4592-9653-86cf471427b8/Birch+Forest+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - We cross another tributary, this one the river Þröngá. After crossing a tributary, the river Þröngá, you enter a lovely birch forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640086274113-WP792XLJPSPDBZ25FJPZ/Geranium+sylvaticum+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - Woodland geranium (G. sylvaticum) A complete surprise tucked away in the birch forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640086297113-S6SYUI7U8Z3R76JE49XU/Sedum+acre+Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - Biting stonecrop (Sedum acre) And this one too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b87997d1-cc41-40be-8454-55d967fc9742/Campsite+Volcano+Huts++Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - And long after we reach our campsite We have chosen to detour via Volcano Huts, rather than going straight to Langidalur Huts. A lovely sheltered, grassy campground with... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8e5adad-b98b-41e3-8f01-a964b0c11a0f/Campsite+and+Hot+Spring+Volcano+Huts++Laugavegur+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 7 - Laugavegur: Botnar/Emstrur to Þórsmörk - We’ve come to Volcano Huts because there’s a natural hot pool, hot showers, a spa a PROPER RESTAURANT and a BAR!!!! … a natural hot pool, hot showers, a spa and a PROPER RESTAURANT and a BAR!!!! It’s expensive, but we have been eating home dehydrated meals almost exclusively, so can afford to splurge! Geoff gets his coffee and we go to bed tired but eager for the start of the Fimmvorduhals Trail tomorrow. https://slowerhiking.com/iceland-central-highlands/day-8-fimmvorduhals-volcano-huts-to-balvinsskali-hut monthly 0.5 2025-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7437155e-7655-460c-b1aa-5c70ae359dca/Morinheidi+Plateau+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - Snow, volcanoes, spines and different lava formations, but you only need look at the ascent and distance to know that this is a demanding climb. Yet another spectacular day different to all the ones before: just look at this plateau, seemingly slixced by a knife. Snow, volcanoes, spines and different lava formations, but you only need note the 950m/3117ft ascent over 15km/9.3mi distance to know that this is a demanding climb. The paths are very steep, without steps. There is one rather narrow, somewhat exposed section called the Cat’s Spine that I forgot to photograph because I was so nervous! This section should only be attempted in good weather. Whiteout, wind and/or snow would make it extremely dangerous with its steep sections and drop-offs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627353147221-8NE2ERJSL0DGI9EJ2Z8L/Fimm+Map+Corrected_4MP.jpeg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - Todays Map You can see that the scenic hill route from Volcano Huts to Langidalur adds two hundred metres of elevation gain to today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be4a882e-1839-4311-8346-273e2e2f08f8/Floodplain+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - We take a little shortcut up over the hillocks behind Volcano Huts. A scenic shortcut up over the hillocks behind Volcano Huts. The view back over the floodplain is already wonderful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8790b1d9-5d86-487d-abff-e7d0d46456a4/Langidalur+Hut+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - We’re approaching Langidalur Hut, close to the Króssa river Lovely grassy campsites. It’s not long before you’re approaching Langidalur Hut, close to the Króssa river and 3km/1.9mi from Volcano Huts. Lovely grassy campsites. There's a lively Italian Tour Group here, always audible when nearby! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16ecddbd-4114-4df8-9cea-e66089a0a508/Krossa+River+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - Króssa River, Eyjafjalljökull behind. Króssa River, Eyjafjalljökull behind. Follow the river and riverbed eastwards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/713d76f4-bcc5-4f95-9b3a-ca0879ea6a10/Troll+Cave+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - A troll cave! A troll cave! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b22f1300-c749-4e1a-9294-9c2ea5d0e117/Mobile+bridge+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - Being a braided river, the crossing point changes every year, and sometimes more than once. With a braided river, the crossing point changes every year, and sometimes more than once, so the bridge needs to be mobile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5f7cb98e-eae0-4520-a824-621598ee24ab/Warning+sign+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - We pass through the forested Basar campsite another nice spot to stay. Pass through the forested Basar campsite to the start of the main climb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e55f6f4-da09-4b22-9d98-c1d8513c9aec/View+over+Basar+campsite+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - And climb we do! Looking back the way you’ve come over Basar campsite. It is accessible by car and there are many sheltered spots as well as cabins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d49aa212-6eb9-4122-bc64-b147d57092ff/View+northwest+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - Just stunning country. Make sure to stop plenty of times to look back at the views behind you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/07d905b0-949c-4d86-a60c-1915be460c74/Heidarhorn+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - Surely not another climb: Another climb: yes, up the RHS of Heiðarhorn! Argggh! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6cea277f-e00f-440e-a924-1f77b3ba454a/Plain+with+pumice+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - And then the strangest flat plateau, Morinsheiði. And then the strangest flat plateau, Morinsheiði. Lots of pumice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a7cb398-7cf6-4f88-a514-d38649341347/Heljakambur+crossing+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - And there is another spine to cross at Heljakambur. … and there is another spine to cross at Heljakambur. I have no pictures of the (in)famous Cat’s Spine a km or so back, because I just crossed it without looking anywhere but at the ground in front of my feet and not at the precipitous falls either side. This crossing was much wider. You quickly understand why this trail is closed when it's windy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ae1622ac-1afa-46a7-ac4b-7e05c17e60d2/Lava+tube+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - You can soon appreciate why this track is closed in wild windy weather. We ascend past this lava tube hole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/adb4b3d5-92f4-4c75-9f54-5e627a677f1f/Spectacular+views+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - But the exposed sections are worth it. There are wonderful views down the valley here too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5132849-6519-44a4-afe9-fd66917fba66/Exposed+section+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - And many of the most exposed sections have chains. Many of the most exposed sections have chains. Don’t worry, there are only a few. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/650aa7c4-43cb-4b07-a64a-0ac27922b229/Morinheidi+Plateau+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - The Morinsheiði plateau we crossed earlier. The Morinsheiði plateau we crossed earlier looks as if it’s been sliced with a knife! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65eeda5c-7854-4c2b-988b-56d838e35cee/Arabidopsis+petrea+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - Northern Rock Cress (Arabidopsis petraea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab4e0f01-93ca-45ad-875f-1701799cc0fc/New+ashfield++Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - We're on the volcano that erupted in 2010 so the ash is very new. You’re on the volcano that erupted in 2010 so the ash is very new. It's called an ashfield, but it's as much gravel and pebbles and stuff spat out by the volcano. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cf5631c2-89cd-49b8-b59e-c0699a22cf69/Blck+and+white+landscape+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - The famous "black and white" landscape. The famous "black and white" landscape. It really is that colour, it's not an exposure glitch. There's a hill to climb as a side trip - you can see the people on top - but at this stage I’ve done enough f*%king climbing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fe329259-79f5-4b03-bc4a-daafc072c7f4/Amazing+volcanic+landforms+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - Still, the colours are unbelievable. Still, the colours are unbelievable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8c86c2ec-4fc6-486c-ada8-21e8ea1fa050/Sign+Magni+and+Modi+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - We’re walking through the youngest landscape in the world after the 2010 eruption that created two new hills. You’re walking through the youngest landscape in the world after the 2010 eruption that created two new hills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b918315f-8165-4436-aae4-027993ff405b/Magni+and+Modi+Fimmvorduhals+Track+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - Móði didn't exist in 2009! So the trail was rerouted after the eruptions. You're walking over a brand new ashfield (lava occluded the original track). Móði didn't exist in 2009! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8965c39a-8270-4edc-ba07-fc2d306a0833/Fimmvorduhals+Hut+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - That's the Fimmvorduhals Hut. Are we there yet? No. That's the Fimmvorduhals Hut, the Balvinsskali hut is further on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/85810f2e-8218-4d7f-bc05-772b28d31938/Approaching+Baldvinsskali+Hut+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - The sea! The sea! Partly an optical illusion because it's not where you think it is. That aqua /green is actually vegetation, the sea is silvery, starting at the dark line where you think it meets the horizon! And... THE HUT! YAYYYY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/567d3ce4-96f2-43f7-bfc5-05e718c0fb61/Approaching+Baldvinsskali+Hut+2+Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - The Hut… almost there: Almost there … but yes of course there is one more small but slippery, snowy climb to contend with! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/17129fbe-347d-4ee5-b963-284ce5c9f30d/Kitchen+Dining+Baldvinsskali+Hut+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - The Balvinsskali hut is a most welcome sight. The warm and comfortable kitchen/dining area downstairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/150dc59c-16bf-44e7-b2ae-6312e60dd024/Outdoor+toilet+Baldvinsskali+Hut+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - And outdoor loo: 500kr pees for us women, And outdoor loo: 500kr pees for us women, free for guys who are asked to pee outside! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8fdf4cfd-e33f-41dd-b7fd-d79267b1097a/Upstairs+sleeping+Baldvinsskali+Hut+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 8 - Fimmvorduhals: Volcano Huts to Baldvinsskali Hut - Our snug spot. SO glad to be here! We are right by the stairwell and it is noisy, but Geoff tells me the following morning that I was snoring within minutes! Our snug spot. SO glad to be here! We are right by the stairwell and it is noisy, but Geoff tells me the following morning that I was snoring within minutes! It has been a tiring but wonderful day, and tomorrow is all downhill. https://slowerhiking.com/iceland-central-highlands/day-9-fimmvorduhals-baldvinnskali-to-skogar monthly 0.5 2025-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a9947caf-e511-4d6c-94c0-f10acf9af5c1/Waterfall++Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - This section brings waterfalls – 25 of them! Following the river and its cascades all the way to Skogar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627353202897-UOSP0KIDSWK9ETK3PF1S/Fimm+Map+Corrected_4MP.jpeg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - Today’s map Your last day is pretty much all downhill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/707aa8a2-cd30-4f9f-8eed-5429c5e917f8/Track+near+Baldvinsskali+Hut++Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - We head off. Heading off past the last of the snow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640222887207-AIIP583AYA6D69DJ2WG7/Armeria+maritima+++Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - Armeria maritima More wildflowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640222905191-U3I1DWXLVGYAXVU6ZQTA/Cerastium+nigrescens+var+laxum++Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - Artctic Mouse-Ear (Cerastium nigrescens var. laxum) And even more wildflowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e664ac7d-e127-4b39-8b35-52666dace5cf/River+views++Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - Skoga River. Skoga River. Doesn’t look like much now, but wait until the other end! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f00b1a1d-694d-4b11-9519-5577dc22df01/First+waterfall+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - First waterfall. First waterfall. 24 to go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6edb2667-d8f7-4d09-aa01-a7164f153f6b/Bridge+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - No more rivers to wade! No more rivers to wade! This is a very popular, busy trail – many do this as a day hike out-and-return. Yesterday we saw Young Fit Things running from Skogar to Thorsmork in one day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/305b22a0-a2d2-4834-a7d9-3e40dffb32d6/Waterfall+2+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - Can you get sick of waterfalls? Nope. They are all different. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3ff76b2-4302-4b8b-8052-9c379e0d44d2/Waterfall+3+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - Even the tributaries join in waterfalls. This is indeed a special day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91e5d498-a3d8-4511-a049-62a2564df32a/Canyon++Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - The spectacular canyon. The spectacular canyon. It just goes and goes with many viewing vantage spots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ee3862f-707a-4590-a15b-97bd3fd63e47/Canyon++2+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - Better get a pic while there are so many people about! Better get a pic of us while there are so many people about! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/402b6396-2713-49ce-91c0-111801dcb8d2/Eriophorum+scheutseuri+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - Cotton grass (Eriophorum scheutseuri). Cotton grass (Eriophorum scheutseuri). It was once soaked in fat and used as lamp wicking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/201d41f1-73b0-4b8d-814c-0790d72f25f9/Following+the+river+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - A few humpty-doos. A few humpty-doos, with Daltindur majestic in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b072a152-b149-42f1-b3d7-9f7a5fbb6f9a/Nearing+Skogafoss+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - he lower we get, the more people there are: The lower we get, the more people there are: Skogafoss is the final waterfall and a tourist highlight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/03ae680d-7ae3-4dfb-96de-8f4c17a4e9df/Erosion+warning+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - And we tourists do a lot of damage. And we tourists do a lot of damage. This sign would have been good at the other end as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/80056d04-871f-4c79-9396-20f033ea761d/Mist+above+Skogafoss+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - And we’ve reached the head of the waterfall. Wow. The mist is spray droplets rising from the waterfall below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e402a2fd-77f1-4082-8591-31f410372ac8/Tourists+at+Skogafoss+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - Back to civilization Back to civilization …. its actually a bit confronting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/72cb4247-a177-46aa-b8c1-7325247afa63/Meadowsweet+and+Hotels+Skogar+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - Meadowsweet, Meadowsweet, and our hotel somewhere in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ea4637af-1ccc-4d45-a398-c2bb3651eed8/Skogafoss+Fimmvorduhals+Track++Iceland.jpg Iceland - Central Highlands - Day 9 - Fimmvorduhals: Baldvinnskali to Skogar - And the mighty Skogafoss, with mighty crowds. And the mighty Skogafoss, with mighty crowds. The end of your wonderful hike, with each day filled with memories for a lifetime. It remains the most spectacular hike we have ever done. https://slowerhiking.com/food daily 0.75 2026-03-02 https://slowerhiking.com/food/lightweight-backpacking-breakfasts monthly 0.5 2026-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/54781b13-a15a-4b8e-9823-c2ac38e225a9/breakfast+noodles+larapinta.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - add tofu to noodles Breakfast noodles with freeze dried tofu for protein and finely chopped/fast rehydrating vegetables like broccoli, spring onion, cabbage, kale. Grate and blanch firmer vegetables like carrots before dehydrating, so they rehydrate faster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf1424bb-8cc8-47fc-b932-c9a1737b3b28/breakfast+larapinta.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - breakfast noodles Larapinta Trail Hot noodles with vegetables and bean curd on a very cold morning on the Larapinta Trail, central Australia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b4a30a98-0568-4d53-af78-a4ac355e6a5c/inga+aksamit+muesli.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - the hungry spork This yummy home-made muesli with rolled oats, freeze dried fruit, chia and flax seeds, brown sugar, chopped hazelnuts, maple sugar and milk powder is a convenient, healthy yet lightweight start to the day. Image Credit Inga Aksamit, author of 'The Hungry Spork'. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8f91b40-d39e-4ab9-8892-8eefd0be2d68/pop+tartsP.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - packet of pop tarts Mmmm, yummy, but let's take a look at the nutrition panel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8c0da1fb-38e6-4b2c-8ba2-a13ffe3bea63/pop+tartsP+nutrition.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - nutrition vale of kellogg’s pop tarts 30% sugar, 4% protein, 14% fat, 70% (highly processed) carbs and 1770kJ per 100g. Yes, it's cake! Plenty of energy, but released in a quick hit, and minimal protein. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5cd83540-57a5-482b-843e-3a0fde331a8f/milk+powder.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - milk powder is deal for backpacking Choose milk powder that dissolves in cold water, and mix with your carbohydrate base (oats, muesli, etc) so all you need to do is add water in camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a4ee7ee4-10c0-445a-b07a-9df239e9a62c/brekky+noodles+on+laugavegur.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - Noodles in Iceland Our own favourite breakfast noodles in hut bowls, Laugavegur Track, Iceland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4e15f0ed-6c9a-4133-baee-c2a794e6172d/breakfast+in+mt+field+np.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - espresso coffee at Mt Field National Park campsite Porridge remains our go-to breakfast when we want a fast, warming, nutritious breakfast. Here with espresso in Mt Field National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/085d97b2-0965-4e3d-98ef-70626996b6c5/paleo+muesli.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - Paleo Granola This product is energy dense at 2560kJ/100g... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ffa73e7-323a-4e44-bcdd-a62248c21c9b/paleo+muesli2.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - Nutritional value of Paleo Granola ... but is specifically for paleo hikers with a whopping 51% fat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6d0c796-5860-4239-b51b-bfc544835069/muesli+and+breakfast+bars.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - muesli bars Breakfast bars and biscuits are basically muesli plus additives pressed in a convenient shape to eat on the go: perfect for those who want to be up and at ’em, or those who like a quick breakfast followed by second breakfast later on trail. Check nutrition labels carefully as these products vary greatly! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca8321e3-4f04-4cc8-9ba6-4a196544ae59/poha.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - pot of poha Home-made poha packed with nuts, seeds, roasted soy beans, peas and spices is much more nutritious than the instant versions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a4dd4bc-de19-4afb-a31f-5afcebedff9d/instant+poha.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - commercial poha This instant poha has about 420cal/100g, but only 4g of protein. Add extra nuts and seeds to boost the nutrition! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/300f2378-e15a-4d02-9924-5ee3b8bc0bcd/poha+packaging.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - home made poha Our homemade poha has similar calories/100g but 14g protein, and it's equally easy to tweak by adding more nuts or olive oil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d6f092da-1247-4d0f-abbf-98ff67440834/numerous+options+at+supermarket.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - various grains suitable for cold soaking overnighth A selection in our local supermarket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81364d36-3153-48a4-b829-05d7eeb6076e/low+gi+muesli.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - muesli base You can build bircher muesli onto any muesli or oat base. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36f42734-b185-43bb-bc39-df7531c4b8d5/fallon+zoe+edited.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - chai pudding Chia pudding (Image Credit: Fallon Zoe) Pudding recipes adapt well too: use sugar or powdered honey rather than honey or maple syprup, swap fresh fruit for dried and choose milk powder. Chia is sometimes combined with tapioca and/or hemp seeds in puddings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4c597ce8-5748-4fe0-b4f9-fbcf49c3ec6e/smoothies.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - homemade smoothy packets Homemade breakfast smoothies (berry, mango, peach and mango) with coconut milk powder, milk powder and/or dehydrated coconut yoghurt. We found the texture difficult to get right when making dehydrated smoothie recipes at home – they sometimes remain somewhat gritty – but you can find commercial options (google breakfast smoothie powder), and tweak them with extra protein powder or sugar. A proper shaker jar and extra soaking time (eg the night before in cool weather or an hour or two before consumption) both contribute to smoother smoothies. Yoghurt powder is extremely expensive; what you see in supermarkets is often yoghurt starter powder, which adds flavour but which has a completely different nutritional profile. Products like Easiyo contain milk powder and starter bacteria. We have not done this ourselves, but in theory it should be possible to make yoghurt on trail by fermenting during the warm part of the day and chilling at night to set, or fermenting overnight in a sealed jar in your sleeping bag, amd then eating non-set yoghurt in the morning. Have you made it work? Please share your details in the comments! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9af820f1-f42c-4315-a330-6ebee2fa69b9/coffee+mixed+with+chocolate+protein+shake+heather+shearer.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - Heather Shearer's coffee mixed with chocolate protein Two birds with one stone: Heather Shearer's coffee mixed with chocolate protein powder on the Larapinta Trail, central Australia. Image Credit: Heather Shearer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9dbda1b2-b5fb-44d9-a9b2-255f5b27889d/protein+smoothie.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - smoothy shaker pot Many people prefer the mouthfeel of whey protein powders over vegan protein powders – test a few in your kitchen at home before bringing something undrinkable on the trail! Google breakfast smoothie powder for countless options. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5423d2ea-1588-41e9-8cda-bff9283af39e/noodles.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - breakfast noodles Breakfast noodles with vegetables and TVP https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/563d1a5a-95bf-4d27-91e8-cff172b76fd6/backcountry+cuisine.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - Back Country Cuisine breakfast Back Country Cuisine (Image Credit: Back Country Cuisine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b022ff26-9a74-48aa-8f50-d7f0da3433ad/radix+breakfast.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - Radix Breakfast Radix Breakfast (Image Credit: Radix Nutrition) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8ac630b-7906-485e-b974-1db46316adc3/brekky+cape+to+cape.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - Breakfast on Cape to Cape track Commercial brekkies can save time and effort, and sometimes they are your only option, perhaps due to import restrictions on home dehydrated foods (Australia and New Zealand both have stringent regulations). We were lucky taking carefully selected food from home onto the Cape to Cape Track above in (next door) Western Australia, but overseas visitors will need to buy meals when they arrive. Honey, uncooked dehydrated veg, dairy, meat and nuts are common red flags. Always check the import restrictions imposed by any country: imagine arriving and having all your carefully prepared meals confiscated by customs/biosecurity! Ouch! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/330ec562-0b6b-4d67-b72c-e8e1f92a0fbf/inga+aksamits+tropical+muesli.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - Tropical Muesli Inga Aksamit's home-dehydrated Tropical Muesli, one of many delicious offerings in her book 'The Hungry Spork Trail Recipes: Quick Gourmet Meals for the Backcountry'. When you assemble your own it's cheaper, and you get exactly the taste and nutritional profile you prefer. (Image Credit: Inga Aksamit). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c85394cb-80b6-4018-a683-c9e21a6379d5/tammy+white+rail+breakfast+burritos+made+with+crystalized+eggs%2C+freeze+dried+sausage%2C+onions%2C+peppers+%26+cheese+with+dehydrated+salsa.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - Tammy White's trail breakfast burrito Tammy White's trail breakfast burrito made with commercial egg powder, freeze-dried mince, onions, capsicum, cheese and dehydrated salsa. Tammy puts the sausage, cheese and veg in one bag to rehydrate, the salsa in a separate bag. The eggs are the only thing cooked on the trail: add a small amount of water, then low and slow in the pot. (Image Credit Tammy White) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f7a5f205-b620-42f7-a54d-c4102bfbf88b/peak+refuel+biscuits+and+gravy+peak+refuel.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - sausage gravy breakfast Peak Refuel Biscuits and gravy packs more than a whopping 570 calories per (almost) 100g serve, but it is aimed at keto hikers and is not for everyone with 45% fat over half of which is saturated, and 18g of protein. Non-keto hikers and those watching their cholesterol will be better off assembling their own with less saturated fat, see below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c43ae417-6b3c-4eb3-ad96-5bc45bc6adc3/chicken+congee+trident+3.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - instant chicken congee Trident instant chicken congee. Stay tuned for our recipe! (Image Credit: Trident Foods) Congee (aka jook, arroz caldo or lugaw) is a deliciously smooth and creamy rice porridge, cooked with stock (commonly chicken, but equally good with seafood or pork), spices (ginger, garlic, onion,) and chicken. Traditionally jasmine rice is used, but some prefer short grain glutinuous rice, or a mixture. Other flavourings include dried shittake, chilli, dried fried onion, sesame seeds, fish and/or soy sauce. Filipino lugaw is seasoned with onion, garlic and annatto and topped with egg. You can find vegan recipes, too. Nearly all online recipes can be tweaked to be prepared at home, dehydrated, and then quickly reconstituted with boiling water on the trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e3c03532-0fd1-49a2-a7ff-231fad9d3c89/preparing+poha+on+track.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - rehydrating poha Preparing poha on trail. Vegan poha: our recipe is a popular Indian breakfast with flattened rice, spices such as mustard seeds, fennel seeds, nuts, and freeze dried peas that are rehydrated with boiling water on the trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0806b5a6-0aaa-428e-a391-1d4f7827a386/upma+instant.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - Upma Instant Upma, like instant noodles, are ideally boosted with extra protein for hiking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd9b0508-7306-4b13-8a03-5c2c02e2adae/healthier+noodle+options.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - egg noodles These egg noodles are much healthier than two minute noodles (instant ramen); the horse brand also rehydrate faster than two minute noodles. Ramen noodles are great when combined with different proteins (tofu, bean curd sheets, jerky, TVP, freeze dried meats, surimi, peanut butter powder), and vegetables (any you can think of plus seaweed). For an extensive review of ramen options, see our What to Add to Backpacking Instant Ramen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a39f307-ba4d-48e6-b284-d0fcc0914516/breakfast+south+coast+track.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - breakfast at Ironbound Low Camp Breakfast Noodles with seitan (wheat protein aka gluten) and vegetables on the South Coast Track, Tasmania. As you can see, we love our supercharged brekky noodles! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d67b0f3c-2e9d-4fd2-bdfc-6a1320eeea70/instant+couscous.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - couscous Make your own couscous mix from scratch, or beef up commercial ones with extra protein and veg to increase their nutritional value. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/895726b4-1a76-4682-9e8f-aa903479a8ee/breakfast+in+tent.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - cooking in vestibule Breakfast in the pot, tea ready to go, Walls of Jerusalem National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b7cb98e-e4fa-4c66-b3b7-9016ea73d247/cooking+breakfast+on+trail.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - Breakfast Grampians Peaks Trail Cooking up a nutritious, delicious breakfast on the Grampians Peaks Trail, Victoria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf1dd369-2b32-485b-be00-c93346e5ea00/thorseborne+breakfast2.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Breakfasts - Thorsborne Trail An amazing location like this deserves a breakfast to match! Thorsborne Trail, Queensland. https://slowerhiking.com/food/lightweight-backpacking-lunches monthly 0.5 2026-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3baf1f6a-5e8d-4051-a30a-c68755741222/IMG_1651.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Make it stand out Delicious instant home-made bolognese lunch on trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/744eb603-60b3-4177-81a5-7ca0cf0ad3ea/Preparing+lunch+at+the+Acropolis+Overland+Track+Tasmania+2.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - You’ll know by now that Geoff and I enjoy our food! For longer hikes especially, variety is essential. For a through-hike such as the Bibbulmun where we made 60+ dinners, a range of different healthy foods maintains inner fitness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/14618f70-11e3-470c-8b43-795954437eb1/Lunch+on+shores+of+Cloisters+Lagoon+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Lunch in the shelter of a Billy Pine, Walls of Jerusalem https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2403f8c0-ae8d-4b8b-ad89-5ffcf8245092/Sharing+lunch+over+looking+the+coast+along+the+Investigator+Trail+Lincoln+National+Park.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Crusty bread, view and locally smoked fish on a day walk Crusty bread, view and locally smoked fish on a day walk in Lincoln National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90816cd0-f7fa-4b95-9353-ec489de9a289/South+Coast+Kangaroo+Island+along+the+Wilderness+Trail.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Lunch with friends Lunch with friends on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/807aa1c8-1afb-4c4a-a66d-d284cd1d0d0a/Dolomites+lunch+with+a+view.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Baguette with view, cheese and salami Baguette with view - Dolomites https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41994a08-7e02-4c82-ab92-e10a54e7b269/Sharing+lunch+over+looking+the+coast+Investigator+Trail+Lincoln+National+Park+2.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - On this hike we packaged all *three* lunches together to save space. On this hike on the Investigator Trail, Lincoln National Park, we packaged all *three* lunches together to save space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02a2af54-e0e8-4c3d-b568-e58a522aef30/Humous+Dip+and+Sour+Dough+Crackers.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Geoff’s crackers with my dip: a team effort! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/87017626-b634-488c-9dcd-544814f895b7/Lentils+and+Beans.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Add beans, chickpeas or lentils to dips that normally don’t have them, such as pumpkin, beetroot or baba ganoush dips. This will improve their texture and nutritional value. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2718f235-33a1-45c0-bb1f-2fd8a0d933eb/Fisher+and+McKerral+along+the+Investigator+Trail+Lincoln+National+Park.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Dip Ziploc on the ground. Cracker Ziploc in my hand. Obligatory view is there but out of frame! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ceff55eb-e8f4-4572-bfbf-1d4abbd6256a/Packets+of+Tuna+suitable+for+hiking+lunches.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Tuna sachets are heavy but are so nutrient dense that they are worth including for at least a few lunches. Choose ones packed in oil rather than spring water for more calories. One 75-80g sachet is enough for two of us when combined with high protein crackers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e60f3aa-45b3-4a22-a303-950358cfd427/Invesigator+Trail+Lincoln+National+Park.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Tuna for lunch with a view of the tuna fishing capital of Australia, Port Lincoln. Tuna for lunch with a view of the tuna fishing capital of Australia, Port Lincoln. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9905238-3773-4e3e-9349-ce1970bafed4/Processed+shelf+stable+cheese.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Laughing Cow Cheese 21% cheese https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7fb9a644-3a33-49f4-9683-6b6e1dd913a7/Eating+shelf+stable+cheese+an+experience.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Geoff discovers the aftertaste of the 79% not cheese https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dd3ebac8-7b37-488e-b129-41abb6c2acba/Lunch+in+the+Dolomites.JPG Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Baguette and salami from the local village, plus local view. Baguette and salami picked up in the morning when we left from the local village, plus local view, Dolomites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/268e9c52-86d1-42e7-b3da-935cacb100cd/Lunch+on+shores+of+Lake+Adelaide+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Dips and crackers - tasting all the better for the beautiful views. Dips and crackers - tasting all the better for the beautiful views across Lake Adelaide, Walls of Jerusalem https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04d0dcdd-addc-4a94-9e69-32361cd6281c/Beef+Jerky+for+hiking+snacks.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Jerky and Crackers The very dry jerky brands are best eaten as snacks but the softer ones taste great on crackers, a bit like salami… and they’re relatively light. Choose a package size that will take the two of you no longer than two days to consume once opened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/39915b7c-d2ac-4ea4-96e7-2b2a36e3ffb9/Lunch+in+the+rain+overlooking+volcanic+ash+in+Iceland.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Lunch in Iceland with the usual quality view. Lunch in Iceland with the usual quality view. Eating dip here, but later we discovered an unusual dried fish jerky – light, high calorie, high protein and widely available. But taste before committing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2887ed20-8d58-4ddb-9545-31ee99b5d63e/Dehydrated+smoothies+for+lunch.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Smoothies for two; vac-sealed and ready for the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/12d0e64f-2c46-40b2-b4f3-426c6c99d423/Ready+made+couscous+meals.jpg Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - Couscous rehydrates almost instantly so is a practical option for lunch. Buy a flavoured version from most Australian supermarkets, or add your own herbs and spices. You won’t need crackers, but you’ll have to boil water unless you decide to cold soak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b39a44aa-eac6-4be7-b5b9-82415f763abe/Lunch+at+the+Acropolis+Overland+Track+Tasmania+.JPG Preparation & Tips - Lightweight Backpacking Lunches - But regardless of what you have for lunch… But regardless of what you have for lunch it’ll always taste better when the view is great! https://slowerhiking.com/food/adapt-your-favourite-recipes monthly 0.5 2024-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/105d1b02-a5df-4ac4-aff8-390bd5c0690c/iceland+dinner.jpg Preparation & Tips - Dehydrating: How to Adapt Favourite Recipes - Make it stand out Our favourite bolognese… in Iceland! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/92b7a71b-e3f9-4d5b-bcd3-a81a6d3d31c8/Dehydrator+loaded+with+food.jpg Preparation & Tips - Dehydrating: How to Adapt Favourite Recipes - Our fully loaded dehydrator Has certainly paid for itself https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ed63273a-223b-438c-b099-66334a7c9387/Dicing+mushrooms+and+other+vegetables+for+rehydrating.jpg Preparation & Tips - Dehydrating: How to Adapt Favourite Recipes - Chopping mushrooms Try to keep chopped vegetables the same size pieces https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/675fe639-2570-418b-a94b-036f3d4bad6b/Pasta+ready+for+dehydrating.jpg Preparation & Tips - Dehydrating: How to Adapt Favourite Recipes - Par cook your pasta The rehydration process will finish it off https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9207421e-3e8d-4870-b62e-ba38ffbf1e7e/Browning+mince+for+dehydrating.jpg Preparation & Tips - Dehydrating: How to Adapt Favourite Recipes - Meat can be problematic Need to keep fat to an absolute minimum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640147563808-EPXCCZ4AUS8FS92UP2IL/Deglazing+pan+to+retain+flavour+when+dehydrating+meat.jpg Preparation & Tips - Dehydrating: How to Adapt Favourite Recipes - Don't waste flavour Separating juices in pan from meat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640147604341-PZQRP0A3H1NK2FDWL5LW/Deglazing+pan+to+retain+flavour+when+dehydrating+meat+1.jpg Preparation & Tips - Dehydrating: How to Adapt Favourite Recipes - Deglaze Pans Pan being deglazed with added water https://slowerhiking.com/food/reasons-to-dehydrate-your-food monthly 0.5 2024-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ac9537f5-b248-4d08-bec9-0cf8d591199f/Cooking%2Bat%2BConical%2BRocks%2BTasmania.jpg Preparation & Tips - 6 Great Reasons to Dehydrate Camping Meals - Japanese udon Japanese udon at Conical Rocks, Tasmania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/54ffa2ef-d587-49e6-a84c-cff36334b786/fresh%2Bvegetables%2Bin%2Bbox.jpg Preparation & Tips - 6 Great Reasons to Dehydrate Camping Meals - A box of yummy vegetables 7 kg worth! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c9ccecd-26e3-4132-bb1a-2ad34abac2a0/mixed%2Bdehydrated%2Bveg.jpg Preparation & Tips - 6 Great Reasons to Dehydrate Camping Meals - The green vegetables Dehydrated https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4aef8fce-430f-4245-a2b3-a1a5a278e168/mixed%2Bdehydrated%2Broot%2Bveg.jpg Preparation & Tips - 6 Great Reasons to Dehydrate Camping Meals - Root vegetables One seventh the weight - whilst retaining the goodness! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d209c872-9cdd-4ee8-9f42-fcdd6f5f36f7/bolognese%2Bingredients.jpg Preparation & Tips - 6 Great Reasons to Dehydrate Camping Meals - Choose your own ingredients Choose your own ingredients - Delicious vegetables, meat, herbs and spices: no nasty tummy surprises (the abomination that is shelf stable parmesan is optional)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6ddc82fc-0381-4c65-a9b1-cfc7921d61aa/noodles-2.jpg Preparation & Tips - 6 Great Reasons to Dehydrate Camping Meals - Breakfast noodles Breakfast noodles – just add mixed dried veg to the pot of cold water, bring to boil, add noodles and wait 5 minutes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0742eff8-698f-48f3-b579-859bd9449db1/40+meals+exactly+from+the+box+of+veg%2C+6+kg+pasta+and3kg+meat.+Low+4MP.jpg Preparation & Tips - 6 Great Reasons to Dehydrate Camping Meals - 40 meals exactly - each meal 180g 40 meals exactly from the 7 kg box of veggies above plus 6 kg pasta and 3-6 kg of meat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/916f6a28-6456-482e-b933-86f0d6df3949/morroccan%2Blamb.jpg Preparation & Tips - 6 Great Reasons to Dehydrate Camping Meals - Moroccan Lamb with Couscous An adapted Moroccan dinner in Tassie: lamb with peas, eggplant, couscous, pine nuts, plus coriander, parsley, currants, lemon zest and pistachios. Too hard? Buy a commercial sachet, cook, dehydrate, and pair with a commercial premixed couscous. https://slowerhiking.com/food/how-to-dehydrate-and-package-camping-meals monthly 0.5 2024-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f89e83c-507f-4dd6-bb90-aeb7ae38ba05/Weighting+meals+for+dehydrating.jpg Preparation & Tips - How to Dehydrate and Package Camping Meals - Checking the wet weight Weigh out two servings (one meal for each of us). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/50ec42fe-e222-4608-8bb7-e4bfcc91fe06/Setting+your+standard+dehydrated+meal+size.jpg Preparation & Tips - How to Dehydrate and Package Camping Meals - Put this serve on its own tray by itself Label the tray with a spoon or other means https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e1b2cf5f-24b8-4f07-a59f-6d1fea1e156b/MIxing+pasta+and+sauce+fro+rehydrating.jpg Preparation & Tips - How to Dehydrate and Package Camping Meals - Combine the remaining components But make sure you keep the proportions the same https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b70c49c6-2809-453b-a457-a2f2667e0b8b/Food+trays+for+the+dehydrator.jpg Preparation & Tips - How to Dehydrate and Package Camping Meals - Spread this out onto the dehydrator trays Try and keep similar amount on each tray and don’t overload the trays https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df6c0859-e1cf-4df5-9525-40b07298983c/Loaded+dehydrator.jpg Preparation & Tips - How to Dehydrate and Package Camping Meals - Loaded up and Ready to go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a1072e1a-b062-4800-b925-54b479d299d2/Estimating+your+dehydrated+serving+size.jpg Preparation & Tips - How to Dehydrate and Package Camping Meals - Weigh your dehydrated single serve Divide the rest of the dehydrated food into that weight servings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31147a9f-3cf7-488c-a146-438b7c5162b8/Storing+your+dehydrated+meals.jpg Preparation & Tips - How to Dehydrate and Package Camping Meals - Bag in vacuum sealed bags Or zip lock bags if storage time is short https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e39d426-1e44-4c41-91fe-5c0c0e517c88/Labelling+your+dehydrated+food.jpg Preparation & Tips - How to Dehydrate and Package Camping Meals - Label each bag Contents, dry weight and water required to rehydrate. https://slowerhiking.com/food/diy-dehydrating-for-noncooks monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eda3d361-9736-4594-a9b1-da0c92ba7176/Lead+photo+for+non+cooks.jpg Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - Are you the cook on the left, or the one on the right? Either way, you can dehydrate your own hiking meals! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4b0a3830-5bec-47dc-90f7-2c99a141e620/C9D00037-BC60-4EED-96D7-21449FB6BBA5.jpeg Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31c400cb-64a1-4ec7-b706-9f93b8e89093/Flavouring+for+dyhdrating+food.jpg Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - Sachet powders – chili con carne, bolognese, mornay/cheese, stir fry, bourginon, etc Rice or pasta based ready-meals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/59166006-c0d4-43ec-ac29-1f936440a84a/Milk+powders.jpg Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - Milk and coconut powders: Great fat/ calorie boosters to add creaminess to soups and stews. Be aware that coconut milk powder is very low in protein. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e440503f-3c8e-4633-8c0e-831402c3ba38/Cheap+supermarket+dehydrated+options.jpg Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - Curry powders, soups and sauce sachets can all be incorporated into dehydrated camping meals. Add dehydrated vegetables to beef up instant soup https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9813fdaa-91bc-473f-b733-e23cb95280cc/Asian+flavouring+options+for+dehydrated+food.jpg Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - Asian stores also have a huge range of dehydrated foods including: Seaweed, shrimp, mushrooms and bean curd https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ffa3189-c598-489c-be56-8a344d449ec7/Supermarket+dehydrated+pasta+meals.jpg Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - Boost instant meals like this with jerky, mince, tuna, and dried vegetables They’ll taste better too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/365b7ec2-59ca-47b6-92fb-709fd8708d78/Simple+home+cooked+dehydrated+vegetables.jpg Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - Home dehydrated veg are easy and delicious, but time consuming to make because everything needs to be diced small and most veg need to be steamed or blanched before dehydrating. It’s cheap and easy to do but there are alternative approaches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/19fd52bc-1814-4cc9-912a-953564e3224c/lentils+and+beans.jpg Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - No cooking required, just drain and spread on trays. And in any case, these generally rehydrate faster and better than ones you cook from raw yourself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1cfdd42-75c2-4b24-9603-baf5e5781293/supermarket+couscous+meals.jpg Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - Couscous – pour over boiling water and five minutes later you’re done. But add mince and vegetables, and it will actually taste good! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627706483454-Z35OJJOZUAUOF220GEFV/SImple+ways+to+add+extra+protein+to+your+hiking+meals Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - Tuna is heavy but very high in protein. We usually carry a few sachets for lunch, but not exclusively. For dinners, combine with cheese sauce, pasta, peas and corn for a power-packed mornay. Add jerky to soups or rice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627706679156-UOAUL3FZ52W4KKKGCAB9/15_4MP.jpg Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - Packet spice blends are handy additions to the backpacking pantry! Or can simply be used to give a more elaborate meal a taste boost https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640139363855-W1L0G98WWN2T2O25VYKM/simple+fungi+and+spice+options+.jpg Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - Dried Asian ingredients Mixed ingredients including mushrooms spices beans and noodles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640139294418-EYBO713N5W7RFPN8D2B2/Dehydrated+food+hack+meals.jpg Preparation & Tips - DIY Dehydrating for Hikers who Hate Cooking - Ready to go! 5 packed up in vacuum sealed bags home made dehydrated meals https://slowerhiking.com/food/rehydration-tips monthly 0.5 2024-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6859b3bb-c7c0-4336-9675-28115d07d855/Eating+dinner+on+shores+of+Lake+Meston+Wall+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Preparation & Tips - Rehydration Tips - Check border regulations before you plan your meals Otherwise you might be eating cracker biscuits all day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c1895606-ccbf-43d1-bb8c-6c4ed29cd2d4/Packaged+dehydrated+food+ready+for+rehydrating.jpg Preparation & Tips - Rehydration Tips - To rehydrate in camp, check your label and boil the required amount of water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/684a4e17-35b6-443c-9e36-9e4e14fb10bb/Adding+water+to+rehydrate+hiking+food.jpg Preparation & Tips - Rehydration Tips - Check bag carefully for holes, then neatly slit the top seal with a sharp knife. Pour in the boiling water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dfd01828-edf9-42aa-ac92-38fe6732a52d/Mixing+food+to+promote+rehydration+process.jpg Preparation & Tips - Rehydration Tips - Stir thoroughly with a spoon (more carefully with a spork!) to evenly distribute and moisten contents, especially in the bottom corners. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dc3cdb22-4f7a-4a31-a713-c33a468b7373/Food+rehydrating.jpg Preparation & Tips - Rehydration Tips - Seal bag and keep it warm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d8f57152-6ea5-41ec-b374-40f341eccce1/Keeping+rehydrating+food+warm+2.jpg Preparation & Tips - Rehydration Tips - Pop into a pouch cosy to keep warm and wait 15-25 minutes. If you’ve over-dried a meal, it might take 30-35 minutes. We’re slow hikers, and slow cooks, no need to rush. In any case, eating food that’s not fully rehydrated has horrendous effects on some people as it ferments, rather than digests, in the lower intestine. The farts will strip paint! The pouch cosy is sewn from an insulated supermarket bag with velcro added. You can also cut them and use duct tape or tenacious tape to join the sides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640150260652-FCT5TI0YQXBRO6XK0L3X/rehydrated+bolognese+ready+for+eating.jpg Preparation & Tips - Rehydration Tips - Bolgnese Pasta with meat and vegetables in a pot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640150216709-EGYVS139RU1RRNEBRGUR/reydrated+green+chicken+curry.jpg Preparation & Tips - Rehydration Tips - Green Chicken Curry Green chicken curry with noodles in a bag https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640150324373-N7CRM6L5LU61E2JW6M5T/Sharing+rehydrated+food.jpg Preparation & Tips - Rehydration Tips - Dividing into meals Man tipping half of contents from pot into another container https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640150366457-CRM988F7QTHF7GV0TNA5/redydrated+asian+breakfast+noodles+with+leafy+vegetables.jpg Preparation & Tips - Rehydration Tips - Ready to eat Two containers of food with cooker and cup of tea in background https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/efa4627d-4add-4ad6-8be0-42d8e1358c38/Eating+dehydrated+dinner+on+volcanic+ashfield+in+Iceland.jpg Preparation & Tips - Rehydration Tips - Well prepared dehydrated food tastes great Especially at the end of a leisurely day on the track https://slowerhiking.com/food/food-for-thru-hiking-bibbulmun-track-case-study monthly 0.5 2024-09-08 https://slowerhiking.com/food/what-to-add-to-instant-ramen-noodles-backpacking-food monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5e03c03-12c9-4b59-add2-a8187813fa7f/lead.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Ramen / noodles the perfect base for quick hiking meals Two minute noodles, instant noodles or instant ramen… whatever you call them, they are light, cheap, compact, shelf-stable, delicious, readily available, convenient and easy to prepare: perfect hiker fare! Just swap those flavour sachets for condiments, and add protein and veg for quick, tasty and healthier instant noodle meals in camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/51a7b81e-c5e2-4c61-98ac-f9b35b47e88c/noodle+breakfast+bibbulmun-2.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - add vegetables and protein to make a healthy noodle meal Instant noodles with dehydrated vegetables, chilli flakes and a few leftover fresh sugar snap peas from town the day before (on the Bibbulmun Track thru hike) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b56e0d98-f037-47b4-81f8-47b5bc21587e/noodle+breakfast+bibbulmun.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - preparing noodle breakfast dish on the track Noodle breakfast with a view on the Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fbf46419-096e-42b5-b3d7-4c8fe69cb701/noodles+at+conical+rocks.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Breakfast at Conical Rocks Tasmania Noodles at Conical Rocks on a paddle-hike, Tasmania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8d740895-5a56-4486-a9b6-e7427a89e121/noodles-2.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - easy way to share noodles between two people Dividing portions into two containers: one eats out of the pot, the other out of a soaking jar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/008815eb-03fc-4b06-9088-86226e08bbb3/03+bean+curd+sheets.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Udon Noodles Udon noodles prepared with vegetables, seaweed and bean curd sheets added to pot before bringing water to the boil, then adding noodles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c56db924-a2d1-4f5b-b37e-fd85121230b3/01+pork+floss.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - healthy and flavoursome additions to bulk up a noodle dish Instant noodles with home-dehydrated mixed vegetables for fibre and slow release energy, plus pork floss with laver and sesame for protein and calories. Pork floss is best in non-soupy noodles, or scattered over the top of soupy noodles to prevent the floss going sludgey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0bb5167-8630-4d2f-ac2c-c5cc880bc937/fried+bean+curd+2.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Dried Bean Curd Dried or fried beancurd sheets (knots take too long to rehydrate for instant soup) are available at Asian supermarkets. Check labels: although this one lists only soybeans and water, fat has been added. The one above is 45% protein, 21% carbs and 21% fat, only 3% of which is saturated: not too bad for multiday hiking… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/007d8944-68e1-43ba-884e-7f75118c1f71/fried+bean+curd.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Fried Bean Curd … but this one has just 17% protein and a whopping 64% fat of which nearly half is saturated. Palm oil is also environmentally unsound. At an astonishing 3,000+ kJ per 100g this fried curd is high in kJ, but has so much saturated fat that most people will be better off carrying a small bottle of olive oil (about 3700kJ per 100g) to add to their soup! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5a30cab6-6249-442a-ab71-de81ccf3f23c/roasted+gluten.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Roasted Gluten Nutrition Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9237ef3b-27a3-4355-927f-eb3aa80065d8/friedtofu.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Freeze dried Tofu Freeze dried tofu: I found AUD$3 snack packs at a Japanese shop, or try the Japanese aisle in Asian supermarkets. Again, you need to add extra water when using freeze dried tofu, so experiment in a test batch at home. If buying online, google “koya tofu or koyadofu [your country]”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fe01b94f-7926-4acb-be26-a219dd71b644/friedtofu+2.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Freeze dried tofu nutrition information The cubes are much bigger than the tiny ones you get in instant miso soup packs; I cut them up into rough smaller pieces. At 50% protein and 34% fat this is pretty good hiking food when combined with carbs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/921a9a21-ebc5-4878-a594-a807dc333937/pork+floss+1.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Pork floss Pork floss comes in different flavours and is sweet and spicy. It’s a umami blast like a flavour sachet, but with calories made up of protein, fat and sugar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3aaf6aa-7b64-49db-b727-4d252e62d230/pork+floss+2.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - pork floss nutrition information Just look at that list! At over 2,000 kJ per 100g, pork floss is extraordinarily high in thru-hiking calories. At 40% protein, 23% fat (5% saturated), 27% sugar and nearly 1400mg salt per 100g, this additive is not for everyone, but it is certainly delicious. It turns slightly sludgey if mixed in with liquid and is better sprinkled over the top of non-soupy noodles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a7e6350-9255-4476-b1f4-e99be174ed43/02+rainy+noodles+L.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Make it stand out Noodles in the rain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49f48a7d-9599-477b-9daa-850d667deeb1/noodles+with+veg.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - noodles with vegetables https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e97362d-fc70-4be2-94c5-c48e0bfd0e20/sauteed+mixed++vegetables+ready+for+dehydrating.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - vegetables for dehydrating Quick rehydrating vegetables for instant breakfast ramen, soups etc. Cook vegetables rather than just blanching them. This mix uses leafy greens such as kale, cavolo nero, spinach, broccoli, leek, parsley, cauliflower (very finely chopped), celery (very finely diced), and zucchini “zoodled” into thin strips using a zester. Carrot rehydrates relatively quickly if zoodled too. I sometimes add dehydrated peas and corn as here but, unless you use tinned ones, they only partially rehydrate and remain a bit chewy in the short time needed for instant ramen, and are better in longer soaked meals (see below). Freeze dried peas and corn are fantastic for instant rehydration if you want the veg ready at the same time as the noodles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e8ded2f-d231-4e86-ae54-81532274e0b3/11.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Dehydrated vegetables The same soup mix vegetables dried; these rehydrate in about 55 mins when cold soaked , or are rehydrated in water that takes 13 mins to boil and then put in a cosy for 5 minutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74ce7335-0057-403f-85d1-a83a3bbb0473/root+veg.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - dehydrated root vegetables for extra carbs Carbohydrate rich cooked root vegetable mix containing potato, parsnip, carrot, sweet potato, better for longer soaks at dinner – add ramen towards the end of soak times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a37742fd-e4fe-41e2-b9cb-79a92ae53b5e/09+closeup+side.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Make it stand out When reconstituted, dried seaweed can be eaten as a vegetable; some varieties are very high in protein. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ff8c4d5-d1a6-47be-8525-01b31cce2e61/81QlR30bhyS._AC_SL1500_.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Pho cubes Massel brand stock cubes make a delicious flavour base but are high in salt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78cfc450-a61f-4943-a74e-63c2785d7536/Screenshot+2023-03-07+123047.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - instant Laksa Cubes Massel laksa cubes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/62ec3ac1-5ef7-4fce-870b-fc8156c5ed27/spice+packs.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Various commercial flavour packets can be added to noodles Many of these flavour sachets work with instant noodles but check the labels for ingredients if you need to watch salt intake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4fa50bcf-87ce-4fde-9c6c-d84cc910a09d/chicken+and+noodle+breakfast+in+iceland.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Smiling hiker at wooden bench eating noodles with sunlit, snow capped hill behind Noodles with vegetables in Iceland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f50b4fb-08ef-43c2-bcbb-159ed9b1f7b7/udon+soup+packaged.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - Dehydrated packets of Japanese Udon Noodle soap ready for hiking trip Japanese Udon - Another noodle flavourite! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97acd666-d9f9-4aed-9ad0-e69f06dba14e/noodles-3.jpg Preparation & Tips - What to Add to Instant Ramen Noodles: Backpacking Tips and Recipe Ideas - View to coast from base of Dutchmans Stern Breakfast noodles with a marvellous view below Dutchman’s Stern, Flinders Ranges, South Australia https://slowerhiking.com/recipes daily 0.75 2025-11-01 https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/poha monthly 0.5 2025-07-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f2a08fda-0a66-4545-a56e-8b7222576ff1/rehydrating+poha+2.jpg Recipes - Poha: A Lightweight Hiking Breakfast - Poha in pot ready to eat Correct rehydration is the key to a yummy meal. Use food grade Chux or cheesecloth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7fd0c425-dfac-4bb3-ad30-883db88bf670/4+poa.jpg Recipes - Poha: A Lightweight Hiking Breakfast - Ingredients (two serves): 90g/3.2oz flat rice 20g/0.71oz freeze dried peas 40g/1.4oz dry roasted peanuts (you can vary with the edamame beans for protein content), 20g/0.71oz currants or to taste (reader suggestion) 20g/0.71oz roasted edamame or roasted chickpeas (you can vary with the peanuts for protein content)* 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp cumin seeds ** ¼ tsp turmeric powder 1 tbsp dried fried shallots (from supermarkets) 1 tsp dried crushed chillies (or to taste: we use 2)! ½ tsp salt to taste Olive oil – optional, added when you’re on the track*** https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/29a6370b-1f01-48dd-a0ed-2bb31b098e5f/edamame-1.jpg Recipes - Poha: A Lightweight Hiking Breakfast - Roasted edamame beans! They are lightweight, vegan, gluten free and high in protein and fibre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5adaeb60-81e4-49ba-8f60-a1a04415e52b/edamame+back-1.jpg Recipes - Poha: A Lightweight Hiking Breakfast - And look at that protein, nearly 50% by weight, and nearly 30% fibre. However, they are extremely salty so, if you use these, roasted chickpeas or fava beans, omit the seasoning in your mix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e3abba5-c2b7-4834-8b7c-906846919268/poha.jpg Recipes - Poha: A Lightweight Hiking Breakfast - Make it stand out Using a pot to help make the pouch (before boiling the water). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9603895a-214d-4b47-a88f-b481d2db0e46/poha+2.jpg Recipes - Poha: A Lightweight Hiking Breakfast - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b93a2fae-a348-492d-847d-68d2da995400/poha+3.jpg Recipes - Poha: A Lightweight Hiking Breakfast - When the water boils have the cup with the peas in it handy and pour half the water through the rice whilst holding up the pouch. Pour the remaining water into the cup with the peas to rehydrate them. (If your peas are not rehydrating quickly enough then you can put them in the pot at the start when you are heating the water). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec66852a-47ac-4d65-b017-45c5c305691e/adding+nuts.jpg Recipes - Poha: A Lightweight Hiking Breakfast - add nut and spice mix to rice Next add and mix through the dry ingredients. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/63fbf44b-4b61-47ba-8a0e-7059b54bd66b/adding+oil.jpg Recipes - Poha: A Lightweight Hiking Breakfast - If you have it, add a tspn per serve of olive oil. Mix again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6211d152-99ab-4268-9342-99a38fc215ba/poha+instant.jpg Recipes - Poha: A Lightweight Hiking Breakfast - Make it stand out Instant poha: Easy and quick https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c1ba8212-a8b0-4943-b3fc-87888ca718f1/poha+back.jpg Recipes - Poha: A Lightweight Hiking Breakfast - Make it stand out … But not as nutritious. However, add peanuts, jerky or edamame, and it will be better! https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/dehydrated-pork-chow-mein-stir-fry monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90321105-c7cc-47ff-918e-9aa9150fd691/chop+suey+larapinta.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Pork Chow Mein on the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia, with the closest Chinese restaurant 150 kilometres away! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6324d380-e23c-450a-9c3c-e52e99ec3ccc/yummy+ingredients.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - ingredients list Fresh ingredients. This image has an early batch with velveted pork, but the recipe works better with pork shoulder as described below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4501deca-adcf-4ca0-a958-e89936455fca/pork+shoulder+5.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - pulled pork Use our Dehydrated Pulled Pork Recipe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5516937f-a448-4c7b-862c-151d728889c5/noodles+and+rice.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - rice and noodles Gather your carbs (par-cook and dehydrate rice the day before). Discard the flavour sachet if using instant noodles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d7ddcfc6-086b-426a-a2d2-5eb05fa469a7/stirfrying+veg.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - frying the vegetables Pour in a teaspoon of oil and add the onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Stir fry until just softened. Return mushrooms to pan. Add sauce ingredients and bring all to the boil: it should thicken a little but don't worry if it’s still a bit runny because we’ll reduce it later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9edf98f0-6b33-42a5-b55a-995f0fab0bce/stirfrying+veg+and+meat.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - mixing in the vegetables Add the bok choy, cabbage, and bean shoots and mix well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/88c8812f-08f1-4b13-a133-ffa4113c72a1/draining+sauce+P.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - draining the cooked vegetable As soon as you're happy with the flavour, drain the mixture in a colander set over a wok or large frypan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b7871d25-f2ef-4a18-8571-d0c433c8cf47/reducing+sauce.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - reduce the sauce over high heat Place pan with drained sauce over high heat and reduce until thick, stirring and scraping bottom so it doesn't burn or stick. Spread thinly onto silicone-lined dehydrator trays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9add213-0080-4135-beae-d001335ad56f/dehydratingL.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - load up the dehydrator Scoop out one serve of the vegetable mix into a bowl. Remember you'll be adding meat, rice/noodles later. Spread this serve, or two depending on the size of your dehydrator, onto a tray and mark with a teaspoon. Spread remaining mix onto trays (again, the pictured batch combined pork fillet with the vegetables but you will be adding your already dehydrated pulled pork later to the dehydrated vegetables). Dehydrate your vegetable mix at 63C (145F) until dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/459b3bda-ecf5-4c55-adb9-c905867a6a4e/dehydrated+veg+and+meat+mix.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - checking the serving size weight Weigh the marked tray of dried vegetable mix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/efad7c7f-17bf-4cf6-b904-c07d2ef37884/packaging.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - dehydrated food on table in portions ready for packing Powder the dried sauce in a spice grinder and place in a bowl. The tiny amount of sauce, meat and veg at top in the picture were a test batch to check proportions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/132d1d1d-edc2-452e-9647-729366aa409f/packaged.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - vacuum sealed packages Partially vacseal: vac too tightly and the shredded meat and noodles poke holes in your bag, unless you line them with baking paper. Label your bags with date, description and weight, with instructions if necessary! You'll be cooking the meat/veg separately from the noodles/rice, and adding the cashews and fried noodles as a garnish at the end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad53c827-97bd-48f4-9385-808c95d00e64/maggi.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - Commercial Chow Mein Commercial powder sachets save time and effort (Image Credit: Maggi) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c9b1512-6582-4d55-bafd-5fdfe19b0763/continental+chow+mein.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - Commercial chow mein mince You'll need to add everything else, though! (Image Credit: Continental) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/790c555d-5fea-49d1-9a50-6eebe76646a7/chop+suey+larapinta+4.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - rehydrated Pork Chow Mein in camp Silky noodles, salty flavoursome meat, plenty of veg and the crunch of nuts and fried noodles: yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8cfdb11-4e6b-4b8f-a8d7-d6bd54091c00/IMG_7756.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - rehydrating pork chow mein Place meat/vegetable mix and powder into your pot. Although we usually specify the amount of water to add, this recipe works best by just covering the ingredients with scant water. Bring to the boil, stirring now and then. Because you’ve powdered the cornflour sauce, the mix needs to boil again for a minute or two to thicken slightly — it will thicken further on standing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da5eaebe-3ebd-499c-841d-83eaba755a92/IMG_7760.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - ingredients with water in vac bag keeping warm Pour meat and veg mix back into the sous vide or freezer bag. Put bag into a cosy and leave for 20-25 minutes to rehydrate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d86727af-e451-49ae-aa4e-3b1e8f053f03/chop+suey+larapinta+3.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - slower hiker enjoying his Chinese dinner This recipe took a while to get right but it was worth it: here's Geoff enjoying a Chinese restaurant meal on the Larapinta Trail! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0d09d7c-75ce-4ec9-b254-a5f7368301d9/IMG_7761.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chinese Pork Chow Mein Stir-Fry - chow mein in pot ready to eat Yum! https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/dehydrated-pulled-pork-for-backpacking monthly 0.5 2024-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/47e16fdc-3217-4591-b668-a77ce613205e/pulled+pork.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - crispy pulled pork Delicious crispy pulled pork that won’t break your jaw like jerky! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/48585588-ac9d-4e67-8228-6306bba10e81/pulled+pork+3.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - Pulled pork snack Pulled pork snack on the trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/767b592f-a295-4bc5-af15-8c2b3a814573/chop+suey+larapinta.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - Pork Chow Mein In Pork Chow Mein on the Larapinta Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5b25b85-2e32-4519-ac72-41bca07f5675/leekum+kee+char+sui.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - Lee Kum Kee Lee Kum Kee, slightly more authentic flavour than the… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fe720a4c-f8be-4097-9df3-19a50df10393/kantong1.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - Kantong … Kantong, which is quite tomatoey rather than barbecuey. Both are widely available in Australian supermarkets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9664533f-86f5-4d9f-bb6b-221d0d7ccc9d/noh+barbecue+sauce+powder+spices.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - Hawaii Chinese Char Sui Seasoning Mix This oddly-named “flavours of Hawaii Chinese Char Sui Seasoning Mix” is a dry rub available online. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/714e51b2-9a30-41f6-9df0-5283054b6c8a/pork+shoulder+1.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - diced pork in marinade You have two options to start. It’s worth understanding both as some recipes lend themselves better to one or the other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/98aefa00-312e-4218-8fa1-15778cad8102/pork+shoulder+2.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - pork covered with baking paper Cover pork with baking paper. Again, we're doing this because we've removed the protective fat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5a415103-479c-4618-acd4-2b2de4f6c1f5/pork+shoulder+3.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - Cover pot tightly with alfoil to prevent it drying out when cooking. Cover pot tightly with alfoil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d11cdf41-7fb8-4e27-94da-7da573904c2e/pork+shoulder+4.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - cast iron pots work best Put on lid. This enamelware pot was too light: my enamel cast iron dutch oven works much better and doesn't get as dark around the edges. Place in oven and cook at 150C (300F) for a total time (including oven searing time if doing so) of 3 - 4.5 hours. Check now and then and blot any excess oil from the surface. The chunked meat cooks much faster than does a whole shoulder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/46d7f6d5-d31c-41d0-bf33-e16327f73504/pork+shoulder+5P.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - pulled pork As soon as the meat is fall-apart tender, remove it and use two forks to shred it thoroughly. Moisten well with some of the remaining marinade, which should now be quite thick. Avoid over-wetting the meat, and mix again. Taste as you go so you don’t add too much or too little. Make it so it tastes just slightly too strong, as dehydrating weakens flavour. Spread on dehydrator trays and dry at 63C (145F) until completely dry, breaking up clumps partway through. If there’s any leftover sauce, spread it thinly on a silicone- or baking paper-lined sheet and dehydrate it too. Flip onto mesh when it’s dry enough to peel easily from the baking paper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec5edcde-0af1-49f5-a598-d2fb3044c5da/pork+shoulder+10.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - packaged pulled pork snacks When dry, package meat into individual ziplocs (if using soon) or vac seal into bags. A 50g (1.8oz) snack contains 40g protein and 865kJ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/61824992-a0f6-4446-bf56-45523a0a610b/meat+shredz.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - commercial pulled pork snacks You can buy pulled pork snacks in the US, though they are extremely expensive for Aussies: at time of writing, the Oz price including $9 shipping is $155 for 372g or $42/100g); Australian Customs would also almost certainly confiscate them. Our recipe costs under $3.70/100g (Image Credit: Meat Shredz). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9bd9be64-e5c6-47e6-b503-d947250ce0b5/pulled+pork+woollies+30perkilo+approx.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - packet of pulled pork You can also dehydrate supermarket ready-cooked pulled pork, but it’s almost $30/kg at time of writing (cf. $10/kg for raw whole pork shoulder). At 8% fat it’s a little higher than ideal, so you’ll need to blot as much of it away as possible during the dehydration process. Store vac-sealed in the freezer after dehydrating and use within two months. (Image Credit: Three Aussie Farmers) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db2a30b1-b0a0-423e-bb04-e40a195bdc04/pulled+pork+3.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Pulled Pork for Backpacking - sachet of dehydrated pulled pork Delicious on its own or mixed with just about anything! https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/dehydrated-tomato-and-bean-minestrone monthly 0.5 2025-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/79f574b8-8f04-427d-8880-c7c3f9101f0d/tomato+and+bean+4.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - pot of minestrone Pasta, beans, a ton of vegetables and a herbed tomato base is great cold weather comfort food, and it’s also one vegetarian soup your carnivore friends are likely to enjoy. The pasta and beans provide plenty of energy, the parmesan boosts protein, and we also recommend adding a splash of olive oil to each serve for even more calories and mouthfeel. The tomato base is cooked out so it has a rich, roasted flavour with plenty of depth; those who like chilli can add even more punch! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2b7d4048-130e-49f1-93ad-7b4c6bf9e99e/tomato+and+bean+7.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - The total energy value for our 16 serves is 37,800kJ (9,000cal), or 43,200kJ (10,300cal) with 10 ml olive oil per serve added in camp. Plenty of veg in this recipe! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c28fc8d8-37c6-4b0a-9271-567b3699108f/tomato+and+bean+9.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - Heat the 2 tbspn of oil in a large heavy-based pot over medium high heat and saute onions, leek, mushroom, garlic, chilli (if using), carrot and celery, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom until vegetables are slightly softened and onion is translucent. Add capsicum and, continuing to stir, cook for ten minutes or until beginning to caramelise. If your pot is smallish, do this in batches because otherwise the vegetables boil instead of caramelise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ca9a9a0-62cb-4fa4-a338-b750c030defb/tomato+and+bean+10.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - Lower heat to medium and add tomato paste, scraping the bottom so the paste doesn’t catch too much. Continue to cook for another five minutes or until paste begins to darken and lose its rawness: cooked out paste should smell a bit like roasted tomato. Don’t worry if there are dark brown bits caught on the bottom of the pot: these add flavour. Add verjuice and soaked dried mushrooms with their water. Increase heat to medium high and stir well, scraping bottom of pan to loosen the caramelised bits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f06b702-98a0-4ec7-b3b9-0e1d1c618344/tomato+and+bean+12.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - Add all remaining ingredients except pasta and cannellini beans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a3bdd73b-29ec-4268-a0f0-97a278fef85d/tomato+and+bean+11.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - Add reserved cannellini liquid to just cover all vegetables and stir well (top up with stock or water if necessary but add as little as possible). Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are soft, stirring now and then. Add cannellini beans, mix through gently, and cook another 10 minutes or until fully heated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e60c3220-af7e-4fad-88d3-c3c549b7f856/tomato+and+bean+13.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - Place the vegetable mix into a large colander set over a wok or wide deep frypan and allow to drain, reserving liquid. Transfer veg to a large bowl. Remove parmesan rind if used. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/456f727a-69c4-43d3-b7d5-e37b66aa459d/tomato+and+bean+14.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - reducing the liquid Boil sauce hard in a wide pan or wok, scraping bottom with a wooden spoon the entire time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/59c06140-5d98-4ba8-9e06-cd1615f3b2eb/tomato+and+bean+15.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - thickened liquid ready for dehydrating Lower heat as it thickens. A non-stick pan is ideal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ef5e534-f53d-455c-980a-f6e6c187c949/tomato+and+bean+156.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - dehydrating the thicken liquid and the vegetable mix Sauce leather top tray and vegetable and pasta mix bottom tray, partway through drying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a7c721d-13b0-452f-90e4-270344b8df05/tomato+and+bean+17.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - powder the dehydrated sauce Sauce leather top left and powdered bottom right on a silicone sheet, ready for conditioning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5df1055-e128-4317-8401-c9690022a553/tomato+and+bean+packaged.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - Into each freezer, ziploc or vac seal bag, place dry weight B (or 2B for two serves; two serves for us is about 260g plus 40g parmesan). An alternative method is to portion up the meals by calories. The total calorie count for the full recipe (excluding the parmesan and the extra Olive oil) is 7,550. Divide the total by the number of calories you want per meal, remembering you’ll be adding 10ml (or more) per serve of olive oil (ie an extra 80 calories per 10ml) and 20g per serve of parmesan in camp (92 calories), which both boost calories significantly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b2e66a6-0306-4150-b783-74e565f3ed84/tomato+and+bean+larapinta.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - Geoff cooking up a tomato and bean storm on the Larapinta Trail, our hot soup in the pot behind ready to be popped into its cosy to complete rehydrating. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91412966-2f42-4e7d-8a69-d1436287ad43/tomato+and+bean+5.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tomato and Bean Minestrone - pot of rehydrated minestrone A welcome warming soup on a cold night, central Australia’s Larapinta Trail. https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/sticky-turkey-or-tvp-or-pork-stir-fry monthly 0.5 2024-07-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ffc73acd-6a8b-40fb-838b-e41313039641/ready2.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Caramelised Pork Rice Bowl - Make it stand out New flavours and textures in this yummy dehydrated Asian style dish. Grab a tomato and a few mini cucumbers for fresh bling! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/394ba81e-c5cf-4adb-8635-33a4b2b5c702/stirfrying.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Caramelised Pork Rice Bowl - Ingredients** (makes around 10 serves to fill a 9 tray Excalibur dehydrator, rice dried separately) 1.2 kg long grain or short grain rice* 430g cauliflower, stem chopped into 1cm dice and head separated into small florets 1.5 tbspns peanut or vegetable oil 1 knob garlic finely chopped 4 thumbs ginger, peeled and finely chopped 3 lemon grass, white part only, finely chopped then pounded in a mortar and pestle 60g birdseye or mild chillies to taste, finely sliced 3 large onions finely diced 1.5kg lean pork mince 660g green beans, sliced into 1cm pieces 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 6 tbspns fish sauce or to taste 6 spring onions finely sliced *Both work though I find the texture of long grain rice is easier to get right in camp. However, if you prefer the sticky, clumpy effect, go for short grain. ** The total amount in this recipe makes around 30,500kJ with 356 g of protein. Divide by the number of serves you portion to calculate individual serving size nutrition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bb77d9a6-e290-4daf-b8fb-a1c7332a46f3/stirfrying2.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Caramelised Pork Rice Bowl - Make it stand out Meanwhile, stir fry green beans in a splash of oil in a hot wok until bright green and with slight char marks. Remove and set aside. Wipe out wok. Return to heat and add half to one tablespoon of oil; you can get away with less in a nonstick pan or wok. Stirfry aromatics (ginger, garlic, lemongrass, chilli, onion) over medium to high heat until softened and fragrant. Add pork mince: you may need to do this in batches. Stir fry over high heat until broken up and pale throughout, with no hint of red. Add sugar and most of the fish sauce. Stir until well-distributed, then let sit for a minute to caramelise on the bottom. Stir, scraping pan, and let sit again. Do this a few times until the meat is nicely sticky and caramelised and any excess liquid has evaporated. Add cauliflower, beans and spring onion and mix well. Taste, add more of the fish sauce if necessary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2827598b-b6cd-4575-ac15-83bd3f0fe777/browned.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Caramelised Pork Rice Bowl - Make it stand out Spoon one portion of your meat mix into a bowl: this is your one serve — remember, you will be adding rice! Place onto a dehydrator tray marked with a teaspoon. Spread remaining mix onto trays and dehydrate at 69C (156F) until completely dry, breaking up clumps regularly. When you mix the beans and cauliflower with the mince, a little moisture may come out of the vegetables and dissolve some of the sticky yum. If this happens, place your mix into a colander and collect any liquid before spreading meat mix on dehydrator trays. There shouldn’t be much liquid but, if there is, return it to the wok and boil a few minutes to thicken before spreading. Spread the liquid onto a silicone sheet and dry with the meat. Powder the resulting bark in a spice grinder, then put into a bowl. Packaging for Two: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0752c2f-4930-4d93-a0d8-00788fb47fb1/packaged.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Caramelised Pork Rice Bowl - Make it stand out Portion out your dehydrated rice and fold into baking paper or put into a ziploc. Alternatively, if using noodles, wrap in baking paper or place in a ziploc. We package 140g of rice or noodles for two. When the meat mix is dry, weigh the mix on your marked tray: this is one serve DRY WEIGHT. Normally, we would substract wet and dry weights to get the exact amount of water you need to add when rehydrating, but this recipe seems to work better by eye. For two, place two serves (dry weight x 2) into a vac seal bag. Repeat with remaining meat mix. You may have a little left over, which you can spread across the bags. If you have any powdered sauce, distribute it evenly across the bags. Add your rice or noodles to the vac seal bag, vac and seal. Par vac noodles or they will get crushed. In Camp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/39f04a0b-5c09-4e51-a910-3cb9040522cd/cooking2.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Caramelised Pork Rice Bowl - Make it stand out Geoff and I don’t carry bowls or plates: one eats out of the sous vide bag, the other out of the pot. The following technique works for rehydrating the rice and meat separately if you are like us. Carefully slit open your bag and remove the rice pack. Empty meat mix into your pot and cover VERY scantly with water. Cover and bring to the boil. Remove from heat and transfer meat mix to sousvide bag. Seal with a peg or slider and place in a cosy for twenty minutes (alocohol stove) or 25 minutes (gas stove). After 15 0r 20 minutes, put rice in pot, cover scantly with water and bring to the boil. Stir, remove from heat and let sit covered for five minutes (in a pot cosy if you have one). Parcooked dehydrated rice rehydrates very quickly, within minutes. Transfer your rice to your mug and/or pot lid and/or ziploc bag. Wipe out your pot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a4ccc2b-f21e-447f-b84f-b8838e9ab8a3/cooking3.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Caramelised Pork Rice Bowl - Make it stand out Reducing the liquid. In subsequent batches, we used less. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0dfab079-a7e1-4aa5-9920-9bf31f0b4ec6/ready1.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Caramelised Pork Rice Bowl - Make it stand out Delicious even without the tomato and cucumber! An Asian stirfry winner on trail! https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/dehydrated-laksa monthly 0.5 2024-04-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6281330d-5975-4f5c-8fd6-9d0129b03366/laksal.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - Laksa on the beach Laksa is an iconic southeast Asian dish that has become internationally popular. A rich mix of seafood, coconut broth, noodles and herbs with bright notes of citrus provide a wonderful balance of flavours and textures. And our version is an excellent contribution to your daily hiking nutrition, with 42g protein and 2,975kJ (725 cal) per individual serve! Boost calories to 3473kJ with a tablespoon of olive oil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab07604c-ed21-4b2a-adb5-293950b5d715/prep+laksa2.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - Laksa cooking in pot Spice-infused coconut broth with bean curd sheets in this version. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75d9257b-97ec-4d2a-9fb8-ee8192f2ebb9/top+view+laksa.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - Laksa ready for eating We’ll give you instructions for all options, but highly recommend you make up a small test batch to tweak spice, sweet and sour to your personal preference. Or trust the cook and just use our proportions! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de639e2a-8cf9-4dc3-a746-d02194cd530c/laksal2+frenchmasns.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa Spice paste: 3 medium onions coarsely chopped 90g ginger chopped 7 cloves garlic chopped 80 g galangal chopped (or use extra ginger) 10 dried hot chillies (or to taste), soaked 20 mins in hot water and chopped; retain soaking water 20 laksa leaves aka Vietnamese mint 3 tbspn balachan (shrimp paste), replace with miso paste for vegans 3 tspn paprika 3 tspn ground coriander 3 tspn tumeric 6 lemongrass stalks white part only thinly sliced 1 tbspn vegetable oil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f153868-4f43-446a-80ab-9fea70a0a138/test+batches_.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - Soup Ingredients and seasonings (add a little extra to the amounts if you make a test batch): 2.5 tspn chicken or vegetable stock powder 250g coconut milk powder (we used 5 x 50g sachets for double serves for two); vegans google dairy free coconut cream powder 5 tspn dark brown sugar 200g dried seafood sticks/surimi (vegans omit) 150g seitan OR beancurd sheets* OR dried tofu OR freeze dried tofu (vegans use 300g) 150g dehydrated mixed leafy vegetable or Ramen Bai seafood ramen toppings (or Ramen Bai vegetable mix for vegans) 60g dried fried onion (available in the Asian section of supermarkets) egg noodles - 750g (vegans use wheat noodles) salt and pepper citric acid powder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9d2c089-75b9-409f-a082-9182fbe40bd1/laksa+noodles1.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - We use Vietnamese egg noodles. They cook as fast as or faster than instant noodles but are manufactured using a different process; we chose thin ones like these as well as flat ones. Vietnamese egg noodles (or use instant noodles). These cook as fast as instant noodles but are manufactured using a different process; we chose thin ones like these as well as flat ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d96f809e-bdfd-4efc-a2c5-3bd6e238a0e8/laksa+noodles2.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - About 9% protein. About 9% protein so not significant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ee3fced-5274-477a-910e-188142618cbc/frying+off_.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - Fry over medium-high until aromatic and dry: it will start to come together in clumps. There should be too little oil for it to separate out but this is another sign the paste is ready. Blot away any oil if you do see it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c54d673c-0092-48a1-b24c-659c8fe07203/dehydrator_.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - laksa paste in dehydrator Spread paste thinly onto silicone- or baking-paper lined dehydrator trays. Flip paste onto mesh partway through. Dehydrate at 68C (155F). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fe350fc6-f7eb-43c3-815b-b29d13bcb85b/powdered.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - Laksa cubes left and home-made laksa spice powder right. Laksa cubes left and home-made laksa spice powder right. Of course, you can skip all the paste making and use just the cubes, but it won’t be as yummy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9d9eeb00-b5af-4cef-af2e-51316dc96dcd/fried+fish+balls.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - Some kinds of surimi rehydrate faster and better than others; we found ‘seafood sticks’ aka crab sticks in Australia, though they have never been within cooee of a crustacean, most reliable. Wafer thin slicing is essential for quick rehydration. Surimi (seafood sticks, balls etc) only have a small amount of protein but a lot of flavour. Choose precooked ones with less than 3% fat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/950020df-a1a7-48b0-9749-f00399dee833/ingrediernts.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - To the ziploc for TWO people (halve for single serve packs) add: 1/4-1/2 tspn salt or msg 1/4-1/2 tspn chicken (or vegetable) stock powder 3 generous pinches citric acid 2/3 tspn brown sugar 40g dried surimi (and/or tofu) 30g seitan OR beancurd sheets 30g mixed dehydrated or freeze dried leafy vegetables or Ramen Bai Seafood or Vegetable Topping Mix To the ziploc for two people add: 1/2 tspn salt or msg 1/2 tspn chicken (or vegetable) stock powder 2 generous pinches citric acid 2/3 tspn brown sugar 40g dried surimi (and/or tofu) 30g seitan OR beancurd sheets 30g mixed dehydrated or freeze dried leafy vegetables or Ramen Bai Seafood or Vegetable Topping Mix Seal ziploc, expelling as much air as possible. Place 12g dried fried onion in a small pouch or wrap in baking paper. Get your vac seal bags. Into each vac seal bag place 150g egg noodles 1 x 50g coconut powder sachet onion pouch spice blend ziploc laksa stock cube (if using) Vac seal your bag. I par-vac, stopping and sealing just before the noodles get crushed. Label with date and amount of water needed. You’re now ready for a delicious meal in camp! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83ebc574-f850-401c-9205-267682f37348/pached.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - Dehydrated Laksa meals packaged up Five dinner packs (ten serves). We used different noodles (flat and thin), and different protein in different meals: some had tofu, others had bean curd sheets, others had seitan. We also used the commercial Ramen Bai toppings, our own vegie mix, as well as a combination of the two in the meals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/998bd55b-0f4a-4874-8e00-1bb74f84eb91/prep+laksa.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - noodles on bench ready for rehydrating Pour the hot soup from the pot into the vac seal bag, close bag and pop into a cosy while you prepare the noodles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5bdcd35a-95b2-44c5-b087-501417bc3a4f/laksal3+frenchmasns.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - Yummy laksa in Tahune Hut, Yummy laksa in Tahune Hut, Frenchman’s Cap, Tasmania. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ea935b5-be27-4a0d-b603-c34114700d09/Screenshot+2024-04-22+091126.jpg Recipes - Instant Dehydrated Laksa - Make it stand out Instant laksa noodles are available in many Australian supermarkets https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/dehydrated-cold-soak-bean-salad monthly 0.5 2025-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2cd7f7b1-0efb-4551-9fea-14fdd0fa2eda/beans+atthe+beach+p.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Bean Salad - Hiking Bean Salad After a few days on the trail we all begin to crave those fresh, crisp, savoury salad tastes and textures, but fresh salads and vegetables are heavy and don’t last long. Although dehydrated salads are the perfect lightweight solution, most recipes lack the protein and carbs you need to fuel those tired legs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/816b39b2-d951-4117-9598-4fb3cba1adca/lunch.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Bean Salad - Ingredients 350g cucumber, seeds removed and in 8mm dice 1 large red capsicum in 8mm dice 500g tomatoes in 8mm dice 250g red onion in 8mm dice 625g tinned edamame 4 x 400g beans (cannellini, red kidney, mixed*) 2 x 400g tins sweetcorn** or 1.5 cups freeze dried corn 4-6 chillies (or more to taste) finely chopped 1 bunch parsley, chopped*** 1/2 bunch mint, chopped hot chillies finely sliced (to taste) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a13fa5bc-a881-4aa1-a1d1-ba39d435f964/beans+atthe+beach.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Bean Salad - Dressing: 5 tbspn lime or lemon juice 1 tspn salt (you’ll add more later) 1 tbspn ground black pepper 30g garlic crushed 130ml sherry vinegar 2.5 tbspn honey or caster sugar 2 tbspn seeded mustard Optional: 1 tablespoon freeze dried feta or other cheese Optional: Reader Annette suggests 1 tbspn boondi (little balls of fried chickpea batter, not unlike rice bubbles from Indian supermarkets) added after rehydration for extra crunch). Thanks, Annette! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/164ae111-e31a-484d-ae60-798618b5796f/beansb4.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Bean Salad - Empty tins of beans and corn (if using) into colander and rinse well. If using freeze dried corn, add these to the salad after dehydrating. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f686f1b2-d1e7-40bd-bac4-d8f5d710e453/beansb1.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Bean Salad - Place dry dressing ingredients, honey and garlic in a mortar and pestle and grind to a paste. Add liquids (juice, vinegar, seeded mustard) and mix well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3abe0244-a470-4c31-bea9-4ba464481552/beansb5.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Bean Salad - Place salad vegetables except mint and parsley in a large non-reactive bowl or container. Place salad vegetables except mint and parsley in a large non-reactive bowl or container. Pour dressing over salad vegetables and mix again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/24ce9a97-5b5a-4403-8342-dcef31fe3e52/beansb8.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Bean Salad - salad vegetables and corn with beans Add beans, taste and adjust seasonings: you want it stronger than when served fresh, as the flavours diminish after dehydrating. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for up to 24 hours to marinate, stirring regularly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/773cb46b-1463-4f42-a90e-3fa3ffc27dca/beansb9.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Bean Salad - dried ingredients ready for mixing Clockwise from left: powdered dressing, serve of beans and herbs, mixed serve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bdb4e8b8-5aa9-49b1-accb-ddc1bfabf594/portioned.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Bean Salad - mixed portions ready for packaging Divide your portions by weight into separate bowls and distribute powdered dressing (and herbs if you’ve dried them separately) evenly between them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9d1eabaf-30a3-4fcc-b238-44d5f97339da/beansb11.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Bean Salad - meals vacuum sealed Place salad into ziploc bags or vac seal bags if you plan to store for a time; wrap or bag cheese separately (if using) and place into each ziploc. Seal or vac seal. Label. We found 150g salad with about 575ml water (or to cover) was a good lunch serve for two of us; we checked after an hour and added more water if necessary. You may prefer larger or smaller, wetter or drier serves serves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0de6046f-1f84-4685-b746-5f5829bc5cc6/lunch4.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Bean Salad - Spoonful of bean salad At lunch, open bag, mix in olive oil, sprinkle with freeze-dried cheese or tofu (if using) and enjoy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/92e989b1-5a45-48b9-a96b-43311d03228d/lunch45.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Bean Salad - Bean salad for lunch on hike Geoff enjoying a cool salad lunch in hot Little Desert National Park: YUM! https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/dehydrated-braised-french-lentil-casserole monthly 0.5 2023-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76ed429c-2402-48f3-b28e-e66d60ccc10a/ready+to+eatL.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Braised French Lentils - Braised French Lentils For those who love lentils without the heat of curry spices, this delicious recipe is likely to become one of your regular hiking meals. At home this is one of our favourite winter warmers so it seemed a no-brainer to make it for our hikes as well, and it is wonderfully filling. We sometimes make ours with chicken stock, but vegans and vegetarians can use good quality vegetable stock because the mushrooms — especially the porcini — add such depth of flavour. We prefer the French or Puy lentils in this because they hold their shape rather than disintegrating but, if you prefer a mushier texture, you can use red or brown lentils instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/620f75cc-a6b8-41b4-ba7f-773ff978caa9/ingredients.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Braised French Lentils - Ingredients* We’re lucky enough to have porcini in our neck of the woods in South Australia, but you can use dried porcini or even shiitake for a similar umami flavour blast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15cf8284-329b-48ad-9883-58d2aefd4f9c/cooking+lentilsP.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Braised French Lentils - Method Place dry porcini or shiitake in a small bowl and pour over boiling water to cover. Set aside. In a large non-stick frypan, add a thin layer of water (not oil) and fresh mushrooms. Sprinkle with a few pinches of salt and braise mushrooms over medium-high heat, lifting and turning with a spatula, until they have given up their water, the pan is almost dry and the mushrooms are starting to shrivel. Add 1/2 tbspn of the oil and saute mushrooms until caramelised. Set aside. In a large heavy-based pot add remaining oil plus onions and leeks. Stirring regularly, saute over medium-high heat until softened, translucent and just colouring at the edges, then add carrot, garlic and celery. Saute until vegetables begin to caramelise, then add tomato paste. Cook another few minutes, stirring well. Add lentils and caramelised mushrooms, stirring well to coat, then add wine, porcinis and their soaking water, chicken or vegetable stock and all herbs except parsley. Season well with freshly ground black pepper and bring to the boil over medium-high heat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ed910a9f-ffca-4b97-b106-d23b7467e3a8/cooking+lentils.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Braised French Lentils - lentil and vegetables cooking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3566a901-221d-4f9c-82f5-244b192e56d3/reducing+liquid+L.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Braised French Lentils - Bring the juice in the frypan to a boil and reduce until thick enough to be spread on a silicone- or baking paper-lined dehydrator tray without running off the edges. Spread thickened sauce onto a lined tray(s). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b647334e-aad7-477b-a638-1016d39c60c9/reducing+liquid+on+tray.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Braised French Lentils - Liquid sauce on silicon sheet for dehydrating Place one serve of lentils and vegetables in a bowl and weigh: this is your ONE SERVE WET WEIGHT A. Transfer this serve to a dehydrator tray and mark it with a teaspoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/39079341-835e-48b6-aece-c257686709b5/dehydrating.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Braised French Lentils - in the dehydrator Spread the rest of the drained lentil and veg mix onto dehydrator trays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5bed6e81-0594-46c3-86ea-996220fb8a79/dry+mix.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Braised French Lentils - dehydrated product Place it plus all the other dry lentils and veg into a large bowl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f2f187a-bf87-4bcc-8acb-9e98049b4f3c/dried+liquid.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Braised French Lentils - Break up the sauce into shards and powder in a spice grinder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eecc0d1a-15af-45e4-9cf3-7f3cb63c79bd/powder.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Braised French Lentils - Then dry powder on a silicone lined tray for another ten minutes to condition. Place powder in a bowl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa0f88c1-e6e6-4ff1-880a-ccc9c79df64a/packaged.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Braised French Lentils - packed lentils in vacuum bags with labels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/46f7d318-0f88-4160-bb16-088e1b2ae296/pouring.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Braised French Lentils - Pouring water into rehydration bag https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f36b9120-f1fc-4d92-8cb7-2d442705e9a7/into+cosy.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Braised French Lentils - Rehydrating lentils Enjoy! https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/dehydrated-beef-or-chickpea-vindaloo-curry monthly 0.5 2023-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9a123444-efa9-44ac-8e8e-bfea1d1d435f/cooked+in+potb.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Beef (or Chickpea) Vindaloo - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ecea7317-2557-4304-b29c-f66e3c7b77e4/chickpea.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Beef (or Chickpea) Vindaloo - Make it stand out We give you the instructions for the beef version first, with the recipe modifications for the chickpea version below it. The ingredients are almost the same except for obvious substitutions (meat, stock), but the method for cooking the chickpeas in the sauce differs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a01bbdb-acc5-435c-af23-67143b846fb0/beef+vindaloo.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Beef (or Chickpea) Vindaloo - Ingredients* 2 kg chuck steak cut into 3cm pieces (not smaller) OR 10 cans chickpeas (total weight approx 2.4 kg drained) 4.5 tspn salt 2 bunches coriander 5 cups brown jasmine rice or pearl barley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a8f00e9-99c7-42e7-9914-c0bfe4a1566a/beef+vindaloo+cooked.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Beef (or Chickpea) Vindaloo - Add beef and curry leaves (and sauteed eggplant/mushroom), stir well and bring to the boil. Cover and place in oven for two to three hours. Check occasionally, and blot any oil from the surface with a paper towel. When ready, the meat should fall apart if pressed against the side of the pot with a spoon, and the sauce should be thick with almost no oil on the surface (blot again if any remains). Taste and adjust seasonings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5998115-2352-41e1-b4d8-ba01c34085a6/shredded.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Beef (or Chickpea) Vindaloo - Weigh out two serves of meat, place on a tray and mark with a spoon; this is your MEAT WET MIX A. Spread remaining meat onto trays. Spread coarsely chopped coriander on a tray (or dry with rice later). Spread sauce onto silicone- or baking-paper lined trays. Dehydrate at 63C (145F) until dry, stirring partway through to break up any clumps, and inverting sauce onto mesh. Powder the sauce in a spice grinder, return to lined tray and dry another ten minutes. Place into a container and seal when cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8a570a3e-e204-4c48-b6ba-f39000511d53/on+tray+l.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Beef (or Chickpea) Vindaloo - When dry, weigh your marked trays to get MEAT DRY WEIGHT B for two serves. Place meat into a second bowl, allow to cool then seal. Place coriander into a third bowl, allow to cool then seal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67ceb64b-3b92-4f88-bf5f-cf61da1909c9/dehydrating+rice.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Beef (or Chickpea) Vindaloo - Cook rice in 6 cups stock or water until softened but still undercooked. Allow to absorb. Weigh out two serves of cooked rice (we eat about a cup each, 2 cups total), place on a tray and mark with a spoon; this is your RICE WET MIX A. Spread remaining rice on other trays. Dry at 145F (63C) When dry, weigh marked tray: this is your RICE DRY MIX B. Place all rice into a third bowl. You’re ready to package! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8183dc05-a7be-4558-a98e-3309d9489cd0/chickpea2.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Beef (or Chickpea) Vindaloo - Make it stand out A vegan test batch. The chickpeas crack a little and are slightly less firm when rehydrated but still taste great. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a700109b-14b7-4508-a70b-2a969ca63f32/packaged.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Beef (or Chickpea) Vindaloo - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/dehydrated-miso-udon-soup monthly 0.5 2023-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65ab78a0-4941-4865-86e5-dceea440fb20/11+top.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Miso Udon Noodle Soup - Udon Noodle Soup with Seaweed A pot of umami goodness, or ‘The Essence of Deliciousness’! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab4bab6c-5b6e-4a0a-ab7e-9ba1432ed7cf/09+closeup+side.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Miso Udon Noodle Soup - Udon Noodles with seaweed and mushrooms Plenty of mushrooms and seaweed as vegetables and you can add more of everything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f27b3fcc-3183-466d-ad43-3e866f105665/12+rainL.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Miso Udon Noodle Soup - Eating Japanese Udon Noodles in the rain Geoff enjoys warming noodles in the rain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f428947-84ab-4c0b-82dc-6cda6963ed2f/udon+soup+ingredients.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Miso Udon Noodle Soup - Ingredients for TWO serves 2 heaped tbspn dried thinly sliced mushrooms (home dried, or commercially dried shiitake, &/or black cloud fungus) 2 tbspns dried sliced spring onion 2 tbspns wakame 2 tbspns soup seaweed 2 pieces kelp (knotted) or 1 tablespn shredded 1 heaped tbspn dehydrated sliced seafood sticks 1 heaped tbspn dehydrated or freeze dried tofu or tempeh 1-2 tspns dehydrated smooth white or red miso paste 1 tspn kelp powder 1 tspn bonito stock powder 140-150g thick instant noodles, flavour sachets discarded 5 cups water (it sounds a lot but it needs to rehydrate the vegetables, seafood and tofu as well as the ramen) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0aaebb92-f7de-4df2-9fad-8171e146b503/udon+soup+packaged.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Miso Udon Noodle Soup - Make it stand out Miso noodles packaged and ready to go! Note the jumbo home made flavour sachet inside https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/35ca7e79-a1ac-40fe-b409-27d76331c437/useful+things.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Miso Udon Noodle Soup - Make it stand out Instant miso soup powders are a great hack if you don’t want to dehydrate miso paste. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/63b7af46-5c11-4e31-b110-4466c148143a/05+noodlesL.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Miso Udon Noodle Soup - Top waterfall Belair National Park Noodles with a view! https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/dehydrated-carrot-and-lentil-curry-or-soup monthly 0.5 2022-12-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/45d675eb-ddc6-4894-9370-dab77eef1cdb/03+carrot+and+lentil+curry.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Carrot, Coconut and Lentil Curry (or Instant Soup) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04e90399-b7d0-49bf-a31a-f681718438d6/01+carrot+and+lentil+curry+ingredients.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Carrot, Coconut and Lentil Curry (or Instant Soup) - fresh ingredients carrot and lentil curry Delish! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db5d581f-2daf-4987-8b50-75a6bcadde0a/yummy+soup.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Carrot, Coconut and Lentil Curry (or Instant Soup) - Ingredients 800g carrots in 1 cm dice 2 onions diced 2 medium sweet potato peeled and in 1cm dice 4½ -5 cups assorted dry lentils* 1 knob garlic chopped 200g ginger grated Fresh chillies chopped, to taste 1 tbspn garam masala 1 tbspn coriander 1 tbspn cumin 1 tbspn turmeric 6 curry leaves, fried in scant oil till crisp (optional) 3 bay leaves 4 tbspn tomato paste 1L tomato passata 1 bunch fresh coriander, chopped 1 tbspn olive oil Salt and pepper Juice of 1 lime or lemon Coconut milk powder** Additional olive oil to add in camp (optional) *A mix of red, green, black and/or puy lentils gives a variety of textures, rather than turning into a uniform mush but, if you prefer a smooth textured soup, choose red lentils and puree the lot at the end before dehydrating. **Some brands of coconut milk powder contain milk solids, so vegans should order from specialty health food shops CLEVER CHEAT HACKS TO SPEED AND SIMPLIFY: Replace individual spices with Indian spice blend Replace fresh coriander with dried Replace fresh garlic and ginger with powdered https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b52d9c16-4737-43bb-bcbd-99100971f179/02+everything+in+the+pot.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Carrot, Coconut and Lentil Curry (or Instant Soup) - In a large heavy-based pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and fry until translucent. Lower heat to medium and add garlic, chilli, ginger and spices. Fry, stirring constantly until fragrant, then add tomato paste. Fry a few minutes more, scraping bottom of pan so it doesn’t catch. Add potato and carrot, stirring well to coat, then add lentils, curry leaves and bay leaves. Add tomato passata and enough water to just cover veg and lentils. Bring to the boil, stirring constantly to prevent catching, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20-30 minutes until vegetables are cooked and the hardest lentils are soft. Top up with more water only if it gets too dry to cook the lentils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f45df35c-b021-47c2-9962-fde7dd8a3324/04+puree++in+dehydrator.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Carrot, Coconut and Lentil Curry (or Instant Soup) - OTHERWISE: Tip vegetables into a colander placed over a second pot and allow to fully drain. Add 4-6 wooden spoonfuls of the vegetables and lentils to the drained liquid and puree: the puree should be thick, not runny. Spread puree on a silicone sheet or baking paper on dehydrator trays: you’ll dry and powder it, then add it back to the chunky dehydrated vegetables and lentils. This saves all the flavour and makes your dahl rich and saucy rather than thin or watery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/68820754-7427-419f-ba71-a1da3490b8e9/03+lentils+and+coriander+in+dehydrator.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Carrot, Coconut and Lentil Curry (or Instant Soup) - dehydrating the mix Chopped coriander and drained cooked vegetables and lentil mix loaded into the dehydrator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c8c89c44-7361-47a9-bbc9-7eea390df3b9/06+dried+puree.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Carrot, Coconut and Lentil Curry (or Instant Soup) - When fully dehydrated, place bark (the dehydrated puree) into a spice grinder or food processor – it will be quite crumbly already – and powder. Dry again for 20 mins to condition, then place in a small bowl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/44ff54a1-8bdf-4992-9e27-93afa2cdbce5/07+bpowdered+puree+dried+coriander+dried+veg+and+coconut+milk+powder.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Carrot, Coconut and Lentil Curry (or Instant Soup) - The four components to be packaged coconut powder, lentil and carrot mix the powdered puree and dried coriander https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/25cf941a-540e-4354-b098-768baa331e57/08+packaged+carrot+and+lentil+curry.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Carrot, Coconut and Lentil Curry (or Instant Soup) - On the outside, you can write the minimum amount needed to reconstitute the soup: A-B = W ml. However, you will need more than this, because the curry was extra thick to begin with, and because of the powders. We eat this as a thick soup rather than a curry and add 800 ml - 1 litre for two. However, it doesn’t really matter if you add too much water, because this dahl is so flavourful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e0a57b1f-c07a-4e20-a519-f1b3f8b046cc/in+camp.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Carrot, Coconut and Lentil Curry (or Instant Soup) - Open bag, take out coconut milk, and empty powder into main bag. Pour in boiling water. Close and place in a cosy for 20 minutes. If you’ve pureed and powdered the soup for instant cup-a-soup, it will rehydrate instantly. And if you carry olive oil on hikes, a splash stirred in just before serving tastes great and adds calories. Enjoy! https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/ham-and-bean-cup-a-soup monthly 0.5 2024-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3be55210-6eac-4c3b-b104-11114d77d93a/03+ham+abnd+bean+soup.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 2: Ham Stock and Bean Soup (or Dinner Casserole) - Ham and Bean Casserole Dinner version with chunky veg and beans https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce12a5a2-7323-4942-bb7a-75a9db9d14d8/soup+ingredients.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 2: Ham Stock and Bean Soup (or Dinner Casserole) - Ingredients All these in a cup in a flash on the track, or in a nutritious chunky casserole in camp… now that’s gotta be good! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f7bfcbd-1291-4947-86d2-15adb3ab44b9/01+making+ham+stock+and+bean+soup.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 2: Ham Stock and Bean Soup (or Dinner Casserole) - For the ham stock: 1 L commercial chicken stock 1 tbspn oil 1 large carrot, coarsely chopped 5 celery tops, coarsely chopped 1 onion, coarsely chopped tops of 3 leeks, split, washed and sliced 1 fennel top and fronds, chopped 1 knob garlic, chopped 3 tbspn tomato paste 1 cup white wine 1 large ham hock Parsley stems, chopped 1 tbspn or more dried chili or to taste 3 bay leaves ½ bunch thyme 1 tbspn peppercorns 1 cup verjuice fresh chillies to taste 3 parmesan rinds (optional – they are worth saving in the freezer to add to soups like this) 20g dried shiitake or porcini Helen waiting for the water to boil… sourdough crackers at the ready. Cape to Cape https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cd100c49-a372-43ee-95f5-6fa5d676445a/making+the+stock.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 2: Ham Stock and Bean Soup (or Dinner Casserole) - Core ingredients in pot frying to caramelise for extra flavour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce940c4d-ce6c-4637-93dd-f5bf0c0f08bf/cover+with+water.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 2: Ham Stock and Bean Soup (or Dinner Casserole) - Add water And boil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/caeaa8f4-a086-4250-aa41-877b54b47a11/04+helen+waiting+for+soup.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 2: Ham Stock and Bean Soup (or Dinner Casserole) - Lunch on the Cape to Cape track Waiting for the water to boil…sourdough crackers at the ready. Cape to Cape track, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1139b364-9eb0-4bf2-b4f8-3e49197635dc/reducing+the+stock.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 2: Ham Stock and Bean Soup (or Dinner Casserole) - The strained liquid from the colander is too wet to dehydrate easily but is packed with flavour, so we want to use every drop. The strained liquid from the colander is too wet to dehydrate easily but is packed with flavour, so we want to use every drop. Reduce it by boiling in a large pan or wok. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78d65b3c-bf23-4dd9-8c0f-c350a4d4d94d/pureiing+the+liquid.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 2: Ham Stock and Bean Soup (or Dinner Casserole) - Add a few spoonfuls of the chunky vegetable mix to the liquid and blend with a stick blender to thicken. It needs to be thick enough to not run off silicone sheets or baking paper in the dehydrator. Next, add a few spoonfuls of the chunky vegetable mix to the liquid and blend with a stick blender. It needs to be thick enough to not run off silicone sheets or baking paper in the dehydrator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36bb448e-324b-4c63-bf48-bf763ace40eb/puree+spread+thinly+onto+trays.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 2: Ham Stock and Bean Soup (or Dinner Casserole) - puree on dehydrating tray Spread the blended mix on a dehydrator tray(s). Place parsley/spring onion on a separate tray and dehydrate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a6e3753-a147-4668-9252-80b9852c7fe7/powdering+bark.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 2: Ham Stock and Bean Soup (or Dinner Casserole) - Bark from the dehydrating process Bark straight out of the dehydrator (right) and powdered (left). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a19ba3c0-197a-412e-9b10-bddbdfb262de/organising+packaging.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 2: Ham Stock and Bean Soup (or Dinner Casserole) - finished product sorted and ready for packaging You can see five serves of chunky veg in three bowls, plus some powdered in ziplocs to be added when rehydrating. The remaining powder in the bowl top left will be portioned into instant cup-a-soup for lunch (see below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a2829fc6-ef76-41ee-923f-ff6fce6b36d3/packaged.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 2: Ham Stock and Bean Soup (or Dinner Casserole) - Here I’ve made a mixture of instant powdered lunch cup a soups, plus a few dinners (the latter are a combination of the whole non-pureed soup plus powdered ingredients). 180g plus 80g of powder (total 260g) is about right for dinner for two of us: you may prefer larger or smaller servings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4bc1cb9-d0f1-4e27-ae95-b3c39ac93577/02+making+ham+stock+and+bean+soup.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 2: Ham Stock and Bean Soup (or Dinner Casserole) - Ham and Bean Soup I forgot to add spring onions and parsley to this batch, but it was still delicious! https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/home-made-cream-of-chicken-cup-a-soup monthly 0.5 2025-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f84309a-5a12-46e3-81f3-02869ac2f74a/04+chicken+and+vegetable+soup.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 1: Dehydrated Cream of Chicken and Corn - Cream of Chicken Cup of soup With sourdough crackers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4c145d9c-2916-4c12-bb91-ba970a123c37/06+chicken+and+vegetable+soup.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 1: Dehydrated Cream of Chicken and Corn - Lunch on the Hakea Hike Fitzgerlad River National Park The perfect leisurely lunch for cold windy days with views! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f33d7c8e-5785-4871-ba93-c7a3330db6a2/pureeing+soup.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 1: Dehydrated Cream of Chicken and Corn - Pureeing the stock use a stick blender https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e57c1c4d-79ba-495b-8578-76f088f34173/drying+soup.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 1: Dehydrated Cream of Chicken and Corn - Dehydrating Dehydrate the main components separately https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/232294b2-c3d7-44bc-b345-5ed4217ae1e5/adding+herbs.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 1: Dehydrated Cream of Chicken and Corn - main soup components ready for combining Clockwise from top left: soup powder, dried spring onion, milk powder, reconstituted soup and dried parsley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a7026891-c89a-4174-9d23-6bdd32c05afa/packaged+risotto.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 1: Dehydrated Cream of Chicken and Corn - step 1 weighing the powder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/89c5341e-bdae-4b25-9481-af93503161e0/making+test+serve.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 1: Dehydrated Cream of Chicken and Corn - step 2 add boiling water https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a81dca5b-6714-4867-949d-b6fb44a74836/adding+milk+powder.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 1: Dehydrated Cream of Chicken and Corn - Step 3 adjust the flavour with extra stock power or water creaminess with milk powder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81ec9601-3920-47ae-9dfb-14c78b1dc75c/making+seal+bags.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 1: Dehydrated Cream of Chicken and Corn - Vacuum sealing you soup is best for longer storage times Ziplocs are okay for short-term storage, but I make small vac seal bags out of larger ones and use them for lunch soup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/14077f39-f808-4e6d-a43c-655bf9a57ea6/filling+the+bags.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 1: Dehydrated Cream of Chicken and Corn - packaging into sachets Using a funnel when adding ingredients to sachets keeps the rim clean for a good seal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78a431d7-a392-471a-92e0-b1520f9bf16e/finished+soup.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 1: Dehydrated Cream of Chicken and Corn - the completed soup all packaged up 12 packages each with two serve portions ideal for a quick and nutritious track lunch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cd3f8075-6faf-4a3b-b333-2dfe3c86f4b9/05+chicken+and+vegetable+soup.jpg Recipes - Homemade Instant Cup-a-Soup 1: Dehydrated Cream of Chicken and Corn - Hakea Hike cup of soup for lunch Delicious! https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/dehydrated-chilli-bean-corn-chips monthly 0.5 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/792b30b2-b841-40ab-86c3-dacb2d118c72/rehydrating.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chilli Beans with Corn Chips - sunset on Hinchinbrook Island Chilli beans for dinner at sunset on Hinchinbrook Island… perfect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d6a39473-ec29-4b95-b345-c4657c5f2f2a/ready+to+eat.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chilli Beans with Corn Chips - This is served with corn chips – the crunchy texture is a welcome change from the usual soft hiking meals – but the versatile sauce goes equally well with pasta, rice or wraps. (See our dehydrating tips on par cooking and dehydrating pasta and rice). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e0c79e1c-ed0c-408b-948c-a359cc0b50d8/yummy+ingredients+for+chili+beans.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chilli Beans with Corn Chips - INGREDIENTS: 1kg vegie mince (TVP) 3 onions, finely diced 1 knob garlic, finely chopped 3 red capsicums Hot chillies to taste, finely chopped 1 tbspn tomato paste 1 ½ tbspn oil 2 cups red wine 4 cups stock 7 deseeded whole anchos, stems removed 100g dark chocolate 90% cocoa, broken into squares 1 heaped tbspn dark brown sugar 4-5 400g cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed* Plain corn chips Shelf stable cheese (optional, to sprinkle over in camp) *In our experience, tinned beans rehydrate better than those cooked from raw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d6c300b-06d1-4328-a7e4-e5fdd721b6f3/home+made+spice+powder+blend.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chilli Beans with Corn Chips - For the spice powder**: 3 dried pasillo chillies, deseeded, stems removed 2 tbspn cumin seeds 1 cinnamon stick 1 tspn salt 1 tspn black pepper 1 tspn oregano 1 tspn thyme 2 tspn sweet paprika 2 tspn vegetable stock powder (beef or vegetable flavour) **SNEAKY HACK: Use commercial sachet chili con carne or nacho seasoning/spice mix, dry TVP, and other tricks - scroll to end to find full cheat sheet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/421f074b-8ac3-4e93-8b37-ce47fe0ce3ba/roasting+capsicums.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chilli Beans with Corn Chips - For the sauce, first slice the flat sides from the capsicums and place under a hot grill until blackened. Remove with tongs into a bowl and cover with a plate to steam until cool enough to handle. Peel and discard blackened skins. Finely chop the capsicum. Place 1 tbspn oil in a large non-stick frypan. Add vegie mince, brown well over high heat and remove to a bowl. Add ½ tbspn oil and fry onions over medium-high heat until translucent, then add garlic, hot chillies, roasted capsicum and spice powder. Return mince as well. Stir well and fry over medium heat until aromatic, a minute or two, then add tomato paste and fry off for another minute longer, scraping pan if it’s not non-stick to prevent burning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aa5310a5-e7fb-4841-9fb1-cfe2766558d3/chili+in+the+pot.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chilli Beans with Corn Chips - Add wine, whole deseeded anchos, chocolate, sugar and just enough stock to almost cover. Bring to a boil, stirring, then reduce heat to low and simmer very gently, covered, for 2 hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d7e1888-87d9-4eed-bf53-412868023ad1/skimming+fat+from+surface.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chilli Beans with Corn Chips - Stir regularly and top up with a little stock if it gets too thick. Partway through, when you see oil on top, take off the lid and drag a few paper towels across the surface and around the edges to blot away all the oil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/38c6c40d-7e73-46ca-88e1-3788220f20e6/chilli+beans+added.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chilli Beans with Corn Chips - After two hours, add beans and simmer for another 30 minutes (you may need a larger pot). The sauce should be very thick; simmer uncovered if it seems runny. Taste and correct seasonings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4aaba075-0440-4be4-85b4-c5167593816f/puree+spread+to+dry.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chilli Beans with Corn Chips - Place meat mix in a colander to drain and collect any liquid. Remove the whole anchos and puree with the liquid. Reduce the puree in a frypan to thicken further (you may not need to do this). Once very thick, spread thinly on silicone sheet-lined trays to dry separately.*** ***You can instead mix the puree with the veg and mince and dry them together if you prefer. But drying the puree separately and powdering it, rather than mixing the wet puree in with the beans and drying them together, makes for a richer, less watery sauce when rehydrating. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3017fdf9-ea43-4ab1-afaa-b81381335c11/dried+puree+powdered+and+bean+mix.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chilli Beans with Corn Chips - When dry, weigh the mix on your marked tray: this is DRY MIX B (two serves: for us, about 200g). Place it and the rest of the mix into a larger bowl, roughly breaking any chunks still left. Powder the ancho puree bark in a spice grinder and place in a bowl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/266ae337-9ef1-446d-869f-5c58c95046a3/ten+serves+packaged.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chilli Beans with Corn Chips - Packaging Place 2 serves (we use about 100g) of corn chips into a ziploc bag and seal. If using, wrap shelf stable parmesan for two in greaseproof paper or biodegradable cling wrap. Into each vacuum bag, place: DRY MIX B Even portion of ancho puree powder Corn chip Ziploc Wrapped parmesan (if using) Vac seal, stopping the vacuum before the corn chips get crushed. On the outside, write amount of water needed to rehydrate (A-B = W ml, for us usually about 420-450 ml). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/af47b20c-bb35-417d-833d-1dee99fa8035/pouring+in+boiling+water.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chilli Beans with Corn Chips - Open vac bag and remove corn chips and parmesan. Boil “W” ml water and pour into bag. Stir thoroughly, close and place in a cosy for 25 minutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d057ef7e-f9a0-486c-a6e2-918c8e44fdf9/chili+beans.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Chilli Beans with Corn Chips - Dehydrated chilli bean dinner with corn chips Yum! https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/moroccan-lamb-couscous monthly 0.5 2023-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b9ffe33e-d608-4c08-afd2-8a0ad7b993f2/moroccan+lamb+in+tassie.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Moroccan Lamb Curry and Couscous - This satisfying curry is packed with peas, lamb (or TVP or chickpeas for vegan options), eggplant and Middle Eastern spices, while currants, pistachios, dried coriander and lemon zest add bling to the couscous. In camp, these are rehydrated separately and then recombined so you get a wonderful mix of textures with the rich sauce, fluffy couscous and crunchy nuts. If you need to take your meals interstate or overseas, add the lemon zest and coriander to the meat mix towards the end of cooking time rather than dehydrating separately so as not to fall foul of customs; some countries won’t allow the import of home dehydrated meals at all, so check before you prepare too many! You may need to omit the nuts too, and buy them later to add. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/713f7fae-4db8-44d1-9e72-5bec0cf318b0/ingredients+for+moroccan+lamb.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Moroccan Lamb Curry and Couscous - Moroccan Lamb Ingredients (for about 14 generous serves): 1.5 kg lean lamb mince (or TVP or tinned chickpeas) 1 kg frozen peas 3 large eggplants (aubergine) in 1cm dice 2 large onions, finely diced 12 cloves garlic, minced 3 thumbs ginger, grated Fresh chillies to taste, chopped 12 dates, chopped 350g tomato paste 2 tbspn olive oil 2 bunches coriander (cilantro) 6 tbspn of your favourite Middle Eastern Spice (Moroccan, Ras El Hanout, Bharat, etc). Juice of 1 lemon or to taste Salt and pepper 1 cup currants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6ed45639-22a5-4f17-8cd3-9ed94c038884/couscous+pack.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Moroccan Lamb Curry and Couscous - The couscous: 2 kg couscous approx. Zest of 3 large lemons 2 bunches chopped coriander (keep chopped stems separate) 140g Currants 155g shelled, coarsely chopped pistachios salt to taste https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97f1035c-6509-40b6-be10-fc417b33a4df/seared+eggplant.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Moroccan Lamb Curry and Couscous - Place the diced eggplant in a colander, sprinkle with 2 tspn salt and mix well. Leave to drain for 15 minutes and rinse. Spread on a tea towel, cover with a second tea towel and roll tightly to blot dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e2b7ed3-8cb4-4c7e-bd27-8f3260d208ee/removing+fat.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Moroccan Lamb Curry and Couscous - Deglaze the pan with your rinse water, reserving it in a jug: it has lots of flavour! Spoon or blot all the fat from the top of the water. If you let the liquid cool, the fat will solidify on top and is easily removed. Wipe the pan clean and heat ½ tbspn of oil. Add eggplant and stir-fry over high heat until beginning to brown; a few charred bits are good for that smoky flavour. You may need 2 batches. Remove from pan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cd3c95a3-f5b6-4c3f-ac5d-e3b1a07b5c70/draining+excess+liquid.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Moroccan Lamb Curry and Couscous - If sauce is a bit runny for mesh trays, you can either drain sauce in a colander first, place separately onto a silicone sheet to dry, then blitz to powder in a spice grinder and return after dehydrating OR drain sauce via a colander and blitz with a few spoonfuls of the meat and veg to thicken it, before returning it to the rest of the mix and dehydrating OR spread meat and veg mix onto silicone or baking paper sheets initially, before flipping onto mesh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3323c8ce-dcbd-409c-8b18-698e378a36c2/coriander+and+lemon+zest+ready+for+drying.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Moroccan Lamb Curry and Couscous - Place chopped coriander on a separate tray lined with baking paper or a silicone sheet, with the lemon zest in one corner. Dehydrate at 145 F (63 C) until completely dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7523364e-0b24-4e17-b1ec-eee791e3c351/meals+ready+for+packaging.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Moroccan Lamb Curry and Couscous - Weigh out B into temporary takeaway containers and line them up. You’ll have 6-8 meals for two (12-16 individual serves, depending on your appetite and portion sizes. If you’ve dried runny sauce separately, powder it and divide evenly between the containers. In front of each container put two small pieces of clingwrap or baking paper. On each one put:* 20-25g roughly chopped pistachios 20-30g currants Wrap the clingfilm or baking paper around the pistachios and currants*. In a sandwich ziploc bag place two serves of couscous (¾ cup is about right for us, you may prefer more or less) a pinch of salt a pinch of Moroccan spice and the dehydrated lemon zest and coriander, divided evenly between the ziplocs. We find it’s about ½ tspn dried lemon zest and 1 tbspn coriander, but it depends on your serving sizes. the wrapped clingfilm packs of nuts and currants. Close the Ziploc. *The pistachios and currants are wrapped separately because the currants have a higher moisture content than the couscous for long term storage and pistachios can go rancid if stored for a long time. Taste test old batches before adding them to the couscous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff78cbf5-6855-4709-9218-ac7d5e02c28c/hangry+geoff+with+moroccan+lamb.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Moroccan Lamb Curry and Couscous - Open vac bag and remove Ziploc. Pour W ml boiling water into the meat mix left behind, stir well, close and place in a cosy for 20-25 minutes. Open and, if you carry olive oil, add a few squirts and mix well before serving. T en minutes before the meat mix is ready, put the amount of water needed to reconstitute the couscous (usually a ratio of ¾ cup couscous:1 cup/250 ml water) in your pot and bring to the boil. Add the couscous, stir well, replace lid and place into a cosy for 6-7 minutes. Open pot, add currants and pistachios and fluff couscous with a fork or spork. https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/tuna-mornay monthly 0.5 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a15bb6b4-e26f-498e-aabf-b0587a93936b/eating+on+investigator+trail.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tuna Mornay - Eating tuna mornay Our Finnish friend loves fish, so we took lots of these on the Investigator Trail! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c4068c75-9366-4d23-aad3-46c69cba56d7/tuna+mornay.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tuna Mornay - INGREDIENTS: 3 onions, finely diced 6 corn cobs, kernels removed 6 cups frozen baby peas 4-5 x 425g cans sustainable tuna in spring water, drained, with water reserved Juice and zest of 4 lemons 2 tbspn oil 1 kg small pasta, par cooked in the drained tuna water plus water to just cover 2 cups chopped parsley 1 bunch spring onion finely sliced 3 tspns chicken or bonito stock powder Full cream milk powder Mornay or cheese sauce sachets Shelf stable parmesan Chilli powder (optional, to taste) 1 tbspn Mustard powder VEGAN: Replace tuna with chickpeas Parcook pasta in vegetable stock Replace chicken stock powder with Massell stock powder Replace milk powder with Bonvit Soy milk powder Replace mornay sachet with commercial vegan Cheese Sauce Powder OR nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder and smoked paprika https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/113f926c-7f62-4a86-9e19-4449d0763df9/tuna+mornay+pack.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tuna Mornay - Calculate how much water to add: One serve WET weight - DRY weight = W Amount needed to reconstitute one serve milk = X Amount of additional water needed (if any) to reconstitute one serve cheese sachet = Y Any water you added to the pot while cooking your test serve = Z (W + X + Y + Z) x 2 = water needed to reconstitute two meals. Write this on the outside of your bag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0819fa23-124e-4fc5-bbfd-b540642a9e68/sauce.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tuna Mornay - INGREDIENTS Replace onions with onion powder Replace frozen peas with freeze dried peas Replace parsley with dried parsley Replace tuna with fresh tuna in oil sachets Omit corn or use freeze dried corn Replace par cooked pasta with instant pasta In camp: Place (corn), mustard and chilli powder, bonito , milk powder, mornay sachet and instant pasta in a bag and pour over boiling water with the peas added in. Mix well and rehydrate. Add tuna sachet, parmesan and mix well. VEGAN: Replace tuna with roasted dried chickpeas. Replace milk powder with Bonvit soy milk powder, replace bonito or chicken stock powder with Massell vegetarian stock powder. Use vegan cheese sauce powder. In camp, place roasted dried chickpeas in pot of cold water and bring to the boil. Continue as above but using vegan mornay sachet and omitting parmesan. Enjoy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c9b8d27-2f15-4c27-a0d7-72b4ef70a2e9/hack.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Tuna Mornay - INGREDIENTS Instant pasta meal (VEGAN: Mac‘N’Cheese eg Woolworths Plantitude) Surprise peas Freeze dried corn Tuna sachet (VEGAN: roasted chickpeas) Place peas and corn into pot with water and bring to the boil. Pour into instant meal. Place in cosy to rehydrate. Stir in tuna sachet (tuna in oil works well). Enjoy! https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/dehydrated-green-chicken-curry monthly 0.5 2022-11-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c43851f9-2b6d-4d3c-b1e5-b5f981f7d7ee/green+chicken+curry+in+camp+2.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Green Chicken Curry - INGREDIENTS ¾ - 1kg lean chicken mince OR equivalent TVP for vegans ¾ - 1kg turkey mince OR equivalent TVP for vegans ½ -¾ large cauliflower, cut into small florets and stem diced to 1cm 500g -700g green beans cut into 1cm lengths ½ - 1 cup fish sauce Juice and zest of 8 - 10 limes 2 bunches (equivalent to 1 Excalibur tray) coriander chopped 2 bunches basil (ditto) chopped dark brown sugar to taste (optional) 4 Makrut lime leaves finely julienned 6 - 8 big wooden spoonfuls of curry paste (see below) Rice Noodles 3 tbspn oil Coconut milk powder, equivalent to about 10 - 15 cups (for 2 kg meat) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/049bed5c-06d2-49ac-a42c-96b2e2e0527d/which+cook+are+you.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Green Chicken Curry - Key recipe ingredients You can use a curry sachet instead of making the paste from scratch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/817ac62a-b71d-4a35-95c9-8cf96b5a659e/green+chicken+curry+for+dehydration.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Green Chicken Curry - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bfa54ad3-c437-4466-8797-0ee1e61d06f6/green+chicken+curry+in+camp.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Green Chicken Curry - Green Chicken Curry Ready for rehydrating https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/bolognese monthly 0.5 2025-07-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df7ac772-e467-41e0-95ba-1a4ef7711842/rehydrated+bolognese+ready+for+eating.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Bolognese - IIngredients (Makes 8-10 serves to fit a 9-tray Excalibur dehydrator): 3 onions a knob of garlic 4 celery stalks 2 red capsicum Fresh chilli to taste 2 carrots Bag mushrooms 1 - 1.5 kg lean mince (beef, kangaroo, chicken, turkey or vegie) 1 large eggplant 2 large zucchini 2 cups red wine 400g tomato paste Bay leaves 1 chopped tbspn each rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, and basil. 1 bunch parsley, chopped 1 kg macaroni or any short non-nesting pasta (we use high protein) Plus olive oil and powdered parmesan added after rehydrating on the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ac38f1c2-3b6b-4a91-ae46-06b70bd90480/P7280125-ORF_DxO_DeepPRIME.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Bolognese - Make it stand out With such a a high calorie and protein count, and out of all our dehydrated recipes, bolognese remains our favourite go-to comfort dinner after the biggest and toughest days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/56f6b5ad-e9ae-43fb-92ab-ffd1dec1c042/frying+meat.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Bolognese - Make it stand out Repeat with mince, breaking up thoroughly with a spoon. If freezing or using within a few months of dehydrating, continue to next step. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e8cebfe-4384-44d5-9a30-d58d28a1f53b/cooking+bolognese+vegetables.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Bolognese - Make it stand out Simmer gently uncovered until thick and any oil begins to separate (there shouldn’t be much, but blot this from the surface with a paper towel). Stir in parsley and basil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/19419286-1920-4a89-a1e5-09be3bf28675/mixing+pasta+and+bolognese+sauce.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Bolognese - Make it stand out Meanwhile par cook pasta in beef or chicken stock or meat rinse water adds flavour for about half the cook time. Drain pasta and mix with meat. Adjust seasoning. We now use high protein pasta for this meal for extra nutritional value. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d7a5eb9d-57c5-42c9-8a28-846d1443b07b/P4193281.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Bolognese - Make it stand out Place one serve of the meat and pasta mix to suit your appetite into a tared bowl and weigh. This is your WET WEIGHT A. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eb42791f-cebe-4667-b50d-5f1ef539c0c1/P4193285.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Bolognese - Make it stand out Your marked tray will help you calculate how much water to add in camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3046f6c-48a8-44bb-bd03-b45f27156e3c/labelled+vac+sealed+dehydrated+meal.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Bolognese - Make it stand out Here we have also added a ziploc of shelf stable parmesan cheese. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e680df9-4a6f-44db-b517-64294dcf519a/bolognese+in+icelaqnd.jpg Recipes - Dehydrated Bolognese - Make it stand out Bolognese in Iceland https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/sour-dough-crackers monthly 0.5 2022-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06948636-4cd6-4f91-8f03-f86239963586/Cracker+dry+ingredients.jpg Recipes - Sourdough Crackers - What you need:· 100g sourdough starter (see end of this blog – it’s easy) 100g strong plain flour for refreshing your starter. 150g strong flour; for variety use plain white, wholemeal and / or rye. 25g semolina flour plus extra for dusting 75ml warm water (approx) 20g Olive oil 5g salt (optional) Seeds (15-25g poppy or sesame. Or 50g linseed) 10-15g spices (chilli powder, hot smoky paprika, cracked pepper etc). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/29d81905-ee0e-4507-a81a-1f29c4297a22/Lunch+on+the+shores+of+Lake+Pillie+Investigator+Trail+Lincoln+National+Park.jpg Recipes - Sourdough Crackers - Lunch on the shores of Pillie Lake, Lincoln National Park. No need to add salt! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15b4d7b7-793c-4f85-b9fe-5d557b21b2b2/kneading+the+dough.jpg Recipes - Sourdough Crackers - 8) Tip onto a bench and knead 5 minutes. 9) Return dough to a clean bowl, cover and leave in a warm place for 1 hour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640158605336-0H5XBHQUERIJY1O0W1LE/cutting+the+dough+into+portions.jpg Recipes - Sourdough Crackers - Preparing to divide the dough Into about five equal parts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640158619974-YZOLJW353P23KXLI3BRB/balls+of+dough+for+rolling+out+flat.jpg Recipes - Sourdough Crackers - Dust with Semolina The more the better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640158692947-D96WLRK22FSBJEWO2PO5/balls+of+dough+for+rolling+out+flat+2.jpg Recipes - Sourdough Crackers - Divided dough balls Ready for rolling out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640158715382-S892RLTGSY2CGXDDC3FQ/Rolling+out+the+dough.jpg Recipes - Sourdough Crackers - Rolling out the dough To about 3 mm thick https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a584d8e-4cb4-48aa-8316-8f504819ad29/ready+for+baking.jpg Recipes - Sourdough Crackers - 12) Place each slab on a baking paper-lined tray dusted with semolina flour. 13) Prick slabs every 1 cm with a fork to prevent them bubbling during baking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76c7d909-c65e-4c47-ac20-a694990988b9/baked+product+ready+to+make+into+crackers.jpg Recipes - Sourdough Crackers - A double batch of slabs out of the oven before breaking up into crackers - hot smoky paprika with linseeds and a cracked pepper All made with the same white and wholemeal flour mix. https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/more-recipes monthly 0.5 2025-04-11 https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/tag/Miso+Udon monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/tag/hiking+dinners monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/tag/hiking+food monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/tag/dehydrated+food monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/tag/dehydrated+hiking+food monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/recipes/tag/backpacking+meals monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/shelter daily 0.75 2025-11-14 https://slowerhiking.com/shelter/tents-in-strong-wind-what-you-need-to-know monthly 0.5 2025-08-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a6578995-b579-4cda-975c-b57c56c7569c/before+storm+landmannalauger2.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Landmannalauger Campsite Ominous skies above Landmannalauger in Central Iceland the evening before a storm. You can see our lonely little non-freestanding Duplex amongst a sea of freestanding tents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0502301-ae64-436f-922c-08985f2ec9bf/hang+glider.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Hang gliding at Ochre Point, South Australia Geoff coming in to land at our local flying site before the rain - and change in wind - arrive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/134a2e98-a504-4f9a-bab6-e684d5cf44e9/kg+parked.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Hang Gliders at Ochre Point, South Australia It’s no coincidence these hangliders are all parked in the same way: get it wrong and your expensive glider will go for a little flight all by itself without you in it, and it will not end cheaply! Can you guess the wind direction? Hint: they are parked to shed wind to reduce forces on the back of the sail. Note the aluminium frames and mylar/dacron fabrics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf9ea528-5acd-4ae1-9689-fb670e58259a/wind+speed+and+load+graph.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Force versus wind speed graph Figure 1: The relationship between wind speed and its force is not linear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/19afed9e-2018-4697-b79b-473ec6930e9e/Case+A+%26+B+V1.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - drag coefficients for different orientation of boxes Fig 2: Force Relative to Surface Area https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7865aa1f-d74c-44d0-a9d0-c9a5c7142597/Drag+Coefficients.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Drag coefficients for different shapes Fig 3: Drag relative to Shape (Source: Drag coefficient - Wikipedia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/96ab38b9-d492-4956-ba2b-56f4493c62b9/long+and+short+cylinders.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Drag coefficient for cylinders Fig 4: Drag also depends on the length of the Object (Source: Drag coefficient - Wikipedia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/22185bb8-4535-4d5a-90c8-8f9327a3246d/stratospire+li+multi+angles.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Stratospire Li in Tasmania Stratospire Li in Tasmania. The Stratospire Li is one of very few double wall DCF tents as most are single wall or hybrid designs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/98e26b98-612e-4d20-81c3-da9a9696c395/triplex-2.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Zpacs Triplex tent Our spacious Triplex performing perfectly in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. We also chose it for our Bibbulmun Track thru-hike which largely comprises sheltered campsites in benign terrain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/997c630c-e215-4e90-b0b4-7948e87eea38/xmid+1p+reduced.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - X-Mid person tent The X Mid 1p v 2 is stable with 4 stakes but can be pitched with an additional 10 (Image Credit: Durston Gear) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e0b6010a-13f0-402f-8fb7-41222d2863ea/bd.png Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Impact of tent seams and panels on drag Flat or angled panels? Image Credit: Black Diamond, Dan Durston https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dfbd1901-1755-462d-aa9e-9bc7474e2971/ssli_topdown-1.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Stratospire Li tent The Stratospire Li has strongly angled panels such that a relatively small area faces directly into the wind at any one time (Image Credit: Tarptent) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d45e1614-7eb5-4cb0-abe4-669d95a23322/TrailStarInAction.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Pyramid Tent Mountain Laurel Design’s low profile, highly wind-resistant pentagonal Trailstar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c1f45cf-81a5-45b6-8bee-ee508daeb0d2/aspiring-2.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Macpac Aspiring Tent The Macpac Aspiring Tent’s aerodynamic vestibules improve its wind resistance when correctly oriented https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff4e0f0e-9afb-4f67-9e22-82de3ba4e8db/wind-test-results.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Wind tunnel test results for three MoonLight tents Note the different results for different directions. Why is the smaller model less wind resistant than the bigger ones, can you guess? Answer in the link along with short video of the tests. Image Credit: http://thetentlab.com/MoonLightTents/Strength.html https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bfa065dd-b0b5-4bfe-ae4f-603345457ead/112031-SPY00-03.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Macpac Aspiring tent Our Macpac Aspiring tent has five poles and 10 crossing points to create a highly stable structure. Image Credit: MacPac https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ecd7b2a-e5f6-4811-917e-c7c0b064dc2e/double_rainbow_vertical_trekking.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Tarptent’s Double Rainbow Tarptent’s Double Rainbow with trekking poles added for improved snow loading and wind resistance. (Image Credit: Tarptent) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3c1cec4-4355-4673-b2a6-6cb1bdcbb1bd/soulo-red_1800x1800.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Soulo tent, Hilleberg In the Soulo tent, Hilleberg’s clip attachments spread support of the tent over a large area without using sleeves except towards the base of the tent. There are also a large number of clips to spread the force along the pole. This system prevents the abrasion of fly undersurfaces that happens in tent designs where the fly is thrown over poles attached to the inner, and then fastened down. Wear occurs where the fly is stretched over the poles. (Image Credit: Hilleberg). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6e1148d-7ee6-4383-8c30-840dd739bdb0/duplex+tmb+reduced.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Free standing version of ZPacks Duplex Tent Duplex Flex pitched in a windy spot in Europe (Image Credit: Zpacks). Note deflection of the right front vestibule and side, and the support being provided by the crossing point of the poles. When we pitched our Duplex for an Iceland storm, we attached a guyline to the door panel tie out in the centre of the panel being deflected above, even though it isn’t an official guy point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec15a9af-aaee-4c72-8b95-90f35e938774/cupping+drag+4.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - drag coefficients for hypothetical deforming panel Figure 5: Drag and the Effect of Deformation (Source: Drag coefficients - Wikipedia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3cd907a2-90c4-4c05-830e-6c479d800eb1/xmid+1p+pro+reduced.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Durston Gear Tent: XMid Pro 1 Like all little sisters and all else being equal, the XMid Pro 1 will be more wind resistant than her big sister the Pro 2. (Image Credit: Dan Durston) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c1a152e4-0963-47a0-b147-57d82fbf2301/DenierComparsionGraphicTable.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Fabric thread dimensions Fabric Denier (Image Credit: Tarptent) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69a0d195-da20-49a0-bd3d-a94d464bd06b/strat+li.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Stratospire Li tent at Dixons Kingdom, Walls of Jerusalem National Park Stratospire Li near a pass in the Tassie highlands. The wind howled through overnight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/93771634-4e9b-4a04-8da9-040786490817/slingfin+test+2+jpeg.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Make it stand out SlingFin testing fabrics for UV resistance (Image Credit: SlingFin) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4bb75171-c8fe-4bbc-8fe7-dfe3b49b7c26/test+jpeg.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Make it stand out Strips were removed after set periods and tested with a tensile tester for strength. (Image Credit: SlingFin) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c37b664-5b1b-407a-9511-e04511ad68c1/slingfin+tim.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Make it stand out SlingFin Portal 2 with a bit of snow (Image credit: SlingFin) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f23eb787-1d01-47a1-9f64-d82361f19a2b/duplex.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Duplex Tent pitched at Hvanggil Iceland Duplex in the central highlands of Iceland on the Laugavegur Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a6b1736a-798c-4ead-a0f8-ccfba64804ae/guys.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Durston XMid Pro 2 Tent XMid Pro 2 showing alignment of guyline tension along the fibres (Image Credit: Dan Durston) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/22f709ef-4d7f-4a3f-9037-d80f32f6b0f3/slingfin+tim+2.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Make it stand out SlingFin Crossbow somewhere, with a bit more snow (Image Credit: SlingFin) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c5e9740-2aa7-4af3-bfe4-353703a6f60b/image+credit+tristan+tempest.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Hilleberg tents Hilleberg tents are famously bombproof; with their heavier fabrics, poles and guylines, they aren’t ultralight.. but this is not the brand’s prime aim. Image Credit: Tristan Tempest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97409c00-59a2-43fc-8166-3be3f9067dfc/kmart.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - K Mart Tent This $14 Kmart Tent with fibreglass poles may not survive two hours with a two-year-old, let alone strong wind! This review confirms it is a fair weather or car camping tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0bc8f294-4b66-4e8a-bf61-d605740b4826/rs63020_img_2340_david_etheridge.1920x768.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - One Planet tent The One Planet Polar Dome is designed for extreme conditions. Why is it so heavy? The fabric is 250D for durability! Image Credit: David Etheridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/060a8354-7b21-4789-a3fb-33b65b6a9a6a/slingfin+portal.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: What You Need to Know - Slingfin Portal Tent The SlingFin Portal might look the same as many tents of similar design, but utilises trekking poles plus other features, such as ten upper level guylines plus four internal ones, that make it more wind-resistant. Image Credit: SlingFin https://slowerhiking.com/shelter/tents-in-strong-wind-terrain-and-how-to-choose-the-best-pitch monthly 0.5 2025-08-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02f351c0-6174-4028-8d3c-5102dba94c7c/weather2.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Pine Hut Camp Site Walls of Jerusalem Tasmania On this particular morning in the Tassie highlands we were treated to an extraordinary, quickly changing skyscape. Here, lenticular cloud indicating high winds at altitude flowing over a mountain range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/751328a4-e6f1-43ef-99b7-0237d5d42dbe/roughh+creek+2.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Fats flowing turbulent stream in New Zealand Wind flows around solid objects in the same way as water in a river flows around rocks. Notice the turbulence and eddies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cd3032d6-8a7b-41bf-a436-439484c1b1bb/weather3.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Pine Hut plain camp Walls of Jerusalem Tasmania More amazing clouds, Walls of Jerusalem highlands in Tasmania, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00869315-6230-4661-8e5b-36dd26b7253c/strong+wind+lighthouse.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Cape to Cape Track Approaching Cape Leeuwin lighthouse on our last day of the Cape to Cape track in Western Australia. Rain squalls had been passing regularly, and a big one was brewing out to sea. We had plenty of time to don our rain gear before the squall arrived. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eda2a04d-ce69-486b-9962-cb561debd9ad/terrian+and+wind+speed+graph.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Wind speed and land cover relationship Fig 1: Wind Speed and Elevation for different terrain roughness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d2dc389b-dace-4e1b-ad65-644e76cdf909/beside+lake.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Lake Myrtle Camp site Walls of Jerusalem Tasmania That explains why I cooked away from the tent in amongst tall thick bushes behind me (and equivalent to the green line in the graph) in 2.3 m/s wind or 7 Newtons of force per square metre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a9c77f0-eaaf-4edb-8467-a8e5066221fe/trees.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Dolomites Italy Plenty of sheltered pitches in this undulating forested terrain in the Dolomites, Italy… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/edd9bbcd-9f30-490d-8bb2-0b38718503e1/valley.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - grasslands South Island of New Zealand …Not so many in the middle of this wide grassy valley in the New Zealand highlands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/172c3286-2748-4ded-9b01-81639d3e2548/zpacks+in+patagonia.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Duplex and Duplex Flex in an open grassy valley, Patagonia Duplex and Duplex Flex in an open grassy valley, Patagonia. However, the significantly higher grass in the background will slow windspeed more than were it mown as in the foreground; pitching amongst the tall grass and/or bushes would provide more shelter. (Image Credit: Zpacks) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9446e6c4-8a7d-4d7b-a0d7-4cf6827384fc/high+campsite.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - pass in the Dolomites, Italy This high pass in the Dolomites was significantly windier than the terrain below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b003d9bd-6909-416d-9b10-f613b6289188/bush+shelter.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Boat Harbour campsite Bibbulmun Track Western Australia Triplex pitched low and nestled amongst bushes on the Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c21a387e-6085-4006-b99a-5ade8a328078/hrafntinnusker.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Hrafntinnusker Hut Iceland Hrafntinnusker Hut tucked against the side of the pass, with the campground beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/123f3675-e640-4e3c-a67b-70b272b217e7/hrafntinnusker3.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Hrafntinnusker Hut camping area Iceland The substrate is packed dirt and rocks. Note the height and size of the rock walls around the tents. Consider tent shape in relation to the walls, and how air might flow over them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74a537c0-c3e7-4653-8a2c-4092d3eec30f/dixie+edited.png Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Zpacks duplex tent in Iceland This screenshot from Jessica Mill’s video on her Homemade Wanderlust channel clearly shows how the shape of the tent does not fit aerodynamically with the shape of the wall, as a more rounded dome or geodesic might (Image Credit: Jessica Mills) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e310d6c-a227-4e81-a998-aec1494da9e6/before+storm+landmannalauger.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Tents in Landmannalauger campsite Iceland Before the storm in Landmannalauger, our Duplex in the background is surrounded by many tents… far fewer early the next morning! Note the orientation of our tent with its overlapping vestibule pointing into the forecast storm direction, rather than some tents around us which are orientated very differently. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8bf17d7-92af-4909-bf03-84b366f2148f/Rotor+V2.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Diagram illustrating wind rotor behind sharp cliff edge Fig 2: The flow field over the sharp edge shows a recirculation zone or rotor behind the escarpment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9a2ff7c2-fb27-4f8b-9d96-abb36b5d67e3/windy+pitch+rotor.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Duplex tent south coast, south western Victoria Rotor turbulence occurs in very specific areas, which vary in their location depending on windspeed, direction and shape of the edge or mountain causing it; we hang glider pilots are highly attuned to it because violent downdrafts tend to have unhappy endings. You can see how sheltered this campsite appears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d063b74-0998-4cfe-af65-44201c0137b8/nearby+cliffs.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - rugged coastline south coast southwestern Victoria, Australia Nearby cliffs the next day. As soon as we saw them, we understood what had happened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eedcf115-4a5b-44af-a3aa-669cc2d5ce6d/turbulence5.JPG Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - effect of roto on planes flying near mountains Fig. 3: All pilots are aware of leeside turbulence, which has the power to down planes alongside mountains. Image credit weather.gov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74ae149d-da05-4f02-9b7c-d4eefe1b9ebe/The+Outdoors+with+Tony+Noble.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - wind rotor gusts on lake Behind Tony you can see the downdraft turbulence has just hit the water and is now radiating out and travelling towards him (Image Credit: Tony Noble) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/582d94e8-733f-4109-96e8-c03945cad392/tony+noble.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - tents pitched beside mountain lake Image Credit (from video at 9:51) The Outdoors with Tony Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/05f937a4-195b-4c4c-864d-7f766ce9de66/scarp1_2019_crossingpoles.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Tarptent’s Scarp 1 Tarptent’s Scarp 1 with its two extra poles deployed is deservedly popular in the UK because, while probably not as strong as the Hilleberg Black series, it has an excellent track record in wet, blowy conditions. (Image Credit Tarptent) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e04621e5-bf20-4345-ae08-c39e2ffec5fa/Compression_Acceleration_zone_V4.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Wind acceleration zone diagram https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f0c6012-eb63-4eee-a61d-d3dbcf44dd54/triplex+rotor.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Wirrabara Range South Australia The peaceful sunset gave no hint of what was to come! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5c5a7fa-ef3a-4d40-b3d6-91bad5514bf9/Geoff+Murray+Mont+Dragonfly2.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Mont Dragonfly Tent This Mont Dragonfly near a drop off may be far enough from the edge to be out of the acceleration zone if the edge is rounded. If the edge is sharp, the slope down from it makes it likely that it is in lee but also in rotor: great for views in benign conditions as now, less so in strong winds. Image Credit: Geoff Murray https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad73fe2a-94f1-4059-ae3f-532ca53d4d02/duplex+coorong.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Coorong, South Australia Duplex on a paddling trip, Coorong, South Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20c9f20f-d6d6-4e9d-aa95-ed7444dacda1/trees-2.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Flinders Ranges Soiuth Australia A Darwin contender in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. This eucalypt species is infamous for dropping limbs and this particular tree possesses inverted forks prone to splitting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3755fc0d-904e-4de4-9b4e-d3d81fefc51d/trees2.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Flinders Ranges South Australia The pictogram seemed pretty clear to us at least! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ccd44fb-f527-4f9a-9702-be735221a42f/luxe+hexpeak+v4a+outlawed+landscapes.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Make it stand out This screenshot of a spectacular cliftop pitch by Youtuber Outlawed Landscapes was a deliberate test of the highly wind-resistant Luxe Hexpeak v4a (Image Credit: Outlawed Landscapes) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/28299131-63e9-4f9d-b7cd-d8c81a45fbb3/weather.jpg Shelter - Tents in Strong Wind: Terrain and How to Choose the Best Pitch - Pine Hut Plain camping area, Walls of Jerusalem Tasmania Australia The perfect pitch is a joy that will stay with you forever. This one in the Tasmanian highlands was sheltered from the prevailing wind and yet suitably open for views of the river, surrounding peaks and the boiling cauldron that was the sky. https://slowerhiking.com/shelter/tents-in-strong-wind-how-to-pitch-your-tent monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71bc022f-11ea-4c79-8bdb-db4f22f40137/alftavatn.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Alftavatyn campground in the central highlands of Iceland The spectacular but infamous tent-eating Alftavatyn campground in the central highlands of Iceland on the Laugavegur Trail. After our terrain article, you’ll understand why it’s so bad! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/889b7028-422a-43e3-b01b-0d417fdde201/BOM+FORECAST.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - weather report example Understanding the wind and weather forecast is essential if you’re hiking in remote alpine areas of Australia. Image Credit: Bureau of Meteorology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fcc377ed-41e2-404e-a2f4-9f553c4b1cf6/Hilleberg+tent+byWillCopestake-2.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Hilleberg tent Hilleberg tent - heavy but bombproof (Image Credit: Will Copestake via Hilleberg) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9030dfa0-c85a-4b00-9fe7-afed0da8b8f7/Nicole+Anderson+2.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Hilleberg Soulo Red Label Hilleberg Soulo Red Label with all upper guylines deployed, Tassie highlands (Image Credit: Nicole Anderson) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c1cc0ea-ae5d-41d5-83c2-fe6a402fde1d/tents+landmannaluager.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - tents in Iceland most are badly deployed Tent manufacturers, look away: the poor little MSR may have survived if it had guylines deployed, like the lime green geodesic tent behind it. Rocks on tent flies do nothing to stabilise the tent and only promote tears (both kinds). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/37820fbd-6d8f-4081-b6f5-23635b6f018d/Geoff+Murray+Mont+Epoch.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Mont Epoch 4-season expedition tent Mont Epoch 4-season expedition tent in the Tassie highlands (Image Credit: Geoff Murray) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/236e2120-c316-4048-ade5-695bcd60e303/guy_line_4_large.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Slingfin tent internal guylines layout Image Credit: SlingFin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c9d2c915-97ee-45fa-8629-bb9a88bd0302/hmg+Justin+Lichtner.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - MLD Duomid XL tent In addition to perimeter and mid panel tie outs as seen deployed here on the MLD Duomid XL, MLD Mids have external peak tieout points for extreme wind. Image Credit: Justin Lichtner https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/54c0e884-a917-4b13-a1af-2023d99f7fa2/clamcleat-mini-line-lok-cl266.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Clam Cleats Clam Cleats are used by manufacturers like Hilleberg as they are reliable and easy to operate.(Image Credit: Clamcleat) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/55c1e828-da9c-4646-9b91-393ae1f15b5a/volcanic+ash+plain.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - tent pitched on Iceland’s ash plain With their deep, loose gravel, Iceland’s ash plains make anchoring tents a challenge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71f05039-1175-4520-b71f-5c49d57e9923/Multi+Pegging+Single+Guy+Rope+just+pegs+with+copy.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Linear Pegging Diagram Two stakes placed in a line usually hold better than two crossing stakes in the one point, a technique that has more potential to loosen soil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c0f59e8a-9046-4406-b46e-629d164cf5e9/Multi+Pegging+Single+Guy+Rope+with+copy.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Rock techniques for pegging Rocks on top of stakes need to be very heavy. If you need still more holding strength, two stakes joined with a line extension weighted with a rock (top), a stake joined to a deadman (little rock or stick) with a line extension weighted with a rock (centre), and a rock on a line extension joined to the guyline all require lower weights for the same holding power as as rock placed directly on a stake. In no instance is the rock touching the guyline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/85bb9a5b-5032-4c23-9448-01a3e0d79455/line+extension.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - line extension and rock technique in practice Using line extensions with rock prevents guylines abrading - it’s much easier to swap out an extension than a guyline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/138963f1-16fa-4569-899a-d590cbae75a1/one+guy+with+loop+to+stakes+with+copy.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - 2 stakes through guy loop Use a line extension to place 2 stakes at the end of a guyline instead of just one stake. This is also useful when there is a rock right where you need your stake to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1aaee74c-2cb7-4015-8eb1-aeea8e90e6fa/one+guy+with+2+extra+stakes+with+copy.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - two extra stakes pegging diagram Or, add two extra stakes to windward points experiencing the highest load. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/788679cf-a1bf-4691-8313-5aed62c5f1c2/pegs.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - two extra stakes technique in the field A quick and dirty fix on the strut corner of the Stratospire Li using the first things that came to hand, done in the middle of the night in bucketing rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/45afd0d7-8ade-4d72-b4d2-bd3b448e13d7/trailstar+edited.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - low profile pentagonal Mountain Laurel Design Trailstar tent The low profile pentagonal Mountain Laurel Design Trailstar is exceptional in wind when well pitched. Image Credit: John Malley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7cef1b5c-f1bb-49ea-ae0a-a102809098d1/Huw+Oliver+Image.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Ultamid 2 tent Ultamid 2, Image Credit: Huw Oliver (Hyperlite Mountain Gear website) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b453a289-92c1-4cd6-843f-abedc0044b99/xmid.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - XMids pitch lower to the ground than many other tents XMids pitch lower to the ground than many other non-freestanding tents. This is an advantage in cold, windy weather. Image Credit: Dan Durston https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01f1c03f-d83f-485d-bb0e-03eb18c0c5b1/X-Mid-Pitching-Tips.png Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Xmid setup correction diagrams Image Credit: Dan Durston, Durston Gear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c8e9683-b3ca-4e55-8a26-a1758ab328be/xmid+upper+guys.png Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Xmid correct guyline setup digram Image Credit: Dan Durston, Durston Gear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/85f7804d-f483-47e4-bca0-f97ea72eaca7/duplex+landmannaluger.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Duplex pitched low and with all guylines deployed Our Duplex pitched lower for the storm in Landmannalauger, Iceland. The low rock wall is to help deflect wind up and over the tent, not to weight or hold the fly down as many other campers sadly did (there is a rock touching the fly in the picture but we moved it when we checked the pitch). You can just see the pack laid sideways inside the vestibule with pack cover facing outwards; there’s one at the other end too. Even with the tent pitched lower, the doors are still relatively high and prone to catching the wind. The forecast wind direction is from the top left corner of the picture and yes, our tent is pitched overlapping corner into the wind (it has a manufacturing error with the doors mirrored. Zpacks offered to resew it even though the warrantee had expired; we didn’t bother because it has only been an issue once). We also attached lines to the windward door tieouts to reduce deformation, and would love to see these reinforced and with stout loops as formal guyout attachments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a00ed64-ab05-495e-9bcc-8110dd9293d8/Extra+guy+rope+with+copy.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - two guy ropes from pone point diagram Adding a second guyline and stake reduces load on the first stake and also increases support against a wider wind direction arc https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/167c2aa8-c45e-4727-84fc-79b558926342/Geoff+Murray+Mont+Kyrptonite.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Mont Kryptonite tent The Mont Kryptonite can be set up all-in-one - essential if you’re regularly pitching in windy and wet conditions. Image Credit: Geoff Murray https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6262c64-8ba9-4c10-90a1-2f2bc7f65b1e/Screenshot+2023-03-01+174126.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Slingfin’Webtruss tent Slingfin’s Webtruss here seen in a conventional setup but, if the fly has been attached to the tent before pitching, you get a true integral pitch that will keep the inner dry even when setting up in rain. Image Credit: SlingFin. This video shows the integral setup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a529c48-2c40-4aef-836c-7c81a57c1a5e/DSC06413.jpeg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - SlingFin Crossbow 4-season tent SlingFin Crossbow 4-season tent (Image Credit: Blackbird Guides) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f9f999b-c839-44e2-803a-0868d4264b37/23+splashback.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - splash back on triplex tent A full day of bucketing rain on bare ground splashed mud onto the side of the bucket floor and outside surface of the Triplex fly, but none entered the tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a2ea15f-27e1-4101-acc3-8923b46d81d6/duplex+on+the+OT.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Duplex tent on the Overland Track Our Duplex on the Overland Track in summer. Although there is a hut for backup, and the tent handles strong wind very well, we were lucky in that no snowstorm occurred and would choose a different tent now we understand how poorly most hybrid DCF designs handle spindrift. On the other hand, our Triplex tent was the perfect choice for the more benign conditions of the Bibbulmun Track thru- hike in Western Australia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/25d33720-2b20-4811-bb1f-6b82a0685afb/Tassie+highlands+tunnel+2.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - tunnel tent highlands of Tasmania, Australia Why bother with such a heavy tunnel tent? T-shirt weather one day in the Tassie highlands in spring… (Image Credit Roger Norton) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c0ed16d8-8712-4abf-9b53-c0c9ba68d4f5/Roger+Norton+Tassie+highlands+1.jpg Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - tunnel tent buried in snow highlands of Tasmania Australia … Not so much T-shirt weather the next day! Northern Hemisphere hikers often misjudge our snow in temperatures around 0C +/- 5C; dampness is much more likely to drench gear. And our snow can arrive unexpectedly and seriously at any time of year. (Image Credit: Roger Norton) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ca8dc54-8166-4ec6-a3c5-7d6df01e1ff5/Scarp+Tent+Adam+Adge+Dimelow.JPG Shelter - How to Secure Your Tent for Strong Winds and Storms - Tarptent Scarp with crossing poles Tarptent Scarp with crossing poles correctly attached; the poles help in wind but are primarily intended for snowloading. Image Credit: Alan Adge Dimelow https://slowerhiking.com/shelter/xmid-pro-2-duplex-triplex-stratospire-li-a-tent-comparison-review monthly 0.5 2025-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/23d1916d-afe8-4cdb-8042-09dd6dc4a2f0/Duplex+and+Stratospire+Li+pitched+side+by+side+Investigator+trail.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Duplex and Stratospire Li on a rare hike with three Duplex and Stratospire Li on a rare hike with three - Investigator Trail, South Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5a88e8e-893d-4236-9d28-67fcaa54a3c9/thumbnail.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - X Mid Pro 2 X-Mid Pro 2 in Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa042cbf-4be5-4346-b927-5e123740f7c9/Tents+Comparison+Conventional+pole+offset.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Convention tent configuration A rectangular tent with offset poles is not new. The poles are towards the outside of the fly and the inner or sleeping area is parallel to the walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91755cd7-8ea4-4a67-8ef0-7aec06de5ad1/X-MidPro+2+highlight+sketch.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - X Mid Pro 2 tent innovative configuration The X-Mid tent design is new because by also skewing the sleeping area it creates vestibules, storage areas and more useable space. It also allows the fly to support the poles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1699607308014-P9QLGLC0THI5N2MRY21O/Tent+Comparison+Table+of+Stats.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1699607324837-G21TMUG70VCH2FKIWCVP/Tent+Comparison+Table+of+Stats+Imp.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/160d6738-f656-4003-b7fa-663a401784fe/seams+1.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Smooth tent seams You’ll find impeccable bonding and taping on both the the Pro 2 and Stratospire Li https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/166305c6-e15f-44cc-9ccf-553eb5c66918/seams+2.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - good quality workmanship More impeccable workmanship, here the inner sewn to the fly and the magnetic toggles on the Pro 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2211de92-9f25-425a-af1d-8cf8a94d2228/Triplex+in+Gammon+Ranges+South+Australia.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Triplex Tent Triplex in Gammon Ranges, South Australia. This angle on the side pullouts is incorrect; the guylines should be at a flatter angle to the fly to prevent deformation of the latter, and pulling inline with the fibre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83e49875-99d9-4571-a6e7-750ad9fdb9b2/thin+floor.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Ground sheet under X Mid Pro 2 Tyvek footprint clearly visible through the 15D Pro 2 floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b6b7ab02-1515-45df-89cf-028a9aa24161/platform.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - X Mid Pro 2 Grampians Peaks Trail Just one lump or hollow in the wrong place can mess with those elegant tolerances. On the above pitch on the Grampians Peaks Trail, Victoria, with the tent ridgeline inline with wind, we couldn’t work out why the bucket floor was so low and saggy with a perfect outer fly until we realised the tent pad was slightly domed, just enough to lift the centre. A large hump at one corner of a small pitch on the Cape to Cape Track was tricky, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77e1c8b2-cff2-463e-bd36-240a14838658/23+splashback.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Splash Back on tent floor tub Triplex You can see here how effectively the high buckets of the Zpacks tents prevent splashback from entering the tent even with a relatively narrow overhang (from this angle, you can’t see the mesh except for a little edge at left). This pitch was bare compacted dirt and we spent a day and two nights in bucketing rain. The mud you see is all on the outside of the bucket floor, with a few splatters on the outside of the fly. Not one speck entered the tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6471847-c45e-4d64-bd51-d13615b3d5e8/bennett+miller+Shelltowee+Trace+Kentucky-2.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - X-Mid on sloping ground X-Mid silpoly on a sloping pitch on the Sheltowee Trace, Kentucky. As a double wall tent with separate inner and outer, this model has the same flexibility of pitch as the Stratospire Li. The owner confirms that pitching on a slope is a no-brainer, noting that he “pitched that without any corrections after 40km and in desperate need of a burrito and hydration salts!” However, you can visualise the reversed angle of the single wall Pro’s mesh connecting the fly to the bucket floor at both the lower and upper ends of the tent, a potential problem in heavy rain. (Image Credit: Bennett Miller) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27630c46-f958-4e35-9008-21203a337a57/bennett+miller+Shelltowee+Trace+Kentucky-2.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - X-Mid Pro 2 on a tent platform The 12 night Grampians Peaks Trail in Australia is nearly all on platforms. Many of these new but poorly designed platforms lack consistent or any gaps in the timber. Other platforms lack wire around the edges and only provide chains. Nevertheless, using line extensions and/or a few anchor deck hooks, we were able to pitch the X-Mid securely and quickly every time. One particularly windy pitch, racing to beat a rain squall and with uncooperative gaps in planking, we still had it set up in under five minutes; it would have been even faster with consistent gaps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5618df7b-e737-4c9c-8a90-950a4d01f2b1/SLi+pitched+on+bare+rock%2C+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - SLi on bare rock.. Stratospire Li on bare rock, Lake Chalice, Tasmania. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1ce7060-2c1c-45cc-8fe5-345a014b6d3a/Quick+fix+pegging+option.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - A quick and dirty fix with two extra stakes when the corner red groundhog pulled out during a stormy Tassie night. A quick and dirty fix with two extra pegs when the corner red groundhog pulled out during a stormy Tassie night. Omitting the ground hog and using two pegs and an extension works if there is a rock where the groundhog would go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/58a52f4b-a0a7-47f1-850d-e6b98dc61aba/Improvised+Duplex+tent+pitch+without+hiking+poles.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - On a paddle and hike trip, we forgot our poles. On a paddle and hike trip on the Pieman River in Tasmania, we forgot our poles. A fire had been through the area with little regrowth but we whittled beach driftwood to size and placed folded cloths to protect the tent apices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec56189f-2ff5-4e1b-aa9a-6dba3c4d2a74/Tents+Comparison+footprints+overlay+with+SH.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - tent external footprints comparison The outside footprint indicates how much ground a tent takes up, but all have skinny pitch options to reduce the space needed. This diagram is not perfectly to scale but is close enough to illustrate differences in tent size and shape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/693a0a22-b3f7-4598-8bf0-90aa77afc8a4/Duplex+vestibule+reconfigured+to+fit+on+a+tent+platform.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Vestibules of all three tents can be reconfigured to fit tight spaces Vestibules of all four tents can be reconfigured to fit tight spaces, like this skinny pitch with the Duplex where we left space for a second tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/17500edd-0dcd-48ad-9177-be5091818ca5/SLi+tent+pitched+in+a+tight+space+.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - SLi in a tight space - it fitted nicely but took some lateral thinking! Stratospire Li in a tight space - it fitted nicely in the end but took some lateral thinking! *Tarptent give only the inner dimensions for length on their website but I estimate the fly sits about 15cm beyond the floor at each end, adding 30cm to the length. Happy to be corrected. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5fd9f2e4-cfaf-4a15-a277-a40522cf7634/Tents+Comparison+footprints+all+with+dimensions.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - dimensions of the four tents Image Credits: Tarptent, Durston Gear and Zpacks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/185351f4-7ee5-446a-9ae7-649e050dcdbc/Tents+Comparison+internal+footprints+overlay+rotated+sh.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Overlay of internal footprints for the four tents Plan view of tent interiors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d277b329-e9f9-487c-9e31-c104b06878d0/Inside+the+roomy+Triplex+tent.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Plenty of room either side of our puffy winter quilt in the Triplex (the quilt is spread much wider than it normally would be with us under it). Plenty of room either side of our puffy winter quilt in the Triplex (the quilt is spread much wider than it normally would be with us under it). Note height of side bucket floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7948b805-4563-46a2-966a-57f7268123a8/xmid+inside3.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - headspace illustration for X-Mid Prop 2 More than a handspan of space, minimum, above Geoff’s face on the ‘low’ side of the Pro 2, more space if he scoots down further. Princess Helen has miles of space on her side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d7af3bef-02b8-4a0a-9505-07cb86a7f386/Inside+the+SLi+tent.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Two regular xtralite mats in the Stratospire Li; the pillow above the mat indicates clearance. Two regular xtralite mats in the SLi – note lower bucket sides of floor and tiny triangular rather useless mesh pocket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8be62848-0b55-4a6a-a95c-f8cf2c1f8505/Inside+the+Duplex+tent.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Two regular xtralites in a Duplex. Two regular xtralites in Duplex. Two decent sized pockets at head and foot end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/72f542c9-b45c-47fc-ab2f-02654ef39930/Triplex+in+the+Gammon+Ranges+South+Australia.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Triplex: Triplex: The caternary cut means height is significantly lower at the centre than at the poles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1635db7e-1563-473f-bb73-a68467673a41/xmid4.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - X-Mid Pro 2 tent set up in cleared area on Cape to Cape track Western Australia You can see that the very slight ‘smile’ in the ridgeline of the Pro 2 has less loss in height between the apices. It feels extremely spacious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4c22016-d46f-4054-8c7a-ff119717f5d6/SLi%E2%80%99s+inner+height+can+be+adjusted.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - The SLi’s inner is suspended from the fly apices. The Stratospire Li’s inner is suspended from the fly apices. Shortening the straps is a simple adjustment that raises the height of the inner, and reduces the distance between fly and inner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27ed47aa-ce60-4154-a4a9-6e9a4a2dd06b/limestone.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - rugged limestone track Investigator Trail South Australia South Australia’s limestone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4dc1e724-2a72-436a-97bf-c96c303de62f/cooking+in+xmid.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Cooking in the Pro 2 Cooking in the Pro 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2adbef92-27c0-46ea-a97e-ad2635f3640c/Cooking+in+the+vestibule+of+the+SLi.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Cooking in the Stratospire Li – the image is deceptive: there is much more room around the cooker than it appears. Cooking in the SLi – the image is deceptive: there is much more room around the cooker than it appears. And no pole in the way! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b2feae37-ee88-4ea8-b355-3e9c18a1305a/Cooking+in+the+vestibule+of+the+Duplex.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Cooking in the Duplex. Cooking in the Duplex above. Note annoying position of the pole (but it is the obvious location structurally for it). The image is deceptive – there is a lot more room around the cooker than it appears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1634d04b-cd3a-48bd-b694-eea01938e6fe/angled+guy.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - X Mid Pro 2 tent on wooden tent platform When set up, considerable tension occurs at the bottom of the zips, particularly on the Pro 2. Angling the stake line towards the centre reduces this tension. Other owners attach buckles to the bottom or loop both tieouts on either side of the zip to the one stake. Dan Durston recommends replacing the bungee at the zips with static cord. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/febb73e9-b26b-4124-9663-bbe83c7ce835/size+comparison+packed+up+with+labels.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - packed size of four the DCF tents We have reluctantly included this image as a rough guide, but it is somewhat misleading. Our Pro 2 has a footprint that remains attached (tied rather than clipped at the poles), so the illustrated pack is bulkier than the tent alone, and none of the other sacks have footprints inside. Our aged Duplex stuffsack has shrunk: it is very tight and there is no room for a footprint in it now. In reality and with a normal, not overly-tight roll, the Pro2 with woven floor packs smaller than the Duplex. The Stratospire Li and Triplex bags are plenty roomy. Not only a stake bag, repair kit and microfibre cloths fit inside all four bags in addition to the tent, but a bulky tyvek footprint (seen on right) also fits into all but the Duplex bag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d13087b-7bc2-4bc6-9f3e-36d8f571ad10/Safe+way+to+carry+the+SLi+on+outside+of+pack.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Carrying the SLi wrapped in my 3mm closed cell foam sit pad. The pad is marginally wider than the pack, the SLi about the same. Carrying the Stratospire Li wrapped in a 3mm closed cell foam sit pad. The pad is marginally wider than the pack, the tent about the same. The sitpad protects the tent bag whilst scrub-bashing, and also when I take off the pack and place it on the ground. Our sitpads are long enough for two people so, when we carry the tent like this, I share Geoff’s pad at lunchtime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/524f5fa7-b4c6-4162-920c-46848e8fea67/SLi+on+outside+of+pack+with+rain+cover.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - The SLi and sitpad fits (just) within the Zpacks raincover on the ArcHaul (choose the large size). The Stratospire Li and sitpad fits (just) within the Zpacks raincover on the ArcHaul (choose the large size). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b62a04f8-720a-4fd7-af52-0da4b381f83d/tent+tear+2+ed.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - large tare in tent After a particularly strenuous week’s hiking in spring 2023, one knee screamed refusal and I fell onto the tent instead of into it; I’m no waif and my bum hit the fly with my full weight. Fortunately the resounding CRACK! was the tent rather than me. The fly instantly sagged as the force tore through a hot bonded seam, a sewn fly edge and more. Although my bum was nowhere near the corner, it’s clear this is where the forces concentrated, as they would in extreme wind. This happened to the Pro 2 but it is of course 100% user error and no reflection on the tent design. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2adc7175-ba5e-4a99-af27-a8096477036f/tent+tear+ed.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - repair to DCF tent Between rain showers, we lowered the pole, laid the torn fly flat on a dry towel, dried both sides thoroughly (those who use alcohol stoves can use a little diluted to clean and help dry the area) and taped the torn and deformed sections on both sides. In fifteen minutes we were done. The repair is not perfect but it will hold for the life of the tent, and we recommend that anyone using DCF tents carry repair tape as well as a patch or two. The yellow cord is an extension line left attached to the stake end of the guyline from the previous night on a tent platform. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04fddc74-524a-4d98-8036-09ac9ba7ca94/Duplex+in+the+mist+in+Tasmania.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Black ventum barrier in the Duplex, here after a still, cold rainy night beside a lake with the ventum “stuck” to the inside of the tent. Black ventum barrier in the Duplex, here after a still, cold rainy night beside a lake with the ventum “stuck” to the inside of the tent. An hour later, we unclipped it, shook off the water droplets on its top surface, and the material was dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e6f69da-16e6-4ff8-92a3-68682c458bd6/Ventum+condensation+barrier+in+Duplex+.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Ventum condensation barrier in our Duplex being used by a solo hiker friend. Zpacks no longer manufacture these barriers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eb1c5157-2f82-4ecb-9eb5-07886768f906/homemade+condensation+barrier+for+the+Triplex.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - DIY Ventum barrier in the Triplex. Ventum barrier in the Triplex. We rarely use the barrier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/670b0d54-0da1-4dc5-b3d6-ac34475f34cc/SLi+flexible+ventilation+system.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Opening the zips from the top enlarges the SLi’s vents. Opening the zips from the top enlarges the Stratospire Li’s vents. This is an outstanding feature, and we would recommend this tent over the Triplex and Duplex if you camp primarily in terrain/climates that promote condensation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2818d57-2ecd-4d41-bd5d-a4e4aca914b5/Polycro+groundsheets+in+the+vestibules+reduce+.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Polycro groundsheets in the vestibules reduce condensation. Unfortunately, polycro is not durable when used on rocky or abrasive ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8bd3c16e-60f2-43ae-b877-2c85990abb7b/Duplex+with+guy+ropes+prepared+for+strong+storm.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Duplex prepared for a forecast storm in the Icelandic highlands in an exposed campground. Forecasted wind coming from halfway down left side of image, left rear corner of tent directly into wind. Duplex prepared for a forecast storm in the Icelandic highlands in an exposed campground. Forecasted wind coming from halfway down left side of image, left rear corner of tent directly into wind. Note rocks around (not on!) fly on windward side to help deflect wind upwards, extra guys, and pack inside vestibule, cover outwards, to further deflect and slow wind. We didn’t even need to get up during the night to tighten the guylines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31841902-50fe-4d5e-9cfe-1764c2a484a8/Triplex+pitched+on+top+of+the+Wirrabra+Range+at+sunset.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - The wind came up during the night on this ridgetop. The wind came up during the night on this ridgetop and we were unable to get a sufficiently taut pitch on the Triplex to prevent significant flapping; pegs loosened several times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/488927a0-37e0-438a-b868-f593d3655666/xmid+wind+test.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Field testing X-Mid Pro 2 in strong wind and rain Storm testing the Pro 2 with anemometer mounted beside the tent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb8df18a-f136-42b5-ade5-57c2f8284edc/standing+water.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - tent sitting in with pool of water but is still dry inside Even with standing water (top left) around the tent, the Pro 2’s relatively low bucket floors prevent water ingress. This is the floor with the black Durston footprint underneath, with a little water between the floor and the footprint: you can see the latter has already punctured in one spot lower right on its second use. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e366d385-3bfa-403c-8294-a10650e5c27b/Triplex+in+Gammon+Ranges+South+Austalia.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - The fine dusty soils in Aussie arid areas pass through the mesh of both Zpacks tents The fine bulldust in Aussie arid areas can pass through the mesh of all these DCF tents https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b63bee76-bf9e-410b-9a46-0f8c8ec2e44c/55+campsite+ramsay-1.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - Triplex tent setup up in rainforest Triplex on the gobsmacking Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island, Queensland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7490381d-cf9c-47b5-ad26-7ad047bc40be/SLi+Mersey+River+campsite.jpg Shelter - X-Mid Pro 2, Duplex, Triplex or Stratospire Li: a Tent Comparison Review for Duo Hikers - They’re all great tents but… They’re all great tents so we usually choose the tent that best suits the specific hike we’re doing! https://slowerhiking.com/shelter/tent-stakes-for-backpacking-what-you-need-to-know monthly 0.5 2025-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/85344a06-97ca-4f1b-94af-65771406371b/stakes.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - Make it stand out A selection of stakes - the longer you’ve camped, the more you’ll have! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b9d922ac-0343-40b4-97dc-e7192e3731f1/mixed+soil.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - Make it stand out Substrates in this image include silt, clay with embedded stones, sand, gravel and even old lava, all with different anchoring requirements; some areas are wetter or more compacted than others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/54e4fcba-8152-4ffa-8558-21bc5bea7cf9/ashfield+gravel.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - Make it stand out Iceland’s ‘ash’ plains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/abaa3f0c-8797-410d-acab-58eb0829d6a7/Graph+1.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - Illustration of coarse-grained soil shear strength relationship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f596abee-6996-4ca8-9a1d-41df6b4df87e/Graph+2.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - Illustration of undrained shear strength of clay soil relationship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ab34497-623d-487b-acda-ebdb954e91a3/Graph+3.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - Illustration of shear strength relationship of a mixed soil Illustration of shear strength relationship of a mixed soil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/504af317-ceaf-4d32-9adb-68b096d331f6/Force+1A.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - Friction (green arrows) acts along the length of either side of the stake at the interface of the stake and the soil to prevent it being pulled out. Friction acts along the length of either side of the stake at the interface of the stake and the soil to prevent it being pulled out. The friction is created by the soil pushing against the stake. The harder it pushes against the stake the greater the friction force. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c79e407a-4a6c-465a-8489-96f48f70f72b/Force+2A.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - Friction acts along the interface of soil particles to stop them moving and thereby prevents the stake being “pulled” though the soil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2fd46f8-39a6-4cf9-9534-449bee13d3bf/guyline-2.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - Make it stand out You can see how the load is on the wide bottom part of this Toughstake (Image Credit Toughstake) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c09a740-e7f2-40f1-a29e-99cde4be8309/Graph+4.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - stake pullout resistance relationship with embedment depth You can see that the friction resistance (ie holding power) increases with stake embedment depth and that the strength increases in a non-linear way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2150c68f-1f47-430d-b2bf-fb780aeb5c91/Graph+5.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - pullout resistance relationship with stake diameter If we keep embedment depth the same but increase stake diameter, strength increases but only linearly – ie less effective than increasing depth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e3979ff6-68f3-41d3-a991-5f4d180b1963/silty2.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - waves in the sand Central Iceland Wet silty sand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e010ac1-8426-4c87-949d-88437d26f6fe/Tent+1.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - It’s easy to see that all the force is placed along the axis of the stake, and we are only utilising the friction between the stake and the soil, and none of the soil-to-soil friction benefits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f5d53a2-10db-4b62-8662-6aa01c3b510c/Tent+2B.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - This configuration is widely promoted but it results in the all the load from the guyline being transferred by the stake to the soil-to-soil friction resistance and doesn’t utilise any of the soil-to-stake friction. You create an angle of 45 degrees when the tent guyout is 1 metre above the ground and your stake is 1 metre away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3118bffe-fe78-41e1-a381-2fe83ce594e9/Tent+3A.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - This configuration is more recently promoted because it is recommended by the US based Advanced Textiles Association for large tents (marquees). It results in the load from the guy line being transferred equally between the stake-to-soil friction and the soil-to-soil friction. And the geometry results in each one having the same force applied. At first this might seem best – but what if the friction resistances are not equal? Note that this configuration is the simplest to reliably install, that marquees use much longer stakes, and that the Association advises installers to pull test each stake to ensure it meets the design loading without failure. So for their applications this makes sense. Unfortunately, we hikers aren’t in the same position! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/66d85b34-d75f-4b25-804e-5b9a73f57b49/Tent+4A.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - If your guyout on the tent is 1 metre off the ground and you place your stake a horizontal distance of 1.75 metres away, you’ll get an angle of approximately 30 degrees. In this configuration we have less force transferred along the stake (25% ) than perpendicular to it (75%). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c30febd0-dd2b-47d3-a2d6-c18b761cd9ed/Tent+5A.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - This configuration transfers even more perpendicular force (and relies more on soil-to-soil friction) to the stake (90%) and less along the axis of the stake (soil to stake friction), 10%. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2984d052-0947-4ee9-9950-39ec809375a3/Tent+6A.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - This wedge of soil (red triangle) is prone to failure because it has nothing above it holding it down. Therefore the shear strength is small and, if the stake pivots, it introduces tensile forces into the soil so it fails. The greater the angle, the more likely this is to happen – a lesser angle is better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6655d9b2-e6f7-4fed-ad88-904f302a7266/guyline+andle.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - variety of free standing tents in Iceland A range of angles on these single and split guylines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4fa16b2b-e35d-4e89-b01a-f053626aef38/two+tents+better.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - sunset on the Investigator trail These two tents were almost side by side but the Stratospire Li’s stakes on the left were mostly in deep sand, whereas the Duplex was on shallower, compacted silt and limestone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f7e9763b-3ffd-438e-af23-5d1c24b1f15c/Screenshot+2023-05-16+110838.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - shepherd hook tent stakes Aluminium shepherd’s crook stakes (Image Credit: Paria) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8c459181-a41c-4471-bcb4-232c5c8f4862/nail.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - six inch titanium nail tent stake This titanium nail is very strong and very light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2d859ec-ffa9-44c9-b94d-e1a1f2dfb131/msr+carbone+core.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - Carbon Core Stakes MSR Carbon Core Stakes (Image Credit: MSR) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/58ee1ce7-6d3e-48d3-b36d-168336c184e0/Makeshift+Stake+V2.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - how to make emergency tent stake from small tree branch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f52930f-ca8a-4a5d-8774-a6b298be4aa5/shepherds+hooks.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - shepherds hook and shepherd crook tent stacks Steel shepherd’s hook, top, titanium shepherd’s crook bottom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ff9e0aa-d97a-4018-9d0b-24288cbc0eff/needle+and+nail.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - two nail tent stake options Top: Nail stake, bottom: needle stake, slightly bent after years of being hammered into hard soil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/205ad086-bcb5-4988-8207-42fdfadb7f44/easton+nano.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - Easton stake Easton stake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/72f93f7a-1a22-41f3-aa20-636355af7eaa/snow+and+sand+stake.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - tent stake for sand or snow Sand/snow stake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4eca2f2c-3e55-447e-829c-5a3b78b6a401/groundhog+and+mini.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - ground hog and mini ground hog tent stakes Top: Mini Groundhog, bottom: full-size Groundhog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76462042-1189-40ed-bb07-ef9d38ad267d/teragon+gear.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - Make it stand out The Pioneer stake by Teragon Gear is an exceptionally light 3D printed titanium Y stake (Image Credit Teragon Gear). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2490b940-9249-4c10-994a-6b56f0b13393/dac+j.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - V backpacking tent stake The famous Dac J stake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ae611b09-6412-483c-a28b-5e2b7220de8f/ti+V.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - broken V shape tent stake Although titanium is a stronger metal, these are so thin and with so many holes that the end result is a significantly weaker stake than the aluminium DAC J. Pushing these in with the ball of your boot is almost certain to bend them at the head, as you can see we have done – you want good loam, definitely without rocks, and where you can push the titanium stakes in with your hand. Conversely, these 16.4cm (6.45”) famously strong titanium V stakes can be hammered into wood, but they are also relatively heavy at 19g (.67oz): size and shape play a part and titanium is not automatically the lightest option. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec8a753a-9aa7-4c2c-8370-164aa2281974/cyclone.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - screw tent stakes We bought these but never use them for backpacking as other anchoring techniques are lighter in substrates deep and soft enough to fully deploy them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f285f566-32b6-4a89-a88d-af45a99fcd88/Screenshot+2023-05-14+113452delta2.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - Delta anchor stake Delta ground anchors. Near the surface the T-shape helps to keep the soil between the stake and the tent intact, and should rotation of the stake upwards occur at the guyline connection, this is resisted by the back of the stake pushing down on the surface of the soil behind the stake.(Image Credit: Delta Ground Anchors). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0ed446e-725f-4007-857b-bac8749dc1fc/Stakes+Table+V3.jpg Shelter - Tent Stakes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know - *We own the discontinued Mont Needle stake which we have not managed to break in many years; this is the closest equivalent we could find online but cannot vouch for the product. *we own the discontinued Mont Needle stake which we have not managed to break in many years; this is the nearest equivalent we could find online but cannot vouch for the product. **We found the Vargos with multiple holes and a narrow neck too weak for Australian baked substrates, but other brands with the same design may be stronger if made of higher quality titanium alloy. https://slowerhiking.com/shelter/how-to-stake-and-guy-your-tent-snow-rock-sand-platforms monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f85b6212-1537-4b49-b3cd-8bc8333b4a81/rock3.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Tent pitched on granite, Walls of Jerusalem NP, Tasmania Solid granite, no problem! Walls of Jerusalem NP, Tasmania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a418fb4f-36fb-4c9d-b096-64d9b84abe0a/esmeralda+jones_.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Tunnel tent pitched on rock A tunnel on frosty Mt Blackwood, Tasmania (Image Credit: Esmeralda Jones) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c92b627e-bf8a-4264-92a5-4a4c2f24a708/gammons.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - gravel plain Gammon Ranges South Australia Dry, hard, rocky soil in the Gammons, South Australia. And yes, we have pitched on similar ground! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4591d89b-c73e-4713-a16d-866dfeaa509d/gravel.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - tent pitched on volcanic ash, Iceland Loose, deep gravel in Iceland. We used lumps of lava to anchor our tent this time, but burying our stakes as deadman anchors would have been effective had we not been near an outcrop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69aea47a-e8bc-468c-bd05-75ef3d4947c1/sand+peg+deadman.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Sand stake diagram Larkshead or loop a guyline extension through one of the lower holes in a sand or Titanium V stake to transfer the loading to the bottom part of the stake for superior holding power in loose substrates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9ff55ba-9d8c-4e80-a5b2-683cb5143a27/Caz+Derby+Mary+Creek+Plain.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - tent pitched on tussocky grassland A challenging XMid pitch on alpine buttongrass, Mary Creek Plain (Image credit: Caz Derby) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0ce9c221-e8b9-4a35-9e62-77fe479ed530/stony+soil+flindersl.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - tent pitched on stony ground in gap between spinifex tussocks A small clearing amongst the spinifex in arid central South Australia. Unlike most tussocky vegetation that can be smoothed down and/or anchored into, spiky spinifex will easily poke holes in your expensive tent. Fortunately, spinifex is an exception! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b01e1bb-ca78-4232-b5fa-73f2101aad8e/duplex+tree+roots.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Duplex Tent in woods in Tasmania Plenty of tree roots, Tasmania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b9427c54-51be-40c5-b43e-5914df41c509/tent+paad2.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Non freestanding tent on hard tent pad on Kangaroo Island Firm tent pad, Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail before the bushfire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/08c94325-37ad-4375-aa97-0d47a76a49af/duplex+platform.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Duplex Tent on Tent platform along Overland Track Tasmania Duplex, Overland Track, Tasmania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2e1e8ce5-2428-4d3c-9ff4-4c578a24f71b/guylines.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Popular guy lines Various lines left to right: reflective Lawson ironwire and various diameter spectra (dyneema) cord. Buy them here or here in Australia, or in your local boatie shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff29ef46-2199-4dd0-ac72-4d4301918642/roger+caffin+1mm+specta+guyline2.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Roger Caffin tent with 1mm Spectra guylines Roger’s MYOG tent with 1mm Spectra guylines (Image Credit: Roger Caffin) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ef20e43-588c-4692-b261-a43c4620092a/line+extension.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - technique for attaching guy line extension using tent stake or stick Line extension loop passed through guyloop, then stake placed through line extension; when tensioned, the stake is firmly held; there is a little rock at the other end, ready to go behind a big rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a809ee26-4514-4b21-a95a-e99bffb65836/guylines-2.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Ricks on top of tent stakes Rocks on stakes. You can see the line is also touching the rock (our bad), which is a surefire road to abrasion and failure in wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b6c88db-91ca-4ee5-9bf9-472fbbcd9ef5/STAKE+BEHIND+ROCK.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Stake behind rock technique Stake should be near vertical because the guyline extension is kept horizontal by the rock and it’s best if the rock doesn’t actually sit on top of the stake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bb037c64-a1f2-4f67-b765-78ed90c84e79/bag+deadman.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Deadman stake technique using bag filled with sand Almost anything can be used: we have resorted to a plastic shopping bag filled with sand on one paddle/hike trip! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5f9d9b85-c2a1-43d7-a4dd-eedde81330f9/stick+deadman+elev.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Backpacking deadman anchor using stick If you loop around a stick rather than tying, you can simply slip the guyline free rather than having to disinter the stick, a great advantage in snow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/13b66bb7-566d-4a51-83bc-403a3cbb2bbb/stick+deadman+plan.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Diagram of deadman anchor layout Plan view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49ec0e0b-92f6-4d8b-8115-cf7610bc126b/big+rock+little+rock+deadman.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Big Rock Little Rock tent securing diagram Big rock-little rock (modified deadman): note that the guyline is attached to the line extension and it is only the latter that touches any rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c729f457-0132-4e80-9f7a-256832174529/rock4.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Big Rock Little Rock Technique The famous big rock-little rock anchoring method. Note that a line extension is being used, rather than the guyline. The stake is only being used to connect the guyline to the line extension as described above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/001004a2-bebd-4966-9e1e-2585ed2c7e22/hilleberg+mod+deadman.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Make it stand out Paddle being used as a modified deadman. You could use a branch and many smaller rocks instead. (Image Credit: Screen Grab from Hilleberg Video ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f5f7ce8-6e33-449f-aae1-d8b779be0291/Jeanette+Learned+E.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - tent on tent platform with sunbaker Tent and tent platform showing anchor wires, perimeter attachments and non-deadman (Image credit: Jeanette Learned) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a975e05a-491e-4778-b9c1-e81849bc9c2c/Eric+Zehrung.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Tent pitched on tent platform using big rocks with Easton stakes in lieu of little rocks Ignore the wires and use the rocks that are usually nearby or even on the platform as above for straightforward modified deadman anchors, here big rock-little Easton stake (Image Credit: Eric Zehrung). You could also anchor to the ground beside the platform, or tie to a stout branch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f882341a-f48e-4bc0-847d-13c31810f450/Rob+Margono+GPT.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Two tents on Single platform with guyline connecting the ridge peaks together Lateral thinking, literally: if there are two tents on the platform, you may even be able to anchor to each other! (Image Credit: Rob Margono) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f099544-2e07-40b6-9d46-8312cf8d0780/Platform+with+stake.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - diagram of fastening tent stake on underside of tent platform Use a modified deadman anchor technique through the decking near the edges where you can reach the underside. Tightly tie the guyline or line extension near the centre of a stake but slightly closer to the top (in case it slips), and drop the stake through a gap between the decking. Allow the stake to twist a little, then tension the guyline. In the morning, loosen the guyline and reach under the platform to retrieve the stake, or twist it so it can be pulled up between the gap again. However, anchoring like this in the centre of platforms can be problematic because, although stakes are easy to slip down between the timbers, it can be hard to orient them perfectly to get them back up. In Australia, platforms are sometimes high enough to shimmy under to retrieve stakes, but they are a favourite shelter for both hairy-legged little things and slithery bigger things. You can also loop an extension or guyline around a stick and slip it carefully down in the gap, let it twist and pull tight to secure. In the morning, simply release the guyline tension and jiggle the loop or untie it, so the stick falls down below the platform — no need to retrieve it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/956e3950-7f43-4f4d-9cd6-4ba04175f572/s-l500.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - fishbone anchors Use a few fishbone anchors. They’re not essential but can save a lot of time dicking around, which you will appreciate in bucketing rain. The popular red ones suit most tent platforms, but not all: some decking is too thick, some gaps too narrow. You don’t need the spring (unwind it) or carabiner many come with: larkshead the anchor to the fishbone; tension will hold it in place. (Image Credit: Shine Trip) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/62fb799c-0850-4caa-81c1-25de6546a51a/fishbones.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - hook anchors Geoff and I prefer this kind of anchor (Amazon, Temu etc) anchor: they grab well to the underside, fit through narrower gaps and thicker timber, and the guyline loop attaches easily. Unwind the spring: it is unnecessary. Some people use bent cotter pins to similar effect. You don’t need these anchors for every guyout; we usually carry only a couple (5g/0.18oz each) if we expect platforms. You can shorten the hook part to reach through even thicker planking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16910813-93aa-492a-92a5-8771292822a4/ultralight+hiker+2.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - how to stake on FRP tent platform The chains on the right hand side provide lateral stability but are too long to sufficiently hold down the fly of the non-freestanding XMid Pro 2 (Image Credit: Screen grab from Ultralight Hiker). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2873a94b-4982-4cb5-8ffd-f24f06c3e3f9/platform+with+chain.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Rock on chain to create correct guyline angle on tent platform Non free-standing trekking pole tents can be unstable if the effective length to the ground is too long, as when the guyline is attached to the end of a chain or wire. Weighting the chain with a rock shortens the guyline and increases vertical holding power. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c70e9825-61cf-41b3-a61c-e9c8bbadc3ee/reverse+deadman.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Fatsening system for tent stake A kind of reverse deadman; we used the needle stake to catch the loop and bring it back up https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5cb56437-eec2-47b3-92b8-9cdd67d0db64/tie+to+grating.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - guyline extension looped around FRP Extension loop hooked up with end slipped through to attach directly to grating https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74934bcf-dba8-444b-ba59-234bb5a94d98/hook.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - hook attachment to guyline for FRP tent paltfrom Our anchor; this wouldn’t fit through tiny grating but we could simply cut off one arm and it will fit through even tinier gaps; longitudinal forces are unlikely to break or bend the steel even when halved https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2b8057f3-6516-4862-8ece-630ec1900e08/Dave+Parker.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Double staking installed inline Double inline staking aka back staking with DAC J stakes; note how the back stake is reversed for additional holding power against the horizontal direction of pull (Image Credit: Dave Parker) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a9720f6-dc9e-49fe-922b-86399be5cdb6/stakes+wirth+rock+option.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - double staking inline with rock Two stakes inline, joined with a short line extension, and a medium rock placed on the extension greatly increases holding power. The back stake should be vertical. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bdb06e59-fee9-4798-b5c3-122e90943d5c/two+stake+tfrom+guy+tie+out+point.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - staking technique with two guylines from guy tie out point This method is particularly helpful in high winds rather than soft substrates as it supports the tent pole over a wider wind direction arc than a single guyline, in addition to halving the load on each stake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65506041-38ae-48c1-b1a2-188efa19b36f/two+stake+thru+guyloop.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - staking technique one guyline two stakes side by side If you’re a bit more organised, you can use two stakes with a line extension when you pitch. This method is particularly useful when there is a rock right where you need your stake to go, and your tent’s design is less flexible about where certain stakes need to be eg strut corners, doors, ground level perimeter points. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/93cf63e5-d259-4bc4-864b-c91ee41344f8/gu Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - If your stakes are 100mm (4”) apart then they need to be at least 200mm (8”) away from the end of the guyline, and your guyline extension should be more than 400mm (16”) long to reach each stake. If your stakes are 100mm (4”) apart then they need to be at least 200mm (8”) away from the end of the guyline, and your guyline extension should be more than 400mm (16”) long to reach each stake. You should apply this principle whether you are connecting two extra stakes to your guyline stake, or to the guyline loop or for any other similar staking configuration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01ab0167-1aa5-4042-b9f5-791c8ee74673/three+stakes+with+guyloop.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - staking technique one guyline three stakes If you carry line extensions, this is a quick and dirty fix for the middle of the night if your windward stake is pulling out and you have a few spares. We have done this with embarrassing frequency! Use the same 2:1 triangular distance ratio as described above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/037f7a2f-92e0-4330-83f3-ee767635bc7d/John+Carolan+Mt+Feathertop.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - deadman anchors in snow on Mt Feathertop Sticks deployed under the snow as deadman anchors on Mt Feathertop (Image Credit: John Carolan) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9bbe691-875c-4155-bb14-8d09e09062b0/Roger+Caffin+Mawson+Hut+sticks.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - tunnel tent pitched using sticks for stakes Sticks used as stakes near Mawson Hut, Kosciuszko (Image Credit: Roger Caffin) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b2aebccd-3665-4511-91d8-dedbf73bcd49/Roger+Caffin+DIY+Titanium+Stakes+1.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - home made sand and snow stakes Roger’s DIY Titanium stake projects can be found, behind a paywall, here . And here are some Swiss Piranha plastic snow anchors, showing placement in the video. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/517606f7-c55f-4706-bd6d-7d9c0fc380fa/Roger+Caffin+DIY+Titanium+stakes+2.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Homemade tent stake for sand or snow with eyelets for guyline Titanium can be sharp and difficult to smooth and this eyelet modification prevents the fretting that causes line failure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ab23997-0534-45db-a937-86663e8da211/Roger+Caffin+Upper+Snowy.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - tunnel tent pitched in snow A secure pitch on a stomped platform, Upper Snowy (Image Credit: Roger Caffin) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a9c2bfe3-c02a-4a2b-903c-3c7c5f3fc8be/Dave+Parker+logs.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Pyramid tent in snow secured using deadman to nearby logs Guylines to modified deadman logs, branches and rocks support this tipi hot tent in New Zealand (Image Credit: Dave Parker, PAST Outdoors). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d914da0b-2d9a-41b3-9391-45e11d05653a/teragon+tent.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Make it stand out Tailor your stake bag for each trip. These titanium stakes are too expensive for many people to consider as an entire set, but one or two extremely strong and ultralight all-roundersare excellent to complement different stakes (eg wires), to swap with a couple of weaker aluminium Y stakes for those rocky guyout points, for double-staking and for different substrates (Image Credit: Teragon Gear)* https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef75ec5a-5f16-4871-bbe4-f14d40dd9c7c/strat+li.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Tent pitched on open grassland near coast The Stratospire’s strut corners, here far right and far left, not only have several lines of tension running to them, but the steeply angled short guylines required to hold them down also mean these two points need particular attention when staking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a9a05ba-2705-4569-871e-0d2656a54127/Daniel+Hannah+Sierra.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - deadman using rocks and round polyester pads Daniel Hannah describes his DIY modified deadman anchors for the Sierras: “I don't use stakes, I use pads. The Sierra laughs at stakes, but there are always rocks and/or sand. Cut from ultralight polyester tarp, dinner plate size, with a 2" (51mm) hole in the middle, these weigh less than half of Titanium stakes. I have a square corner on each pad that I folded over with a 1/4" (6.4mm) grommet. I actually use a tiny s-biner on each to attach to the guyline. They wear but are cheap, easy, and extremely light.” ED: Pads made from Ultra material would be light, strong and durable. (Image Credit: Daniel Hannah) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/44110d28-0945-4b26-a4dd-08937863100b/Roger+Caffin+Dead+Horse+Gap.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - Tent Pitch on alpine grassland, Dead Horse Gap Pitch on alpine grassland, Dead Horse Gap; it is very easy to lose thin Ti stakes in this substrate! (Image Credit: Roger Caffin). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/172fa74e-1da2-4f55-ad3c-91e983f07186/esmeralda+jones+Ahlberg+Bay.jpg Shelter - How to Stake and Guy Your Tent: Snow, Rock, Sand, Platforms and More - tent in sand dune A stoutly pitched Hilleberg near Ahlberg Bay (Image Credit: Esmeralda Jones) https://slowerhiking.com/shelter/understanding-weather-apps-and-forecasts-for-hiking monthly 0.5 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dec2c014-b2ac-4d0e-ae54-3ab8cb311efc/Geoff+murray+1.jpg Shelter - Understanding Weather Forecasts and Apps when Camping in Strong Winds and Storms* - Australian Highlands Camping Benign conditions in the highlands of Australia. Camping here requires a good grasp of weather forecasts plus the right tent for the conditions you expect. The 3-season Mont Moondance suits this weather, but you’d choose the Mont 4-season Dragonfly for tougher conditions and longer trips in alpine regions. Image Credit: Geoff Murray https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6f8aa81b-ca08-4248-9b96-382e4f059438/BOM+FORECAST.jpg Shelter - Understanding Weather Forecasts and Apps when Camping in Strong Winds and Storms* - wind forecast map Strong winds forecast for South Australia. (Image Credit: Australian Bureau of Meteorology) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6867b40-e88a-45c7-944d-91f6a79fbbf0/Bureau+Warnings+Table+smaller+font.jpg Shelter - Understanding Weather Forecasts and Apps when Camping in Strong Winds and Storms* - Wind speed warning table Source: Bureau of Meteorology Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/610a3891-634a-4ab8-94dc-aa90910a9e78/Beaufort+Scale+Consolidated.jpg Shelter - Understanding Weather Forecasts and Apps when Camping in Strong Winds and Storms* - Beaufort Scale Fig 1: The Beaufort Wind scale classifies wind speed into categories. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/62aab906-beb9-4132-8721-bc5177f403bf/Beaufort+Table.jpg Shelter - Understanding Weather Forecasts and Apps when Camping in Strong Winds and Storms* - Beaufort Scale Descriptions Fig 2: Here is what you would expect to see and experience in various wind speeds (Image Credit: Australian Bureau of Meteorology) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ca047bd-cac3-4653-99d8-56fd70541939/Beaufort+Scale2.jpg Shelter - Understanding Weather Forecasts and Apps when Camping in Strong Winds and Storms* - wind speed conversation chart Fig 3: And here’s Geoff’s nifty conversion graph between knots, metres per second, mph and kph. Or, to convert knots to mph multiply by 1.151, to convert to kph multiply by 1.852, to convert to m/s, divide by 1.94384. Image Credit: slowerhiking. com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a574af89-61fa-45fb-843b-702c3bb9c722/windchill+table.jpg Shelter - Understanding Weather Forecasts and Apps when Camping in Strong Winds and Storms* - wind chill table illustrating increasing wind chill with wind speed We rarely see wind chill forecasts or tables in Australia, but it’s worth understanding them if venturing into alpine areas in winter. The coloured areas indicate the different times for frostbite to occur on exposed skin but, for Australian and New Zealand readers, hypothermia in the pale blue zone is the more common concern. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b2fa392b-e19e-457c-af61-0e0eb51fc090/strong+wind.jpg Shelter - Understanding Weather Forecasts and Apps when Camping in Strong Winds and Storms* - Wild weather on Walpole to Denmark Section of Bibbulmun Track Literally gale force winds on Western Australia’s southern coastline near not so Peaceful Bay. Gusts knocked us sideways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aec5c353-fbcc-4eb5-ab7c-5d74ef0954f5/perfect+pitch.jpg Shelter - Understanding Weather Forecasts and Apps when Camping in Strong Winds and Storms* - Canoe crossing Peaceful Bay Winds are calm now, but the crossing will be almost impossible later in the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a2baae1e-5739-4f17-8885-6ce6fcb99f8c/Wind+TAS+20210923.jpg Shelter - Understanding Weather Forecasts and Apps when Camping in Strong Winds and Storms* - weather map illustrating areas of gale force winds Strong winds forecast for Tasmania. Weatherzone has an app utilising ECMWF. Note they cite ‘10m wind gusts (instantaneous)’. Familiarise yourself with the terminology used by your favourite source. (Image Credit: weatherzone). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/33d798b3-eb45-4ea2-9cc0-67525ff31ddd/Predict+Wind+Weather+WInd+Map+.jpg Shelter - Understanding Weather Forecasts and Apps when Camping in Strong Winds and Storms* - wind maps illustrating the effect of grid resolution on forecasts Different wind predictions (in knots) for the same time from different global models: ECMWF on the left (resampled and presented at an 8 km grid) and GFS utilising a 25 km grid on the right. (Source Predictwind). Given the models use much the of same climate data, the higher resolution model should usually provide a more reliable forecast. https://slowerhiking.com/shelter/a-lightweight-backpacking-sleep-system-for-couples monthly 0.5 2025-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d472920c-efd6-4812-aa14-1b4ed76f21a0/Duplex+Tent+in+campground+Overland+Track+Tasmania.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Our warm, dry and cosy nest. Our warm, dry and cosy nest, Overland Track, Tasmania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640238989777-BZ4GN17IOL7WBI3OX0K1/Double+sleep+bad+in+rifugia+Iceland.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - No problems in sleeping platforms of different configurations Double quilt laid out on foam pad on sleeping platform https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640239011386-RU6DRMF86OTDP20BTXL3/Sleeping+platforms+in+Icelandic+Hut.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Different type of platform Bunk style sleeping platform wide enough for a double quilt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6f49f764-5d5f-4b90-b2c2-ba38e2b1a680/Bunks+in+Rifugia+Tour+Mt+Blanc.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Can be squeezy in rifugias or huts that have bunk accommodation. But they normally come with blankets and you just use your inner bag and sleep in separate beds, so it hasn’t been a problem thus far for us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d94b688-cf8d-4847-893e-8975a5baad48/15C+quilt%2C+Xtratherms+and+liners..jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Our winter system Our winter system with -15C quilt, Xtratherms and liners. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8378e85-9380-4131-9bf0-d926686a769e/Sitpads+serving+muliple+roles.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Our blue sitpads can be transferred from the vestibule to under our sleeping mats. Our blue sitpads can be transferred from the vestibule to under our sleeping mats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b2732966-1989-4393-8ab5-f3713ba05e7b/Xtralites+held+together+with+straps.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Xtralites held together with straps. Xtralites held together with straps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f00ded44-54cc-4c6d-9a39-1c1d00b4214e/Laugavegur+Trail+Central+Highlands+Iceland.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Concerned about volcanic glass shard substrates in Iceland, we took a Tyvek footprint and grey thinlight pads in addition to our blue sitpads. Concerned about volcanic glass shard substrates in Iceland, we took a Tyvek footprint and grey thinlight pads in addition to our blue sitpads. We placed the thinlight pads under our Thermarests every night as insurance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3fc1edef-b21a-4ea0-93c5-de49261ffda7/Enlightened+Equipment+Accomplice+Qulit.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Enlightened Equipment’s Accomplice Quilt The newer model has an extra wide foot box and neck baffle (Image Credit: Enlightened Equipment) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8bd01297-deba-4b3b-a75c-45769b670b51/IMG_8650.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Make it stand out Plenty of loft in our zpacks twin quilt. This is an extra-wide -15C/5F, extra wide one that is no longer available. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/342c59a0-08ce-41e3-996e-75d73276a5bc/zpacks+twin+quilt+with+neck+baffle.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Our summer zpacks twin quilt showing the thick wide neck baffle. Our summer zpacks twin quilt showing the neck baffle. This fills the middle space between our neck and shoulders, even when one or both of us are on our sides, and prevents drafts. The EE baffle is wider. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6730e82-c6dc-4fad-b2ba-528274720b11/Silk+liner+bag.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Geoff stuffing his silk liner into its stuff sack: manufacturer ones are invariably too small. Geoff stuffing his silk liner into its stuff sack: manufacturer ones are invariably too small. I no longer bother, I just put my liner into the same compression sack as my sleeping bag and sleep clothes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36b648ec-d83e-41c1-824f-84a7e31c30a8/Clothing+to+keep+warm+in+the+tent.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Rugging up with wool baselayers. A fleece or puffy is warmer and more versatile for weight than separate “insulating” liner bags. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/748bd42a-c438-4bd1-ab71-8f7bd74a39ff/Sea+to+Summit+Inflatable+pillow+.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Sea to Summit Inflatable pillow on Neoair Xtralite. Try different types before you go… a good night’s sleep helps the body and mind recover. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9384d5ce-3a1b-449c-b112-df69c003a510/zenbivy+couples.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Make it stand out The innovative modular Zenbivy System (Image Credit: Zenbivy). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d4b5443-ef30-4176-b922-2a708de16d79/enofuse.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Make it stand out Lie side by side in hammocks and use just two trees and slings: (Image Credit: Enofuse). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc4600a2-71cb-4bed-b540-583ba769393a/Cosy+tent+setup+in+forest+in+Tasmania.jpg Shelter - A Lightweight Backpacking Sleep System for Couples - Another cosy nest in Tasmania. Another cosy nest in Tasmania. https://slowerhiking.com/hiking-clothing daily 0.75 2026-03-07 https://slowerhiking.com/hiking-clothing/backpacking-clothes-what-you-need-to-know monthly 0.5 2026-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/64f553a0-065e-40f8-9747-8c14c9ca4201/P8010540-ORF_DxO_DeepPRIME.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - example of adaptable clothing for multiday hiking Backpacking clothing is a personal choice, but best practice principles ensure there’s no such thing as bad weather on any of your hikes, including this one in Iceland!* * “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” (Alfred Wainwright) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4b42d553-4c66-45a9-81e5-bde70947e8f3/25+rock+formations.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Grampians Peaks Trail Appropriate clothing, whether of wool(s), synthetic or a blend, ensures comfort on long hikes when you need to wear the same items, sometimes damp or wet, day after day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/329ea9ff-8559-4ff7-b478-9af75fe4ca1b/sienna+senchi.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Senchi top This Senchi, made of Alpha Direct, is as famously light and warm as it is infamously snaggy and delicate. Fantastic for clearer trails and healthy budgets, less so for bush-bashing and the cash-strapped. (Image Credit: Senchi) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ef350f5-4f85-445d-89d9-9a0a31f273e1/02wear.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - comfortable bamboo tops but not good for hiking These soft and comfortable bamboo tops are marketed as baselayers and would suit commuters, but they are as bad as cotton for multiday hiking (Image Credit: O2Wear). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d651ddea-8f5d-4ed7-9509-3d62c9c59f18/DSCN0480.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Overland Track side trip At a short spur trail on the Overland Track. This hiking group have left their packs at the junction but, in remote areas or when you are solo, always take essentials and protective clothing with you in a day pack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a7c61c18-5f3f-4118-a7db-6e79475f53ba/IMG_8851.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Visp ultralight rain shell Ultralight rain shell on the Larapinta… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e0b5d91-06fd-4090-aecd-6b5f8c27c705/P1162633.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - heavy duty 3-layer goretex … heavy duty 3-layer goretex in the Tassie highlands, where we pushed through hip-high spiky scoparia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0603398b-c44b-457d-9945-6e64d57a960b/kmart+14buck+fleece.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - KMart fleece KMart polyester fleece at AUD14 (Image Credit: KMart)… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6fe91363-4237-4baa-9b46-ca696704783f/uniqho50.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Uniqlo fleece … Uniqlo fleece at AUD50 (Image Credit: Uniqlo) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fde47f81-a49f-47fc-85c7-3eede6c97513/northface120.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - North Face fleece …a North Face fleece at AUD120. It has offset shoulder seams, but the Uniqlo has raglan sleeves to achieve the same thing. (Image Credit: The North Face) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a853ec7b-5f46-48c5-8f29-8db48c817f0e/arcteryx+stretch+fleece+330.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Arcteryx stretch fleece …and an Arcteryx stretch fleece hoody (so not quite like for like) for an eye-watering AUD330. It certainly fits beautifully, and isn’t as heavy as the Kmart fleece, but does it really function twenty times better? (Image Credit: Arcteryx). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/abd40586-9186-4195-95f2-ecffc76ebcec/brynje.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Brynje baselayer Norwegian company Brynje has been creating active wear clothing for cold climates since the 1800s. Their mesh is extremely effective as a light wicking and evaporative baselayer when worn on its own, and astonishingly warm when layered under a shell or even midlayer, but you can see the obvious SPF drawback for an Aussie climate. It’s also very expensive in Oz. Does it work for you? Always assess products relative to your own hiking conditions. (Image Credit: Brynje) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2eed3fd9-45e6-446f-a72e-e63a8da6d279/kathmandu+trailhead+2L+insulated+rain+parka+180.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Kathmandu Trailhead 2 Layer Insulated Jacket The Kathmandu Trailhead 2 Layer Insulated Jacket’s name implies it will be great for hiking, and the description enthuses, “Waterproof, breathable, insulated rain parka to stay dry and warm on the trail and around town.” Around town and commuting, sure. On a multiday hike, a hard no. (Image Credit: Kathmandu). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bcea3a26-4ef5-4b81-a298-dc4c47010129/P5073525.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - woollen T shirt as simple warm weather baselayer Closest to your skin is the base layer, above. It is usually relatively form-fitting (but not always — hiking shirts work too), and its primary aim is to wick moisture away from your skin to keep you dry from sweat (and hence warmer in cold weather). In hot weather, the base layer allows wicking plus evaporative cooling rather than trapping moisture against your skin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a78cc167-18c7-4d38-bc5e-98097a0dae12/IMG_5560.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - insulation or mid layer The next layer is your insulation or mid layer. The aim of this layer is to keep you warm. It also breathes well, so that moisture wicked from the base layer passes through without becoming trapped. I’m wearing two insulation layers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c83a33d3-d423-45ed-9433-f30cc72879dd/P5134087.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - rainshell layer The outer layer is the shell. A shell is waterproof and usually also windproof. The purpose of the shell is to keep you dry from rain, sleet and snow, and also to prevent windchill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6cee1b77-5d26-47f1-89ac-2e15aa3b9387/DSCN0379.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - macpac beanies Dorks Inc, but who cares? Function wins every time. No sartorial splendour here, but we were warm and dry on the entire Overland Track despite the rain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6acce628-db44-44d4-a8c6-822c30bc2206/aldi+merino+balaklava+1199.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Aldi merino balaklava Just AUD12 at time of writing for an Aldi merino balaklava, an astonishingly good deal! Even lightweight merino is surprisingly warm, and you can wear it under a beanie, hoody, or rain shell if it’s windy to reduce windchill. (Image Credit: Aldi) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74f4d2b5-57cd-434a-a2be-a8605e49e54d/aldi+softshell+polyester+balaclave+999.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Aldi softshell polyester balaklava Just AUD9.99 for an Aldi softshell polyester one! Those who find wool itchy, potentially especially so around sensitive areas like the face and neck, might find this a better option. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/253e2ab5-83d4-4741-8519-4f9cef9caccc/Combined+Balaklava_2+strip.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - different ways to wear / use a long balaklava Slowerhiking’s famously stylish outdoor supermodel demonstrates how balaclavas and stretchy neck gaiters can be worn to leave exposed only eyes, or nose plus eyes, or the entire face. They can also be bunched around the neck as a scarf/buff to block drafts, or folded up onto your head as a beanie. In very cold weather, we wear these under fleece beanies and/or rainshells – the layering system applies here too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7aa16401-548e-4d18-9ea8-eb71e17afe9a/PB045116-dng_DxO_DeepPRIME.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - two different types of hat for sun protection Friends on the Bibbulmun Track. They both also carried beanies; Legionnaires hats and Akubras are great for sun protection but not warm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/707b093b-035d-41c2-b9f1-398f9ef1d08e/P7280057.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - hiker crossing creek wearing a cap Baseball caps are useless for most people and especially the follicularly challenged like Geoff! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a00d6fa-a76e-467f-8f0c-27bf755b03f9/adaptacapmen+45.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Adapt-a-Cap legionnaires Conversely, this Adapt-a-Cap legionnaires design is the best we’ve seen, with a large, wide peak and clever flap design. (Image Credit: Sun Protection Australia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/46a6f24c-2bcd-4832-bb5d-6ad5b570741e/adapt+a+cap.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Adapt-a-Cap legionnaires The flap can be cinched up, or tucked behind the head in two ways. (Image Credit: Cancer Council) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2443806-73ec-4448-9cd3-a5e00b6061b8/IMG_5976.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - different legionnaires caps My polyester hat is extraordinarily light at just 82g (this cheap one is almost identical), but you can see the positioning of the flaps provide less coverage than Geoff’s hat. It came with a detachable face flap covering that I unfortunately found intensely annoying. YMMV! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/96e4a424-7527-4e34-8e76-c5c7bc1e7ac0/IMG_8449.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - legionnaires hat under rain jacket Legionnaire’s hat worn under rain shell. Those of us wearing prescription glasses need extra coverage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/855b0145-2845-4cf0-ad2f-e559a96a4388/IMG_8855.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Razor back ridge Larapinta Trail Gloves on a bitterly cold day with apparent temperature close to 0C/32F on the Larapinta Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0b44282-e0c8-4d6f-a96b-27522d031ebb/showa+281+japan+agri+trading.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Showa 281 work gloves Showa 281 work gloves, a colour you’ll never lose on trail. (Image Credit: Japan Agri Trading). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/908236e8-b47b-4624-9405-d2618193c633/IMG_8694.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - A wade and swim in Hugh Gorge, Larapinta Trail Running shorts plus a sports bra: multipurpose! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/07a304d7-32b7-4d23-89e2-0334c4398642/22.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - drying key clothing items on Bibbulmun Track thru hike Undies, socks, towel, tee and bra drying on Western Australia’s fantastic 1,000km Bibbulmun Track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3bc0adaa-63c2-47cc-8e70-1e14dd3a28c5/IMG_8805.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - A paddle in t-shirt and quick-drying running shorts, Larapinta Trail. Quick-drying lightweight running shorts and a tee are ideal for a paddle in this swimming hole on the Larapinta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69cb403b-2be7-413b-a2e0-619b069e4c1a/IMG_8847.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Scrambly gorge in lightweight pants. Wearing my lightweight old-new pants on the Larapinta, plus a merino tee that has seen thousands of multiday kilometres of trail, and several hundred additional days at home and on day walks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a96f5ec-b058-4ddd-bb10-c291f82c1b0b/Szmart+merino+thermals.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - merino thermals A quick search found this set of merino thermals on Amazon for just AUD29. We can’t vouch for these and suspect they aren’t superfine merino, and won’t wash and wear as well or last as long as merino blends with lycra or elastane but, at that price, who could complain! (Image Credit: ZMart) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ebb8c23c-86f7-452f-8cb7-78b37d9fbea1/kathmandu.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Kathmandu sales offer Once you know what you’re looking for and at, you can take advantage of sales in any shop, including chains like Kathmandu, because you can identify the characteristics that you need in a garment. (Image Credit: Kathmandu). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ef1d226-7587-412e-b127-8f7634fbc44e/aldi+merino+thermal+150gsm+3499.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Aldi women’s lightweight merino baselayer Aldi women’s lightweight (150gsm) merino baselayer with annoyingly scooped neckline, AUD35. (Image Credit: Aldi) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9b1d531-2967-4d59-a25c-fed7e55bde16/aldi+thermal.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Aldi base layer male The men’s model has a much more sensible neckline for a hiking baselayer, and is longer in the torso in any given size; many women, especially tallish women, buy the equivalent smaller size in men’s for this reason. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/729fcebe-c0b6-4d3c-b572-ac54b5a30980/merino+250gsm+3999.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Aldi women’s heavy duty merino baselayer 250gsm merino quarter zip AUD40 (Image Credit: Aldi). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3d21fa9d-c3ca-49a0-826e-22d2acc1d832/geRFREAK+OZ.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Rainwear on Facebook buy-and-sell groups: Caveat Emptor! However, beware buying used secondhand rainwear. It does wear out; there are only so many times that the waterproof coating can be restored and you have no idea how the jacket has been maintained. Would you sell a perfectly good jacket that kept you completely dry on your last hike? Probably not, although legitimately functional second-hand jackets do come up for sale. My (superseded) ZPacks jacket leaked badly because the neck seams weren’t taped in the factory; by the time I discovered the cause, it was out of warranty. I’ve worn it twice but can’t sell it because who would buy: “Rain jacket, as new but leaks badly!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ee1b5e49-215c-41f1-baee-99cc7f1c14d1/plus+outdoor.jpg Clothing - Clothes for Multiday Backpacking Part 1: What You Need to Know - Plus Outdoor provides detailed sizing information for each item of clothing — an outstandingly useful service. (Image Credit: Plus Outdoor). Detailed sizing for clothing at Plus Outdoor (Image Credit: Plus Outdoor). https://slowerhiking.com/hiking-clothing/clothes-for-multiday-hiking-part-two-how-to-choose-a-base-layer monthly 0.5 2026-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27ecfeb8-afc5-4844-ada5-b713e193c1fc/P1112650.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - South Coast Track Tasmania Red Ottie merino base layer tee, blue fleece jacket, black shell rain pants in the infamously changeable weather of the South Coast Track, Tasmania. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d63e686-f75d-4395-a7fc-72f4f96a66de/DSCN4585.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - day hike in New Zealand Multiple layers in New Zealand. Geoff now wears a much lighter fleece insulation layer because this one is overkill on a multiday hike, and very heavy to carry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa3fa30d-c96e-41c3-a01c-6388264d2de2/IMG_4517.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - having a snack and rest on the South Coast Track Closest to your skin is the topic of this post, the base layer, either long-sleeved or short sleeved, plus optional long bottoms to wear under or instead of pants/shorts. It is usually – but not always – relatively form-fitting, and its primary aim is to move moisture away from your skin to keep you dry from sweat, and hence warmer in cold weather. Base layers let moisture leave your skin by allowing sweat in the form of liquid or vapour to pass through or into them, rather than being trapped on your skin or on the surface of the garment fibres. Some of it is wicked away, but a lot of it passes through as vapour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db8f99ba-6cef-42ba-92f3-1372e627d9eb/IMG_8232.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - wet section of track in Tasmania The next layer is your insulation or mid layer. The primary aim of this layer is to keep you warm. It also breathes well, so that the moisture that has passed through the base layer continues to pass through without condensing or soaking in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3c114d5-b7c6-41ba-af6a-81555195ead7/IMG_5022.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - hiking in heavy rain Are we having fun yet? A rainy day on the South Coast track, but we are dry inside! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f32761f-776f-47a6-a540-acf535aad8a5/DSCN1040.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Geoff a decade ago in an old synthetic baselayer tee that he once used for hiking, but which is now relegated to the gym because he prefers merino. Geoff a decade ago in an old synthetic baselayer tee that he once used for hiking, but which is now relegated to the gym because he prefers merino. Many other hikers prefer synthetic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6bec09de-b072-4743-a221-a88bbddfb5d7/icebreaker+zone+knit+125.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Women’s 125 gsm Zone Knit merino base layer Women’s 125 gsm Zone Knit merino base layer (Image Credit: Icebreaker) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df69aaab-bf31-4bc7-9163-02bda57ab9c3/polartec+polar+dry.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Polartec Powerdry 180gsm synthetic base layer. Polartec Powerdry 180gsm synthetic base layer. (Image Credit: Mont). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cad5d272-f4c5-4b6b-bee8-a8f3ad3a7665/Screenshot+2brynje.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - mesh base layer This screenshot from Brynje’s video on layering for very cold conditions explains why lightweight mesh is so effective. (Image Credit: Screenshot from Brynje). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fda52f0b-efa8-49e6-8a74-752ec3a0099a/learnaboutwooldotcom.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Most hiking base layers are in the superfine range. Image Credit: Learnaboutwool.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a23b2616-1c8a-4770-a6cc-27cc6bc12ee5/icebreaker+150merinofine.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Men's 150 MerinoFine™ Ace Short Sleeve T-Shirt may suit those who are particularly sensitive to wool. (Image Credit: Icebreaker) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9b8644f4-0ddc-4788-a8a8-abf1f990da57/merino+tee.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Ottie Merino tee Ottie Merino tee (Image Credit: Ottie merino) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/441a7b31-5feb-4984-b5f4-a02e5995452f/IMG_2130.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Well wearing T shirt My three-year-old-green Ottie tee, still worn almost weekly at home year-round as well as on many hikes to assess durability. This tee has just one small hole on the upper back where the pack frame rubs aginst a bra buckle, and it has never laddered. It still retains its shape (the person inside less so!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d7bbc7c0-77f0-4a7b-8214-26da21850a9b/IMG_2131.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - bad wearing shirt The same cannot be said for several other brands in different knits, or in different fabric weights. The slightest hole turns into this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d1125408-af76-4705-9b0b-6bc6a4c80168/Hilary+at+Tongariro+March+2025.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Oturere Hut Hilary writes of her polypropylene: “At the age of 64, I hope to pack in lots of walks over the next decade. Gear? Well, I pulled out the ancient thermals, decades old, and wore them under my shorts and jacket as required. They were old, pilled, stained, and they were brilliant. On this day, I also wore long thermal pants for the predawn start from Oturere Hut (see the torch around my neck), but easily removed them as I warmed up. The sleeves on the thermals can be pulled up and down as required, and I don't have to worry about tearing from branches and rocks, as I would with my precious merino. (Image Credit: Hilary) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f198d87d-7690-42a2-852b-2a5d5c7946aa/active+mesh+t+shirt+five+fifty+polester.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - KMart men’s active mesh polyester t-shirt, just $5.50 at time of writing! KMart men’s active mesh polyester t-shirt, just $5.50 at time of writing (Imagew Credit: KMart). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5a53f8c-17d2-45af-a013-7767fb4fb018/IMG_2115.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - helen mckerral modelling blue t-shirt with offset seams My 10 year old synthetic tee is an interesting mix of panels of different materials. The front is 100% polyester. The polyester on the front and sleeves is a finer knit because the material already has excellent wicking properties. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6199fc31-3d53-4abe-8ce4-6443f8d90fdf/IMG_2116.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - t-shirt with offset seams The back and underarms are a blend of 55% nylon and 45% polyester. Under a pack, this makes your back sweatier, but the material is more durable to abrasion. To mitigate nylon’s clamminess, the blend is an extremely lightweight gridded knit with tiny holes. Once you understand the why and how of such materials and knits, you can assess how the garment will function. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02220a27-f831-4389-b1aa-1f19f5cee648/P1112689.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - tent pitched in forest Our current preferred base layer after trying many different ones is merino. YMMV and that is okay (HYOH, ie Hike your Own Hike)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b9bafcca-e49d-4ffe-a0cf-ad741e37ea4b/dilling+70+merino30+silk.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - This 170gsm thermal baselayer from Dilling is designed to be worn under clothing: it definitely looks like underwear! However, it is an interesting and practical blend of 70% merino and 30% silk, expensive for Aussies but more manageable for European locals (Image Credit: Dilling). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/289e7d02-1163-4e7d-9cff-01a9fd45b4b1/icebreaker+cool+lite+tencel+80percent.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Icebreaker Cool-Lite Featherlight 80% Tencel and 20% merino. Icebreaker Cool-Lite Featherlight 80% Tencel and 20% merino in an Activewear open mesh knit. Very light indeed and great for many high intensity activities, but probably not multiday hiking in Oz. (Image Credit: Icebreaker) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d7102aca-b41a-4a0e-b08e-2843c165fa9d/icebreaker+cool+lite+60+percent+tencel.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Icebreaker Cool-Lite 60 percent Tencel, 40 percent merino Icebreaker Cool-Lite 60 percent Tencel, 40 percent merino: will feel cooler than pure merino when wet and take a long time to dry. (Image Credit: Icebreaker) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/824469d9-0b8b-4f9c-8194-339a71918cd7/IMG_2108-4.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Most of our merino tees have retained their shape perfectly even after years of cold (front-loader) machine washing almost weekly in ordinary enzyme-free liquid laundry detergent, not wool wash. After one interstate hike, I washed several tees, including the green Ottie pictured, in a laundromat and realised only when steam was rising from the machine that I’d used the wrong setting. The water was so hot I couldn’t even submerge my hand to remove the clothes, so I ran to fetch a wooden spoon from our car camping kit to fish everything out. A few of the synthetic clothes survived but the same could not be said for our merino socks and several Macpac and Icebreaker pure merino tees. However, we were astonished that our Ottie tees were perfectly wearable, losing almost no length and becoming only marginally more fitted: hardly different from new! More recent Icebreaker base layers have a little elastane added, so may perform better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e7d6c09-6d8f-4bee-89ff-93cb2d67bb22/2+-+Frenchmans+Cap+February+2016+-+Kerry+Forrest.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Kerry Forrest Reader Kerry Forrest at Frenchman’s Cap in favourite hiking clothes. Kerry says, “My advice is to find what is comfortable and works - then stick with it. I keep my walking clothes until they wear out or are so thin or holey that they can't be worn (or trusted). In fact, I've replaced my boots more often than my outfits. I prefer to walk in shorts with gaiters and a merino t-shirt, adding and removing layers as needed.” (Image Credit: Kerry Forrest). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/095cf729-3abe-43bf-af3f-ed644705d0f2/DSCN1028.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - hikers at the top of the acropolis Geoff wearing a synthetic thermal base layer, me wearing a long-sleeved merino thermal base layer over a short-sleeved merino tee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ede814af-bb00-41c0-86db-04184cad416f/xtm+merino+base+layers+plus+sized.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Plus-Sized XTM merino thermal Baselayer top and bottoms XL-7XL in men’s and women’s. Image Credit: Plus Outdoor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eb4a020f-1e9e-4e77-b528-8659c9e6dd2e/brynje+wool+thermal+light.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - black brynje baselayer This Brynje women’s Wool Thermal Light has a modesty panel but, for multiday hiking, the lack of shoulder reinforcing is problematic. (Image Credit: Brynje) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2e821ddf-1f2e-45d6-85bd-28aa62a2e208/wool+thermal+shirt.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - brynje baselayer This Brynje Wool Thermal Shirt is much better for multiday hiking, though worn on its own under a pack without an insulation or shell we wonder as to its durability. (Image credit: Brynje) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7432c00e-a39f-4b91-950f-3b12ad2a75b0/Yvonne+E%2C+Travers+Sabine.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Travers Sabine hike Subscriber Yvonne E writes, “On the Travers Sabine, I took my favourite, trusty blue hiking shirt. I’m prone to sunburn, and this shirt has a collar, short sleeves that aren’t too short, and I can button it up to protect the neck area. As a hot hiker, the fabric is perfect: cool, lightweight, not plastic-y, not (too) smelly, and dries super fast. This shirt has been everywhere, and never let me down.” (Image Credit: Yvonne E.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f323a2bb-fb37-4f4e-bc69-d205fcf2a8bb/image1.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Two successful hikers of the Bibbulmun Track Our friends Patrick and Helen wearing their trusty hiking shirts at the end of the long distance Bibbulmun Track. Pat is carrying his phone in his shirt pocket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5eae6ea-7291-43db-8dd0-ee26d20ef066/001cameron+s+1.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Make it stand out Sun hoodies on Tasmania’s buttongrass and low heath (Image Credit: Cameron Semple). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74d0b94e-1141-4a47-8534-04cd073cd7e2/06hiking+sandals++in+europe+2.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - hiker in long sleeved shirt with collar for sun protection Before sun hoodies, hikers just wore the aforementioned collared shirts or long-sleeved tops with a legionnaires hat to the same effect, so no need to replace what you’ve already got: hoodies are currently fashionable, but not necessarily better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2922f3d9-af30-4518-b3e7-4d6fa622c428/zpacks+merino+sun+hoody+mirage.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - 135gsm Mirage Merino hoody The 135gsm Mirage Merino hoody (Image Credit: Zpacks) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/343eb44c-d563-45fe-9e8f-501414e3fb83/outdoor+research+echo+hoody.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Outdoor Research Echo Hoody The OR Echo Hoody has an SPF of just 15, and you can tell it’s insufficient because even in the promotional image you can see the model’s bra through the fabric. (Image Credit: Outdoor Research) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7690ce3f-0f19-4249-ad0c-d800e30190d6/prana+sol+shade.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - sun hoody Prana Sol Shade with a 50+ rating: a much more sensible option for Australia although it will allow less air flow through. (Image Credit: Prana) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97ed4acc-cfcc-4602-934f-3d53b6135d26/anetik+ultraguide.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Credit Anetik sun hoody Here is a clever but eye-wateringly expensive 30+SPF polyester design that blends hoody and button down shirt although the website doesn’t provide fabric weight. (Image Credit Anetik). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d1390676-d15c-49a3-8bec-d2f693b83e80/IMG_1585.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - look for thumb loops for warmth and sun protection Check also for those thumb loops – those that cover the backs of your hands are better than those tops that only reach your wrist. However, if you think you’d prefer a hoody to your current system, spend time comparing features before buying. Here are two comparative reviews: Adventure Alan Outdoor GearLab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de0811ca-4184-4480-a6b7-0d11603727b1/IMG_4624.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - hiking across the Ironbound Range Geoff’s tee has plenty of length to sit well below the hip belt of his pack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a11357c-c094-4c3d-b075-189997893809/IMG_4962.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Granite Beach waterfall Zip off pants zipped off on a mild, leech-free day on the South Coast track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8c66a06-87a7-4d5f-9077-02ad8fba79ae/1+-+Overland+Track+September+2015+-+Kerry+Forrest.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - Synthetic leggings worn under shorts and merino leggings worn under a hiking skort: mix and match as you wish! Synthetic leggings worn under shorts and merino leggings worn under a hiking skort: mix and match as you wish! (Image Credit: Kerry Forrest). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e238627-6b40-4243-80fb-dbb4681d2a90/IMG_2127.jpg Clothing - Base layers: Clothes For Multiday Hiking Part 2 - I live in these Polartec Powerdry leggings (also bootleg style) at home and have multiple pairs, usually bought when on sale because they’re expensive at full price. I’ve lost weight since buying them so they don’t fit quite as nicely as they used to, but fortunately quality fleece base layers like this survive multiple washes without losing their shape or stretch. In my opinion they are a little too warm and funky for multiday hiking in all but winter in alpine areas of Australia, but are ideal for cool, easy day hikes. https://slowerhiking.com/hiking-clothing/clothes-for-multiday-hiking-part-3-midinsulation-layers monthly 0.5 2026-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6fcc1ef4-dc77-4623-ae89-684f8fff090f/kylie+bevan+near+mt+jagungal-.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out A warm puffy and hot cuppa on a chilly morning near Mt Jagungal (Image Credit: Kylie Bevan) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7db788e7-ea99-4892-bec1-25585dcbec0b/kylie+bevan+aawt.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out On the Australian Alps Walking Trail with a polyester mid layer over a base layer (Image Credit: Kylie Bevan) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/595214da-1e80-4048-8dd1-ce953bcd0f32/mid+layers+round+camp-1236.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Mid layers around camp: two polyester fleeces, one down jacket, and one synthetic jacket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ed8c7aa2-ed18-47fe-ab46-ae6e2c901689/montane+terrain-6467.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Geoff’s trusty fleece is enough for him in subalpine cool. I’m wearing a rain shell over mine for extra warmth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc537887-c10b-4862-949c-bc8921fc7d7e/base+layers+worn+as+mid+layers+3-2.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - We are each wearing two base layers, with my merino long-sleeved crew warm enough to act as a mid layer over a merino tee in mild weather. Geoff has a lighter weight long-sleeved merino crew under his usual base layer tee - like many men, he always wears a long sleeved top under a short sleeved one for no reason I can discern. As we saw in Part Two, Base Layers, these are worn against your skin and their main purpose is to keep you dry from sweat rather than warm, although ‘thermal’ base layers have the added advantage of keeping you warm whilst doing so. However, at a certain point, base layers become thick and warm enough to be an insulating mid layer when they are worn over another base layer. For example, in warm climates, a merino thermal of only 200gsm might be sufficient as an insulating mid layer. Heavier weight merino — 300+gsm — is more mid layer than base layer in Australia though, as we’ll see, exceptions exist. Conversely, a medium to light weight microfleece such as the Mont Powerdry long sleeved crew shirt also makes an excellent base layer under a mid layer in alpine conditions, so stay open to using the same top in different ways on different hikes rather than buying a new one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bef1e8ff-8f26-4646-a4a3-30fa89183744/different+packability+midlayers-2418.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Left to right: - Macpac Nitro 90gsm Alpha Direct hoodie 115g/4.1oz (add wind shirt 47g/1.7oz to total 162g/5.7oz) - Ghost Whisperer hoodless down jacket packed into its own pocket 203g/7.2oz - Helly Hansen hoodless fleece 240g/8.5oz - Hand knit pure wool cable jumper 810g/28.6oz These aren’t like for like, of course, but give ballpark figures of what you might expect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a454fa68-ce84-4164-8947-d929e98f28bc/Women%E2%80%99s+300+MerinoFine%E2%84%A2+Polar+Long+Sleeve+Half+Zip+Thermal+Top+.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out At 300gsm, this Icebreaker Women’s 300 MerinoFine™ Polar Long Sleeve Half Zip Thermal Top can function either as an extremely warm base layer — perhaps too warm for most Australian conditions unless you’re moving slowly — or as a less warm mid layer. It would also double as warm sleepwear. The top in small weighs 260g/9oz; the merinofine is very soft against the skin but very expensive at AUD340/USD222 (Image Credit: Icebreaker). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/88b5e59a-5d1b-49af-b158-466d8e8bcef0/Merino+300+Original+Long+Sleeve+Half+Zip+Top.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out A more mid-layer style at the same gsm, this Icebreaker Merino 300 Original Long Sleeve Half Zip Top is less versatile for hiking, expensive (AUD260/USD170) and heavy with the medium clocking in at 460 g/16.23 oz. (Image Credit: Icebreaker). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df99cc4f-9e1d-4aa7-b2be-fcb65299ad8b/icebreaker+elemental+jacket.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Icebreaker’s stylish RealFleece Elemental (Image credit: Icebreaker) - 260GSM (women’s small 230g/8.1oz) - 300GSM (women’s small 320g/11.3oz) - 560GSM (women’s small 360g/12.7oz) These weights are light for wool, but not light compared to other materials. To compare, a midweight polyester fleece jacket in medium (not small) weighs 240g/8.5oz and an Alpha Direct fleece about 162g/5.7oz including a windshirt, both warmer for weight and therefore lighter for multiday backpacking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e6c12a9e-90a6-42f4-8799-2614eb21d54f/icebreaker+merinoloft+down+510g+womens+small.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Icebreaker Merinoloft down (Image Credit: Icebreaker) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2e8896de-4fa2-469e-93a2-b51bf366551a/IMG_4438.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out This midweight fleece lasted six years… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/89f177a4-2566-47ec-96b4-e6656295a622/P8140404.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Geoff’s fleece eight years and still going strong! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/51fc75f9-2ab8-461b-98d3-dfdaa2545ec6/heavy+fleece-1750.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Early heavy days on the Tour Mont Blanc. Geoff’s overkill fleece without a hood weighs an astonishing 680g/24oz! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce051c8a-9c80-4d87-b53c-e0ca4b8aad91/macpac+nitro-2313.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Geoff in his Macpac Nitro hoody, far cheaper for Aussies than US-made equivalents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c42ef7c-976d-4fe9-a291-21332f4e1fcd/zpacks+ventum+windshirt+47g.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Zpacks 47g wind shirt (Image Credit: zpacks) Wind Shirts When paired with zpacks 47g/1.7oz wind shirt, AD is still only two thirds the weight of a medium standard fleece, and almost as warm depending on GSM of either. It’s warmer than the micro fleece jackets I own, and it’s lighter even than my medium women’s 203g/7.2oz Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer down jacket, but this time considerably less warm. Timmermade also makes wind shirts, including a more breathable one for very high output activities (eg fastpacking). Larger manufacturers also make slightly heavier wind shirts, such as Patagonia’s Houdini or, at the other end of the spectrum for the budget conscious, the equally famous Dooy windbreaker. A wind shirt — acting as a dry weather shell — incorporated into your layering mix can be worn over any base layer, over any base layer plus any non-windproof fleece, or under any rain shell. However, if you already carry an ultralight highly breathable rain shell such as Enlightened Equipment’s Visp or zpack’s Vertice, a wind shirt is superflous — just use the rain shell instead. If your rainshell is heavier or less breathable, a wind shirt is not synonymous and is a worthwhile addition to your system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8dcff177-4e5c-4699-a6fc-cae93bc434e0/women%27s+macpac+nitro+AD+hoody.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - MacPac Nitro women’s hoodie: no chest pocket so even lighter than the men’s model! (Image Credit: Macpac) In Australia, your cheapest AD option at time of writing is Macpac’s Nitro hoodie. The women’s model lacks the chest pocket of the men’s model but for once this is an advantage and saves weight in a garment whose prime purpose is a high warmth:weight ratio. The famous (or infamous) unobtanium Senchi hoodie is an eye-watering AUD270, or USD178 plus international postage at time of writing. Mac Pac’s Nitro hoodie, without a quarter zip but of the exact same 90gsm Alpha Direct material, is AUD179/USD118 full price, AUD108/USD71 member price, but I bought Geoff’s at a clearance price of AUD89/USD59, with the women’s still available in small to medium sizes at that price at time of writing. Check in regularly for sales or get on their mailing list: it’s still a lot to pay for fleece! I usually disregard colour when buying clearance clothing — colour is often the reason it’s remaindered! — but this highly impractical pale blue would require more frequent laundering than ideal. Some manufacturers join AD to a facing material for you. MacPac’s 90GSM AD Pisa has a ripstop nylon outer but weighs 380g in a men’s medium, negating much of AD’s advantages. Timmermade’s 226g/8oz Alpha Shell jacket is customisable for both shell denier and AD GSM, (tradeoffs in weight, warmth, breathability and robustness) with a commensurate price tag. However, in our opinion, keeping wind and alpha layers separate is far more versatile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1df3601b-e29d-4dd4-8173-66f4ee053d10/tejin+octa.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Hollow, eight-armed fibre in cross section (Image Credit: Tejin) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/17080281-5d7f-48c3-a634-ef5dc467cecb/octa-use-function.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Tejin Octafleece inner (Image Credit: Tejin Octa). The brushed back mesh inner is also arranged into a grid pattern, with the gaps able to trap even more air and warmth without adding weight, and allowing water vapour to pass through more easily. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/195ebe85-1168-49d2-bc5c-b71890ad4a4b/DSCN0771.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Staying warm in down on an extraordinary morning near the Acropolis, Tasmania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c000a1e-a558-461c-9e89-b6db2eb566c6/puffy+and+fleece-0467.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Down plus fleece for me, fleece enough for Geoff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d283f75-8705-40b5-8075-a1ccd338023d/mont+zero+ul+down+jacket.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Mont Zero, 210g with 75g of 1000fp down, AUD400 at time of writing (Image Credit: Mont) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ae30b3a2-e0ee-4467-ba27-712f2fd9759f/msr+ghost+whisperer+800fp+220g.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 203g with 800fp down AUD535 at time of writing (Image credit: mountain Hardwear) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cca18aed-6119-485a-b14b-6cb74956fb81/Timmermade+SDUL+1+1.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Timmermade’s SDUL 1.1, 147g/5.2 oz with 1000fp down, AUD504 at time of writing (Image Credit: Timmermade) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7eb20ce6-9e46-4349-9c0d-b9e2707d09d8/puffy.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out However, a cheaper jacket with lower fillpower down can be equally warm, just slightly heavier. Geoff’s MacPac uberlight jacket with 75g of 650fp 90/10 down is just AUD176 (member price) or AUD95 on clearance sale at time of writing. It isn’t as warm as the Mont Zero with 75g of 1000fp down but it is ideal for those who run hot like Geoff, and only a few tens of grams heavier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f2a770c-f4dc-49db-865b-714462cca968/men-3xl-4.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Enlightened Equipment’s famous Torrid Apex jacket, 235g/8.3oz for a medium and beloved of US thru-hikers. EE has inclusive sizing up to men’s 3XL above, and a tall medium. (Image Credit: Enlightened Equipment). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/51862ff1-70a1-430f-ac2e-1486a2888e2b/patagonia+micrpuff+jacket+252g.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Patagonia women’s Micropuff jacket 252g/8.9oz (Image Credit: Patagonia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/accbd4f0-a332-40f0-b047-84d6fa092e8f/PA290152.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Our extremely dorky but extremely effective Macpac Earhed microfleece beanies have earflaps and an adjustable chin cord so the hat can’t blow off even in summit gales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d1b9687-9417-492b-a5d4-21dd0479cb13/beanie-6100278.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Hoodless jacket with beanie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4eff4714-0764-46a4-984a-b333bf97289f/hat-0435.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Hoodless jacket with sun hat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27a4920b-4fb8-4eb8-b382-e8a0b3000f1a/women-2xl-10.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Enlightened Equipment Women’s Torrid Pullover with half zip (Image Credit: Enlightened Equipment) Kangaroo pouches when well-placed over your tum allow you to warm your hands and add a lot of warmth to the torso but, again, they are irrelevant if you are hiking with gloves or trekking poles, and pack hip belts often get in the way. If you can’t use them, they are unnecessary weight. Kudos to EE for their inclusive sizing: this is the women’s 2XL, sizing goes to 3XL. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6dabbf21-d837-48a3-84b1-73f482b5b4fb/IMG_5560.jpg Clothing - Mid/Insulation Layers: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 3 - Make it stand out Toasty warm in Lake Vera Hut, Tasmania. Geoff is wearing a short-sleeved merino tee base layer and his eight-year-old polyester fleece mid layer. Cold fish me is wearing a long-sleeved merino base layer, a polyester fleece insulation mid layer, and a second down insulation mid layer, also 8 years old. Our shell rain jackets are hanging out of shot but, if it were even colder, I would be wearing that too! https://slowerhiking.com/hiking-clothing/clothes-for-multiday-hiking-part-4-the-shell monthly 0.5 2026-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9850873-9ac4-4aaf-81af-35e8cd67ddbe/IMG_5022.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - south coast track Geoff peering up from under the brim of his shell during a downpour on the South Coast Track, Tasmania. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a108021-4e2a-41f0-b615-6bf344299e6a/65+Robert+C+Hornstradir.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - heavy duty rain gear Bombproof shells in Hornstradir, Iceland (Image Credit: Robert C.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/015402a2-a8fb-48e6-9136-21bee0f0f626/IMG_5097.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Thorsborne Trail Australia is a big country. The Thorsborne trail on Hinchinbrook Island in tropical Queensland: hot even in mid-winter. No need for bomber shell wear here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b17e5f9-b526-4a7c-b922-ea814470995d/IMG_6311.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - duckboards along Frenchman’s Cap trail Frenchman’s Cap, mid-summer, Tasmania. Snow and blizzards happen in central Tasmania’s high country at any time of year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/465e9845-99fe-49bb-a234-0c9805644dfa/001cameron+s2.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - hiking in the snow Fully layered and ready for anything (Image Credit: Cameron S.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6555407f-b8ec-4bc5-8dae-5c1066faa370/IMG_3216.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Kangaroo Island Wilderness trail camp site Geoff has kept his warm puffy and thermals dry for in camp; here they’re worn under a shell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7144e0ef-7f9b-48c4-8729-694757c18bdc/P1152609.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Lake Meston Hut, Walls of Jerusalem Ready to go again after a stop at Lake Meston Hut, Walls of Jerusalem. Three lads inside were saturated with no dry clothes to change into. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1770094689092-CI35271XK0VYA9QJQ0MH/Tassie+Police+end+September.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Tassie SAR, late spring (Image Credit DPFEM) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1770094720750-7G5VTRCZEWOFVH8KRQ8F/DeptFireand+Emergency+Services+Tas.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Police rescue, Tassie Summer (Image Credit: Tas police) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/367f50e8-0e36-4a18-888e-851c18d7f0e1/IMG_8868.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Windy Saddle Geoff in his ultralight breathable shell on the Larapinta Trail. It was cold (-8C/17F with wind chill), drizzly and, yes, windy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/edf6f4bf-b42e-4645-b9df-b991fb5db143/IMG_4409.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - South Coast Track Tasmania WBMs on the South Coast Track: much needed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c24cd89f-043c-4f10-9fcf-ac0b99326ef1/_MG_7811+copy-2.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Mont Austral/Siena shells (image credit: Mont) Other membranes with hydrophilic rather than hydrophobic coatings include Mont’s Hydronaute, The North Face’s HyVent and Marmot’s Nano Pro. They perform best in colder temperatures around 0C. Mont writes of their Hydronaute: “[Hydronaute utilises] a monolithic PU [polyurethane] membrane that uses a non-porous structure to move moisture vapour through the membrane via a process called molecular diffusion. Unlike microporous membranes, which rely on static pores that can become less effective in high humidity, monolithic membranes thrive in such environments. In practical terms, this means moisture from perspiration is actively drawn away from the body, even in wet, high-output conditions such as prolonged alpine climbs.” Australian SAR in Australia’s coldest environments and the Australian Antarctic Division all use Mont shells. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/42199f7b-7b4a-4a05-a7e7-efb25b89351c/P7290241.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Iceland Ultralight Zpacks 3L shell on the Hellismannaleid, Iceland. This was their last trip: they began to fail for the first time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1770095915436-RO3O0JXBIUVUETBF7DV0/P1162633.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - 1350g/48oz 3L hard shell + mid-weight pants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1770095942534-YM1L55K52RX28W1ZQ8I0/IMG_8879.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - 255g/9oz 3L ultralight jacket + pants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/232555c0-6904-4d59-9c76-b9b9ba6ed98f/Steven+H+2.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - breathable rain jackets should bead water to be most effective These two shell jackets illustrate one that has ‘wet out’ (left) and one that is still beading (right). Frenchman’s Cap, Tasmania. (Image credit: Steven H). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06923db2-c7ed-4392-bdea-e7f0edff89d2/wikimedia.org.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Green fluorine and black carbon atoms Green fluorine and black carbon atoms, with others at the head (Image Credit: Wikimedia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d1a624c5-afd7-41fd-9f49-a70cf1dbc7bc/008+IMG_1094.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Mont 3L shells in the notoriously unpredictable Western Arthurs, Tasmania (Image credit: Tony R.) As you’d expect, heavier jackets with thicker facing materials in a company’s line-up provide more protection to the membrane and, depending on fabric construction, yarn count and fibre type are designed to be more durable to abrasion, wear and tear than lighter shells. They are often teamed with higher HH membranes and together these features mean they remain waterproof for more years, especially those with a woven inner layer, such as those in Mont’s heavier shells. Different design features also significantly affect a shell’s waterproofness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5df61f50-f538-4f5d-892b-2a1db6a7d609/IMG_E4078.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Cup-a-soup This was the day that Geoff’s shell seeped on the Bibbulmun Track. Here we’re under a tiny, leaky shelter, with hot soup to warm us up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/377778f0-3862-4d77-9587-5673f6392ec4/DSC00481.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Helen and Geoff in New Zealand 3L 700g/24.7oz shells in New Zealand. These 14-year-old shells have been scrupulously cared for with regular washing and DWR renewal, and are still waterproof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a659e4fc-6103-4554-aee2-28c2c7ce4be5/IMG_5037.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - South Coast Track When shell wear gets this wet, no material is super breathable! However, at the end of the day, we were only damp rather than wet, and didn’t get cold, even when moving slowly. South Coast Track, Tasmania. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c7116c1e-f557-4107-b1be-2ad275b204f2/04+lunch+on+log.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Bibbulmun Track Ultralight, highly breathable shells are ideal for showery weather as here because they dry between squalls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/53850458-5340-4e56-8696-985811901a8f/Screenshot+2026-02-02+184736.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - RM Williams Drizabone Ranger Oilskin (Image credit: RM Williams) This old technology retains its place as environmentally sustainable, repairable, durable and lasting for longer than any DWR, but nowadays is more for day wear rather than hiking. Whilst unwaxed cotton is a big no-no as a base or mid layer, waxed or oiled cotton is almost waterproof but also heavy and not highly breathable. Australians may remember the classic canvas japara; RM still manufactures oilskins or Drizabones. UK outdoor clothing manufacturers – experts in catering to infamously wet and cold conditions – still sell waxed cotton shell wear, but most are lined and too heavy for multiday hiking. Maintenance comprises re-waxing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6be6e67f-4ca6-4ae1-acd6-c02e2891f1ba/006+Steven+H+3.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - hiking friends Both these shells have storm flaps, but the one on the right also has a higher collar that, when zipped up, covers the chin and lower face, with fewer trickles into the neck in driving rain. (Image Credit Steve H.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bc8f4ea9-578e-49ff-afd0-e8a471ff3747/_MG_4384+copy-2.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Mount rain jackets Waterproof zips, hoods and collars with good coverage and velcro cuffs on these shells (Austral/Siena) (Image Credit: Mont) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0160182a-fb93-4d31-8183-a751699191ab/IMG_5259.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - high collar rain jackets Arcteryx shells are eye-wateringly expensive — we bought ours heavily discounted during sales because full price is, in our opinion, prohibitive in Australia — but their hoods have outstanding adjustability, especially when teamed with a cap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cd8b2bf4-cddb-4571-bb55-3451d0fc8ccc/19+Oct+2024+walking+AAWT+-+Kylie+Bevan+-+when+your+rain+jacket+multitasks+as+a+wind+jacket%281%29.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Mid-thigh-length shell Mid-thigh-length shells are practical for warmth as well as rain. Here on the Australian Alps Walking Trail, Kylie has unzipped hers from the bottom for more freedom of movement. (Image Credit: Kylie B.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/edcc3433-0f4f-4fec-9de0-2a270a6397de/venecia+B+3.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Image Credit: Venecia B. Pocket placement is important to integrate well with hipbelts. (Image Credit: Venecia B.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2697d514-5fab-459a-aa91-bcb38ad53222/Annette+F+3.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Tour Mont Blanc Annette enjoying the Tour Mont Blanc in summer. At this time of year, Northern Hemisphere mountains often experience drenching afternoon thunderstorms, but you’re rarely remote, and you won’t encounter blizzards as you might in Tasmanian summers. (Image Credit Annette F). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d8fb358a-a5f9-4f84-89ca-7a5bac182314/_MG_0465+copy-2.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Mont jacket A traditional thigh length 3L shell like this Odyssey weighs 658g/23oz in a women’s 12 (more than many ultralight tents and triple the weight of ultralight shells), but it also has a HH of 35,000MM and an MVTR of >22,000g/m2/24hr. A shorter shell jacket with the same specs weighs significantly less. (Image Credit: Mont). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1770091348097-APRMDK6VPAFXV3NF07NU/gatewood+2.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Gatweood Cape (Image: Gatewood) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1770091364462-EONNAAWXQVZ4T4UNFVC9/gatewood.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Gatewood Cape as tent (Image: Gatewood) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/54ce9bdb-d55f-47c7-aba4-58f64c1c0eab/13+rest+time.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - ultralight rain pants Ultralight rain shell and pants (255g/9oz total, over 1kg/35oz lighter than our bomber set). Note the little Gear Aid patch on the knee where I fell and immediately tore the material. Ultralight gaiters tile-style UNDER rain pants rather than over the top often work better unless in brushy scrub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3813b31-a9bd-429a-9908-7ea8bb049c8a/IMG_5058.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Iron Bound range, south coast track tasmania Midweight OR Foray rain pants worked well on the South Coast Track, but we were careful with them. They are, in our opinion, a little too light for rockier scrambles. And we teamed them with a more robust shell jacket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d7066267-6809-4878-b194-ea967a0db6b3/IMG_5128.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Pingerup Plains, On the Bibbulmun Track on cool, showery days through the Pingerup Plains, we wore only merino briefs under ultralight (sub 200g/7oz) original Visp overpants, which breathed so well that they didn’t become clammy against bare skin; we rolled them up whilst wading. Similar weight pants include Zpacks Vertice, Mont Lightspeed, Montbell Super Dry-Tec and the Rab Phantom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e6b8b5d0-de28-47c3-84d8-3f0a3fbac47a/002Annette+F1.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - rain kilt A combination of shell wear including a rain kilt. Macpac make a waterproof hat with a brim similar to the one Annette is wearing. (Image Credit: Annette F.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c92e14cc-4bcd-4f01-8629-b9987acefdbb/005+Michael+F.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - Hiking umbrellas Michael and Anna of Our Wanderlust on the Camino de Santiago (Image Credit: Michael Fogarty) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4b1cd4f5-6746-4911-805d-df629700d3ed/IMG_8448.jpg Clothing - The Rain Shell: Clothes for Multiday Hiking Part 4 - view from Frenchman's Cap Weather changes quickly in the mountains. On this spur trail day hike, we left big packs in the hut but carried essentials, including shells, in day packs. We needed those shells on top! Brrr! Later that afternoon, the peak was engulfed in icy mist and rain. https://slowerhiking.com/hiking-clothing/choosing-the-right-hiking-shoes monthly 0.5 2025-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d6d4bf42-b7d6-4fcf-b066-ee21b375d3fa/01+My+current+hiking+boots.JPG Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - My current favourite hiking footwear: Hoka Sky Kaha. My favourite hiking footwear: Hoka Sky Kaha were superseded by a new model that didn’t fit my foot, but which worked for Geoff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4c12b785-c902-4760-959b-44f8a4153d2d/02+sneakers+and+boots.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Which footwear suits you best? Which footwear suits you best? There is no one right or wrong answer: heavier boots or even sneakers can both be the correct choice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca664845-1f2a-4e16-a7ce-8ff1d9420810/03+scarpas.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Scarpas in Europe. Scarpas in Europe. Many hikers find these boots perfect, but I did not. How I hated them! I kept on with them for far too long only because they worked for Geoff, and I assumed that there was no better alternative for me. How wrong I was! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a51b99bd-399b-4475-8451-e7338b7e9677/04+Altras+with+their+ewonderfully+wide+toebox.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Altras Altras These shoes have a famously wide toebox https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e057d15b-aa97-4aa4-a501-5dab6ff46181/04a+hiking+boot+journey.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - My hiking footwear journey L to R: Salomons (2 pr), Altras, Hokas. My hiking footwear journey L to R: Salomons (2 pr), Altras, Hokas. I now wear Topos. The gap is where the Scarpas were. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86984744-bce4-4a07-9be9-233a6bb76bed/05+DunlopVolley.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - The much loved original Dunlop Volley, The much loved original Dunlop Volley, a bit worse for wear (Image Credit: Wikipedia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a735a7ce-33f8-4086-8afc-c9c19eb24bc0/05b+hokas+wide+heel.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Factors beyond the height of the cut contribute to a boot or shoe’s stability. Factors beyond the height of the cut contribute to a boot or shoe’s stability. The very wide heel of these Hokas greatly reduced rolled ankles for me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a6fdcbd-88ce-467c-9c72-c59e602e5426/05a+mountaineering+boots.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - You’ll need mountaineering boots for this terrain: You’ll need mountaineering boots for this terrain: Sandals won’t cut it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78d145e3-d984-4773-b7bd-923a3e916dc5/06hiking+sandals++in+europe+2.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Geoff in Keen hiking sandals Geoff in Keen hiking sandals. Perfect for a leisurely day walk, France. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bebc150b-31aa-419c-9788-572b1414dbc4/7a+old+scarpas.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Scarpa Boot Old version https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ddb60a2e-92fc-487c-b636-10bfca7d0478/7b+new+scarpas.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Scarpa Boot Mostly new (after our 1000 km Bibbulmun Thru hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ff8a4ba-6ee2-426e-bad8-257b7f4f5b13/08a+altra+mesh+and+waterproof.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Left: Altra mid mesh boot – sadly no longer made. A fast-drying, breathable, very lightweight mid boot. Left: Altra mid mesh boot – sadly no longer made. Similarly, the same thing happened to my favourite Topo non-waterproof boot with a similar, minimal drop mid model that was fast-drying, breathable and very lightweight. Right: ‘waterproof’ RainSnowMud version. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e9a9206-2a10-4c7f-809b-352d57995bfe/10+wet+wading.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Five days of sloshing. Five days of sloshing. No boot is waterproof in this, except perhaps thigh high rubber waders! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca4238a6-2809-4be7-a28b-937e15de881c/10b+hiking+sandals.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Hiking sandals for a day walk in New Zealand: Hiking sandals for a day walk in New Zealand: perfect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9b363afa-04c8-43ec-aea0-583364aaaa0f/11+altra+clown+shoes.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Altras look a bit like clown shoes, but they are famously ‘foot-shaped’ and comfortable. Altras look a bit like clown shoes, but they are famously ‘foot-shaped’ and comfortable. I’d still be wearing them for many hikes if I could. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2636883d-f146-4311-b1a8-bd1cbd026aa4/12a+scarpas+or+sneakers.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Our friend, carrying under 3 kg, preferred light sneakers on her hike with us; Our friend, carrying under 3 kg, preferred light sneakers on her hike with us; Geoff, carrying considerably more, preferred his Scarpas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c9ecd4c4-1d5b-473e-8548-57196ee7bee4/13a+highly+flexible+altra+sole.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Altra Boot Bendy Altras https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a03a298a-2469-4201-95b0-6fc2c65979f0/13b+less+flexible+scarpa.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Scarpa Boot Stiff Scarpas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71c438d5-0bbb-49b9-b59c-583dfea67850/14+altra+and+scarpa+showing+rocker+sole+vs+instep.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Altra with a rocker sole and Altra with a rocker sole and traditional heeled Scarpas with an instep https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/56168323-bd65-4981-b15c-bca194bd4fce/16+Steep+Fimmvorduhals+views.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Views from the spectacular but steep Fimmvorduhals Trail in Iceland… Views from the spectacular but steep Fimmvorduhals Trail in Iceland… lifetime memories worth the steep price of ignoring the ensuing tendinitis! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5ccb75b-9107-499b-beb8-ecfa906c1a5d/merrel+barefoot.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Make it stand out I wear these Merrel barefoot shoes around home and for short hops around the shops, but not for hiking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c29d0979-0c57-4781-a007-89f2cdc8c1bc/17+zamberlan+leather+boots2.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Make it stand out These new secondhand Zamberlan full grain leather boots are a fantastic bargain for someone… just not the person who first bought them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b518fe4e-c7bc-4878-a8f3-47b8dd21ef81/18+boots+drying.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - Boots drying Boots drying https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1af47d96-ad3e-43ab-8f00-922392353756/19+the+right+boots.jpg Clothing - How to Choose the Best Hiking Shoes for You - The right footwear can make or break your hike. Once you find the right shoe, find the left one! https://slowerhiking.com/hiking-clothing/hiking-shoes-socks-and-how-to-avoid-blisters monthly 0.5 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b378040-946c-402c-b2fe-9c7d9227dcd7/01+river+crossing%2C+Iceland.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out This hiker has swapped his boots for river crossing shoes, Laugavegur Trail, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dfc3c6ff-6091-4600-90cd-19d949e57ee1/01a+camp+shoes.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out Geoff’s camp/river crossing shoes are a women’s model in black. They are lighter than the chunkier men’s model. Men with wide feet won’t be able to do this, though. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6db604d9-420d-4010-9334-33f847ac2513/03a+keens+sandals.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out These Keens sandals are okay if you are hiking in them… but at 823g (29oz) for size 42 they are too heavy to carry just for river crossings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/28982426-1dd8-442b-94b1-93f7feeb1a7a/03+rubber+thongs.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out You might think these delicate-looking rubber haviana thongs would be light, but they are actually quite heavy at 313g (11oz)/size 42 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dfdc79cb-03e2-44cf-939d-18b175a02f98/02+croc+thongs.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out Whereas these bulky-looking Croc thongs are about two thirds the weight at just 199g (7oz)/size 42! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d9b03864-d44f-465a-859f-5127d38cbb01/04+swiftwater+sandals.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out Crocs Swiftwater sandals (310g/10.9oz size 42): not the lightest, but it’s possible to hike in them as well https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/986fc9dd-a8e8-4f45-827c-c62cea9f902f/04a+dawgs+sandals.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out Dawgs – reasonably light (227g/8oz size 42) with a heel strap and firm sole: not bad for river crossing sandals https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/facdbd6d-fec6-4d0b-8038-ffc530d96e26/07+rifugia+slippers.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out Rifugia slippers are there for you to use… but many of us prefer our own footwear! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a34a50e1-3d13-4b3b-9b3d-68b3908fbb7d/09a+boot+lacing+styles.JPG Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out Lacing techniques to address different foot shapes and problems (Image Credit: GearJunkie.com) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/11ab5e70-d349-40e5-bf9d-aa3045af4dcf/10+gaiters+under+rainpants.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out In heavy or consistent rain, always wear long gaiters ‘tile-style’ under rainpants to prevent water running down your rainpants, under the gaiters and seeping into your shoes or boots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c6d7070-c3e5-4b10-a972-b04c9f525617/11+long+lightweight+vertice+gaiters+more+tenacious+tape+than+gaiter.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out These ultralightweight gaiters were quite understandably damaged by bush-bashing in Tasmanian scrub but, with ‘a bit’ of extra tenacious tape, held up another 1,000km! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/614a294b-84fd-4fcf-a12f-4ab097d4c261/12+short+gaiter.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out Short gaiters won’t protect against abrasion, snakes or a lot of mud, but are ideal for keeping gravel, grit and rain out of shoes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e0b1436-24d5-46e4-91c4-ae670c7c886c/13+metatarsal+dome+modifications+using+foam+and+Fixomull.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out DIY modification to create a metatarsal dome on the track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/871b0aa2-8ca0-4769-ba8f-46f2c56f4bb7/13a+insoles.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out Different insoles after purchase and the sockliners that come with the shoe. The insert adapted by a podiatrist on the left was one that didn’t work for me. A subsequent one from an orthotist did. Some manufacturers have better insoles than others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ae0016a5-3912-4356-964e-c8bcf5d9c450/14+favourite+hiking+socks.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out My favourite mid weight Smartwool Womens pHD wool hiking socks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6d5350b-5faf-4a89-b2c1-80d904058a3b/15+bamboo+hiking+socks.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out These Wigwam bamboo hiking socks are very comfortable, but take too long to dry to be practical in any but very hot climates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6da680e-06ef-4994-a85a-2c21fba8b000/15a+Darn+Tough+socks.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out We’ll need to send these Darn Tough socks off to be replaced! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6bfc5641-aa8e-4730-8e77-de6bbbede521/16+most+hiking+socks+have+cushioning.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out I like the Smartwool socks because they fit very snugly in the arch, and have extra cushioning at the heel and forefoot. This fit holds the sock very firmly in place, without any sliding against my skin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e43ffd66-649d-4854-8908-2c51ee38ce1f/16a+dexshell+waterproof+socks.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out Dexshells have a loop inner knit and a tighter plain knit on the outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/848d6263-483b-4380-88ce-7cbb86fc1a5f/17+dexshells+in+sandals.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out Dexshells and Geoff’s ancient hiking sandals. No sartorial splendour here, but his feet will be dry! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5b82b23-084b-46a1-abc0-184ed9d45366/17a+wear+in+new+boots.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out It’s a great idea to wear boots in before big hikes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9953b6e3-9b43-41bf-9b1f-66206ba1d2d9/18+boots+drying-2.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out Boots, socks and insoles drying: you can see my custom ones. I added a bit of DIY height to the heel to maintain the drop as the Hoka boots wore down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b1973933-37e5-4e53-a33c-e2d9dc99982d/18a+sockys+and+clothes+drying.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b27d0023-8598-40d7-ab8c-28eae8629ee8/20+foam+sit+pad+and+hokas.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out Use thin sitpad foam as a short term fix: cut a donut shape and attach with hypafix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c25a5bb5-f7c3-4564-a904-8b3762f33860/21+1000+km+without+a+blister.jpg Clothing - River Crossing/Camp Shoes, Lacing Techniques, Gaiters, Insoles, Socks and Preventing Blisters - Make it stand out 1000 km without a single blister! https://slowerhiking.com/skills-techniques daily 0.75 2025-11-01 https://slowerhiking.com/skills-techniques/how-to-plan-a-slower-hike monthly 0.5 2025-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d327e96d-40ed-43da-9bff-818b86a3dc00/Lake+Chalice+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park+2.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Just sitting Just sitting - taking time to immerse in the landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d449bb7b-9cdd-4706-90ac-362282a92cdb/Tour+Mont+Blanc+2.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Taking time to enjoy the view Taking time to enjoy the view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a3ebdf5e-5746-4887-aecc-a8017ca17779/Exposed+mountain+side+dolomites.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Looks can be deceiving. Looks can be deceiving - the views are stunning but fortunately this track is not as exposed as it might appear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aa3de34d-6ae5-4c72-88d1-f801d4a46436/Trappers+Hut+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Trappers Hut Soon after stopping at Trappers Hut in the Walls of Jerusalem for a rest and snack, we met another couple. They were doing the 3 day hike and asked our plans. When I told them, the chap paused and then responded with a wistful look in his eyes, “I don’t mean to sound rude, but that sounds a bit indulgent!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6ab95182-5896-49f7-874a-14f2ef1db374/Rifugia+Sleeping+area+Tour+Mt+Blanc.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Staying in rifugias in Europe involves trading off personal space for a much richer cultural experience, which we’ve always found worthwhile. Staying in rifugias in Europe involves trading off personal space for a much richer cultural experience, which we’ve always found worthwhile. You get a feed of local food and glass of wine in the evening, so eating at a shared table and sleeping in a mixed dormitory is fine for a couple of days. And everybody usually respects each other’s space as best they can. You’ll also find that some more upmarket ones have separate twin share rooms that can be booked. But it pays to learn some of the basic language. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5f34c3df-e67b-4d88-9895-288fc1ded1b5/Dolomites+Rifugia.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Per favore una birra ! Per favore una birra ! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4969ac3b-ba8d-497a-bd94-ce517dccb084/Camp+site+Hellismannaleid++Track+Iceland.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Wild camping in Iceland allowed us to get away earlier. Wild camping in Iceland allowed us to get away earlier and wow, what a remarkable place to sleep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c96bae5a-13e2-4f1b-b191-992127142fc8/View+on+top+Iceland.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - On top of the world… in Iceland It took us a little longer than Naismith might have predicted… but we got there and had plenty of time to enjoy the views of Skaftafellsjokull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b794ea1a-9c0e-4101-a8cc-595aec74ddb2/Climbing+ladder+Tour+Mont+Blanc.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Note to self: add ladder category to hiking speeds list! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd800e98-83e4-4251-9676-2712a7fcdf51/Swiming+in+Lake+Chalice+Walls+of+Jerusalem+National+Park.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Rest Day Time for a swim and a soap-free wash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d734ecc4-7f08-4585-9578-4feb7a1fca5c/P6273995.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Ellery Creek North A marvellous rest day at Ellery Creek North on the Larapinta. We watched an eagle snatch fish from the water as we boiled up our cuppa. It was a diamond day to make banner memories. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f3dc9a7-dc73-475a-ba04-4c46c6627d6e/Food+and+Water+Cache.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Where access is possible beforehand, food and water drops can be placed out of sight near intended camp sites. Ensure they are sealed and vermin proof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a752cbc9-c7c8-432b-8b49-ee994ad626bd/Chalet+for+lunch+Tour+Mont+Blanc.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Track side cafe Local cafes along the way (here, Mont Blanc) are a great way to sample local produce, experience cultural differences, support the local economy, and add variety to daily meals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8989016-cfe3-48aa-8fc0-e10963e3a251/Investigator+Trail+Map.jpeg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Base map of a hike for initial planning. This is a base map for our Investigator Trial hike planning. Blue lines are walking trails associated with the standard 4-5 day 90 km hike. Yellow stars are potential camp sites, green triangles possible water points (assuming rainwater tanks have water in them), pink dots Parks designated waypoints associated with the walking trail. Numbers along the blue lines are distances between waypoints in metres. I used this information along with Park brochures to develop our 7 day hike plan for our 70 km with rest day version of the Investigator Trail in Lincoln National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628569043976-95O8O2FTQWJ18Y0WGBN4/Larapinta+Example.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Tabulate the distances between key points An example hike planning table https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ca3612b-1112-4cf4-8fd1-413e819beb30/New+Zealand+Hike+1.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - We like to take our time… We like to take our time to absorb and enjoy views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2c0870b-d695-4d86-987d-8dd178df18d0/Slower+Hiking+McKerral+Fisher+About.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - Fimmvorduhals trail Fimmvorduhals trail Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5f9496ac-9599-42c8-8046-87d0e8f7d130/Celebratory+Wine+AFter+a+long+day+Tour+Mont+Blanc.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Plan a Slower Hike - You can get to most places A welcome beer on the TMB. https://slowerhiking.com/skills-techniques/seven-reasons-to-reduce-your-pack-weight monthly 0.5 2025-07-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69cffc03-3a51-4d28-85fc-48eb016dc506/heavy+pack.jpg Skills & Techniques - Seven Reasons to Reduce Your Pack Weight - Tour Mt Blanc The views were great but it was harder than necessary to get to see them https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/45edc983-ac35-4e93-bf5b-d2a905d1aefb/kneebrce.jpg Skills & Techniques - Seven Reasons to Reduce Your Pack Weight - Near the top… Near the top …. must be lunch time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74fb5add-34d5-48a0-9779-fa54a625699a/kneebrace2.jpg Skills & Techniques - Seven Reasons to Reduce Your Pack Weight - We enjoy doing many things together, We enjoy doing many things together, but really… matching knee braces? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1618726997428-RNNWRZWR3DEXVRTGU5M8/DSCN7289_r1.jpg Skills & Techniques - Seven Reasons to Reduce Your Pack Weight - Scrambling the scree slopes in the Dolomites was fun but also put added pressure on joints, with unexpected slips made worse with extra weight on board. Scrambling the scree slopes in the Dolomites was fun but also put added pressure on joints, with unexpected slips made worse with extra weight on board - oh my aching knees! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1618719952140-5DBXYKAS50C67ZYW84QD/DSCN0411.jpg Skills & Techniques - Seven Reasons to Reduce Your Pack Weight - With a lighter pack weight I could focus on the views rather than reaching camp With a lighter pack weight I could focus on the views rather than reaching camp! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04c10a4f-3875-4757-9459-7b95fb1c7a4a/Crossing+the+ashplain+Hellismannaleid+Track+Iceland.jpg Skills & Techniques - Seven Reasons to Reduce Your Pack Weight - A rare 30 km day in Iceland to reach a safe camp site with bad weather approaching A rare 30km/18.6mi day in Iceland to reach a safe camp site with bad weather approaching — a long day for us but doable with lighter packs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f6d1d35-7817-4d24-92b7-5886a6aa19c0/Wild+Sky+mammatus++behind++Mersey+River.jpg Skills & Techniques - Seven Reasons to Reduce Your Pack Weight - Appreciating the wild sky on Day 11 of our Walls Hike Appreciating the wild sky on Day 11 of our Walls of Jerusalem Hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab2d01fe-3316-4b87-850d-0aa1846e2a43/Duplex+in+the+mist+in+Tasmania.jpg Skills & Techniques - Seven Reasons to Reduce Your Pack Weight - Being fully independent we had many opportunities for side trips during our Overland Track trip Being fully independent we had many opportunities for side trips during our Overland Track trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1618721663365-RZSOHSAHJ10JKHFFDWL9/DSCN0467.jpg Skills & Techniques - Seven Reasons to Reduce Your Pack Weight - And… It’s always nice to finish the day’s walk with a smile! https://slowerhiking.com/skills-techniques/five-steps-to-a-lighter-pack monthly 0.5 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0cf7cbdb-f61f-44f9-9dc9-78b631fdd51a/heavy+clothing.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - Us before our transition to lightweight. Us before our transition to lightweight. Heavy packs, heavy fleece, heavy jackets, even heavy beanies! We still have all these things but use them on short or training walks where weight matters less. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b10a6152-f3e9-488c-baa3-72b027a3195e/Tent+at+Conical+Rocks+Tasmania.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - Duplex Tent: eye wateringly expensive with the exchange rates at the time… Duplex Tent: eye-wateringly expensive with the exchange rates at the time… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628408905274-JWYDLONRFM5JBFNUQ6G7/lanshan+tent.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - The excellent budget tent 3F UL Lanshan 2 PRO Ultralight Tent 2 Person 20D Or, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628409111009-UAO5WTJCEBWCGP5UH1FM/X-Mid-2P-1_low+res.jpeg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - for a little more (but a lot less than a DCF tent), the outstanding XMid2P https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a3a11edc-1c1b-4c7c-8420-d63fa07b9553/Lightweight+cooking+system.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - Our trusty cook system: pot, stove, cosy and cook https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b72137f-7958-4e4d-882f-b96df22b6029/happy+light+weight+hikers.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - First lightweight multiday on the Overland Track: Light fleece, light beanies, ultralight rain jackets, lightweight packs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ebea9d03-153a-4d4b-a308-ce746d04bc4b/triplex+light+weight+tent.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - The Triplex is a mansion for two The Triplex is a mansion for two but incredibly light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5d53a74-85b9-4f3b-96f6-43505cba18b3/SLi+tent+at+Mersey+River+campsite+Tasmania.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - We are yet to test it for ourselves but reviews suggest that: The Stratospire Li performs better in light snow and spindrift than the Duplex and Triplex https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df5900e9-63a6-400c-9ab4-ad4701533329/cooking+options.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - One of our car camping gas setups plus pot… One of our car camping gas stoves (Kovea titanium, now discontinued) plus pot and cheeky babblers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b9cff557-3244-41da-945e-1fd8de662591/Breakfast+on+hike+in+Tasmania.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - Breakfast in Tasmania: Breakfast in Tasmania: Boiling water for tea and porridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cf73afd3-47df-469c-9a97-5569c2ee7938/Weather+proof+but+heavy+jackets.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - Our bomb proof rain jackets: bought before a 2012 trip to New Zealand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/55cba642-66eb-4411-8782-36eb633399d9/Weather+proof+sturdy+hiking+jacket.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - Still going strong in 2021. So is the jacket! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/978b3320-0d33-4053-b762-1a33750cdbff/Iceland.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - Lightweight Challenger jackets and rain pants in Iceland. Lightweight Challenger jackets and rainpants in Iceland. Geoff’s jacket and my pants failed on this trip but had been great until then. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a2b09c54-65bd-4661-8f07-3b01f494050b/Helens+heavy+%2Cligher+and+lightest+packs.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - Helen’s backpack journey. L to R : Macpac Genesis Aztec 85L 3400g/120oz Osprey Exos original model M 58L 1300g/46oz Zpacks ArcHaul 60L 642g/30oz. Latest packs (not shown are an ArcHaul Ultra 70L for Geoff, and an ArcHaul Ultra 60L for me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41b921d6-880b-418c-a040-b153d0de4a3d/Dolomites+2.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - The 460g Aztec Genesis detachable day pack The 460g/16.2oz Aztec Genesis detachable day pack https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db76dc55-5b16-4d81-ade1-5c7e337ebd83/Light+day+pack+at+Lake+Eliza+Tasmania+2.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - Geoff’s 72g ultrasil Sea to Summit Day pack. Geoff’s 72g/2.5oz ultrasil Sea to Summit Day pack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d6c15005-14b6-484c-b6c9-5b05e17c6cf3/Ultralight+Day+Pack.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - And an even lighter daypack – an astonishing 30g/1.1oz! - that Geoff won (and I’ve appropriated) These tiny daypacks are still big enough for lunch, first aid kit, waterbottle and lightweight raingear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/abd79de4-2628-4e0d-a92d-d20d7eee1dff/Light+day+pack+at+Lake+Elysia+Tasmania.jpg Skills & Techniques - Five steps to a Lighter Pack - We would never have seen wonderful Lake Elysia without lightening our system. We would never have seen wonderful Lake Elysia without lightening our system. https://slowerhiking.com/skills-techniques/load-sharing-managing-weight-during-the-hike monthly 0.5 2022-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71db3232-f05c-4069-84db-0ecbf1118c1e/Happy+hikers+sharing+the+load.jpg Skills & Techniques - Load Sharing for Two - Teamwork and sharing the load Gets you to places you might otherwise only dream of https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3bd5349a-557b-41f4-89ec-00f863037fb3/Exposed+slope+Dolomites.jpg Skills & Techniques - Load Sharing for Two - If one person keeps falling behind. I wonder why Helen’s back there? Hmmm ….. I must have got the load share wrong! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/39eeaf2f-607c-46be-a159-5d99dc667a66/Lunch+with+View+Dolomites+.jpg Skills & Techniques - Load Sharing for Two - Resting on a grassy plateau A rare moment when I managed to grab the camera gear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628405246481-8MT7ABAR5C71454VA9L0/No+redistribution+kg.jpg Skills & Techniques - Load Sharing for Two - Looks fair? Well actually no. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628405281695-0N93MR9AHY9DUGNDCOPR/No+redistribution++pct.jpg Skills & Techniques - Load Sharing for Two - In fact, whilst we start out under the same relative load level of 96%, Helen is by the morning of the second day, already starting to work harder relative to myself – and the gap just gets bigger and by the mid-way point she is working around 10 % harder – each and every step of every day thereafter… that can’t end well! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628405314580-W05NOYBBQMIF59A6HMW2/With+redistribution.jpg Skills & Techniques - Load Sharing for Two - The dotted lines are in kilograms, the solid lines the percentage of our individual maximum load carrying capacity. The two dotted lines track more in parallel than that with no redistribution, because we are shedding pack weight at similar rates. The solid lines – the ones we are most interested in - track in a similar fashion with both starting and finishing at similar % of load capacity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628406024972-O9AEJ6FY535LI25MUBA8/79521156_1low+res.jpg Skills & Techniques - Load Sharing for Two - The way we do this from a practical perspective is Helen simply passes an item she is carrying to me after the first day and then again as we progress through the hike. That might be for example, the first aid kit, a camera lens, the remaining snacks – it doesn’t matter really as long as it is convenient and partly offsets the weight saving I’m making as we eat the food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de9c0e72-d37d-4545-b009-4d6f31d96f4b/Hiking+down+a+tree+rooted+path+.jpg Skills & Techniques - Load Sharing for Two - After operations on both knees, Geoff’s not too fond of steep slippery descents ! Slow but mostly steady! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/566f0716-b3c8-41a6-a492-e985c6463fb8/Day+walk+in+the+snow+New+Zealand.jpg Skills & Techniques - Load Sharing for Two - New Zealand And we also apply the same principles to our day walks https://slowerhiking.com/skills-techniques/the-fu-stop-or-how-to-become-a-solo-hiker monthly 0.5 2022-07-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628420186628-7U9ZY0TD0996OMEP7C40/001_4MP.jpg Skills & Techniques - The FU Stop, or How Not to Hike with a Partner - Make it stand out No FU Stops on this lovely day walk with friends in New Zealand! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cd5df456-076c-49da-8a81-18499fc55e6a/partnership-1.jpg Skills & Techniques - The FU Stop, or How Not to Hike with a Partner - Happy hikers working and resting as a team Four decades and still no “hiking” FU Stops! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628420292891-WUS11KGC2J6YLV3B7JXR/01a_4MP.jpg Skills & Techniques - The FU Stop, or How Not to Hike with a Partner - scenic view over lake This trio of young lasses have stopped for a NON-FU Stop together to enjoy the view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628420386414-SEDTKWR1NR4AGIOG4X0B/02_4MP.jpg Skills & Techniques - The FU Stop, or How Not to Hike with a Partner - picking berries hiker in bright pink shirt picking berries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628420388262-1V90G1XAN7EIUK7AETTB/02a_4MP.jpg Skills & Techniques - The FU Stop, or How Not to Hike with a Partner - handful of berries smiling hiker in bright pink shirt with handful of berries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628420557677-JUEJ6SCQUKH6ZKF0E8BW/03_4MP.jpg Skills & Techniques - The FU Stop, or How Not to Hike with a Partner - Mountains in Italy Although it seems from photos that Geoff is always ahead, this is only the case on steep downhill sections, when he is slower. The rest of the time, he is behind moderating his pace to suit mine, unless asked to go ahead to be in the shot for scale! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628420704918-93KRVIB2SIOGRXTHERPL/04a_4MP.JPG Skills & Techniques - The FU Stop, or How Not to Hike with a Partner - A lovely multiday hike with family through Tuscany – we all walked “together-together”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628420770148-EYJXQQSWINHGZD9VXJVO/05a_4MP.jpg Skills & Techniques - The FU Stop, or How Not to Hike with a Partner - Rugged peaks around Mount Blanc Mt Blanc is no place for anyone to be left behind! Of course, this is mountaineering, not hiking but, in perilous terrain or weather, similar principles apply. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628420856056-44E1XH4QEOJVUME60HHG/06_4MP.jpg Skills & Techniques - The FU Stop, or How Not to Hike with a Partner - Riesling Trail Our particular kind of ‘no drop’ cycle ride, Clare Valley, South Australia, with thanks to Bill McCready who also helped inspire this post. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628420943557-DQYHLBBNF0X2NKZH79ME/04_4MP.JPG Skills & Techniques - The FU Stop, or How Not to Hike with a Partner - hiking group This compact line of hikers almost certainly has a guide at the front, plus one at or near the back, to keep everyone together as a tight knit group. Or, they have the slowest hiker at the front. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628421022914-H578LSQUL83VS3W8QBYS/07_4MP.jpg Skills & Techniques - The FU Stop, or How Not to Hike with a Partner - New Zealand day hike Another wonderful day hike with friends, New Zealand. https://slowerhiking.com/skills-techniques/how-to-take-a-friend-on-ther-first-multiday-hike-and-both-have-fun monthly 0.5 2025-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9d544510-f9d2-406b-8aa8-b53b59e58ad6/Lambs+on+Mt+Blanc.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Take a Friend on their First Multiday Hike - and Both Have Fun - Lunch with Lamb, Tour Mont Blanc. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d600c9e6-7a1b-44b4-8f9b-88d3d014ee26/Prawn+salad.JPG Skills & Techniques - How to Take a Friend on their First Multiday Hike - and Both Have Fun - Just as delicious as roast lamb, Just as delicious as roast lamb, but you wouldn’t serve it to a friend who is vegetarian or hates seafood, would you? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27602d5e-ae1b-47bb-b46b-b939bbe45984/New+Zealand+hike+with+friends.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Take a Friend on their First Multiday Hike - and Both Have Fun - There’s nothing wrong with spreading out even further than this – here, there’s an especially fast hiker at the front, but Geoff, the strongest hiker, is behind me bringing up the rear. There’s nothing wrong with spreading out even further than this – here, there’s an especially fast hiker at the front, but Geoff, one of the stronger hikers, is behind me bringing up the rear. The stronger men – and it can easily be women in some partnerships – are mostly carrying the gear. There were no FU Breaks. This day hike was a complete delight: a slightly modified style would have suited a multiday hike equally well! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0b0c602-878a-4560-a212-a9608b2c13f5/Signage+Tour+Mont+Blanc.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Take a Friend on their First Multiday Hike - and Both Have Fun - Established and/or experienced hiking partners can do whatever they want, whether they are hares like those in the left foreground, or tortoises like Geoff and me! Established and/or experienced hiking partners can do whatever they want, whether they are hares like those in the left foreground, or tortoises like Geoff and me! I’m pointing at the times on the sign, and laughing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b85dad2-1f01-430e-90c3-45869c7e1e10/glacier+and+hiker+mt+blanc.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Take a Friend on their First Multiday Hike - and Both Have Fun - Geoff has gone ahead so I can get him in shot, Geoff has gone ahead so I can get him in shot, and is now waiting for me to catch up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/785966ef-9836-4ce0-8282-b9e37ea1e21c/loadshare+for+two.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Take a Friend on their First Multiday Hike - and Both Have Fun - If you are hiking as a team rather than independently, think equity, not equality. The stronger, faster partner can sensibly carry more if you need to maximise distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ee7d538-8628-4829-8139-70498144ccbc/correct+rainwear+is+essential.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Take a Friend on their First Multiday Hike - and Both Have Fun - Good rain shells are essential on some walks. Good rain shells are essential on some walks and, if you have invited a less experienced hiker, it is your responsibility, not theirs, to ensure they know about correct equipment. We felt bad about our friend’s jacket (far right). By lunch time, it was sodden and insanely heavy. It took days to dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/320ec5bc-b4a0-488b-ab9f-9a247728e734/no+fu+breaks+2.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Take a Friend on their First Multiday Hike - and Both Have Fun - Kangaroo Island: I’m the slowest but we’ll catch up at the end of the beach. All is well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/03a41049-bbcb-4454-b61c-e6336910eb6a/beach+walking.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Take a Friend on their First Multiday Hike - and Both Have Fun - Our friend leads the way on our walks and usually speeds ahead unless we are lightly laden, when we walk at a similar pace. Our friend leads the way on our walks and usually speeds ahead unless we are lightly laden, when we walk at a similar pace. And of course because I document our walks with photos, I’m always the slowest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f7750f36-dd69-4fcc-8b02-394ba1bc9df1/no+fu+breaks+2-2.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Take a Friend on their First Multiday Hike - and Both Have Fun - Show your friend mapping apps such as Avenza or AllTrails that run on their phone’s gps rather than the phone network It will make them (and you) more relaxed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c30878a4-2221-46a6-a046-e651722b08dd/partnership-1.jpg Skills & Techniques - How to Take a Friend on their First Multiday Hike - and Both Have Fun - Hiking with a buddy or significant other is a partnership Hiking with a buddy or significant other is a partnership – the details are up to you, but respect, communication and empathy are key for repeat experiences! https://slowerhiking.com/investigator-trail daily 0.75 2025-11-02 https://slowerhiking.com/investigator-trail/introduction-and-planning monthly 0.5 2025-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/802209c9-308d-466d-9b3e-d1ac0225c339/stunning+views+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Planning and Tips - Investigator Trail, South Australia - Stunning views along the shoreline Stunning views along the shoreline https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36ed2d7c-49f6-478c-b807-ec074620438e/Sleaford+Mere+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Planning and Tips - Investigator Trail, South Australia - Amazing sand dunes with views across Sleaford Mere Amazing sand dunes with views across Sleaford Mere https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1625992704865-SY24T18LYD9V2CD3D3VV/Invesigator+Figure+of+Eight+89+km+hike+map Investigator Trail - Planning and Tips - Investigator Trail, South Australia - The conventional 89 km figure of 8 loop The conventional 89 km loop can be done as one or a series of day walks - assisted by many nice camping options along the north and eastern coastline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/922f2ba2-7e15-4b99-8592-5389b6992382/water+drop+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Planning and Tips - Investigator Trail, South Australia - Water drops added an unexpected complexity. We dropped off the water on the day before starting the hike. This became necessary after a particularly long dry autumn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1625993435163-BF6QQT27IW4SJIDOCM7M/Investigator+Adjusted+Walk_4MP.jpeg Investigator Trail - Planning and Tips - Investigator Trail, South Australia - Our modified route Our modified twin circuit walk. Six easy paced days with cherry picked scenery plus an optional scenic extra lookout day walk to finish. https://slowerhiking.com/investigator-trail/day-1-park-entrance-to-sleaford-mere monthly 0.5 2023-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cdbab551-95c0-400e-ad08-e8288a800d6a/Day+1+Map_Rev_4MP.jpeg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Our map for the day We are only walking 13.4 km and the elevation gain minor, but Helen and I are carrying extra weight in our packs because we are hosting a newby. So its actually a pretty solid day for us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2525f036-99a9-4e7b-b501-fd3e1723d25a/Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - A rare three on the track with our friend Birgit at the Park Entrance start of the Trail. A rare three on the track with our friend Birgit at the Park Entrance start of the Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640336330585-8WFJMEL8ISQYUU4KTQ7F/Signage+2+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Interpretative Sign 1 Matthew Flinders https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640336406437-50BDMKUSOTFEVD26665Z/03.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Interpretative Sign 2 Notes for the trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640336371664-F4C270S7INZJ0J6PQMEB/Signage+3+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Interpretative Sign 3 Trail Map. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7baedd89-9bc5-4f67-afb8-e4d1460182d3/Melaleuca+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - There are few things in flower because of the season but Melaleuca was in cheerful abundance. Few things are in flower but Melaleuca was in cheerful abundance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2e40f566-ba32-405a-b8ef-ab0ff8d73c4d/Smooth+track+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Track surfaces are smooth and flat. Track surfaces are smooth and flat – pleasant walking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/931d1015-92a1-43e5-9a78-ae464e0f353a/Proper+Bay+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - The trail initially follows the sheltered coast. The trail initially follows the sheltered coast, with glimpses of Port Lincoln across Proper Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83562db7-55f2-481c-8247-9a3a0e5562bc/Campsite+on+Proper+Bay+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - We pass several lovely campsites scattered along the shore. All are empty in this off-season. We pass several lovely campsites scattered along the shore. All are empty in this off-season. In fact, on the entire trail, over seven days, we see only two other couples. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c28f3cd0-7189-4299-84df-f0956a659fd9/Correa+reflexa+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Correa reflexa Correa reflexa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf2e4d32-8245-4bd7-b562-aa38ad1b8a77/snack+beside+Proper+Bay+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - We stop for a snack just before the campsites near Horse Rock. We stop for a snack just before the campsites near Horse Rock. It is delightful sitting on the limestone at the water’s edge, with views to Port Lincoln. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18d2a193-bdbd-475c-84a5-13db13a78fc3/Loaded+up+on+the+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Heading inland towards Pillie Lake. Heading inland towards Pillie Lake. I’m a little more loaded than usual, as we are carrying two tents and extra water, but the walking is easy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ed9168a-b9b2-4f2f-a937-a95fff773b06/Cassythia+pubescens+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Cassytha pubescens vine, also endearingly known as Snotty Gobble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0d845f2-3844-4559-a2bb-8c0576abbf9b/Pillie+Lake+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Lunch stop at Pillie Lake. Lunch stop at Pillie Lake, which is dry but still lovely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f51c8225-8229-417d-822f-4175e630142a/Eriochilus+cucullatus+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - An orchid! Parson’s bands, Eriochilus cucullatus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/540d3046-ffae-4fa0-9187-b63d72d764d4/sawfly+larvae+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Sawfly larvae They spit a yellow acidic irritant when disturbed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/063e7291-b889-47a7-a065-688e4e0991e1/Correa+pulchella+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Correa pulchella Correa pulchella https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/45cda29a-4198-4442-af66-dbbb87c2b8e5/Pillie+Hut+Track+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Along Pillie Hut Track. Along Pillie Hut Track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/774f54a1-a166-4f95-92c0-c7c386917836/Campsite+near+Pillie+Hut+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Our campsite. To our campsite atop a hill with views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/84367fdb-d2c2-40b3-bde5-bcb951f1be22/Pillie+Hut++Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Pillie Hut. After setting up the tents, we walk to Pillie Hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0875551e-e251-4927-b427-450c341b9964/Dinner++Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - Back to camp for dinner: Back to camp for dinner: roo bolognese https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1626067382817-4X9ITHNCB0K6SB92F0X0/Sunset+near+Pillie+Hut Investigator Trail - Day 1 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight near Pillies Hut - A glorious sunset Just one of many to come. https://slowerhiking.com/investigator-trail/day-2-park-entrance-to-sleaford-mere-overnight-near-miller-hole monthly 0.5 2023-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1626180465427-HJLEAJTFCH7T0P1ISGOP/Day+2+Le+Map_4MP.jpeg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - Map for the days hike A short hike across the peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a70bf70-d7d0-44a1-bad6-4ac07f34d835/Wanna+Rd++Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - Heading west to the other side of the Peninsula We head west towards Wanna Road and then onto the Brian Clarke Hut Track. It is pretty much the only significant climb we have, and it is just 100 metres or so. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c682e051-20ab-424b-a5a6-01b9c846fe88/Pittosporum+phylliraeoides+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - Pittosporum phylliraeoides – Native Apricot. They look delicious but aren’t edible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/33f5698e-1f95-4760-a3ea-79234afc34dd/Brian+Clarke+hut+Track+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - From the top of Brian Clarke Hut Track, more views: northeast towards Kaitjaba (Stamford Hill) From the top of Brian Clarke Hut Track, more views: northeast towards Kaitjaba (Stamford Hill) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2fe27dd7-b995-40a9-b968-a974958e63e1/view+south+Jussieau+Peninsula+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - View towards the Jussieu Peninsula And south to the spectacular dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula, where we are heading today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d92d14d-eee7-40c4-9f6b-3618fdd72af3/Native+millipede+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - Native millipede There are lots of these about https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9619882b-79ac-4eda-b664-9298d0d0387c/Brian+Clarke+Hut+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - Brian Clarke Hut. A sleeping platform, but the water inlet to the tank appeared blocked. This tank was either empty, or blocked at the bottom. You could do a water drop where the trail crosses Wanna Road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/abaa01e6-cfcc-446d-8230-b0d0d8a83a01/Entering+dunes+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - We reach the dunes We reach the dunes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8c64446-5c4a-4ebd-b9d1-c1a31341ada5/dunes+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - And now into the dunes proper And oh my, here is the vast dune system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/892d7e73-0c72-458e-844e-583b9cd227ad/Dunes+2+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - Massive sand dunes Wow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e232e14-07cd-4dba-9697-72a605ba5780/emu+tracks+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - Emu coming… or going? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c7c093bc-aab0-49b1-92e7-2d152eb402b1/approaching+beach+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - Approaching the Coast This area allows 4WD, and we follow wheel tracks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8617765f-beaf-4a9b-ab6a-0604de73cf99/lunch+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - We reach the sea We reach the sea - a perfect spot for lunch before we descend to the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/efedeb30-ae64-4562-a257-f6c247ab52f0/beach+walking+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - Beach walking can be windy and tiring, Beach walking can be windy and tiring, but neither are the case today. It’s fantastic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/274160e0-8bfd-41fd-bab6-8f42555453d3/beach+walking+2+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - And we have the entire 4 km of sand to ourselves! And we have the entire 4 km of sand to ourselves! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/475575c6-91ce-425d-9dd1-c62f17dd5743/beach+walking+3+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - Some sections of the beach a narrow You’d get wet feet at high tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/737b63dd-26c3-4141-be07-edb507207f0d/beach+end+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - The trail ducks back up onto the dunes when the cliffs start. The trail ducks back up onto the dunes when the cliffs start. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/422f7d64-336a-434c-9ea4-6a527b44dcce/campsite+jussieu+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - And here, almost as soon as we start following the trail along the cliffs, we find a grand campsite. And here, almost as soon as we start following the trail along the cliffs, we find a grand campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d7cf754-bb42-4c3d-8591-a3c2c47d279c/dune+campsite+jussieu+2+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - Just the soothing sound of the waves The waves will lull us to sleep tonight! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/197f649c-5fcb-46c6-ad65-8db2f3b9593b/evening+storm+jussieu+2+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 2 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Overnight in the dunes of the Jussieu Peninsula - The sun is setting Stormy, squally, beautiful skies all around us. We sit amongst the dunes, soaking it all in. https://slowerhiking.com/investigator-trail/day-3-park-entrance-to-sleaford-mere-sleaford-mere monthly 0.5 2023-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1626227057284-TWRD6IUO5C58XCY751NS/Day+3+Le+Map_4MP.jpeg Investigator Trail - Day 3 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Sleaford Mere - A short 7.6 km day today But lots of little steep ups and downs as we cross back over the sand dunes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c0273bb2-18a9-40ea-9268-45f3cd11f5c7/Water+carry+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 3 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Sleaford Mere - No need to carry extra water today. Empty bottles ….. at last ! Geoff no longer needs to carry the extra 8 litres of water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1fe7854f-37f8-42d3-a8ab-f5d22f312115/Sleaford+Track+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 3 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Sleaford Mere - Initially we walk along Sleaford track. Along Sleaford Track initially https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8cf1cd7c-301c-4e1d-a363-46c88e21feca/Investigator+Trail+3+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 3 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Sleaford Mere - Then back onto the single track Investigator Trail. Then back onto the single track Investigator Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/031287ff-9acc-483e-85c5-e931480fd5cc/Miller+hole+sign+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 3 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Sleaford Mere - Looks like a few people have been caught out. Miller Hole looks like it would be an amazing fishing spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/132fc8a7-703a-4174-b85b-bd1ca3e81795/Investigator+Trai+4+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 3 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Sleaford Mere - The track continues just inland, The track continues just inland, the sound of the waves a constant accompaniment to our footsteps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/17a8ec87-c849-4ac8-8114-3090a91ae9b2/More+beach+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 3 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Sleaford Mere - Then back onto the beach. And back onto the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf550e56-a1c4-48be-a7cd-5077c7ae13a8/Grassy+hillocks+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 3 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Sleaford Mere - 4WDs drive all through this area. 4WDs drive all through this area. I suspect they have contributed to the erosion leaving just these remnant grassy hummocks, or perhaps it’s just a natural phenomenon? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04b5d03f-896f-4758-a873-719654c7130c/Investigator+Trail+6+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 3 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Sleaford Mere - The trail ducks inland again. The trail ducks inland again. We are nearly back at the car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d176ce9a-a8f0-4b33-94f7-a0bd5591af0b/Sleaford+Mere+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 3 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Sleaford Mere - A glimpse of Sleaford Mere. A glimpse of Sleaford Mere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f298cedd-389e-48ed-92ef-b30f12c3401e/cloud+shadows+on+dunes+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 3 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Sleaford Mere - One last look One last pause to soak up the dunes, cloud shadows racing across the sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8632d2cd-2456-42df-b058-181079b389e2/Having+lunch+back+at+the+car+at+Sleaford+Mere.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 3 - Park Entrance to Sleaford Mere: Sleaford Mere - And the end of our first section. and the end of our first section. It has been an absolute delight. https://slowerhiking.com/investigator-trail/day-4-taylors-landing-to-surfleet-cove-overnight-near-maclaren-point monthly 0.5 2023-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1626227125748-57BXOSJAC5HMCJDHSPB3/Day+4+Le+Map_4MP.jpeg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - Todays map We will stay along the coast today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/63213237-35f3-4a14-bb7c-fde5ce50df20/Taylors+Landing+sign+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - Signage Taylors Landing has a boat ramp popular with fishermen, and we leave our car in the carpark and head to the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1bb3a5f6-03b7-4767-aa89-740f0baf30d7/Taylors+Landing+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - But not for long, and we’re back on the clifftops. But not for long, and we’re back on the clifftops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d098a683-8096-4b58-a034-4e3f47b04774/limestone+track+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - The limestone is rough underfoot but there is a new view over every hillock, and around every corner. The limestone is rough underfoot but there is a new view over every hillock, and around every corner. Wonderful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/110a11ed-0ae5-47ab-ae80-fa73b454e5ac/Eriochilus+2+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - Another Eriochilus growing on the clifftop, just metres from the sea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e823b44f-0e1b-4ed9-9784-f8378bb70e73/Coastal+views+from++Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - Beautiful views Once again, all day we have the track to ourselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d4c44b2b-079a-4ba1-ac31-e7aa8fc017b8/narrow+beach+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - Check tide times when planning your trip. Check tide times when planning your trip. There is a higher track, as well as a scramble through scrub along the top of the dune, but it will be hard going and damaging to the environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640390458618-952RXFJ7WMKXYCAKI7Y4/sponge+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - Sea sponge Sea sponge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640390469165-SQAG5ACVADYE733YEK94/dead+sea+cucumber+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - Sea cucumber Very smelly! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640390499225-YGRT514B4G6HXNUHHF9U/sponge+2+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - Another type of sponge There are many. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640390539424-TB3S7GYCKNU2KFQML0KQ/sea+urchin+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - Sea Urchin Intact and pretty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/48e34841-4e2c-46bc-a162-e29603364e3f/end+of+beach+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - Approaching the end of the beach Nearing the end of the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b95cf3f5-ef4f-41e3-aedf-c5a0256953ff/short+scramble+to+top+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - And at the end of the beach there’s a short easy scramble to the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/108d9beb-66c4-4db3-b0a4-389522fdeaa1/sea+views+jussieau+peninsula+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - We pause to savour the views. We pause to savour the views. Dozens of islands are scattered all around Jussieu Peninsula. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e92694c3-63f8-4f60-9b6a-ea412eaab5ce/mallee+track+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - Briefly back into teatree and eucalypt, It’s easy walking and the changing scenery adds further enjoyment to the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3585ec46-52cf-4c28-b383-d36ba1a1a934/osprey+roosting+post+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - An onshore compass of bird shit around this marker post, which has a greasy, gory top, and a scatter of scales around the bottom. An onshore compass of bird shit around this marker post, which has a greasy, gory top, and a scatter of scales around the bottom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c4b0e45e-6505-4ab0-8659-7134bb3e7483/Stunningcoastal+views+from++Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - The limestone cliffs are low but still spectacular For this next section, we are always within sight of the sea. It’s simultaneously restful and exhilarating. And still, we see no one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/047e9476-a4a3-4b7b-b0da-bc45bfd2e5e4/rough+limestone+underfoot+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - The trail here becomes quite tiring due to the rough South Australian limestone, but we are in no hurry. The trail here becomes quite tiring due to the rough South Australian limestone, but we are in no hurry. As always, we have plenty of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c329189f-d770-4eab-97fd-fe884b79b051/sheltered+cove+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - There is always something interesting to see – islands, birds, dolphins, plants. The landscape is pretty rather than spectacular, but there is always something interesting to see – islands, birds, dolphins, plants. And lots of lovely little sheltered coves for a swim in warmer weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74c12594-3194-4de4-ac3c-95e5f1801afa/mclaren+track+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - It’s high tide, so for the last short section we follow MacLaren Track to the campsite. It’s high tide, so for the last short section we follow MacLaren Track to the campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/964394e8-57b0-481b-8034-0769d5833404/campsite+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - We setup camp and have a hot cuppa along with Birgit’s obligatory caffeine hit. We setup camp and have a hot cuppa along with Birgit’s obligatory caffeine hit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eda10b33-5fac-4043-bcda-2df308e2060b/maclaren+point+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - Afterwards, we take a short walk to MacLaren Point! Afterwards, we take a short walk to MacLaren Point …. delightful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f4ed25fa-a782-49b0-b63b-5fce16b1ccdc/seabird+drop+zone+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - A popular spot, it seems! Pacific gulls drop shellfish onto hard rock to crack them open. A popular spot, it seems! Pacific gulls drop shellfish onto hard rock to crack them open. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640391136351-OQ6OFSF0TMPHM2CSRQHK/succulent+groundcover+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - Evening light through the succulent groundcovers… Purply green fleshy leaves https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640391149203-14GFE7WUFQD51ONETU1A/evening+light+melaleucas+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 4 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Maclaren Point - and through the melaleuca. with its straggly trunks and branches https://slowerhiking.com/investigator-trail/day-5-taylors-landing-to-surfleet-cove-overnight-near-donington-beach monthly 0.5 2023-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1626227179384-RY1VAHB69N7TSL6Z7S0D/Day+5+Le+Map_4MP.jpeg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - We go inland for a section today And then return once more to the coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da086d13-3a03-4c32-89e4-aa892bf3cadf/swamp+ti+trees+over+maclaren+track+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - We start the day along the car track The swamp tea trees tower over the road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/076bfb56-4dd0-4ad8-9419-8e6eaf5ef86f/Donnington+track+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - At the point the road stops. Before the track goes inland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7dc144f-34c1-4600-949e-d4dd63f457d2/islands+in+bay+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - The walking is easy Islands everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86132d7b-c008-40db-a8af-4188c6100855/mallee+vegetation+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - The vegetation varies enormously depending on how recently it has been burned. This area is a high fire risk in summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ca81428-f571-494c-b899-7e26628e2bd6/back+on+the+coast+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - We reach the coast again. Then we’re back on the coast …. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de341522-d1f8-4d03-8d72-2b4869002037/beach+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - Along another small beach. And soon along the beach once more … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bb477a1f-367f-4998-a36f-a7415471a1ec/hiker+hut+north+of+Maclaren+Point+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - The “non existent” hiker camp north of MacLaren Point. The “non existent” hiker camp north of MacLaren Point. The coordinates are: 34 47 16.8 S 136 00 05.2 E https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/23bcadf3-e024-4da1-88ef-46d321740973/smooth+track+2++Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - The smooth track is easy on the feet - very different to yesterday’s limestone! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/979e6b16-d830-4f36-a620-ab345fff294e/excellent+signage++Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - Intersections are well signposted. Intersections are well signposted, and the Investigator Trail markers are generally intuitively placed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cf1d2e5e-21c7-4a42-b3a5-4af8e3db6f3a/coastal+views++Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - Typical coastal views over low shrubs Birgit speeding ahead … again … we really should have given her more to carry … a lot more! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca84636e-85bf-439c-a7f6-f21e6e23921e/foredune++Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - Soon we are no more than a dune from the sea. Soon we are no more than a dune from the sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/28422081-cb53-4ae3-90aa-b7c8b6512c5f/lunch+2++Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - Lunch time! Lunch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9b712252-0598-453b-a80a-c3f876c74522/dolphins+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - A pod of dolphins put on a wonderful show, corralling fish, with a pod of dolphins! They put on a wonderful show, corralling fish, with the young ones leaping and splashing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e86733e-3c1c-4499-8136-c42b8b1456d4/towards+September+Beach+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - We are now getting into the parts of the park that are easier to get to so are more popular. And the signage is progressively becoming more distinctive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dd7ca7ab-4880-4d42-ad94-2b836f9f31f2/tuna+pens+on+the+horizon+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - A fishing boat chugs past and a line of dozens of tuna cages come into view on the horizon. A fishing boat chugs past and a line of dozens of tuna cages come into view on the horizon. We are close to Port Lincoln, yet the lack of other hikers on the track make it feel much more isolated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a19848e-df6d-48c7-af3c-a1f440a5e25e/old+mallee+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - The trees are getting taller The trees are getting taller – this is older, unburned forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/08f2eed3-e09c-40f6-94a9-e204c88ad230/Glamping+tent+September+Beach+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - If you’d prefer there’s “Glamping” available at September Beach Campsite. If you’d prefer there’s “Glamping” available at September Beach Campsite. We take a peek inside. It is pretty downmarket glamping, sort of like a uni student’s share living room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cf7c7eae-b87c-48ef-a65f-9b3d95711a88/Donnington+lighthouse+campsite+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - We set up camp in the bush near the light house. We set up camp in the bush near the light house where we’ve left some water https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aa6922e1-6ab2-4c97-9f71-d74b737694a1/Donnington+point+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - We take a walk to the lighthouse and point. …before taking a walk to the lighthouse and point, soaking up the evening rays and Donnington Island, along with some feathery friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/035b3acf-d2af-42e0-afbc-dd9637d0458b/potato+leek+artichoke+soup+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 5 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Overnight near Donnington Beach - Potato, leek and artichoke soup… Potato, leek and artichoke soup with sourdough garlic croutons – yum! https://slowerhiking.com/investigator-trail/day-6-taylors-landing-to-surfleet-cove-surfleet-cove monthly 0.5 2023-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1626227262667-RHT6Q6WR8BDOBZOXXHW4/Day+6+Le+Map_4MP.jpeg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - Day 6 Map. The route follows the coastline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/45e093ba-3c1f-429c-acbf-0a6cfba3a30d/ready+for+rain+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - Rugged up and ready for wet weather. Rugged up for the wet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8fac657a-f591-4c7f-b0d2-1cf21d64778a/eucalypt+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - A eucalypt, but I have no idea which one! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/590960d6-0d6f-4002-abc8-28ea3e5bff85/coastal+track+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - Even though this is the “busy” part of the park, we still see no one. Even though this is the “busy” part of the park, we still see no one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c8bb68a-d70c-4248-91d5-7484f63e262b/seabirds+in+seascape+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - We watch the petrels diving for fish against the dark sky. We watch the petrels diving for fish against the dark sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/09233715-1e5e-4d7d-b19a-a4a90c23f426/threatening+skies+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - It’s pretty windy, It’s pretty windy, but the light is so beautiful I don’t care! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/30a02a53-aa72-45e5-8168-ebdc7385295e/Fishermans+beach+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - Fisherman’s Beach. Fisherman’s Beach, with the shelter of Fisherman’s Cove Campsite just visible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52a4f080-0c96-4632-9bb0-df0c482fcfe0/Fishermans+cove+campsite+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - A snack at Fisherman’s Cove Campsite. There are so many small campgrounds. Accessible by car, they are all close to the water and inviting. A snack at Fisherman’s Cove Campsite. There are so many small campgrounds. Accessible by car, they are all close to the water and inviting. The sea is flat and sheltered, ideal for young families... and somewhere to bring our grandson! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/961ec3f4-42ae-4ea7-bb34-def515c37fdc/huge+old+mallee+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - The eucalypts here are the oldest and largest we’ve seen in the park, with stunning trunks and limbs that look as if they have been wrung out to dry. The soils here must be deeper and there is protection from salt spray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4b827810-7714-4dd4-8b11-1b02757a66d1/Eucalyptus+gracilis+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - Eucalyptus gracilis Eucalyptus gracilis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c1a301b-313b-4638-b160-913902d8321f/lovely+surface+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - Lovely tracks Lovely tracks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0221579-33f2-4f9a-8ed9-1cacf71c22f8/spalding+cove+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - Walking west along Spalding Cove... Walking west along Spalding Cove... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/391a1c4b-31af-42ed-b7d7-0f66b17d858e/approaching+surfleet+cove+camp+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - And finally north towards Surfleet Cove campsite. The track follows the very edge of the cliff, with views into the clear water below, and back across the Cove to Donnington Point. … and finally north towards Surfleet Cove campsite. The track follows the very edge of the cliff, with views into the clear water below, and back across the Cove to Donnington Point. We see a small stingray swim past. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/355150ef-a7df-4530-946a-e1ad35f927b0/one+last+Eriochilus+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - Eriochilus cucullatus. They are few and far between – I’ve seen just 5 plants over 6 days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65c6e96a-ec06-47f6-ad45-4d19e558c797/Surfleet+Cove+campsite+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Investigator Trail - Day 6 - Taylor's Landing to Surfleet Cove: Surfleet Cove - Surfleet Cove campsite and Birgit’s car, we set up the XMid 2P. Surfleet Cove campsite and Birgit’s car, we set up the XMid 2P. It has been a captivating walk. https://slowerhiking.com/overseas daily 0.75 2022-05-13 https://slowerhiking.com/overseas/avalanche-peak-arthurs-pass-new-zealand monthly 0.5 2022-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d5a7b230-1e68-4d9e-9e52-fcfb6da207f7/Avalanche+Peak+Views.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Avalanche Peak 360 degree views https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dcff753e-1bcf-4a30-83df-21221a9ed5b3/Avalanche+Peak+Detail_with+insert.jpeg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Make it stand out Distance is between 5 and 7 km (3.1 to 4.3 miles) depending on which route your take: elevation gain a little over 1,000 m (3,300 feet). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e36b022c-26a6-4a2a-9a1b-721a5c43f5c2/01rough+steep+track.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) Almost as soon as you start climbing, there is steep scrambling through the lush forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d33b247-2441-485f-9807-d20de7162cac/02+more+rough+steep+treack.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Stay with it! Stay with it. If the weather is clear, you will be rewarded soon! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65771958-54df-4fb3-a41d-cc112100df01/03+scrambling.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - More scrambling: More scrambling: my goodness, this track is steep! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a3d51c9e-29fe-473f-abe1-26aa339585c8/04+tree.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Make it stand out Beautiful gnarled trees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/47162021-130e-4d61-9ff7-c7a5a8dc6e53/05+above+the+mist.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Make it stand out We are above the mist! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b59cddb-14ef-4962-bdf8-5530e969f38c/06+above+the+treewline.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Make it stand out And finally, we emerge above the tree line into bright sunshine! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5744e5b-52b4-4591-bce4-7c9e90051e44/07+views+west.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Make it stand out Marvellous views to the west… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00e21f78-bb12-435b-9168-a3e558e7bbc2/08+views+east.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Make it stand out … equally stunning views east https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d1743a8f-1e3a-4063-86be-5fd917e4fec6/09+alpine+flowers.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Make it stand out And at our feet, glorious alpine Mt Cook buttercup (Ranunculus lyallii) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4c0d686a-0ade-428d-97a1-a9316de25361/10+more+climbing.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Make it stand out Still more climbing, up the spine! The views are getting more amazing with every step https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/80eece23-f106-4404-9cc8-b3b897b3a579/Narrow+path+along+spine.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Make it stand out Wow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f4445a69-2b55-4bce-85d5-395757eec444/12a+the+narrow+spine.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Make it stand out The narrow spine – we’re nearly there https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78bcfde3-fa37-4451-a5c3-ab66ad54c675/walking+along+spine.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Make it stand out It feels quite exposed but in good weather you’ll be fine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6f568fd1-587f-4ae9-aaba-2ffcf468f5e8/On+top+of+Avalanche+Peak.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - One view from Avalanche Peak And here we are. A tiny spot with 360-degree views. Just glorious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2204365b-364b-4ef2-90ec-fa211a98b852/kea.jpg Overseas - Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass (New Zealand) - Kea is eyeing off our lunch With the resident naughty kea to keep us company. What a walk! https://slowerhiking.com/overseas/lake-marian-new-zealand monthly 0.5 2022-04-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90c3dc9f-e8e1-4e5b-8b92-2a61e4fe65c5/01+swing+bridge.jpg Overseas - Lake Marian near Glenorchy, Otago (New Zealand) - Make it stand out The swing bridge gives no hint as to what is to come, other than lots of that beautiful aqua water https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/554507c7-abb4-4f9d-8098-d1bf7f70c581/Lake+Marian+Location+Map+1.jpg Overseas - Lake Marian near Glenorchy, Otago (New Zealand) - Distance 6 km return Total Ascent and Descent 412 m Steep (>20%) in places. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0999eeff-e1e3-49da-bc54-074514641606/02+rocky+ascent.jpg Overseas - Lake Marian near Glenorchy, Otago (New Zealand) - The ascent is rocky but it’s scrambling rather than climbing. And, at only 2.9 km to the lake, leisurely hikers will have plenty of time no matter how slowly we go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1678d9ff-1073-476e-a3a3-0e76333305d6/03+lush+rainforest.jpg Overseas - Lake Marian near Glenorchy, Otago (New Zealand) - The trees are glorious. Looking up at their mist-shrouded canopies, you could almost expect to see a pterodactyl swooping silently past. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01158655-705a-478d-8128-ba96b5d14910/04+lichen.jpg Overseas - Lake Marian near Glenorchy, Otago (New Zealand) - And as always, so many mosses and lichens to see. New Zealand is beautiful at all scales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49a13eb8-4d61-4cc2-a932-7086c0016725/05+mist+shrouded+lake+marian.jpg Overseas - Lake Marian near Glenorchy, Otago (New Zealand) - And here we are. There’s quite a bit of mist, but it’s coming and going. Initially we see little but every now and then it lifts and the view emerges. Wow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0268018-c913-4327-93ff-0e5963426517/06+lunch+at+the+lake.jpg Overseas - Lake Marian near Glenorchy, Otago (New Zealand) - Time for lunch in what must be one of the most beautiful spots in the world! And so close to a main road yet there is no sound - just a misty peace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8dc01e89-54dc-4a0d-84bd-a777972a14d0/07+mist+over+the+lake.jpg Overseas - Lake Marian near Glenorchy, Otago (New Zealand) - Lake Marian What a view, with wind gusts ruffling the lake and mist spilling into the hanging valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dac1a474-95f8-465d-a419-fe96e1252171/08.jpg Overseas - Lake Marian near Glenorchy, Otago (New Zealand) - Waterfall at Lake Marian When we leave, the mist lifts completely from the surrounding rock faces, revealing the waterfalls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74c602e1-cad3-4066-9c33-b865e3634a4f/09.jpg Overseas - Lake Marian near Glenorchy, Otago (New Zealand) - The wind is picking up of Lake Marian The wind starts to pick up so we take a last look. Utterly delightful. https://slowerhiking.com/overseas/mt-krinstinatindur monthly 0.5 2022-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9feb883b-0b14-4e43-b8b6-1d32aaaa35fc/Mt+Krinstinatindur+and+Skatafell+Walk+Plan.jpeg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Hike Map The longer route, 18 km long and 1075 m elevation gain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c555783-cb5e-4ef5-98c4-e35c92bf88dd/Campground+Skaftafell.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Scenic Camp Ground The campground can be accessed by bus or car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640395664098-KVMX20WHS20YD1P5YGWQ/Common+Twayblade+Listeria+ovata+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Common twayblade, Listeria ovata Common twayblade, there are many of these at the start of our hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/020aa8b7-4eb5-41db-b9f3-2df34f726260/Woodland+steps+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Start of Mt Krinstinatindur Hike The path through the scrubby woodland is smooth and with steps in sections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640395769952-IGFFCQRLK8QXDYDVHK9R/Campanula+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Campanula Campanula with beautiful bell shapped blue flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640395787133-BKUE3T6QNHZ921Y5OOXP/Rubus+saxatilis+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Raspberries (Rubus saxatilis) Raspberries vivid red in colour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/904efcf5-e5b0-4d51-8b81-2121212955be/snout+of+Skaftafellsjokull+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Skaftafellsjokull Glacier With icy pools in the floodplain below https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dfb2261f-fdef-4855-b06c-99a251bcaa80/snout+of+Skaftafellsjokull+2+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - The track is easy going And views of the glacier begin to emerge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c198fa0-f942-4265-9158-e033cedc4a64/Skaftafellsjokull+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - View of glacier Looking towards the head of the glacier it almost seems to be flowing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67d0d1e6-7bbe-461d-a4a8-63344f17e363/Skaftafellsjokull+3+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - View of toe of glacier Thaw water snakes its way coastward across the wide flat floodplain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b6461340-946d-4ba1-b95e-e2890b8e26e1/Skaftafellsjokull+3+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland-2.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Here there is bare rocky ground that is gently sloping but steep climbs await in the hills to the left https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02c4ce5f-d551-46aa-8ce3-9eb785a564ec/Skaftafellsjokull+4+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - The country is becoming more rugged And the glacier is progressively becoming more and more impressive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67549de2-85ef-4603-9212-91394282ae67/steep+slope+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - We follow the contour across the steep slope The well trodden track gives a sense of security https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a1fb72a-a657-4aa2-b2f8-a58428c34fbd/Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - We can see the track snaking up a spine. The saddle before looks like a good spot to rest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0c64820-fe3b-422b-9d98-030aabce535b/rest+on+saddle+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Lunch Time! Time for a breather and lunch before pushing to the top https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5ec44765-bb1e-48c4-b948-75f1e64d76bd/Skaftafellsjokull+3+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland-2.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - We rest And now it is STEEP https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640396376982-HWXKJGHUPU24OQQWC4MT/rhodiola+rosea+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Rose root (Rhodiola rosea) It’s amazing how these plants can survive amongst the rocks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640396416228-L2TT2V4B55WSBZ46QCOM/spine+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - And yet another glacier to the west With more rugged peaks separating the glaciers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d8f1f496-5736-433f-8235-35ed0b81c0cc/Atop+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - We’ve made it. We get to the top - very happy campers! And still many daylight hours left, so we can take our time and enjoy the views! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9530b53-70f6-4aea-a360-555387f23c2d/Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+Skaftafell+Iceland-2.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - More mountains and views The glacier below winds its way through a flat wide valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06cf8949-59ec-428b-b1d9-dceb7528a8b1/Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+3+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Views to the coast And back down after soaking up the glorious views https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b3236885-7762-48a7-b00b-df996e4a366c/scree+descent+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+3+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - We head down and across a scree slope Its well trodden so we feel safe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ae20520a-91da-4a2f-9385-85dac73a2b79/scree+descent+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+2+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Down the scree slope Towards a wide flattish plateau https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a1ef3818-39b2-4d67-98bf-e05b9d3046d2/grassy+flanks+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+2+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Continuing down the scree slope Grasses and mossy vegetation, along with wildflowers take hold on the scree slope at these lower altitudes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640396723591-RKG8UMAXM3DMTHXQW3PW/Gentian+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+2+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Gentian (Gentianella aurea) Gentian (Gentianella aurea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640396738950-IC8O66AL6Y94KSFWVC2H/Pseudorchis+albida+orchid++Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+2+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Small White Orchids (Pseudorchis albida) Small White Orchids are scattered along the plateau https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1640396759846-EE5H7A3OVA5DQ5JIZAPQ/Erigeron++Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+2+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Erigeron sp. Pretty pink and yellow flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1267e574-4b2a-4db0-97ef-cd64c5cec667/viewsMt+Kristinatindur+hike+2+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Another glacier The views just keep on going! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f684f689-ae90-4438-9cab-26bd6b32c794/Botrychia+lunaria+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+2+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - And amongst the massive harsh landscape there are still small colourful flowers Common moonwort (Botrychia lunaria) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b2ef4034-f2ab-40ec-9b6e-e5c17042864f/creek+Mt+Kristinatindur+hike+2+Skaftafell+Iceland.jpg Overseas - Mt Krinstinatindur and Skaftafell (Iceland) - Back down through the forest, past small creeks and waterfalls … what a walk! https://slowerhiking.com/overseas/tag/glaciers monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/overseas/tag/orchids monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/overseas/tag/New+Zealand monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/overseas/tag/mountains monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/overseas/tag/wildflowers monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/overseas/tag/Day+hike monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/overseas/tag/lookout monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/overseas/tag/South+Island monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/overseas/tag/Lake+Marian monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/overseas/tag/Iceland monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/jokulsarhlaup daily 0.75 2025-06-30 https://slowerhiking.com/jokulsarhlaup/planning-and-tips-dettifoss-asbyrgi monthly 0.5 2025-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a5bd53d-6765-4305-b2e1-40ce004a40b8/Hrafargilfoss+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Planning and Tips: Jökulsárhlaup (Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi), Northeast Iceland - Jökulsá á Fjöllum Spectacular scenery on the walk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628765891518-ZF1P4HTAB6CJPAQXE1V6/100_4MP.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Planning and Tips: Jökulsárhlaup (Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi), Northeast Iceland - In and out of the river gorge. And on day 2 there are gobsmacking views into the 1.5km wide Ásbyrgi Canyon with its 100m vertical walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/14251e68-de29-44b4-9adb-b9e51ac9543d/Asbyrgi+campground+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Planning and Tips: Jökulsárhlaup (Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi), Northeast Iceland - The campsite behind the visitor centre at Ásbyrgi. It makes for an easy pick up point for transport to Dettifoss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628766405574-H2633GHM5ZO84ZCWKUKN/P8150467_4MP.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Planning and Tips: Jökulsárhlaup (Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi), Northeast Iceland - We were looking forward to a proper bed! The cabin was expensive but wonderfully comfortable and well equipped: a special treat after several weeks in the tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/413d5f49-f349-45bd-ae2a-3bd9e97bb9ae/Meltwater+and+springwater+okulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Planning and Tips: Jökulsárhlaup (Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi), Northeast Iceland - The main river, its waterfalls and steep canyon create many contrasts and highlights on Day 1. The main river, its waterfalls and steep canyon create many contrasts and highlights on Day 1. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d83d3b1-6719-4ed9-972c-705b3b97c9cf/Redhill+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Planning and Tips: Jökulsárhlaup (Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi), Northeast Iceland - The track is well delineated. And the scenery stunning - here rich red soils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a4cc2d4f-1a61-43bb-9715-5fc404c94ac2/Cave+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Planning and Tips: Jökulsárhlaup (Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi), Northeast Iceland - And caves and more… Amazing geological formations are a feature of Day 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628766619994-YBXFBLVGJ9A0ECP13CMP/Map_4MP.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Planning and Tips: Jökulsárhlaup (Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi), Northeast Iceland - Map from the park web site. You can download this 1:50,000 map (page 2) from the park web site. When enlarged and/or printed, it is sufficient for hiking the route. https://slowerhiking.com/jokulsarhlaup/day-1-dettifoss-to-vesturdalur monthly 0.5 2025-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5f7e44a2-2fad-4a64-953f-dfd7c694eefb/Dettifoss+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - Day 1: Your walk starts at the mighty Dettifoss https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c6016e7-2788-4922-af8a-7603ccc2e799/Lomatogonium+rotatum+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - Marsh fellwort (Lomatogonium rotatum) in a sheltered spot in the misty air near the roar of the falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3add9103-21f8-406c-8f56-981b6c3535c4/Start+of+cliff+walk+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - We continue along the top of the canyon. A stark landscape initially as you head off along the clifftop… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b29d739d-f28e-4754-b38f-ba17101fff40/Warning+sign+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - But we soon come to this sign …but you soon come to this sign https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d93261e4-bfed-43d2-92d1-657e6aa70fd5/Rock+scramble+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - The rope disappears over the edge… The rope disappears over the edge… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eba18d87-751a-4bfc-8f3b-273d3ea085ab/Rock+scramble+2+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - As it turns out … but it is perfectly manageable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d29b019f-ef69-43b0-af2e-30904b890c36/Rock+scramble+3+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - Now in the Canyon Once in the canyon, a few more minor scrambles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bc79060f-459f-456e-bfd5-339b2d599317/Rest+on+rocks+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - And lovely views. And lovely views for lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/73538407-e671-406b-88ca-be05f3a4fce1/Bog+blueberry+Vaccinium+uliginosum+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - Bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31237749-cd9d-4f52-9c1d-a06155a9c6ec/boggy+track+in+canyon+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - It’s quite boggy. It’s quite boggy. This lower route might be not so great very early or late in the season, but it’s lovely now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb30e7a4-292f-499d-b7f8-1c9959fb154a/Hafragilsfoss+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - Hafragilsfoss Hafragilsfoss https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a96dcd91-97bc-40f9-80e1-1df1494f425f/Springwater+and+meltwater+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - There are amazing contrasts. Springwater, glacial meltwater and extraordinary landforms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/11236f13-88a9-4274-b238-157370fb317b/Basalt+columns+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - We make our way through lush green vegetation You climb out through a palisade of basalt… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/afc4f295-a227-46d8-b1bc-41000fe3df24/bilberries+Vaccinium+myrtillus+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - …And through a swathe of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus). Yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6b6fb518-9c5c-4743-a7bb-b0b2e7760490/Hrafragilsfoss+distant+view+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - But wait, we have more views into the canyon. But wait, you have more views into the canyon, upstream to this mist of Hafragilsfoss! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7cbcb79d-5695-4f80-8d9c-0d17ecc812b5/View+Jokulka+canyon+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - And this one … and downstream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75022d36-9010-4a62-8b09-c76b419c4296/Heathland+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - We make our way along the top once more. Before you cross a heathland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15318db0-8b20-4e58-89af-7ba243721fd8/Basalt+column+wall+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - Then we pass Past the most astonishing basalt columns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c335c891-759b-49f5-ad4f-44ef4e85b6fb/volcanic+plugs+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - We are told that Karl og Kerling are two petrified trolls. Karl og Kerling are two petrified trolls. Actually they are volcanic plugs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/42a24f1a-aa18-4e2f-ab73-f91ff69108e8/volcanic+plugs+along+river+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - Photographs don’t do justice to the scale of these landforms. Photographs don’t do justice to the scale of these landforms. They are amazing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa6a132f-9da3-45dc-81fb-21ecbf0a3bba/Vesturdalur+campground+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - The sheltered grassy campground at Vesturdalur has tables and a toilet. The sheltered grassy campground at Vesturdalur has tables and a toilet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b16d9537-c632-4318-9ef8-6e09a51b7c20/dinner+at+Vesturdalur+campground+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 1: Dettifoss - Vesturdalur - Dinnertime! It’s been a great day and Geoff is feeling generous. Dinnertime! It’s been a great day and Geoff is feeling generous - he donates a portion of his Bolognese to give two German hikers their first taste of Kangaroo! https://slowerhiking.com/jokulsarhlaup/day-2-vesturdalur-to-asbyrgi monthly 0.5 2025-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d7d099c-6167-44c7-bba9-4a5422f4281d/Spectacular+volcanic+plugs+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - Day 2 is an easy 14 km with little elevation gain and just one steep descent into the Asbyrgi Canyon at the end of the day. Lots of astonishing lava formations today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c147efe-53d1-460c-b161-a72dd7bf6f4f/Spectacular+volcanic+plugs+2+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - Hljóðaklettar are elongated volcanic plugs They are a highlight for much of today https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/417310af-148c-42ab-92bc-d7af65b686d1/cave+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - Kirkjan cave is incredible. Kirkjan cave is incredible. It looks as if someone has folded dough. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0492da62-526d-4238-82f3-f51faf8ffd1a/Hljodaklettar+lava+formations++Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - A different contorted pillar around every bend! A different contorted pillar around every bend! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f06c0de5-88f6-41e7-88a5-d99832ffe981/Hljodaklettar+lava+formations+2+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - Beech, bilberries and other plants have popped up in the sheltered spots. Beech, bilberries and other plants have popped up in the sheltered spots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9335d1f9-a8fe-49c5-b2e0-4cb8af65343e/Hljodaklettar+lava+formations+3+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - We’re still in the Hljóðaklettar area. We’re still in the Hljóðaklettar area. This section looks as if it has been built. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/99b6e087-a985-4520-81f0-7d7860222788/Rock+formations+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - A great jumble of rocks all higgledy-piggledy A great jumble of rocks all higgledy-piggledy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b777e9e5-e066-48ab-9ae8-d8dde27d9c2a/Red+Hill+Raudholar+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - Rauðhólar Rauðhólar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/54227940-1f32-476b-936e-58abe332469c/Plain+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - And onto the plain. And onto the plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/911d0de2-ba79-49da-a350-49c348788e4d/Calluna+willow+and+birch+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - And into more lovely heathland: More lovely heathland: Pink Calluna, willow and birch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1628824812686-WTL8NZPYJXXG7PTBE6EI/path+along+jokulsa.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - And then back to the cliff edge. Back to the cliff edge. My, what a walk this is! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7849b38c-d079-44ce-9587-a523e5ab827f/puffball+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - Puffball! There is so much to see, from the tiny to the vast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/39820731-c7da-45d0-84e8-3f3fcd6fa029/rocky+plainJokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - More geology. More geology. Iceland must be as exciting for geologists as it is for photographers and hikers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/73cb775d-5742-40ec-af5e-389e38507aea/rock+pools+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - Lots of lovely pools, Lots of lovely pools, splashes of silver across the landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/712cdbbf-b4a4-488e-9b4a-6046f000e8c3/Asbyrgi+canyon+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - And we reach the very edge of Ásbyrgi Canyon with its sheer 100m cliffs. Wow. And at last you reach the very edge of Ásbyrgi Canyon with its sheer 100m cliffs. Wow. The shape is very clear, with the raised Eyjan forming the frog of the horse shoe. Nearly all the tourists are down there, few have ventured up here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d67f785f-2b9b-476f-8a68-942f4e4330b3/ladder+into+Asbyrgi+canyon+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - Now, down into the Canyon. A shortcut leads across to the campground. Now, down into the Canyon. A shortcut leads across to the campground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec40f231-1a55-41a1-b1d5-66be96a3d4fb/Nordic+Natura+cabins+Jokulskarlaup+Iceland.jpg Northeast Iceland - Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi Canyon - Day 2: Vesturdalur- Ásbyrgi - We pass a golf course of all things! And finally a short hop to the car and to cosy accommodation for the night at Nordic Natura Cabins. https://slowerhiking.com/jokulsarhlaup/tag/Dettifoss monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/jokulsarhlaup/tag/%C3%81sbyrgi monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/jokulsarhlaup/tag/Canyon monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/jokulsarhlaup/tag/J%C3%B6kuls%C3%A1rhlaup monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/jokulsarhlaup/tag/Iceland monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track daily 0.75 2025-10-31 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/why-hike-the-bibbulmun monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ac08b22f-612f-4018-b28b-96adc4463667/Spectacular+Orange+coral+pea+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower Hikers - Wildflowers and orchids every day With amazing array of colours and shapes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5a50cf6-e3ae-4ae3-9f77-54f79977c5d2/Clubbed+Orchid+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower Hikers - Clubbed Orchid However, the biodiversity hotspot corner of Western Australia has approximately 8,000 different native plant species, about half of which are found nowhere else in Australia, let alone the world! It is an extraordinary place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab6029b2-54c1-4ed6-ab83-86bdfa77b6e9/Giant+Tingle+Trees+Bibbulmun+Track.png Bibbulmun Track - The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower Hikers - Giant Tingle Tree The Bibbulmun travels right across that Southwest hotspot, through every vegetation type from coastal heath and dunes, to swamp to jarrah, karri and the ancient Tingle forests, with hollow trunks wide enough to drive a van through. There is a small amount of bucolic farmland and a few hours of plantation forest, but the vast majority of the route is through native vegetation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f24ab12-5a9f-4578-bb10-334e12e86c88/Bandicoot+in+hut+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower Hikers - The Southwest is also home to unique animals: marsupials such as numbats, woylies, honey possums, plus numerous bird, reptile and insect species occur only in this region. You’ll see bandicoots and annoyingly clever native rodents around the huts, snakes zipping across the track or curled in the sun beside it, mobs of kangaroos, and countless birds in the scrub. Whether you love plants, animals, nature or just walking in beautiful landscapes, the Bibbulmun Track has something for you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/38460a47-eb84-4dfa-8cd0-3e30e00029bd/Grand+views+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower Hikers - Unlike Northern Hemisphere long distance hikes, where big days are often required to complete the trek before snow arrives, The Bibbulmun has no such constraints; autumn gets progressively cooler and wetter, but many people happily hike through winter. Spring is delightful, with pleasant temperatures during the day, plus a number of hot or wet ones, depending on the year. Hiking in summer is strongly discouraged due to Australia’s extreme heat – often many days above 40 C (104 F) – and the correspondingly high bushfire risk. Summer bushfires are frequent and very dangerous, with no guarantee that hikers, even with PLBs, can be rescued from the track if fires move too fast with too much smoke to let aircraft approach: take a look at this very lucky hiker (1:41 and the very end show the proximity of the fire). If you require evacuation, you are endangering not only yourself but also your rescuers. Please don’t hike this track in summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a61f32f7-cb66-4e08-876c-ff3d0b56b6bb/Undercover+eating+and+sleeping+at+every+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track - The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower Hikers - Nice camp sites and shelters at the end of day Complete with camp fire in the northern parts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db6cd1e5-8969-44a5-9fb5-16250ad01640/Great+food+in+many+of+the+track+towns.jpg Bibbulmun Track - The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower Hikers - The towns are a great place to stop and have rest, refuel and of course enjoy a glass of wine! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/30e5096d-3f86-4011-8f4d-65b11c5fd6ec/Arboretum+Bibbulmun+Track.png Bibbulmun Track - The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower Hikers - There’s a well marked track throughout the length of the hike If you’re unsure a short stop and careful looking will guide you the right way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1211e0b2-448e-4f31-b885-6075f115a26f/Pines+Bibbulmun+Track_.jpg Bibbulmun Track - The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower Hikers - The track is well maiantained Of course their are sections that get damged by storms but these are attended to with time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bc06568e-3b9f-4948-8050-319f8b255c54/Great+ocean+views++Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower Hikers - One of many coastal views This spot has a seat with an helpful back step to take the weight of the pack - very comfrotable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aa794453-ac2f-4d22-bec5-3c258a369544/The+last+map+of+the+bibbulmun+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower Hikers - The Bibbulmun Foundation Sells maps and guidebooks Provides a comprehensive section by section guide of the entire track, a distance calculator, and provides all the info you need about track towns and walker-friendly accommodation and services Runs fantastic online and in-person workshops on topics such as navigation, food and gear, and E2E hiking, especially for beginners. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5a62327-50af-4d0f-9846-3fdb8afd455d/Spectacular+Leschenaultia++wildflowers+on+the+Bibbulmun.jpg Bibbulmun Track - The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower Hikers - The Foundation can also supply hire equipment such as sleeping bags and packs, tents and stoves, PLBs and dehydrators. You can join guided tours, both day and overnight, for different groups (over 60s, beginners, Dads with kids etc). If you become a member, you get discounts on the seminars, workshops and all merchandise. You receive the thrice yearly magazine and a badge and certificate when you complete an E2E (end to end). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b16e31f9-17a3-4b0c-bb8a-e28a0f6dde35/Wildlife+Bibbulmun+Track+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower Hikers - Kangaroo on the track “Fair dinkum - it’s all true!” https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/planning-and-tips-for-a-leisurely-hike monthly 0.5 2025-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9a8fe7e6-9dea-4ddc-8dd7-573763dcf169/Beautiful+tent+sites+at+Helena+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Helena Campsite Just one of the beautiful campsites surrounded by wildflowers - this one at Helena https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0622a439-b980-493e-aa32-f492dbc77d85/Amazing+wildflowers+on+the+Bibbulmun.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Each day is dominated by colourful flowers Pink or yellow - what colour would dominate this day? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/978c5a40-f28f-425e-ab02-45a2dd47f6b0/start+of+bibbulmun.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Northern Terminus Kalamunda Trail Head. Excited and ready to start our trek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/94328a76-142b-4083-8b8a-eebebb0d9bca/Comfortable+ply+bunks+in+huts+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Inside a shelter The shelters are practical and cosy, with a campfire possible in the northern part of the hike late autumn-spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a56ed4bc-337c-4e47-82e9-8029371864dd/Backpacker+free+accommodation+Donnelly+VillageBibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - A more basic shelter Basic but free shelters at Donnelly Village; behind them are rustic cabins with warm fires! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/651e3dad-d016-45a2-ad60-5276441b9739/Upmarket+accommodation+in+Bibbulmun+Track+Towns.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Fancy Accommodation Upmarket accommodation in Balingup because there was not much else available – what a shame! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ac31cd58-0a06-4e8a-9ccf-fd9924e7caff/Campsite+rules.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Sleeping people snore, fart and are restless. They may have mattresses that are noisier than your own. Disturbed by a snoring hiker? Don’t shout at them in the middle of the night, as one poor chap experienced. You can of course try ear plugs, but if you really don’t like the things that are part and parcel of communal sleeping facilities, then don’t sleep in them. For light sleepers, the wonderful thing about the Bibbulmun is that there is an alternative at every single hut: a campsite! No need to endure those human foibles if they bother you: just pitch your tent some distance away for a quieter night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/96a15fb7-b049-45ee-a33a-e9b0c0d882ed/tent+in+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - The Bibbulmun hut platforms allow freestanding tents or inners to be used, and some people do this for mosquitoes and for privacy. Because the track was quiet when we hiked (Covid), there was usually plenty of room but, when huts are crowded, courtesy dictates you set up your tent on a campsite, or sleep in the hut without it This is one of the more modern ones, reconstructed after it was burnt down in a wildfire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c7d58e0c-59c4-4c22-b430-0b394802094c/net-2.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - A great compromise is a net! Rusty happens to be using a two-person net on this night with few people in the hut, but a single net takes up no more space than your sleeping mat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/270198a4-c90d-4428-aa8b-2795f94f45af/terrific+campsites.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - There are numerous lovely tent pitches There are numerous lovely tent pitches - one reason why we camped about 70% of the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/875b96d4-8781-4885-8fef-5fb71a558b16/seated+hiker+at+edge+of+river.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Wild rivers with fresh water. This water may be coloured by tannins but is clear and pristine. Cooling sweaty feet or bodies is perfectly okay, but don’t slather on sunscreen or insect repellent just before jumping in! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a7c2470c-7832-40ac-9f8b-44a3b0ae6e25/Helen+with+chocolate.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - I didn’t know blocks came this big… an extra resupply in town, this time for us! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b411318-5439-4d12-abac-552acbd74f58/breakfast+in+balingup+B%26B.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Our accommodation in Balingup was expensive but they gave us a ride into town for supplies. We made the perfect rest day hiking dinners and breakfasts! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8aeb1150-239e-44e5-b22c-3c1270b94d00/wasihing+on+the+line+in+the+first+long+sections.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Washing clothes along the track uses precious water when there isn’t a nearby natural source, so it’s best to stick to essentials. A set of clean clothes and other luxuries make collecting your bounce box a particularly joyful experience! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/abc4c4dc-693b-40da-8166-10b4f6a660ae/Bounce+Box+Table.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - The table summarises our bounce box and resupply strategy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/596b6004-e885-41b4-9bd5-e5c7bc981750/Bucolic+scenes.png Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - The majority of the Bibbulmun is through forests and native scrub The majority of the Bibbulmun is through forests and native scrub but there are occasional parts where you pop out of the forest into picturesque farmland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e23d1a0-a5a3-4d2e-9e64-aaea7a9f06e2/Unique+Donnelly+VillageBibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Donnelly River Village We had a rest day at Donnelly River Village. This is the usual scene in front of the General Store: what a lovely family friendly spot to stay! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c79f8d0-ef13-429e-8712-8927fce71c02/Pleasant+walking+along+small+forest+tracks.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Track conditions vary but are all good. Some of the Bibbulmun involves pleasant walking along quiet forest tracks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2437245e-7cab-49d9-b8bf-719fa33e302c/White+sandy+beaches++Bibbulmun+Track_.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Beautiful Beaches The terrain was highly varied, with new scenery every day or few days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7390df75-a648-47b3-a85f-ec60039b46de/Pretty+bridge+on+the+Bibbulmun+Track.png Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - A pretty bridge on the final leg into Balingup A pretty bridge on the final leg into Balingup https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2dda2e21-b2bd-4df3-ae6a-35cdeaff0f30/Daily+Distance+Elevation+Chart+Adjusted.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Distance Elevation Graph Kalamunda to Albany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76265964-0e4f-4482-b62b-d2d3b06154e6/Frequency+Distribution.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Here’s a graph of daily distances and the number of days for each daily distance. Total distance is not the only story of course: elevation gain is at least as important, and of course temperature. Like many older folk, neither of us, but particularly Helen, do well in warm weather – in fact anything past 25 Celsius (75 F) can become unpleasant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/28f9036a-db34-492c-a48f-7969035dc7c1/LOng+day+table.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - The adjacent table identifies my hindsight view of days on the track I consider to be the most obvious and beneficial to consider breaking up. See our upcoming “How to Make the Longer Days Easier” for more detail, or subscribe to receive the link. I estimated the difficulty of each day (based on distance and elevation gain) and then ranked the days to focus on the top 10 days and options for splitting them. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and there’s nothing like having walked the track to discover options. That in itself is a great reason to join the Bibbulmun Track Foundation: you’ll get local knowledge from others who have walked the track, often multiple times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ac023f37-f2bb-4d62-8640-2ed2665770c4/Wading+Bibbulmun+Track_.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Sections of track were under water caused by a record wet winter. Climate and track conditions on any day will determine the day’s challenges, but the scenery always remains beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ab7d205-3edf-4694-a92a-a5709acb6f4a/Intermediate+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - A rustic shelter A rustic old hut just before Boarding House Campsite where you can stop early to shorten the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3ec38f0-10b7-46b2-8bfb-4cc1357f8e51/Checking+the+map+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Checking the map at one of our 10-15 minute longer “snack” rest breaks Checking the map at one of our 10-15 minute longer “snack” rest breaks – we try and have these every two hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/13a6fad6-e979-4c35-958f-a6aff0d6ecd3/Excellent+waugul+waymarkers.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - The track markers (wauguls) are easily spotted and closely spaced. Look behind you to check both sides of trees for wauguls if you’re starting to wonder if you’ve made a wrong turn. Also check both sides of trees at confusing intersections. Because maps and waymarking are so good, we used the FarOut mapping app only occasionally to confirm our location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c4f88744-116d-4ff4-8619-b488e3e5e845/track+route+indicators.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Keep your eyes peeled for navigation hints that volunteers and other hikers have left for you. This turn-off has a yellow waugul, but you can see that many people have marched straight past it. If you’re not sure which of two routes is the right one, a branch laid across the wrong track is a universal hiking sign not to go that way. Strips of bunting left from long-finished events to indicate turn-offs are, somewhat annoyingly, often still up too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/001d6cff-a5be-436b-a9df-eaf3945d7a5e/A+smoky+control+burn+means+a+diversion.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - It also pays to keep abreast of track diversions, and the signs associated with them. These are mostly in place for weeks or months to address sections of track that may be under water, or are hazardous due to erosion or structural issues, but there are also short term diversions for control burns ! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c79516a-0676-45a4-9acf-852c19f80efc/Dugite+curled+up+next+to+the+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Australian snakes are elapids with short, backwards-facing fangs, so they rarely penetrate thick loose pants, let alone gaiters. They don’t have super long, penetrating fangs such as are seen in other parts of the world. Also, unlike snakes overseas, Australian snakes’ venom travels through our lymphatic system for some considerable time before entering the bloodstream. The lymphatic system moves around the body with physical movement, which is why immobilisation and pressure work so well. No one who receives correct first aid and subsequent care has died from a snakebite in Australia: it’s when people panic and rush about, or when bandages are removed too soon, that people succumb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/309135b5-eb8a-4b4e-a0f1-e25a851153ac/gaiters+in+snakey+country.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Wear appropriate clothing and protection for the day Staying alert and wearing sensible clothing and gaiters through snaky sections is all you need to do! We wore gaiters most, but not all of the time, depending on terrain and weather https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5c67472-c636-4526-99ee-2b997dc75c0d/Helen+taking+pictures.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Try and avoid rubbing up against vegetation in areas with ticks. Crouching amongst drenched vegetation in bucketing rain - luckily not tick weather! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4eb7218c-b5b7-4fa6-9a2e-d7fbb1db1cff/end+of+bibbulmun3.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Planning and Tips for a Leisurely Bibbulmun Hike - Bibbulmun Track Southern Terminus Still smiling! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/food-for-thru-hiking-the-bibbulmun monthly 0.5 2025-07-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0336fe80-2e14-44dc-a3c7-d6f5631e238e/lunch+with+yet+another+view.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Food Lunch with view - why not take the time to enjoy both? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d90279fc-28da-431d-af03-d5f1f5b0da57/afternoon+cuppa_.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Why not take a detour to Greens Pool for a cup of tea. We split this day in two and, with the beach walking done, took a small detour to Greens Pool for a snack and view. Delightful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9088e967-3071-49ff-9221-8843e40e5fa2/bolognese+on+drying+trays.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Part of a huge batch of one of our favourite dehydrated dinners, macaroni bolognese, on the Excalibur dehydrator trays ready for dehydrating. Part of a huge batch of one of our favourite dehydrated dinners, macaroni bolognese, on trays ready for dehydrating Dehydrating isn’t rocket science! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f0f67ba-6d42-4129-b30e-19121bac7875/60+dehydrated+meals+ready+to+go.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Our Bibbulmun Track Dinners 120 dehydrated dinner serves ready to go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fc62169b-4ec0-466f-b5f1-6b7c0fedb674/poa.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Our hiking version of Poha - a new hiking breakfast for us this trip Our hiking version of poa - a new breakfast for us this trip which added extra variety. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5cc3cb80-580e-449f-8495-9251ad0dcf0b/rehydrated+feta+with+sourdough+crackers.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Our favourite light weight lunch: Sourdough crackers and rehydrated feta with a little olive oil and salt - yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b7250ded-ff5a-43d5-8ab1-2009671e15e2/pork+and+pea+veg+soup.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Pork and Bean Soup Nutritious and tasty - not your average soup, more like a stew https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04bdc826-7be2-4891-9fc4-c7ea2d9cc6d5/Healthy+food.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun food In towns there’s heathy greens… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/421a24ac-c242-4b73-806e-587f349fc559/Not+so+healthy+on+the+side.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Town food highlights and MEAT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1f4cd975-e11d-4ce3-bf64-2e5b1a4c38c9/bithday+treat+in+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Happy Birthday Helen Chocolate and Cognac - lasted surprisingly long in Geoff’s pack! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/98fc0edc-7daa-4d75-b1eb-2f7553e158f2/organising+resupply+in+motel+room2.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Checking and organising food from a resupply box in our motel room Include spare meals for one day for each section of track in case of delays. We put unused ones into our bounce boxes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d1e9d376-6ba2-4cbe-ae94-a3564096b4cc/breakfast.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - A very focused Geoff preparing breakfast Noodles, poha or porridge... but what about the view? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e17cd5c4-c66b-4521-b155-ffe03dd5c70b/goose+egg+omelette+at+Donelly+Rivr+Village.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - We didn’t organise a food resupply at Donnelly River Village… But we did buy some goose eggs and fresh greens from the General Store and whipped up a goose egg omelette for breakfast - what a treat that was! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ff46fad-50e3-4251-a2b8-bf0cac12fb46/dinner+by+the+fire.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Dinner around the campfire. This was a real treat where allowed in the northern part of the hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff67b874-99cf-44af-ac61-bf23f940f99e/food+bags+hanging+from+roof+beam.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Although a few Bibbulmun huts with particularly determined critters have heavy duty plastic storage boxes for your food, we recommend a lightweight carabiner with spectra or strong fishing line plus ultrasil food bags to suspend from roof beams out of reach of animals. We do this at every Australian campsite as a matter of course – by the time you discover the theft in the morning, it’s too late! And of course, in the US there are bears to contend with, and a whole new set of requirements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fc842a4e-5cb8-490a-83cb-7d6c77ec15cb/Lunch+stop.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - Lunch on Mount Vincent Top of Mount Vincent - another excellent spot for lunch https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/vegetation-and-wildflowers monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5dcf623a-5c4c-4933-b844-72c791f17247/sea+of+colour.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - The bush ablaze with colour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bbfee585-ee35-424c-a309-3865949b86fe/kangaroo+paws+higher+res.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d110717f-26ee-40ca-abf5-f3b2ae863ab0/brown+boronia.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - Boronia megastigma (Brown boronia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1f8dcf2f-69d7-4319-b8af-16cb8442b31d/SW+sign.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - Isn’t that just incredible? Amazing, isn’t it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9a28dbd-63eb-4308-83d2-4e8445518ad2/Taking+photos-7.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - So many plants to photograph! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/efc2e162-fe84-40e5-81de-9a9d19b18030/giant+tingles.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c7d94d8c-8287-4abf-afe5-f59e4a41448f/treetops+walk.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - Valley of the Giants Treetops Walk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eea642b8-0688-4bdb-923c-1bf6640ae514/spectacular+pea+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - Yellow Bossiaea with purple Hovea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a0d9c33-c2f3-447d-8e39-cb8c52503cc5/after+the+fire.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6912b8d2-e74f-4af9-920e-4b99aa4c043a/67+Prasophyllumgiganteum.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track Many fire-responsive Prasophyllum occur in green and black forms. The latter are very hard to spot as from a distance they resemble burnt stems! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de09114a-b9ae-4c12-975e-d2e35818447b/Thelymitra+antennifera.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - Thelymitra antennifera (Lemon scented sun orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/654661f1-564d-460e-b4cf-f87a1b92169b/cow+kicks.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track Stylidium schoenoides (Cow kicks): I’d seen rosettes of these in bud and wondered what they were. And finally, I could identify them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a70346e-c681-4e63-bfe7-8a99e7794e92/healthy+banksias.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - Thriving banksias such as these are a key component of the ecosystem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2312ed4f-2f6c-4d3f-86ad-c6fd608221ed/xanthorrhoea.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - Xanthorrhoeas are also very sensitive to Phytophthera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c628c0de-f0f9-48d8-ba00-dc930163b1ca/Paracaleana5.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - Tiny Paracaleana nigrita Tiny Paracaleana nigrita (Flying Duck Orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78f47c55-6375-4cef-bb2f-df4e4754c103/1080+sign-2.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - 1080 baiting programme https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6993367a-328f-488d-a667-58f0a8e867f3/Taking+photos-5.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - Make it stand out We showed these friends some tiny surprises… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1975ba31-b9ac-4dfe-b357-640653725d6a/Paracaleana+nigrita.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - Make it stand out …These cryptic Paracaleana nigrita (Flying Duck) flowers are only about 20 mm across, and 50-150 mm tall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/895c527c-f9d3-4ad4-a9ca-f8de43d3e286/taking+photos-2.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Vegetation, Orchids and other Wildflowers of The Bibbulmun Track - Photographing tiny orchids This will be a familiar position to many photographers with creaky knees! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/kalamunda-to-dwellingup monthly 0.5 2025-07-07 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/brookton-to-dwellingup monthly 0.5 2025-07-07 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/dwellingup-to-collie monthly 0.5 2025-07-07 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/collie-to-balingup monthly 0.5 2025-07-07 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/balingup-pemberton monthly 0.5 2025-07-07 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/pemberton-to-walpole monthly 0.5 2025-07-07 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/walpole-denmark monthly 0.5 2025-07-07 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/denmark-to-albany monthly 0.5 2023-07-07 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/7-ways-to-make-the-longer-days-easier monthly 0.5 2025-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c47f2373-f087-4850-913b-c2b3903052e3/Frequency+Distribution.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Total distance is not the only story: elevation gain is at least as important for us, and temperature. Nevertheless, you can see from the graph that the standard hut-to-hut walk involves a significant number of longer days. But it need not be like that for all of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52c991a7-fbec-4dc3-b3a5-9075f067836d/Hard+day+tab%3Ble.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - The table identifies the days I consider the most obvious and beneficial to consider breaking up. And below are suggestions for how to split some of these days, remembering that what is a hard section one day may be easier on another if it is not as wet or hot. Many of the options require a track transfer, but fortunately many excellent companies support Bibbulmun track hikers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/23066d34-f8c8-4738-ac5c-45d9fbd61912/davies+intermediate+camp4.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Delightful Willow Springs campsite Delightful Willow Springs (aka Davies) campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aa1e4c80-3b5d-476f-96d1-497a8903b853/water+catchment+sign.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Ah well… makes the fact we can still hike all the more rewarding. The amazing Hammer Orchid - so many hidden in hard to get to places along the track - another good reason not to rush and take your time or you WILL miss them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa1f2382-4ca9-4076-8ea1-99f1189cb698/Stepping+log+rounds+on+the+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - The Bibbulmun has many interesting things scattered through each day Such as this pretty creek crossing made from log rounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5f446bdf-9b54-4791-80ad-d1375d101aae/Swamp+Plains+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Yes, these swampy plains were wet and many people tried to avoid them. But I found them amazingly beautiful and one of the few stretches of track that are truly wild. Yes, these swampy plains were wet and many people tried to avoid them. But I found them amazingly beautiful and one of the few stretches of track that are truly wild. Be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8f6fa3e-576d-47a7-979a-4b6cc33830db/welcomed+by+landholders.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Not your normal food resupply… a kindly landholder had left out fresh fruit for hikers, just before a big climb! Smiling with light packs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec94da5a-cae2-47db-b66a-c01677585b55/Lunch+at+a+rushing+river+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Lunch time! And why not take the time to have a restful lunch and replenish your energy levels? There are so many nice spots, such as this one on the way to Boarding House. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0618c4a-50dd-44e1-820f-fe1b3bc8c019/wasihing+on+the+line+in+the+first+long+sections.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Be sparing with water… leave some for others Just a few essentials washed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/84e2ee05-379e-4bb2-b8e8-9748a3ec4be2/Impact+of+Food+Resupply+Frequency+on+Pack+Weight.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - If we’d used two rather than one food resupply we would have: had 1.6 kg less in our packs for the first 6 days, heavier packs on days 7 and 8 because we’d take on food earlier. But the top pack weight for these two days would be just under 90% of our carrying capacity, so well within it. for the subsequent four days (ie days 9 to 12) we’d be carrying around 4 kg less. thereafter we’d be carrying about the same weight. With one food resupply we had 6 days when our combined pack weight exceeded 90% of our capacity, with two resupplies none! So certainly worth considering… ah, the beauty of hindsight! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4a4623e-6a0b-4b7a-8be4-d3d2f984b3b1/Pleasant+walking+along+small+forest+tracks.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Dookanelly to Possum Springs (22.7 km) There are many nice options to stop and have a rest along the Murray River during this day. The most beneficial ones are just a short distance before you tackle the notorious Conveyor Belt Hill (SOBO). There are a few spots with one about 500 m before the Harvey-Quindanning Road track crossing. Apparently, the spot has a nice swimming hole that locals use: it would have been perfect on this hot day had we known about it beforehand. The other is about 1.5 km before the road. The Harvey-Quindanning Road is also an opportunity for a track transfer, with overnight accommodation in a town. This would break the section into a 15 km and an 8 km day, with the steep ascent on the shorter day. Transfer options from Dwellingup or Collie would be worth checking. On this day we stopped at the road crossing and had an enjoyable lunch with a couple of fellow hikers, before continuing on and tackling the steep climb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18a3ad97-5780-4749-b1ca-74a13d382c75/collie+to+yabberup.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Collie to Yabberup (19.6 km) The official track distance is 19.6 km. There is a good taxi service at Collie so you could easily split the first day to Yabberup by getting dropped part way and walking back to Collie for the night. Then get the taxi back to the pickup point to start you off the next day. There are two main options: Mungalup Road Bridge which is only 5.9 km from Collie; and the more useful Mungalup Road (south) crossing which is 9.2 km from Collie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3bc2036b-c675-4fa8-96c6-385817502e07/yabberup+to+Noggerup+Glen+Mervyn+Campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Yabberup to Noggerup (20.2 km) You could split this 20 km day in two by staying at Glen Mervyn Campsite. This is a car camping spot and popular during school holidays. It’s only 7.5 km from Yabberup so it’s a short day, with 13 km the second day. There is also limited accommodation near Mumballup so that is another option. Mumballup is about two thirds of the way from Yabberup, but before the long climb into Noggerup campsite. The track runs right past a number of campsites on the western side of Glen Mervyn Dam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fc3f955e-4353-486a-8e13-4c32772a8f91/Noggerup+to+Grimwade.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Noggerup to Grimwade (23 km) There is track access at Lowden-Grimwade Road. You would need to arrange a track transfer to overnight accommodation back in town. It’s remote, so Collie taxi services may not service the area, so the track transfer company in Collie is a better bet. The road crossing is perfectly placed about 12.7 km from Noggerup Campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2e11e8bb-34b2-45b3-b31e-0bac0b568222/davies+intermediate+camp3.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village (22.5 km) Willow Springs is a nice campsite 9.8 km from Gregory Brook Campsite. There is a toilet, rainwater, and a shelter, although it’s not a Bibbulmun Track shelter. It forms part of a horse trail that commemorates an old stock route. We stayed here and slept in our tent. The steel shelter has sleeping platforms but would be very cold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/905264df-a770-4a3e-91ec-8cfb09dd4c2d/Intermediate+campsite+Greenly+2+registration+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Tom Road to Boarding House (24.2 km) There are a few options for this longer day. First (which is what we did) is a nice car camping area at Greens Island, with rainwater and toilets. A little registration shelter lets you get out of the rain to cook, but you’ll need your tent for sleeping. We found a nice pitch amongst the casuarinas. Greens Island is about 10 km from Tom Road campsite, which leaves 14 km the next day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ac92359-493f-4476-9769-94be808bc6c4/Intermediate+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - But before you get to Boarding House, about 3.8 km from the the picnic area, there is an old shelter which is 1.5 km short of Boarding House Campsite. It is a little rustic but it’s a good spot to stop if you need to, or you prefer a quieter setting than the main hut. The only issue with stopping short yet close to Boarding House is that it makes the next day even longer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cdbf3d5e-14dc-40fd-b9dc-983c1f59e312/Intermediate+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Boarding House to Beavis Campsite (21.1 km) This spot, about 9.5 km from Boarding House, is the Donnelly River crossing at the Lease Road bridge just before a very steep climb SOBO. This is in the catchment area so camping is not permitted. It is fairly remote so it could be difficult (costly) to get a track transfer. Instead, we recommend breaking up the preceding days hiking so you aren’t too fatigued and can tackle this long day in one hit, stopping at this spot for a long restful (early) lunch as the above couple did, before proceeding on to Beavis Campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/70112c95-2eb0-4787-8f4e-33a29529514c/Alternative+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Beavis to Beedelup (22.0 km) There is the option here to stop short at Seven Day Road or Beedelup Road (Karri Forest Explorer Drive), which would reduce the day down to 17.8 km. If you book accommodation at Karri Forest Lodge you could most likely arrange a pickup by the lodge or a taxi from Pemberton to take you to the lodge. There is also Beedelup House Cottage, but they have a minimum 2 night stay and may not meet your budget. These accommodation options are within 4 km of Beedelup campsite, but it’s a biggish climb to the campsite and those last few k’s are always the hardest on these long days. Apparently there are excellent meals at Karri Forest Lodge! Most people just keep going as we did. We had an extra long break at Beedelup Falls which was lovely, which meant the final 1.5 km from the falls to the campsite was a pleasant walk. If you do stay at the lodge, you have a short 4 km uphill walk to Beedelup Campsite the next day. So the opportunity for a sleep in, brunch at the lodge and a picnic at the waterfalls! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/25912f4f-02cb-447c-bc8a-5eb9192fadc8/coming+into+Pemberton+on+a+wet+day+was+welcome.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Beedelup to Pemberton (25.1 km) This is a long 25 km day but is mostly gentle gradient once past the short climb out of Beedelup Campsite. The other steepish section is between Big Brook dam and Pemberton. There is a car camping site at the Arboretum just upstream (before) Big Brook Dam and about 6 km before Pemberton, and before the last climb of this section. It’s close to the track. We had planned to stay here and have a leisurely 6 km stroll into Pemberton for an early lunch the next day, but the weather was appalling (23 mm of rain and blowing a gale!) so we pushed on to Pemberton and a hot shower. We got to Pemberton by 3:30 pm, so had plenty of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8ce879c-c65b-4cde-9d52-d976958d18b3/Pemberton+to+Warren.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Pemberton to Warren Campsite (22.6 km) There are a few lovely options here. The first is what we did. On one of our rest days we took a cab to the Gloucester Tree, climbed the tree for a look, and then walked downhill back to town. The day we left Pemberton we got a taxi back to the Gloucester Tree, and then headed to Warren campsite. This reduced that day to Warren Campsite by about 3 km to 19 km. Another option is to get dropped at Collins Rd (13km out), and hike back to Pemberton, climbing the Gloucester Tree (or not) on the way back into town. The next day, get dropped at Collins Road again, leaving just 10 km to get to Warren Campsite. The transfer would need to be pre-booked (one or two days ahead should be sufficient) because of unreliable phone reception; the taxi service in Pemberton was very good. The Pemberton tramway runs to the Cascades twice daily, Monday to Saturday (bookings required). Friends on the track used this option and told us it was delightful. If you walk back to Pemberton and then get a transfer to the same spot the next day, (or catch the tram again) you’ll have a unique experience with the remaining distance a relaxed 13.4 km. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6cca9a74-d2ea-41c3-abf3-ba2db13b8b15/Mirror+lakes+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - There, out of sight on the other side of the lake, where we are not, are hot showers and coffee! Still, the lake was beautiful. Warren Campsite to Schafer Campsite (22.1 km) The climbs along this section are relatively steep. There are very few options between Warren and Schafer to camp; the land is sloping and forests thick. There is a road crossing at Wheatley Coast Road North where you might organise a track transfer, but this would need further investigation with local taxi or Uber services (there was no transfer service out of Northcliffe when we hiked). The road crossing is 17.3 km from Warren Campsite so a good distance. But it's just another 4.9 km to Schafer Campsite, so we just kept going at a comfortable pace. Of greater interest to us was the option of a hot shower and bed at Karri Hill Cottages. No saving in distance, just a shower and COFFEE - but, alas, we didn't realise it was on offer until too late! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9aaa770b-6fdf-4e8c-9e84-903cf049b4e9/Native+frog+Bibbulmun+Track_.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - When we hiked through here the track had only just been opened after a very wet and stormy winter. As a result, we waded through numerous long, large pools (38 of them were over boot depth and yes, we counted!). We shared the pools with thousands of tadpoles and the odd frog. And there was also a lot of fallen timber which we had to either climb over, around or under, because track volunteers had not been able to clear all of it yet - it was still too wet. That all contributed to making it tougher than might normally be the case. Whilst a bit tired we made it into Dog Pool in plenty of time, arriving around 4 pm with a few good rests along the way. It took us about 9 hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0b32d32b-6d25-486e-a483-3c0c42f26c19/sign+walpole.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Walpole to Frankland Campsite (18.4 km) We split this day because it was easy to do so by using a track transfer to the South Coast Highway track crossing point on one of our rest days. We then walked back to town via the Bibbulmun Track with a delightful side trip around the Peninsula near Coleman Beach (Knoll Drive) to hunt for orchids. That meant the following day we got dropped back at the Highway crossing and only had a 15 km day to Frankland Campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/70273cf1-d546-4427-a4eb-d0327f81e954/Estuary+canoe+crossing+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Peaceful Bay* to Boat Harbour Campsite (23 km) Many regard this as the most demanding day of the trek so it is worth working through some options. There are no simple ways to split the day, but here are some ideas you may like to consider. The day can be split by walking from the Caravan Park, along Old Peaceful Bay Road, then to the track cross over point where you join the track for the first time and continue on. That saves about 2 km, but you miss some of the marshy areas just north of Peaceful Bay. You can still explore the marshy areas if you stay an extra day in Peaceful Bay, do a loop day walk through the marshy section, and return via the road route to the Caravan Park. The days walk into Boat Harbour then becomes 21 km. One couple had tried to shorten the day and avoid the canoe crossing by walking along the beach and crossing at the inlet. That was a major mistake - the inlet could not be crossed and the scrub was impenetrable, so they had to backtrack a long way to get back onto the Bibbulmun. So whilst this might at first seem like a good option we’d suggest you don’t try it… and in any case, why would you want to miss the fun canoe crossing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/af7a4d6f-ff8a-421d-8276-8bb034b1cee4/Boat+Harbour+to+William+Bay+Parrys+Beach+Campground.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Boat Harbour to William Bay (20.4 km) This day doesn't look particularly arduous from the statistics except of course that there is a 6 km long section along Mazzoletti Beach (after the Parry Beach camping area) included in the day. A fellow hiker, who had done this section many times, alerted us to the fact that going all the way to Willam Bay from Boat Harbour was in fact a very difficult day, particularly straight after the previous long day out of Peaceful Bay. She suggested we should consider stopping at Parry's Beach campground as a way to split the day. That was some of the best advice we got along the track from a fellow hiker. Parry's Beach campsite (11.5 km from Boat Harbour) was delightful, and it meant that a tough day had been very nicely split into two very enjoyable, leisurely days! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f74401c-0b26-486a-a9fb-7c3b47d1f87f/Picnic+spot+William+DBay+to+Denmrk.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - William Bay to Denmark (20.0 km) The last part of this longer day involves walking from Ocean Beach mostly around the shores of Wilson Inlet through the southern parts of Denmark - about 6 km. Whilst it is a pleasant walk, the day is already demanding with the climb up Mount Hallowell, and a long rocky descent down to Ocean Beach. There are several accommodation options in Ocean Beach very close to the track that are worth considering so you can stop there, and then finish the section the next day, taking your time and enjoying the pleasant walk along the edge of the inlet, with a nice lunch in Denmark centre to look forward to. Track transfer options in Denmark can drop you into Denmark if you want to stay there on the first night. There’s a nice spot to stop and wait for a pickup just past Ocean Beach Road, on the shores of the inlet, at Rainbow Close. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9b7ef79e-1e94-497e-a0e7-d5cba9dac2fc/Great+ocean+views++Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Denmark to West Cape Howe (~20 km) When we walked the track there were access issues on the section between Denmark and Nullaki Hut. The Nullaki side of the inlet crossing has recently rerouted and formalised due to landholder and environmental concerns but was closed when we hiked. You can walk inland around the inlet too, but much of it is along the highway and also not ideal, although it is an official alternate route. The ideal route is a boat ferry across the inlet to Pelican Point, but that is hit and miss. The preferred route solution is transport around Wilson Inlet (we used a track angel) to a drop off point on the Nullaki Peninsula. If you get dropped off, you can stop at Nullaki Hut or continue on to West Cape Howe, creating a 20 km day. That is what were advised to do. Alternatively, a transfer to the Nullaki Peninsula late afternoon leaves a short walk to Nullaki Hut. You can take supplies from Denmark for the night, and then head off the next morning to West Cape Howe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0b6753bb-9779-4598-89ad-313e82e3252d/varied+terrain+on+the+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Leaving Woolbales campsite We’ve left the wild marshes and swamps (mostly) behind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/273c1aa0-5840-44ed-bb02-2230afce778e/end+of+bibbulmun2.jpg Bibbulmun Track - 7 Ways to Make the Longer Days Easier - Remembering… That we made it by only doing a few of the many tweaks we’ve mentioned in this post! Ringing the Traditional Completion Bell in Albany Visitor Centre https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/orchid-gallery monthly 0.5 2023-02-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77f75463-9b16-480e-a094-07f75f23e03e/Pterostylis+sp+colony.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567359821-RFNEAGFDPETS29MRXIW5/Caladenia+applanta+ssp+erubescens+%28Rose+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia applanta ssp erubescens (Rose Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567360038-P01YJCPSB0MB8TV7MGJN/Caladenia+arrecta+%28Reaching+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia arrecta (Reaching Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567360624-IVNUUWQMG0CFXIDJDW9A/Caladenia+arrecta+%28Reaching+Spider%29_.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia arrecta (Reaching Spider)_ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567360863-I7HFU610P44C1IRJ2ZKZ/Caladenia+attigens+attigens+%28Forest+Mantis%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia attigens attigens (Forest Mantis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567361345-08XS6QFQ50T02VPWOR3R/Caladenia+attigens+attigens+x+falcata.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia attigens attigens x falcata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567361560-70A68I1E8PEVX8JF9JH4/Caladenia+attigens+ssp+attigens+%28Forest+Mantis%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia attigens ssp attigens (Forest Mantis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567362051-BRBB52CB7FC10P1BBD4P/Caladenia+brownii+%28Karri+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia brownii (Karri Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567362277-GZSJNZIP5LKW7J6K1VAE/Caladenia+cairnsiana+%28Zebra%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia cairnsiana (Zebra) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567363124-F0TF9N2HQ6JELDECLAJ8/Caladenia+chapmanii+%28Chapman%27s+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia chapmanii (Chapman's Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567363841-N9BAA82PWX2CZOHKWPAJ/Caladenia+discoides+%28Dancing+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia discoides (Dancing Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567364044-WSOIQLRG8SF9XLRTF77E/Caladenia+ensata+%28Stumpy+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia ensata (Stumpy Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567364505-EH8KNYW8517VQPCVWESN/Caladenia+ferruginea+%28Rusty+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia ferruginea (Rusty Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567364711-UK1GB5ZEWG4ABC05IL5S/Caladenia+ferruginea+x+longicauda.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia ferruginea x longicauda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567365147-CEHB2MLSAS2UFJ4TH44J/Caladenia+ferruginea+x+longicauda_.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia ferruginea x longicauda_ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567365750-MMHGLINW4AOHEBK2WGFS/Caladenia+flava+ssp+flava+%28Cowslip%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia flava ssp flava (Cowslip) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567366188-Q5S71C1TDAU5EMXBUB64/Caladenia+flava+ssp+sylvestris+%28Karri+Cowslip%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia flava ssp sylvestris (Karri Cowslip) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567366553-QLLZYPR1K0QLWSTD5YFK/Caladenia+flava+ssp+sylvestris+%28Karri+Cowslip%29_.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia flava ssp sylvestris (Karri Cowslip)_ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567366914-0AI1QI1P4PVYJJG6CTAZ/Caladenia+harringtoniae+%28Pink+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia harringtoniae (Pink Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567367623-VN7PLI7HEVOUBCCLAJTD/Caladenia+karri+%28Karri+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia karri (Karri Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567367834-R8J2MD6H3OWGGDGFTH6A/Caladenia+latifolia+%28Pink+Fairy%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia latifolia (Pink Fairy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567368377-9L10RBCXCGA3UO8DJ2OA/Caladenia+latifolia+%28Pink+Fairy%29_.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia latifolia (Pink Fairy)_ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567368551-1LMY3R06DWHL4LOVSF1K/Caladenia+longicalavata+%28Clubbed+Spider%29+Mutant+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia longicalavata (Clubbed Spider) Mutant 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567369207-N4VS1DL8QOHXB2TZW9S6/Caladenia+longicauda+longicauda+%28White+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia longicauda longicauda (White Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567369419-8KGN0P2I1UNG9MJ01WR9/Caladenia+longicauda+ssp+redacta+%28White+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia longicauda ssp redacta (White Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567369862-BSHHNSALBAT9C05UF7XE/Caladenia+longicauda+x+pectinata.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia longicauda x pectinata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567370109-4D53XW5712L1OMPXJSP4/Caladenia+longiclavata+%28Clubbed+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia longiclavata (Clubbed Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567370800-ZVCXASNB6FVJ3NFHN1Z4/Caladenia+macrostylis+%28Leaping+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia macrostylis (Leaping Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567371185-9CF98U47UBQ9KNIV9D9V/Caladenia+magniclavata+%28Big+Clubbed+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia magniclavata (Big Clubbed Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567371577-Z8M5TFTZ468I5TZKVKAC/Caladenia+magniclavata+%28Big+Clubbed+Spider%29_.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia magniclavata (Big Clubbed Spider)_ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567372033-MU90L25S8Y4LXY6AJ5QI/Caladenia+nana+ssp+nana+%28Little+Pink+Fan%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia nana ssp nana (Little Pink Fan) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567372262-NGDAELMCR72BRGVZV6PJ/Caladenia+nana+ssp+unita+%28Pink+Fan%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia nana ssp unita (Pink Fan) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567372828-QUS8TSN5WG2AFDN544VM/Caladenia+pectinata+%28King+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia pectinata (King Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567373027-WGATCIFQO1I2JCLMKJH7/Caladenia+pectinata+%28King+Spider%29_.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia pectinata (King Spider)_ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567373835-DIEVK6FMMI7DKCMET1EI/Caladenia+reptans+ssp+reptans+%28Little+Pink+Fairy%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia reptans ssp reptans (Little Pink Fairy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567374109-DIDLC3NUIIXA06QG4217/Caladenia+sp+mutant.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia sp mutant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567374680-CSDHX2CBBTW2PM4U8VY0/Caladenia+x+spectabilis+%28Spectacular+Spider%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia x spectabilis (Spectacular Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567375048-EZGPJTK6BQNYLC2OQ7OG/Caladenia+x+spectabilis+%28Spectacular+Spider%29_.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia x spectabilis (Spectacular Spider)_ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567375605-4JRSD9ARA60WUDTFS5YN/Caladenia%2Bapplanta%2Bssp%2Bapplanta.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Caladenia karri https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567375826-ODKDUINGF1I89R0WTLD0/Calochilus+uliginosus+%28Swamp+Beard%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Calochilus uliginosus (Swamp Beard) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567376290-NLG4ZQO57IULAC154DPC/Cryptostylis+ovata+%28Slipper%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Cryptostylis ovata (Slipper) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567376670-AT11ZZ5DCA23WUU6NILY/Cyanicula+gertrudiae+%28Pale+China%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Cyanicula gertrudiae (Pale China) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567377137-T4EBE0HHDO6RN4R138HA/Cyanicula+gertrudiae+%28Pale+China%29_.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Cyanicula gertrudiae (Pale China)_ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567377355-PQ4ROZ5X0ZYGCWWBI9ID/Cyanicula+sericea+%28Silky+Blue+Orchid%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Cyanicula sericea (Silky Blue Orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567377954-RSSH75CYC9AAPKEFA8MT/Cyanicula+sericea+%28Silky+Blue%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Cyanicula sericea (Silky Blue) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567378175-ABW7YF6Q07J235SPJX2Z/Cyrtostylis+huegelii+%28Midge%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Cyrtostylis huegelii (Midge) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567378787-W21AXCVWYL0FFGP0NMNC/Cyrtostylis+robusta+%28Mosquito%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Cyrtostylis robusta (Mosquito) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567379009-4LTNWQI3X3BTSMMS3GWY/Diuris+amplissima+%28Giant%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Diuris amplissima (Giant) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567379617-XNN8EGR2QSBPBPVOF20J/Diuris+corymbosa+%28Common+Donkey%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Diuris corymbosa (Common Donkey) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567379834-O9GDS8XOYOL2WYMQLT1J/Diuris+cruenta+%28Kemerton+Pansy%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Diuris cruenta (Kemerton Pansy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567380324-OWH1YG7FBCOPNM1C2OBV/Diuris+jonesii+%28Dunsborough+Donkey%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Diuris jonesii (Dunsborough Donkey) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567380535-KKIW24HQU3HUJG10ZU4Q/Diuris+littoralis+%28Green+Range+Donkey%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Diuris littoralis (Green Range Donkey) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567381189-XBWT2TAMXSUY5SN4X20J/Diuris+longiflolia+%28Purple+Pansy%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Diuris longiflolia (Purple Pansy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567381541-IMROCCTHHSQ5J5HTQD5I/Diuris+magnifica+%28Pansy%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Diuris magnifica (Pansy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567381904-DG3N0N7AW6H3QEL3G8KI/Diuris+porrifolia+%28Small+flowered+Donkey%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Diuris porrifolia (Small flowered Donkey) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567382398-G2FBCSO1ICPPUIT9SHDX/Drakaea+glyptodon+%28King+in+his+Carriage%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Drakaea glyptodon (King in his Carriage) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567382683-7DIK4S6362ALK7U7IX98/Drakaea+gracilis+x+livida.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Drakaea gracilis x livida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567383237-TPIJVGYXGEKX7RK20635/Drakaea+livida+%28Warty+Hammer%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Drakaea livida (Warty Hammer) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567383444-FM03OLQFZMVGO70BPXT4/Drakea+gracilis+%28Slender+Hammer%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Drakea gracilis (Slender Hammer) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567383862-2XVKW8HG5UHBUUMMWSU4/Drakea+thynniphila+%28Narrow-Lipped+Hammer%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Drakea thynniphila (Narrow-Lipped Hammer) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567384150-QFKTCVHTJZSWWI08XD5U/Elythranthera+brunonis+%28Purple+Enamel%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Elythranthera brunonis (Purple Enamel) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567384831-ERVGFK8KGL2145TACFRI/Elythranthera+emarginata+%28Pink+Enamel%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Elythranthera emarginata (Pink Enamel) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567385057-HFNF2U8DZ4AA9D9ISWXP/Leptoceras+menziesii+%28Rabbit%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Leptoceras menziesii (Rabbit) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567385721-6P7WWFQD53P7TB4W3309/Lyperanthus+serratus+%28Rattlebeaks%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Lyperanthus serratus (Rattlebeaks) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567385955-QNYF6SLR6E8PFWFELP9K/Microtis+alba+%28White+Mignonette%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Microtis alba (White Mignonette) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567386526-11MS8DUFVGC9EJSTH68T/Microtis+atrata+%28Swamp+Mignonette%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Microtis atrata (Swamp Mignonette) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567386885-W2ZRVOFLWTFTNUJV5NRN/Microtis+media+ssp+densiflora+%28Dense+Mignonette%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Microtis media ssp densiflora (Dense Mignonette) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567387267-4G3IDHPRJQW6OVOVBN6Y/Microtis+media+ssp+media+%28Common+Mignonette%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Microtis media ssp media (Common Mignonette) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567387508-LSC273S007V5CKI1T3VF/Paracaleana+brockmanii+%28Brockman%27s+Duck%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Paracaleana brockmanii (Brockman's Duck) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567388081-D8X8UICN28OHV1RJTXB2/Paracaleana+nigrita+%28Flying+Duck%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Paracaleana nigrita (Flying Duck) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567388451-N34BOBWRNQ5U7DC159T8/Pheladenia+deformis+%28Bluebeard%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Pheladenia deformis (Bluebeard) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567388943-93IUSRPHWZFA5FGZ9GWD/Prasophyllum+cucullatum+%28Hooded+Leek%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Prasophyllum cucullatum (Hooded Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567389177-FCZVBNZEMQGNJECLV2CO/Prasophyllum+fimbria+%28Fringed+Leek%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Prasophyllum fimbria (Fringed Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567389730-3LWK0HG9EOERT2THNSZA/Prasophyllum+giganteum+%28Bronze+Leek%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Prasophyllum giganteum (Bronze Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567390009-ZYVIK1JDIFCV9KQ279CW/Prasophyllum+gracile+%28Little+Laughing+Leek%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Prasophyllum gracile (Little Laughing Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567390731-COCJYA9WA4EIXF8QTJY6/Prasophyllum+hians+%28Yawning+Leek%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Prasophyllum hians (Yawning Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567391062-GJBPB2HCYE9YQIEABL04/Prasophyllum+odoratissimum+%28Fragrant+Leek%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Prasophyllum odoratissimum (Fragrant Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567391581-X8NG8S62SMV6F33DAVZ9/Prasophyllum+parvifolium+%28Autumn+Leek%29+finished.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Prasophyllum parvifolium (Autumn Leek) finished https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567391879-WG3SRKZRZWP4HDZC581R/Prasophyllum+regium+%28King+Leek%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Prasophyllum regium (King Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567392268-NDFD3WGT50JUOC024N3Y/Pterostylis+barbatus+%28Bird+Orchid%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Pterostylis barbatus (Bird Orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567392590-3N4HK1TXI1BH8FDICSJC/Pterostylis+crispula+%28Slender+Snail%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Pterostylis crispula (Slender Snail) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567392911-WIGDKA2XCYRGRIWWEMBN/Pterostylis+ectypha+%28Murdoch+Snail+Orchid%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Pterostylis ectypha (Murdoch Snail Orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567393293-PKOCDHEA1YOMD6NWBQZB/Pterostylis+erubescens+%28Red-Sepalled+Snail%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Pterostylis erubescens (Red-Sepalled Snail) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567393748-QD6Y1XOZT95J3M0GYWUY/Pterostylis+glebosa+%28Clubbed+Snail%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Pterostylis glebosa (Clubbed Snail) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567394017-L1QEG4ONNGIR0ZUGY5NY/Pterostylis+karri+%28Karri+Snail%29+leucistic.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Pterostylis karri (Karri Snail) leucistic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567394944-2PTDQ31OPI4HKHKYSBYO/Pterostylis+orbiculata+%28Small+Banded+Greenhood%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Pterostylis orbiculata (Small Banded Greenhood) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567395193-DCS7EPZVHRD4N3C48W3L/Pterostylis+recurva+%28Jug%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Pterostylis recurva (Jug) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567396067-KLGH9T6KGNZN88L9DOGK/Pterostylis+sp+colony.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Pterostylis sp colony https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567396298-ZV47RIHCQ9UUYSRO37MT/Pterostylis+turfosa+%28Bearded+Bird%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Pterostylis turfosa (Bearded Bird) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567397167-Y7LH3PXMEXDJ45RP3O0S/Pterostylis+vittata+%28Banded+Greenhood%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Pterostylis vittata (Banded Greenhood) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567397419-XE70LMGC4MJMRKN0Q3F3/Pyrorchis+nigricans+%28Fire%29+better+pic+from+South+Australia.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Pyrorchis nigricans (Fire) better pic from South Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567397937-1RUGIMF3KDF4MOIXBCBM/Thelymitra+antennifera+%28Lemon+Scented%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Thelymitra antennifera (Lemon Scented) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567398205-ONR9XDY0V3FPQQEBKIJD/Thelymitra+benthamiana+%28Leopard%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Thelymitra benthamiana (Leopard) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567398667-4G8ZSX0S0O6J9P8AY406/Thelymitra+benthamiana+leucistic.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Thelymitra benthamiana leucistic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567398871-GNJXFIE40HJJ1353O8SK/Thelymitra+cornicina+%28Lilac+Sun%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Thelymitra cornicina (Lilac Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567399530-SHXC8T9MHDWCQJB4K4WG/Thelymitra+crinita+%28Blue+Lady+Orchid%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Thelymitra crinita (Blue Lady Orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567399607-CT5F5U80NX2LSD1VEZ6C/Thelymitra+flexuosa+%28Twisted+Sun%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Thelymitra flexuosa (Twisted Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567400298-IFDLXU9AI1ZU920HP5QJ/Thelymitra+graminea+%28Shy+Sun%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Thelymitra graminea (Shy Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567400682-MEMWU6EUVNVKGXD4JHQG/Thelymitra+granitora.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Thelymitra granitora https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567401155-6ZBE3M9QZGVONJCCE33D/Thelymitra+macrophylla+%28Scented+Sun%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Thelymitra macrophylla (Scented Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567401692-Y1T9B3SJ0JQ04NLIY3I9/Thelymitra+paludosa+%28Plain+Sun%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Thelymitra paludosa (Plain Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567401798-2Y8NAKTM27WHESER2Y3R/Thelymitra+vulgaris+%28Slender+Sun%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Thelymitra vulgaris (Slender Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1653567402752-4M3002FBSC7AXKYSIYOW/xHelena+enthusiformis+%28Happy+Helen%29.jpg Bibbulmun Track - Bibbulmun Track Orchid Gallery - Helena enthusiformis (Happy Helen) https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/dehydrating monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/Western+Australia monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/forest monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/waterfalls monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/Wild+flowers monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/backpacking+dinners monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/Orchids monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/Thru+hike monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/Bibbulmun+Track monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/Multi+day+hikes monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/orchids monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/beaches monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/backpacking+lunches monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/thru+hiking monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/wildflowers monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/food+resupplies monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/fungi monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/lookout monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/backpacking+breakfasts monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/coastal monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track/tag/backpacking+food monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-general daily 0.75 2023-12-10 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-general/benefits-from-extra-food-drops-on-pack-weights monthly 0.5 2022-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/60094bb0-7def-4e2c-8b50-4ca03e955846/Great+ocean+views++Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Bibbulmun General - Benefits from Extra Food Drops on Pack Weights - Coastal views along the Bibbulmun Seats with raised platform at back are perfect for backpackers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf76fca8-8821-488e-8ac7-583874901884/delicious+unexpected+lunch+at+dam.jpg Bibbulmun General - Benefits from Extra Food Drops on Pack Weights - Pub Lunch Sorry… but you still can’t take this with you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74efec1a-c298-462e-afbb-63d2584f5270/Pack+Weight+Frequency+Distribution.png Bibbulmun General - Benefits from Extra Food Drops on Pack Weights - Pack Weight Graph Frequency distribution https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5c15c2d-7952-490d-8eaa-bfbd4bebc5a3/Pack+Weight+Frequency+Distribution+Percentiles.png Bibbulmun General - Benefits from Extra Food Drops on Pack Weights - Frequency distribution of pack weights Expressed as a percentage of maximum carrying capacity https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/011791ee-b024-455e-abcf-f2726c4b3851/Daily+Pack+Weight+Graph+with+labels.png Bibbulmun General - Benefits from Extra Food Drops on Pack Weights - Daily combined pack weights Labels indicate locations of food drops https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-kalamunda-dwellingup daily 0.75 2025-10-31 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-kalamunda-dwellingup/kalamunda-trail-head-to-hewetts-hill monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5914377-e066-412e-b31b-dd1d8878ef2b/03+lovely+jarrah+forest+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Lovely jarrah forest with glimpses across the valley We’re soon in lovely jarrah forest with glimpses across the misty valley. The path is well graded and easy underfoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f3ec6a2-c7da-4b45-866f-a4da88630ec6/Bibb_Part_One_Full_Cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Bibbulmun Track Map Kalamunda to Dwellingup Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1ed8e5ff-cb4d-4671-a668-010ec69f292a/Kalamunda+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Kalamunda to Hewlitt’s Hill Kalamunda to Hewett’s Hill - 10.2 km distance with 310 m elevation gain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b8b8b27-44c6-48bd-8dc1-fb8c484a7f08/01+kalamunda+trail+head.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Kalamunda Trail Head Kalamunda Trail Head - It’s raining, but we’re so excited it doesn’t faze us one bit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4308fe74-1a02-4b9a-94bc-b60195dfa64c/04+heath+understorey.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Petrophile, Acacia and Hypocalymma bloom in exuberant profusion. The heath understorey is a blaze of yellow, pink and white. Petrophile, Acacia and Hypocalymma bloom in exuberant profusion. It is exhilarating, that chest-filling feeling when your ribcage can barely contain your joy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/63782a6d-b97d-4475-bc21-affa257fcde1/05+Chorizema+cordatum.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Chorizema cordatum (Coral pea) And everywhere Chorizema cordatum (Coral pea) draped over trees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/82eaef0b-098c-419b-9a2e-f4a6be1672d5/06+Pink+Hypocalymma+angustifolium.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Hypocalymma robustum Hypocalymma robustum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/39189833-e565-442b-ba77-7a383c8ddcc5/07.+Mangificent+views+from+the+edge+of+the+escaroment.+We+are+heading+down+there%21.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Magnificent views from the edge of the escarpment. Magnificent views from the edge of the escarpment. We are heading down there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d355db0-8b65-4ea9-8fdd-1cb2f9635672/08+pale+Cyanicula+sericea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - A pale form of the Silky Blue, Cyanicula sericea My first orchid! A pale form of the Silky Blue, Cyanicula sericea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7725b8bf-3db3-4181-8f40-9e5e7bc9ca1d/09+track+through+boulders.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - The track wends through giant granite boulders The track wends through giant granite boulders. The landscape is distinctly and unmistakably Australian, but the species are unfamiliar. It’s the strangest feeling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3371ae4a-61ed-4205-8543-b56a5df93a34/10+Diuris+corymbosa.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Common Donkey Orchid Common Donkey Orchid, Diuris corymbosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b5d7041-b49b-4d53-b887-60d2ec1310df/10a+Bossiaea+aquifolium.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Bossiaea aquifolium Bossiaea aquifolium… and no, the similarity in colours isn’t accidental! Isn’t evolution amazing? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e5b5737-a1ec-4b6e-9228-0aa7b7992404/11+a+tiny+waterfall.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Small streams and rivulets splash alongside the track at this time of year Although this area is drier than further south on the Bibbulmun, small streams and rivulets splash alongside the track at this time of year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97d3964d-cd41-43cb-a192-5c85e3ba8759/12.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Petrophile biloba Petrophile biloba https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fe1ef989-9848-423c-8b1b-b39f30b40cac/13+brook.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Small stream through scrub We cross a little stream. Many of Australia’s creeks are stained brown with tannins from eucalypt leaves, but the water can still be clear and pristine, just like a weak cup of tea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8216865-42ec-4033-b9be-ad7f5f3629b5/14+rocky+ascent.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Australian grass trees and the white-trunked wandoo The trail is rockier now, but delightful with the classic Australian grass trees and the white-trunked wandoo, which thrives in drier spots. And the sky has cleared for a moment! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be51df9e-cc03-4277-a159-357a71d07424/16+forest+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Jarrah with their fire-blackened trunks And back into the jarrah with their fire-blackened trunks. The clouds are back, too: they have been scudding across the sky all day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/61b256b2-0098-454e-9dfc-58b233babe27/17+lunvh+on+a+log.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Log beside the track in an area that is not long burnt. We stop for lunch on a convenient log beside the track in an area that is not long burnt. The cheese and bacon buns from the supermarket are very welcome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/37b9ff3d-f2d0-47ca-9435-54a610c15255/18+Angigozanthos+manglesii.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Red and green kangaroo paw Western Australia’s floral emblem, the red and green kangaroo paw,(Anigozanthos manglesii) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a059dac-b3fb-4fbb-adc9-ba7d8da68877/20.+Waugul.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Wauguls are regularly spaced Wauguls are regularly spaced. The snake’s head points in the direction to go: left, right or as here, straight ahead. They are usually at eye level on trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/88730f97-cf72-4b1e-942e-8d9a1f8569c5/19+Pimelia+suaevolens.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Pimelia suaevolens Scented banjine (Pimelia suaevolens) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52ebae27-3bc0-4d54-b9d6-081f7e7d705f/21+Pterostylis+barbatus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Bird Orchid (Pterostylis barbatus) We see these scattered through the bush all day! Bird Orchid (Pterostylis barbatus). The orchids in this genus are variously known as snail or greenhood: I guess these do look a bit like birds’ heads! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2be8f3a5-d5e6-4d18-8c6c-30a91f96b95c/22+cALADENIA+LONGICLAVATA.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Clubbed spider Caladenia longiclavata Clubbed spider Caladenia longiclavata Although to the uninitiated all spider orchids look similar, there are often very subtle differences between species: the size of the clubs, the shape of the lip and many other characteristics. Of course, I have zero idea of the species names when I first see these: I’m in a different state, and nearly every one is new! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71814c49-8001-49a3-a895-e43e7339ef0d/23+snail+hakea+h+cristata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Snail hakea (H. cristata) Snail hakea (H. cristata), with a mosquito-like insect that’s not a mosquito. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e00f8a7-169d-48ba-8054-cef7a67308ff/24+Hewitt+Hill+Hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Hewitt’s hut And we reach Hewett’s hut! Geoff brews a cuppa. Our first night on the track, what a buzz! We’ll no doubt become familiar with these wonderful huts but right now everything is new to us. And we meet a lovely couple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f258a25-1c76-4bd8-a20b-4db01b8a185e/25+campsite+hewitt+hill+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Small cleared campsites in forest are lovely The campsites are nicely level and scattered under the trees, with a drainage depression around the upper edge: clearly built by experienced campers. We’re not too far from the long drop loo - you can see it in the background, as well as the roof of the hut. There’s even a convenient sitting log! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78de7927-3e65-4d9f-868f-ad7fce7f86bf/26.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Picnic tables in front of the hut Picnic tables in front of the hut overlook the valley but it’s raining again. There’s always a table undercover in the hut, which is a real luxury. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/57e30330-676b-40f1-b0f5-d1a265598ed8/27+dinner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 1: Kalamunda Trail Head to Hewett’s Hill - Dinner - chicken and vegetable soup. Our first dinner on the track, chicken and vegetable soup. You can see the little bottle of olive oil in the background that we use to zoosh up our dehydrated meals, which are by necessity very low in fat. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-kalamunda-dwellingup/day-2-hewetts-hill-to-ball-creek monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a2504399-9656-4547-ba16-135aaa0f0d83/11%2BForestry%2BTrack.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Jarrah forest Hewitts Hill Whilst there are many showers today in the short periods of sun, the forests again are colourful, and the rain makes the bush smell wonderfully fresh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/795d7b23-3412-4868-a080-50a19f0e56a9/Bibb_Part_One_Full_Cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Hewitts Hill to Ball Creek Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 1 The Darling Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f4f6997d-9feb-489c-a849-52bfe1842933/Hewlitts+Hill+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Hewitts Hill to Ball Creek Details Map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/28ee9c4a-79c7-4595-9a99-b3228ca1b0a2/01+Granite+slabs+and+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - A brief rain free period highlights the yellow It’s wet again, but the cheerful wildflowers lift our mood. The bright yellows against the dark sky are stunning. Every now and then the forest opens up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/03cd30ad-d930-4757-af03-e803976f6204/01a+Drosera.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Sundew (Drosera) There are a lot of different sundews (Drosera) here. They exude a sticky liquid that traps insects. Here, there’s also rain on them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/980fa417-35b2-4d6e-ade9-da7fc91c2320/02+Diuris+sp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Bright yellow ”ears” More donkey orchids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e496b162-6592-4d79-a477-63dc0edc96a7/05+Diuris+porrifolia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - These “ears” are shorter and rounder Diuris porrifolia, Small-flowered Donkey Orchid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/243c6f15-8526-4f0f-af2f-3799dbe94560/03+Caladenia+longicauda+ssp+longicauda.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Spider Orchid The first white spider of the hike! Caladenia longicauda ssp longicauda. There are quite a few different species and subspecies. Advice for IDing them: “Sit down with the Hoffmann [book] for a few hours!” I haven’t brought any books on the trip because the best ones are too heavy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/30333a75-3c54-4f57-8224-16480008ff9d/04+Leaping+Spider+Caladenia+macrostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Spider Orchid And another new Caladenia, C. macrostylis. You can see why it’s called the ‘Leaping Spider,’ shouting, “Look at me! Here I am!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a09f61f-2479-4ae8-9d96-5845a98b80e2/06+Great+views+across+the+valley.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Granit outcrops Every now and then we reach an edge of granite, and the glimpses we’ve had between the trees become vistas. We usually pop across to the edge for the views when there are breaks like this, one reason why we like to take our time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/087bd56f-a1bb-4f15-9b16-82fa7ed4713b/08.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Darling Range interpretive sign The Darling Plateau is pretty amazing. One viewpoint has this sign. At 2,500 MILLION years old, the granite here is some of the most ancient on earth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b30777a3-d84e-4cb9-8a5a-37a25a7d0fa3/11+Forestry+Track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Forestry lined track We walk along old disused forestry tracks. This is always nice as we can be side by side. Some people prefer single track; so far it’s been mainly the latter. But these forestry tracks are small and quiet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d75ef6f3-b01b-4030-8475-6e2598b660ac/21+pea-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Pea flowers The number and variety of pea flowers is astonishing. I imagine readers are already beginning to understand why we are Slower Hikers. Geoff is happy to simply absorb the landscape, whereas I’m a details person! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bd6844b7-5c08-4e49-aeeb-d8d8e29af5a8/20+drosera-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - small sundew And more sundews of every size and shape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dc0f0efe-ae68-428f-ae96-309731c7f967/12+neir+Mundaring+Weir.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Granite boulder As we near Mundaring Weir, we see massive boulders in a sea of Hypocalymma angustifolia and wattle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f88ba09-169a-4ffa-8ebf-7cae3a40a6ed/13+Mundaring+weir.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Smoke stack below Mundaring Weir Because we didn’t read the guidebooks or pay much attention to the map here, we go the long way round down and along the bottom of the weir. Wasted altitude! But the old smoke stack is pretty cool! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2557b0c9-863e-46d5-82d8-eb76a0da9b63/14+Darwinia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Orange flower Lemon scented Myrtle (Darwina citriodora) – it’s so much fun seeing plants growing in the wild that you normally only see in nurseries or botanic gardens! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9a7948f9-55d7-485d-8cbf-6e3527330aa5/15+lunch+spread.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Mundaring Weir Hotel has good food and generous servings But what’s this? We had no idea of the Mundaring Pub’s existence but hey, grab every opportunity that presents! There’s a cosy fire inside and it’s lunchtime, a win for leisurely hikers who will arrive at exactly the right time. A HUGE spread of nachos and beef pot pie as the rain hammers down outside. Yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/68213d11-2aef-410b-a596-bcd798ae9d92/18+Pterostylis+orbiculata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Green hoods There are few images from this afternoon because it pretty much rains the rest of the day. We stay surprisingly dry in our lightweight jackets. So far, I’m impressed. We reach the hut in good time because it’s been too wet to photograph flowers! However, when we arrive, I scout for tent sites and find these orchids growing right beside one: Pterostylis orbiculata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16bbccef-61c9-490c-8f72-740d25721bb8/16.+Ball+creek+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Ball Creek Hut Ball Creek Hut is, rather unsurprisingly, in a little valley that’s a bit dank and gloomy in this weather. It’s great to get under shelter for that hot cuppa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/56646803-076f-443e-8e3f-b3bec5b9002b/17+Campsite+Ball+creek.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 2: Hewett’s Hill to Ball Creek - Tent pitched at Ball Creek When the rain eases momentarily, we pitch the tent in a little flat spot right beside the road. Many of the campsites are low in the drainage line on bare dirt that doesn’t look ideal in this weather. You will end up in a pond. Unfortunately, many people have carefully raked the tent pads clear not only of twigs and gravel, but also of leaves. You can expect a lot of mud and splashback in heavy rain. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-kalamunda-dwellingup/day-3-ball-creek-helena monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/938131ee-9bbc-4c01-9a78-f16a3c949fb8/01+acacia+drummondii.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - bright yellow acacia flowers The classic black and yellow of the Australian bush, here Acacia drumondii, early succession after fire. The colours somehow seem more intense than those in South Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4253e097-4e05-4fc3-9d4f-65480a85bab8/Bibb_Part_One_Full_Ball_Creek_cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - Overview map Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 1 The Darling Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/73b79ad0-ec4d-4528-99b7-e03369b6186c/Ball+Creek+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - the days details map Its a short 9.4 km day with only 250 m climbing, but some of the climbs are surprisingly steep, and the scenery stunning… so we take our time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/988d91c0-079b-4feb-b04d-411ff03dc404/05+creek.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - Water tumbling over rocks along small creek near Ball Creek There are many lovely spots like this to stop along the track today - Geoff is on the track top right https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab1a3a99-e12a-44e6-b91d-2ef4367b4947/001+Cyrtostylis+huegelii.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - Midge orchid Cyrtostylis huegelii https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b57c5e1f-44dc-4406-b6da-3e36adb06e75/001+P.+sp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - Pterostylis Small green hood like green orchid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d912286d-8329-494c-8a1b-2e246549dbab/03+Diplolaena+drummondii.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - Native rose Diplolaena drummondii We need to backtrack 200m and on the way I spot this beautiful Native Rose (Diplolaena drummondii). We are trying to keep our eyes peeled for the waugul signs but we walked straight past a small turnoff from a larger path. Later we hear that someone else did the same thing but didn’t realise their mistake for some distance - kilometres, in fact. This is quite surprising because the wauguls are spaced quite regularly. If you haven’t seen one for a while, check your map or mapping app! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0644ee0f-42c6-48b1-89f5-773819a16f41/04+lunch+on+log.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - log across track Time to stop for a break. It’s bright and sunny now, but we’re still wearing rain gear. The showers are coming and going so fast it’s not worth taking them off! Our sitpad is a piece of cheap Clark Rubber foam that we also use in the vestibule, or under our inflatable mats. Sitpads are great when wearing rainpants of any kind to extend their life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1863210f-9ff5-4f3f-90ee-0ad8cf8debb1/05a+creek+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - small waterfall Another break - just to enjoy this lovely creek https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/03dfcdd3-e36a-4c63-974b-07300e425c56/07+Tribonanthes+sp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - White daisy Tribonanthes longipetala grows in the mossy areas near granite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/553466c8-c3da-4b7a-8ea6-759a6c4b3672/08+yellow+acacia+and+orange+peas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - Acacias in flower The colours are terrific. Yellow wattle, orange peas and grey green regrowth, plus a nice open path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/611ed1dd-486a-438e-9493-168d01e692e0/09+Overgrown+path.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - track is a little overgrown in places But in other places the path is overgrown with this rather stinky Trymalium sp. It’s soft to push through, but it would be somewhat nightmarish in peak tick season. We’ve been diligently checking nooks and crannies at bedtime before getting into our sleeping bags! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67b9dc94-ca57-4a2b-bd6b-41fb3785d186/10+Grand+Aussie+bush.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - dense Australian understory Just look at this glorious Australian bush, so different to anywhere else in the world. The Zamias and Xanthorrhoea lend a prehistoric ambience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/716604b9-b656-4359-8262-3c03d8ea56da/11+waterfall.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - Waterfall near Allen Rd A short distance east up Allen Rd is a waterfall view. This would be spectacular after really heavy rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c4603d5-4d60-45f7-90ca-a4811abe5a02/12+open+forest+clearing.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - Section of track near Helena track surface changes from granite to gravel to granite again https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15805601-9af0-4608-a6b8-7c4161fbcf71/13+wandoo.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - wandoo forest Delightful walking through the granite and wandoo forest. The sky is ominously dark ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db8c7d9e-58d5-4a20-b17b-f459aebf23f8/14.+Caladenia+flava.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - Caladenia flava Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava). These are very common, but this is the first one I’ve seen in flower. Very exciting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b04087de-2e87-4abe-b7d4-7d03bf5ef5f9/15+regenerating+bush.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - regenerating forest More regenerating bush, this time casuarina and eucalyptus. The vegetation is incredibly variable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71c8d9e7-67fc-4f58-9dd3-fee7640e346e/16.+Isopogon+formosus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - pink flowers Isopogon formosus, and just look at that colour in the background! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a291969a-cd14-42e9-b532-5e9bce0be72e/17.+Granite+slab+and+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - granite slab surrounded by burnt forest More open granite areas with views across the range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/151a6154-80da-4bc5-a413-2edfc0bb9a02/18.+granite+boulder+in+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - granite boulder I’ve never seen such a profusion of colour. We stop for some time here, exploring the granite outcrop and me trying to capture the effect. It’s pretty much impossible, it’s such a jumble. Isn’t it amazing that, were you to decorate with such a mashup of colour, it would look awful, but in nature it just appeals to the deep primal lizard brain in all of us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5ed1522a-32b2-402c-9805-29369c21c2e5/19+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - more colourful flowers Just wow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cca2812c-5707-4bb0-99e4-9d8ed11ce708/21+Helena+Hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - Helena Hut We reach Helena Hut, which is a new rammed earth and iron Taj Mahal after fire destroyed the original a few years ago. It’s stunning, and stunningly positioned for views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/acec1e67-b6da-4828-a276-4f3bbb811f5c/22+Helena+Hut+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - Inside Helena hut Geoff makes a cuppa while I sort out the bedding in the tent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd473930-5943-4f77-b1a3-216bd8e26e9b/23+Helena+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 3: Ball Creek to Helena - Helena campsite And the campsites and their views are every bit as beautiful. Each pad has a small channel around the edges for drainage here, too. The campsites are nicely spaced: nearby but not too close. It’s surprisingly rare to see such attention to detail, and built by hikers who know their stuff. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-kalamunda-dwellingup/day-4-helena-waalegh monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/991927f7-bc63-4a2c-b548-3f3fb7359d6b/misty+sunrise.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - Make it stand out A spectacular sunrise, with mist drifting up from the valleys. What a sight to wake up to! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/343aecab-2573-4a21-94d5-1b8f272edab3/Bibb_Part_One_Helena.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - Overview map highlighting the days walk Today’s walk in red. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/33db4d60-bca5-4a54-91b1-c3830e509ba7/Helena+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - Elevation map Walk details for the day. Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 1 The Darling Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6981227b-0b5a-4527-84de-5121d5c40dbe/02+Poa+for+breakfast.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - Poha Geoff’s just-boil-water poha breakfast: a mixture of rice flakes, nuts, peas, spices and fried onions. Here’s the recipe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/32fb0228-da64-4123-b771-aa8c97d14be4/05+Nice+trackm.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - track from Helena hut Edged with wildflowers, the track is once again nearly all easy underfoot... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7d897569-4414-4ea4-bf0e-5018caee9ce1/03+Hakea+trifurcata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - pink and white flowers Hakea trifurcata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02d25aef-9b90-4e7e-ae31-242efc4d4c8b/04+Hypocallymma+angustifolium.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - Hypocalymma angustifolium Fields of white myrtle (Hypocalymma angustifolium), alive with the hum of native bees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/29331cfe-ea4c-419e-a04e-1a7abb2a71f6/07+Spectacular+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - Rocky track …Until we descend amongst the granite outcrops. Just wow. The track is rocky here but not at all difficult or too steep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/10cfdd4f-6f67-45b2-925b-a7c9cea49cb2/08+Caladenia+chapmanii.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - spider orchid slender pink petals https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9078177-2a5d-4ec7-8d76-d8423ab94a72/09+Caladenia+chapmanii.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - cluster of spider orchids Chapman’s Spider (Caladenia chapmanii) tucked amongst the granite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b69ddba-7c6f-4dca-845c-33e7ec4a9156/10+fungi.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - mushrooms A few fungi still hanging on. ID welcomed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f7173e7-0d48-4174-8ba7-60a7f39fa81e/11+silky+blue+and+acacia+drummondii.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - Cyanicula sericea Numerous perfect vignettes like this everywhere you look. Here, yellow Acacia drummondii and blue Cyanicula sericea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4e21c9c4-44f9-4f30-869e-20c21d3923d5/12+a+riot+of+yellow+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - single track edged with cream and white flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d076ee46-683f-4ea9-854c-2a8a450e0c31/13+more+fungi.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - fungi It’s surprising how many fungi are hanging on. Of course I know none of them. This hike would be equally wonderful in autumn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0201bc33-808e-4fac-9659-38aad7622d94/14+rest+on+a+bridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - bridge over creek Time for a rest and a snack on the forestry track bridge. We’re not worried about traffic: there hasn’t been a single vehicle since we began hiking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2bcd4e1a-c095-4318-a40c-3763afec675b/14+rest+on+a+bridge5+wandoo+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - Wandoo forest The wandoo grows on the driest, stoniest hillsides. This section would be punishing in summer. Temperatures so far have been perfect for hiking in the mid teens (15C). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2197c423-d227-43dd-8867-5613e9077e9e/16+lunch+with+a+view.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - rock slab with view And another fabulous spot for lunch. Boiling the billy for soup and crackers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e2be92a-c9b4-4fc3-bca8-6c9e4a459b27/16b++lunch+with+a+view.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - more views in opposite direction this time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5a8aa059-66e9-45f5-8cd9-f6672cc8ead0/17+isopogon+sp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - yellow flowers isopogon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d046c2c-6983-4fc9-b099-167e8d6742aa/19+climbing+pea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - pea flower Coral Pea, Kennedia coccinea forms spectacular red blankets over shrubs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/94884564-0387-4ee5-804f-7d112273610c/18+DRyandra+lindleyana.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - Dryandra lindleyana The aptly named honeypots (Dryandra lindleyana) growing at ground level, and pollinated by birds and small animals rather than insects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c927259-8ec2-4a2d-a8c9-9f740d1f7dfb/25+thelymitra+antennifera++waaleigh+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - yellow orchid Thelymitra antennifera, the Scented Sun Orchid, one of the few species that also occurs in South Australia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7193f97-df28-476d-8248-3afa68c1c6ca/26+echidna.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - echidna An exceptionally muddy echidna pretending he’s not there. If you stay very still, they’ll eventually waddle off. Their eyesight is very poor and sometimes they’ll walk right up to you before reaching your shoe and realising that you’re not a tree! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/146bd9f5-16a8-422d-aed6-ae6ca66bb9e6/24++waaleigh+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - Waalegh Hut And at last to Waalegh Hut. It’s situated on a rounded spur knob between two valleys, with views to the east, north and west. You can see someone’s silnylon tent hanging to dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3c7e1b4-0264-4f67-884b-4f0a4984a151/23+view+from+waaleigh+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - scenic view from hut There’s that view from the hut, and a little bench near the edge for an even better vista. It’s glorious. Also to the right some makeshift seating around the firepit. Very congenial! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00344129-dbfb-4f9f-a171-f15c2462b146/22+rice+flower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - Pimelia ciliata Plenty of wildflowers around the campsite. Verticordia is in late bud – it will be spectacular in a week but, in the meantime, there’s this White Banjine (Pimelia ciliata). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5cb2d90c-bc29-4a16-b881-d9fd480fdc54/21+waaleigh+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 4: Helena to Waalegh - waalegh tent site The campsites are once again excellent, but you’ll need rocks – the granite is at or just below the surface. You can see our sleep system: we strap Neoair Xtralites together, then sleep in individual silk bags under a twin quilt. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-kalamunda-dwellingup/day-5-waalegh-beraking monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661400913-TGJ70W2F8Z55N0YCFLXL/01+sunrise.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - Waalegh sunrise Another spectacular sunrise with the mist rising in the valleys around Waalegh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/668a299b-9785-4a14-ab77-7dd1a4de21a4/Waalegh+Overview+cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - Overview map for the day Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 1 The Darling Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca4ecb41-8791-4b21-9e82-b2fc1a2fe7fc/Waalegh+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - details for the day The days details - 8.7 km long with only 160 m elevation gain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661401682-4J23NCUZ8GFYBLQNRNMS/02+breakfast.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - mist in the valley Breakfast with a view. Again. It’s been cold enough to wear down puffies over our fleece jackets in the mornings and at night: the moment the sun disappears, the temperature plummets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661404251-ARD8BKXA7V4PNVLB7MXH/04+toilet.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - wooden toilet block A prosaic picture, but the long drop toilets at every hut make for relaxed travelling. However, this one was particularly aromatic, so just as well it was some distance from the hut and campsites! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661403994-D4QE2ON859CTCQEPQCRW/05+drosera+erythrorhiza.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - prostrate sundew covered in droplets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661406460-4BI26SKYT25QOXRVR8O4/06+drosera+sp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - upright crimson sundew The droseras are amazing, and early in the morning they sparkle in the sunlight. Here, D. erythrorhiza (top) and D. sp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661408511-P1GMRY9KRGUM7TVFRCBL/08+track+maintenaqnce.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - well maintained track Small thoughtful track maintenance features like this make a big difference to hikers. Thank you, track vollies and Department of Conservation! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661407412-VZ9NGZLOIL5KFPCU2IID/07+track+through+ironstone+gravel.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - grass trees The track is well graded but gravelly. You can see the red ironstone around the Xanthorrhoeas. It’s obvious why this hungry country hasn’t been cleared for pasture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661408807-M7ZFII5DQQ2PM114KUR1/09+Dryaandra+praemorsa.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - Dryandra praemorsa There are so many spectacular shrubs and wildflowers that enthusiasts will scarcely know which way to look. Here, Dryandra praemorsa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661409413-FMKIGUAZZY42LKWX18E2/10+Stylidium+affine.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - Trigger plant And so many trigger plants! This was the tallest one we saw, S. affine. The flower bottom left hasn’t been triggered, but the one on the right has. When an insect lands on the flower, it gets ‘stamped’ with pollen by the trigger. The pollen is then transferred to the next flower the insect visits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661409881-WH877I5NIXUZ3J3B6RXJ/11+Pterostylis+recurva.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - Jug orchid Jug orchid – an unusual shaped snail orchid with the petals and sepals fused and tilted up and back (hence the name, Pterostylis recurva). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661413312-YVH1CGGVA4WM33LXNM35/14.+Lentinus+fasciatus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - Lentinus fasciatus. A few fungi still lingering from winter, here Lentinus fasciatus. I want to hike here in autumn! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661410264-6KB1GTYCPTCMMPJ00NJM/12+diuris.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - Diuris orchid plant mimicking a pollinator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661410753-UIPA1REJVZQ6V5C2NH2I/12a+Daviesia+horrida.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - pea flower the real pollinator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661411312-EAFBUM5JXQ1U05CEKSHW/13+sundew+with+butterfly.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - Sundew An unlucky moth caught in a sundew. Smaller insects are absorbed, turned into soup or fall to the ground to decompose there, releasing nutrients to the root zone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661412959-5JAD7DWE1LEN7OIIQ02J/13a+pleasant+walking.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - overhanging trees across track There are so many new plants to photograph, and landscapes to absorb, we’re in no rush. We can take as long as we like, knowing it’s a short day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661413858-XTCBY4T851038996LS95/15.+Caladenia+latifolia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - pink orchid And still more orchids to see; here Caladenia reptans ssp reptans (Little Pink Fairy). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661415079-D1F99GJDDQZIGQGLJLCX/16+pterostluis+recurva+and+barbatus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - many different orchids Orchids so plentiful you’ll often see two species growing in close proximity (here, Pterostylis barbatus and P. recurva). About half a dozen new species every day so far. This will no doubt change as I become familiar with the common ones but, wow, it’s exciting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661415981-PFBXEF80S1I7VKL59KEP/17+camp+and+washing.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - tent at camp An early arrival at 1 pm after just five hours of leisurely hiking and a relaxed lunch. Another wonderful campsite on the edge of a drop, with plenty of time to do some washing. Clean undies – YAY! You can also see that rough ironstone gravel. I hope our thin polycro footprint is up to the job because the ground is tougher than we expected. We use tyvek on limestone and perhaps it would have been the better choice here. You can also see the polycro vestibule triangle – these are great for keeping gear clean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661420968-D0I9XSVWHS6RU7Q85C4L/18b+beraking+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - Beraking hut Geoff making the arvo cuppa. All of the huts are exactly right, from the smooth wooden sleeping platforms, to the lines for suspending food bags, and hooks for packs. They face away from the prevailing weather. You can see there’s a table under cover as well as one outside, which makes cooking during rain so much nicer! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661432008-8CQTQOGPR950816JA3T7/18c+beraking+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - Beraking hut The hut has a lovely outlook. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649661417488-JAYF4A8F2V6124CKOHUD/17b+beraking+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 5: Waalegh to Beraking - another stunning sunset And a stunning sunset vista. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-kalamunda-dwellingup/day-6-beraking-mt-dale monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f9ba3cf-1f8f-4f13-9ca6-78bd658e7d1a/day+6+alternatex2_19%2Bmt%2Bdale%2Bcampsite-2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - Mt Dale campsite Our campsite at Mt Dale… amongst the kingia trees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca220039-7d16-4b6c-ac19-f1493c4b67bb/Beraking+overview_cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - Beraking to Mt Dale overview map Inching our way south! Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 1 The Darling Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dc53d9d1-cfff-4d01-985c-85cf5fed0aa1/Beraking_Detailed.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - The days details for Beraking to Mt Dale The days details - 14.9 km with a solid elevation gain of 465 m including our side trip to the summit and its pretty much all in one hit - but the grade is not too steep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719839859-0PCZCE5VXVJMLMAB7MIC/02+pleasant+forestry+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - Forestry track Forestry tracks are so small and deserted we enjoy them as much as single track. It is much less tiring than rocky single track where you need to watch every step. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719839273-8I2INV0V358XEGQNZB4P/01+glorious+sunny+day.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - bright yellow flowers The weather is promising: sunny but not hot, perfect for walking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719842421-8KFF8A63SF1748R51I48/03+macrozamia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - ferns in sunshine Zamia (Macrozamia riedleyi) is a striking member of the ancient cycad family. This is one genus we don’t have in South Australia and it is wonderful seeing this stunning palm-like plant in otherwise familiar dry sclerophyll forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719843165-X8J3VAX7LHI03ZNQP76D/04+dryandra+along+the+path.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - grass tree and dense understorey Xanthorrhoea, Zamia, Dryandra - overseas visitors will be gobsmacked. Hell, I am too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719846476-ZY7424BWR4SWTQ6M3JNF/07+drosera.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - Sundew in flower Drosera macrantha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719848811-8DDJR5UAK83LDSXZG2SI/11+daviesia+decurrens.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - triangle shaped seed pods As well as the flowers and pods, the leaves are astonishing. In this tough environment, they’ve developed all kinds of ways to prevent grazing and dessication. Here, Daviesia decurrens with bright orange seed pods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719846675-GB3XUU81DA85B2E60OM6/08+reed+trigger+plant+stylidium+junceum.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - white petals on trigger plant Reed Trigger Plant, Stylidium junceum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719845358-VXDODWGUQ1AT89ICS26S/05+single+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - ironstone tracks grass trees and yellow flowers in ironstone country https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719847979-DBIPNFZ1G6D5W9H27WJ4/09+isopogon+sphaerocephalus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - Drumstick Isopogon Drumstick Isopogon (I. sphaerocephalus). Flowers are arranged in a classic Fibonacci spiral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719847796-RTB75TQ79QTXIT3SZWC3/10+coneflower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - flower heads You can see why they’re called drumsticks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719849057-5BXH7YLIUWMNYHEFJJDW/12+diuris+magnifica.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - Donkey orchid And a new Donkey orchid! Diuris magnifica, the Pansy orchid. Of course I don’t know its name today, only that it looks different. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719850711-KT8UVWXR1N0DT24A39T7/14+kingia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - Kingia grass trees These are not Xanthorrhoea, but a completely different single-species genus, Kingia. The flower spikes are like drumsticks rather than long spikes, and some of the crowns are three metres tall. Spectacular! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719845786-XW3LXKBESM4VCCRY5P7K/06+acacia+and+Trymalium+sp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - ironstone track in forest Acacia and Trymalium sp under the smooth white trunks of wandoo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719851857-BFD4VMAIRAFGTMXYCB33/15+isopogon+formosus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - Purple coneflower Purple coneflower (Isopogon formosus). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719852514-5UK0SLN5K10BYFD4EDNH/16+view+from+mt+dale.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - Expansive forest view from Mt Dale lookout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719853021-QF0M3BB8XJ50O0A7M0ZQ/17+prasophyllum.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - Leek Orchid nearly finished On our return down and past a granite outcrop, we saw this rather sad and finished Prasophyllum parvifolium, the Autumn Leek Orchid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719854661-HSNPMDB4T5M6PSVZMVR0/18+mt+dale+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - three sided hut with campfire Mt Dale Hut, with a crackling fire, genial company and, later, an inquisitive bandicoot. You can see our stuff on the outdoor table with tea on the boil! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719854974-GNMU2YFMO1BC4K6UN5ZI/19+mt+dale+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - tent site at mt dale The campsites are fantastic amongst the Kingias. Where else could you camp amongst Kingias? I tell you where: nowhere on earth! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649719857111-ENPR9Q7AS6KRYZZIR4SU/20+dinner+mt+dale.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 6: Beraking to Mt Dale - Make it stand out A couple of daggy old farts having dinner by the campfire. I’ve had a wonderful day, and am beginning to think I might just be able to do this thing! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-kalamunda-dwellingup/day-7-mt-dale-brookton monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734106804-LM1GOOX30QIJO9QDMOAG/07+different+country.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - track through grass trees Absolutely loving the more open parts of the walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/92318531-c572-4864-9bc0-f880696ca506/Mount_Dale_Overview_Clipped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - Overview map Location of today’s walk. Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 1 The Darling Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e1e91d9e-93c4-4f1e-8f80-03e2b0af066e/Mount+Dale+Detailed.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - elevation map Today is a short (7.8 km) flat day with a general down gradient but of course there is still a little uphill… but it’s an easy grade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734097224-SI22IJUHLW274GRGIT6Q/01+glimpses+through+the+trees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - open woodland Views through the trees rather than vistas today https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734098189-HUDDPR4MWFTV1MBDOEOO/03+leucopogon+strictus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - white flower Leucopogon strictus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734101723-B631HS2M8CJCEUM925OK/05+good+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - flat singe vehicle track Lovely wide walking track, alternating between sand and laterite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734097463-DGM3TQQM1ZINJUL9P0DV/02+burnt+treees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - burnt tree stump The old burnt trees are amazing. This one is dead – how is it still standing? However, many burnt trees are still alive, even when hollowed out, because they are adapted to fire with thick bark. The living tissue is under the bark, not in the centre of the tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734100141-WOCPD33IFKWJUI2JVGAR/05a+Cyanicula+sericea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - Cyanicula sericea These Silky Blue orchids (Cyanicula sericea) are very common. From a distance, they look EXACTLY like South Australia’s Purple Cockatoo (Glossodia major). I wonder if they fill the same environmental niche? You can see by my musings – often aloud as we walk – that Geoff is a VERY patient man! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734103112-VMC0I7PJSYW8RNRADUQQ/05b+brookton+highway+stony+ground.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - rough gravel path Here’s a closeup of that lateritic gravel and rock. You can see why it’s so tough on tent floors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734099323-PKCQQ5X2WYL32WGW8D0D/04a+Pterostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - bird orchid front on view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734098572-1RSMVBEMAGFI3G8E9QY0/04+pterostylis+barbatus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - close up of small green single stemmed orchid side view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734104747-8Q073CME16O1P1H564QN/06+lovely+country.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - open track on slight downgradient The open forestry tracks are pleasant, easy walking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734113489-6DG1RGD91A3HZLLSLIA4/19+acacia+andpea-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - yellow and orange flowers all mixed up - glorious Acacia drummondii and Kennedia coccinea (Coral Pea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734107507-9ZYBG1FBL5440UYE1M3X/7a+daviesia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - thorny plant Davesia horrida. Just look at those spines. And what a great name! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734105395-50LAO6MPVTFD0NE7TK9M/06a+drosera.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - small sundew The aptly named red ink drosera (D. erythrorhiza) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734108973-9QUHLDQC9K3ZOWKK85JG/08+brookton+hut+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - Brookton Hut And quite soon we arrive at Brookton Hut, another one of the newer rammed earth ones rebuilt after fire. They are very comfortable, without bunks but a larger platform, and this one has been carefully oriented with the door in the lee corner as it is a windy site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734108913-10ECS3S49EGS79LTREFY/08a+brookton+hut+interior.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - tent in hut Many hikers set up a tent inner against mosquitoes or for privacy when there are few people in the hut. This is one advantage of a freestanding tent on this track - it can be done with non-freestanding inners too, but you have to suspend the apices and weight the corners, so it’s trickier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734111568-8SGW3RJUVNG2QG9CFF4O/08b+brookton+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - outside surrounds of hut Plenty of tables: one inside the hut, as well as these two outside. There are two signs on short wooden posts: one to the toilets, and another to the campsites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649734112231-MEU992MDFYX66K2N03HA/09+brookton+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Kalamunda to Brookton - Day 7: Mt Dale to Brookton - Brookton camp site And here we are in another perfect campsite! We chose our Triplex tent over our Stratospire Li for this hike because the Triplex is so roomy inside. The Stratospire Li stands up to tougher and more exposed conditions, but we knew the campsites would almost all be relatively sheltered. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-dwellingup-collie daily 0.75 2025-10-31 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-dwellingup-collie/dwellingup-to-swamp-oak monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8752bf4-5c4c-4325-b2dd-e4a990cba802/01+banksia+woodland.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - Banksia forest To a non-botanist, this path is inviting, but a botanist will also rejoice in seeing such healthy banksias when so many are dying. A wonderful patch of forest at the start of the day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef50ac31-ecf3-43e1-a7aa-47a6707c32f3/Dwellinguo+Overview+Cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - Overview map of the day… and leaving Dwellingup we feel as though we’re making progress on our 1000km journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6455ae59-33b5-45b6-a39a-156a779a58db/Dwellingup+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - Elevation Map Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 2 Dwellingup https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0200c8d-4a00-43f9-9e89-56d0a33da737/05+caladenia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - Orchid Caladenia nana ssp nana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ebca467f-40ad-44ec-be5c-8b3481168d0c/07+leaping+spider+PIN.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - Spider orchid Caladenia macrostylis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0778987b-4488-4979-b273-ee48b563cf3e/04+pine+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - Forest track though pines Walking through pine forest isn’t especially exciting for people who are interested in wildflowers because they are ecological deserts in Australia, but there’s a certain hushed pleasant ambience created by the pine needles that soaks up noise and the rain dripping from branches. Pine needles exude allelopathic chemicals that inhibit germination, which is why few plants grow under them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/64addbde-653d-4dd7-8b6d-def69301cb48/06+big+climb+through+pines.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - Pine forest track But my goodness, some of these hills are steep. Everyone who hikes will know this position. This climb is much, much steeper than it appears from the picture. And it seems to go on forever! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49aafca0-a44e-4d69-80ac-a995942f8136/07+caladenia+x+spectabilis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - Spider Orchids delightful flava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a81e325e-ffed-4081-8bc5-5a3f76e329fb/08+caladenia+x+spectabilis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - Sidr Orchid small yellow and purple orchid flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c62db40d-8bb6-4d3f-b934-6f964bba9b3e/10+caladenia+x+spectabilis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - Spider Orchid small light purple orchid flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dbc5e5a8-db33-4697-b701-12e35593828b/11caladenia+x+spectabilis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - spider orchid white and burgundy flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb2fc1c9-dec6-4ff9-b46d-c51ae682a1de/13+jarrah+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - boardwalk through a wet area You can’t hear it in this picture, of course, but the birdsong is a delight. Raucous black cockatoos have an evocative creaky call. We often hear what seem to be Mum and Dad talking to the kids, with a-aaaarrrk-arrrk and the youngsters’ peeeeep peeeeeep replies! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ac28bfe2-c0df-4e25-a3ca-9f58423dda25/15+plavins+lodge+tree.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - resting place in forest Plavins Lodge, with a little bench at the entrance. We are already almost at the hut! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dcc3f11f-8948-4390-baa7-dc919ab37030/13+Pterostylis+vittata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - Green leek orchid Some magnificent Pterostylis vittata through here, and more of those strange insects. They look for all the world like mosquitoes but without the biting apparatus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fdafb082-8c5e-49a3-96a4-12d5c4bd0d54/12+caladenia_.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - purple orchid And another little Pink Fingers, Caladenia nana ssp unita https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f03fc0ff-03b4-40dd-8ed8-fb9456d5af26/18+Swamp+Oak+Hut+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - swamp oak hut It has been raining steadily and not only is the hut invitingly dry, but someone has lit a fire. We decide to see whether the rain eases before setting up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3de0a97c-0a1f-4982-9fe3-5e3e23f4c4f2/20+Swamp+Oak+Campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - view out to forest from hut It’s still very wet so we decide to sleep in the hut. We ordered tyvek as a tent footprint in Dwellingup but it won’t arrive till Collie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a7384b59-6d12-4912-bfc4-ef077e6238d1/19+Swamp+Oak+Campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - Swamp Oak camp site Just look at those tent pads! Perfect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e714b2a-0f18-4360-a4f1-a3436beb8642/17+Swamp+Oak+Hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 19: Dwellingup to Swamp Oak - inside hut … but we have our cosy nest, on the top bunk this time, and congenial company in the hut as well. Good times! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-dwellingup-collie/swamp-oak-murray monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2eb53c8d-e7fb-40e8-9f83-a5e721384df9/03b+misty+morning.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - Make it stand out We head off through the Xanthorrhoeas into a misty morning. I trip on a rock and tear the knee of my lightweight rainpants. A bit of Tenacious Tape makes for a semi-permanent repair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2e910448-b2a4-4017-a80e-6b6a3253e4ac/Swamp+Oak+Overview+cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - Overview map for the day. Today is a demanding day with a longer distance of just over 19 kilometres, a lot of showers and an overgrown path necessitating pushing through wet vegetation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/85b5509a-cbc7-4f6b-baa0-67b1b7603d6b/Swamp+Oak+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - Swamp Oak hut to Murray hut Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 2 Dwellingup https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6ed10024-0351-4b9c-af1d-83a4c051f46f/02+spider+web.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - Spiders webs Webs covering low ground cover plants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8adad16f-349d-4b52-847e-8c9b4a3b8621/01+spider+web.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - close up of spiders web Amazing spiderwebs at ground level. They are horizontal, with a funnel opening for the spider. With the dew shining in the sunlight, they look like scattered scraps of cling wrap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c709fd6-16fd-4a40-9f9e-8ccc301fdda2/04+big+trees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - Hiker inside tree Amazing hollowed out tree trunks from fires https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97ab4186-df07-40fe-8bc8-1acd90ddfbf5/05+pea+flower+PIN.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - orange pea flower Chorizema ilicifolium https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5fd76e02-569a-41f8-96dd-3fbfa2fdf409/12b+Hovea+PIN.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - purple pea flowers Hovea sp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7e25e33-c805-45de-aa06-ed70cbb05027/008b+lovely+casuarina+woodlandleaping+spider+PIN.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - delightful track through forest Some delightful sections of casuarina. They create the same muffled atmosphere as pine trees, but there is a diversity of understorey species beneath them that you never find in Australian plantation pine forests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dcad7ff4-c6d8-4d30-a9e4-79b4d03d5d57/06+Hybanthus+calycinus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - Violet flowers Hybanthus calycinus in the violet family https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/03bde418-0e40-4a5d-9a19-c7b4371ee6c0/9+glimpses+of+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - glimpse of hills through the forest No expansive views, just glimpses through the trees today https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fdbadb05-e3ea-4b8f-a0af-fdfb986b8f0e/10+cyrtostylis+robusta.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - small orchid Cyrtostylis robusta often grows on southerly aspects, usually in shade. The tiny brownish green flowers are hard to spot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9da5a4a7-07bf-4a65-bda4-deab869380c4/11+Pterostylis+glebosa.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - small green orchid Pterostylis glebosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d6133871-a39d-4973-937c-17c5c4005160/14+seas+of+peas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - thick understorey in dense forest Seas of peas! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d28c579-6cbc-4cff-84a3-4ec9c377a0d3/15+pea+flower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - close up of yellow pea flower Bossiaea aquifolium (Water bush) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a81b4966-af43-4ef0-9cf8-08b0f7acd22d/16+murray.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - Murray Hut We arrive at the hut and I tell you, that hot cup of tea is welcome. Hot chocolate is great but it’s just a bit too heavy for longer multidays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fed7924f-0be9-47d9-b365-a841f53e9561/17+Murray.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - Murray Hut front view Murray Hut is elevated to reduce flood damage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d125096-3fad-42dc-9e88-72267d021279/CAmpsite+Murray.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - Murray Hut tent site The campsites here are pretty but it is very wet. We’ll wait for our tyvek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3c161c0-ffe4-4dc9-aed4-e087ea976240/18++Murray.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - short narrow track through scrub to waters edge The river is directly in front of the hut, down a few steps. It has flooded recently with a wide, very slippery muddy bank. I tiptoe out for a shot in the evening light, but it is way too cold for a swim. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a3e05cf-906b-43d7-99a3-94ce3c77ffd2/19++Murray.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 20: Swamp Oak to Murray - evening light on water of Murray River Murray River https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-dwellingup-collie/murray-dookanelly monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1502b3b7-9ae4-4dac-9682-38ade24bac63/Murray+to+Doonkanelly+cover.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - Driver Road Ford View looking upstream at reflections in water https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dade1a75-ac90-4497-b334-2f5e9aebff1d/Murray+Overview+cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - Todays overview map Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 2 Dwellingup https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/099993d6-9e18-41b5-95b8-48122aca6580/Murray+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - Murray to Dookanelly Elevation Chart A longish day but not too much climbing: except of course there is the obligatory climb near the end of the day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a51f7fa-0a75-4d08-8d6b-5c5d155a5ca9/01+raining+but+time+for+photos.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - crouching photographer You can’t tell from the shot but it’s raining again, quite heavily. Still something interesting to photograph! The Olympus OMD1 Mk 3 is fully weather sealed when used with Pro lenses, and is favoured by many outdoor photographers for this reason. My kit weighs about 2 kg, which is heavy compared to an Iphone but light compared to a DSLR! After years of different camera carrying methods, I now use a Peak Designs Clip on the pack shoulder strap. I suspect that this system would be uncomfortable for larger lenses and busty women, but it works particularly well on my mastectomy side! Geoff has a clip on his pack as well so we can both carry the camera. When it’s raining, I encase the camera, still in the clip, with a Sea to Summit ultrasil bag, closing the bag underneath with the stiffened part uppermost. In my experience, this is more effective in keeping the camera dry than the neoprene cover sold by Peak Designs. The 12-40 Pro lens is great for macro shots (all the flower shots are done with it) as well as landscapes; many of the ones you see are vertical panoramas stitched in lightroom. The much admired 12-100 Pro lens is a better lens for wildlife but it is very heavy to carry on a pack shoulder strap and it was left at home for that reason; the 7-14mm wide angle lens is similarly heavy at 534g (19oz) and I reluctantly left it at home as well. Instead there’s the tiny but eye-wateringly expensive 150g (5.3oz) 7.5mm Laowa manual lens tucked into the pack, but it’s not weather sealed and it’s too risky to swap lenses when it’s raining. Our phones are Iphone 6ses but the image quality (above) is somewhat lacking. It’s time to upgrade! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b88e6fde-1a83-452b-b52a-b2c427252627/02+Scrubby+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - easy walking track smooth surface and flat through dense forest A tunnel of green today https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a42c08c-4755-465a-a492-a259b9590bcf/03+caladenia+longicaudata+PIN.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - white spider orchid … but still delightful orchids such as the white spider (Caladenia longicauda ssp longicauda) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e06262e1-2335-49ed-9d83-a6aafe637fad/07+Pterostylis+PIN.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - Pterostylis … and Pterostylis sp in the shadier spots https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/28385be4-74c1-40d6-9938-fea5a2ae32cc/04+bracket+fungus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - Fungi On side of tree trunk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69ff87f0-ffed-4736-acca-7fdbeb713abb/05+Tunnel+of+yellow+shrubs.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - yellow and cream flowers everywhere The vegetation is incredibly dense! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6b159388-4b9e-428a-a0bd-872119f623a3/06+Tunnel+of+yellow+shrubs.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - single foot track through dense scrub https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a808c29d-b676-4284-89aa-b35cbee1bbe8/08+steps.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - nicely built track Steps are always welcome, so much less stress on tendons, especially uphill, and easier on knees downhill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/234db588-6b8e-45ba-908a-e510241b24a8/09+rushing+water.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - reflection of vegetation on smooth surface of flowing river The causeway at Driver Rd - a small diversion, and worth the view after the recent rains. You can see the green bank on the opposite side through the trees; it looks to be a car camping site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d3471d0a-8f5f-4bb4-be58-d0d759428d31/10+rushing+water.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - Driver Road Ford Looking downstream https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c7dd5c3-4797-4130-ba44-a3823a9ccda5/13+the+sdign+lied.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - sign of tree trunk This little sign on the trunk of a tree at the top of the hill is a LIE, because there is a bit of uphill to the hut! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5fcbc23c-8034-4fb8-a5dc-c21ad482a36d/14+dookanelly+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - Dookanelly Hut And here we are. Meeting people on the track is so much more a part of thru-hiking than we expected. Unlike shorter hikes, you spend many days with folk you’ve never met before, and you are all doing the same thing. A wonderful sense of camaraderie and shared purpose means you get to know each other very well in a surprisingly short time. You can also see our dehydrated meal on the table: bolognese, our favourite! I cook, dehydrate and pack all the meals ahead of time at home, but Geoff usually prepares them on the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71f5a9df-3887-45d8-b494-43c2d5b8f348/15+ready+for+dinner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 21: Murray to Dookanelly - fire pit at Dookanelly hut Geoff in his Dawgs camp and river crossing shoes. They are a women’s model in black and, although our croc thongs are lighter, these have a heel strap and firm sole so they are good for river crossings. Women’s models are often even lighter (here, 227g size 42) than chunkier men’s models, but they won’t work if you have wide feet. Our trusty fleece beanies look daggy but they are warm and very light, much lighter than woollen beanies, as well as quick-drying. In very cold or buggy weather we team them with balaclavas, which also double as neck buffs and beanies. Clearly, we are no fashion plates! For the first time on this hike, I finish the day feeling really strong. Perhaps those famous Trail Legs have finally arrived! Gosh, I hope so! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-dwellingup-collie/dookanelly-possum-springs monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bb2f0afa-36f0-4f28-aaf1-664fae308cdc/02+forestry+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - wide track alongside river Much of today’s walk follows this track along the river https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b6d6c9a5-61a5-4850-8d66-54c96ccd63cd/Dookanelly+Overview+Cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - Well, what a day! So much for Trail Legs arriving: they have fled as quickly as they came. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/764fb615-952c-49af-8425-9024c62227e7/Dookanelly+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - Elevation Graph Dookanelly to Possum Springs It’s the toughest by far, with a series of steep climbs late in the day plus a longer distance. Like many other older folk, we both find heat saps our energy and strength, exacerbated by dense vegetation that eliminates any chance of a breeze. You’ll need the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 3 Collie and also the Bibbulmun Foundation Map 2 Dwellingup today. Yay! We always thought we were making good progress when we moved onto to a new map! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/96e59c5a-a6d5-4c1c-a971-65e0bc2089a9/03+side+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - nicely contoured deviation around steep hill Keep your eyes peeled because this is exactly the kind of section, when you’re walking along an obvious, wide track, and the single track Bibbulmun branches off, where it’s easy to miss turnoffs. Look for wauguls on trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a39d3049-6731-4701-8124-98bd5773e932/side+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - steep climb averted In this instance, looking back the way we’ve come, the Bibbulmun actually contours nicely around this spine rather than going straight over the top of it: amazing, because often when you’re tired it seems the track goes over every hill possible! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2dcf6fe8-64c7-486d-b5c2-34a10adaf1d6/05+bridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - swing bridge over river Bilya Djena Bidi is the suspension bridge over the Murray River. It replaces the Long Gully Bridge 12km upstream that was destroyed in a 2015 fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8902b56d-3245-4b4c-aae7-a483c55f8a6b/07+Murray+River.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - glorious refections on the surface of the Murray River Glorious river views from the bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b110d1c1-f00e-47d9-ac3b-f367b0740ca6/Murray+River.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - Murray River Dense vegetation and blue sky reflecting on surface https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/311c416c-b078-43a7-a471-97418bea35ba/09+tiptoeing+along+a+branch.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - skirting around muddy pool Tiptoeing along a branch to avoid a puddle. Later in the Bibbulmun, we will not be able to do this! Hiking poles are terrific for balance on river crossings too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da11f398-603b-4952-a0ba-5962c0c63fc5/10+yacca+resin.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - grass tree resin Xanthorrhoea (yellow flow) resin is what gives the grass tree its name. It’s an amazing waterproof substance that melts in heat and sets when cool. Used as a glue, waterproofing, in incense, polish and even in early gramophone records! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c687aec3-afb9-48c2-aedb-0fc15ba51706/11+Hibbertia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - yellow flowers Hibbertia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b224bd94-590e-4938-87cc-96051539acef/15+aluninium+conveyor.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - Worsley Alumina conveyor belt The Worsley Alumina conveyor belt stretches an astonishing 50 kilometres from the Boddington bauxite mines to a processing plant in Collie. It’s the longest conveyor belt in the Southern Hemisphere. We’ve heard this conveyor belt for a couple of days but now we’re directly underneath it, it’s not running. Apparently it’s very loud this close! If you look closely, you can see Geoff underneath it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/35d5aad5-19d7-477a-94a5-b95a29c71e60/18+carrying+tent+camp+shoes.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - steep climb on hot day Still climbing after the conveyor. This hill is a stinker! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/042619ae-15f5-4cf9-a9d9-749cc210b60c/16+more+forestry+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - track with dense shrubs and flowers either side We finally finish the climb. There are quite a few orchids in this pretty understorey, but many are Thelymitras still in bud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b482984-d1d1-436c-b300-1a1258290374/17+along+the+plantation+edge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - wide track We skirt along a section of plantation. With a plethora of newish forestry tracks, this was one of the few parts of the Bibbulmun where signage was somewhat lacking. We used our FarOut App to check which track to take. The App is free, but you buy the guides (maps). It functions on airplane mode and uses satellites rather than mobile phone towers to show your location. If you plan to do other long hikes in Australia, it’s worth getting the package of all the thru-hike guides (it’s a once-off fee) rather than just buying a single track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69cd5685-1696-495a-83ec-26c1d58bee77/19+photographng+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - crouching hiker photographing orchids I’m sure you understand by now why we are leisurely hikers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d48fecb2-c22e-47c7-b284-df8510e043b3/21+dampiera.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - blue purple flowers Dampiera linearis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6b82c70-a9a8-44c6-ab6b-9c0d4845a19c/20+a+new+orchid.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - photographing spider orchid on side of track near possum springs hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c910061-aff8-44f1-b2e2-49277720ed96/22+caladenia+longiclavata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - spider orchid A very pale Caladenia magniclavata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a796976b-fb01-4f41-961d-08f6341c3119/23+Possum+Springs+Hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - Possum Springs Hut We’re finally at Possum Springs, another terrific rammed earth hut. I am absolutely, completely buggered.Geoff hurries to get the tea things out! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/93145ffb-041c-4ac1-8386-1c06633a9f36/campsite+possum+springs.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 22: Dookanelly to Possum Springs - campsite at Possum Springs Bubbulmun Track Once again the campsites are wonderful but all I want to do is have that cup of tea, inflate the mats and throw over the quilt. The hut is palatial and the company congenial. However, most of us, even the younger folk, are in bed the moment it gets dark! I’m hoping tomorrow will be an easier day. Where are those damned trail legs? https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-dwellingup-collie/possum-springs-yourdamung monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74695139-91f5-4138-908a-78c27fc61105/pink+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - boronia flowers Fields of pink boronia late in the day. They are glorious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/33cf3756-f917-4a85-8047-4fa09147db79/Possum+Springs+Overview+Cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - After yesterday’s slog I’m apprehensive but the distance is shorter, about 19km, and the elevation gain and loss much less. We decide to start early to beat the heat but there are so many wildflowers today that we still arrive in camp at around 4pm! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6db5c765-7fb8-4aaf-8062-37a705f323a9/Possum+Springs+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - Possum Springs to Yourdamung elevation graph Nevertheless the time flies by because there is so much to see. Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 3 Collie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de5a9f43-9edd-40a1-aa51-0fb81c956ec5/pig+diggings.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - damage to native vegetation by pigs Varied and rich vegetation but saddening that this section has so much pig damage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91892098-9dfd-4791-8ee3-dd58294061d8/02+Diuris+cruenta.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - yellow orchid Diuris cruenta, a new species! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/50ee2334-1068-4a8f-b565-b6c3bd409444/bullock+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - easy gradient bullock train track Straight, old bullock train logging tracks with gentle gradients. I’m coming to love them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f70bc21-c470-45dc-b54c-798dd467ec66/kingias.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - grass trees All kinds of fascinating small plants in the open areas amongst the grass trees. Many orchids in bud: enthusiasts, take a good look in these spots! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4eec3cbe-9f86-45d2-8bca-03c45fa0f3e2/Hibbertia++stellaris+.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - bright yellow flowers Spectacular Hibbertia stellaris growing in a swampy area https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91231847-8886-4290-bb06-985055ce9834/07+Hibbertia++stellaris.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - orange and yellow flowers Hibbertia stellaris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/346dd280-39d7-449f-9c0f-0097dcb3efdf/stackhousia+and+hibbertia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - cream coloured flowers Stackhousia monogyna (Creamy Candles) and yellow Hibbertia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/411f16b2-9244-4bc1-b858-7e3c1f16626c/1understorey+plants.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - regenerating forest after fire A richly diverse understorey and gentle forestry track: what more could we ask? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db0ac174-c788-4091-8139-35275959df9a/09+Enamel+orchid.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - small purple flower Elythranthera brunonis (Purple enamel orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d18f33be-0588-42bc-9d35-55a8085c49e8/purple+pansy+orchid.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - purple orchid flowers Diuris longifolia (Purple Pansy Orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e6ad5068-08ed-4f60-b21d-182c2094d31e/purple+enamel.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - glossy purple orchid flower Purple enamel orchid showing the unique and distinctive glossiness of the petals in sunlight https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00a0fb60-6407-4a12-b851-9624eaeffebd/14+tetratheca.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - purple flowers Tetratheca sp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/99c972c6-f115-4b38-85e5-e04f211d6a89/16+beautiful+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - sandy track through dense vegetation Spectacular wildflower country https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9000a67d-4ed8-42d9-9dd4-c45963c04dfd/17+huge+gums.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - Bibbulmun track through area thick grass trees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f2e249ac-44dc-4063-97c1-adfbe8b2aa74/19.+Patersonia+pymaea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - small purple flowers in regenerating bush A recently burnt section with all kinds of small plants. I’m captivated by these tiny iris that I’ve seen before, Patersonia babianoides - the leaves are everywhere but only now and then do I get to see them in flower. Often Patersonias are open for just one day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/58431bbf-2706-432a-b1a6-22293b4e349c/spectacular+swampland.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - 1000s of white flowers And into some marvellous swampland. We are here at midday so the light is harsh but wow, it is fantastic, with so many different plants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d2639104-79ba-4949-a14b-a0ae43f2cbcf/stunning+swamp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - track through swamp the swamp is alive with flowers and bugs and tadpoles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/355ac5b7-baa3-458d-a2a9-2ed6a492d80c/18+Drosera+PIN.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - yellow sundew flower Many different swamp sundews https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/93f491d2-58e8-47e0-9061-7bc6f978d58f/drosera.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - carnivorous sundews this one with purple flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71c1e604-4be2-4990-80d7-73279b3c7135/small+bridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - Bibbulmun track through swamp with small timber footbridges https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7acb5a0e-603a-41f3-8045-cadc1736b459/24+caladenia+flava.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - bright yellow and red coloured Caladenia flava A patch of especially brilliantly coloured cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f067f701-9767-4ea5-9122-2896c15c9f77/Adenanthos+obovatus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - Adenanthos obovatus Basket flower Adenanthos obovatus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/57cb357d-04d7-4314-b160-47eeb3edb6cd/wildflower+garden.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - white sandy track Just fabulous! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/924e1626-e06b-4e6a-9e8b-2f153123672f/32+pink+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - late afternoon sun through trees shining on boronia plants in flowers Tired legs completely forgotten! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d2c3db1e-e816-4a3f-b4f4-cfa53019452d/34+Yourdamung+Hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - Yourdamung Hut And here we are at the hut. John is happy to be photographed. He knows the track inside out and spends a lot of time on it. Yet another of the many wonderful hikers we meet on the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ccfce4c-7160-49e5-a421-9bef21d4fbfa/Yourdamung+Hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - view from hut Beaut outlook from Yourdamung Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8f8b207-0d12-4307-982c-0b085f5bf03f/Campsite+Yourdamung.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 23: Possum Springs to Yourdamung - Yourdamung campsite Sandy tent pads for a change, much gentler on tent floors than that lateritic gravel! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-dwellingup-collie/yourdamung-harris-dam monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e275478-0f7f-4dfc-ba4b-5ccada7e4009/Yourdamung+to+Harris+Dam+2.JPG Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - Fire in the forest Thankfully a controlled burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d8dbd37-65dc-4354-81c3-1db3b3a158fa/Yourdamung+Overview.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - Overview map for today - almost at our second town! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c8d0b58-e3bb-4058-9811-23c5158ba7cd/Yourdamung+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - Yourdamung to Harris Dam Details And the days details: 14.3 km with only 170m elevation gain - yay! Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 3 Collie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9e77cd9-b2e3-45c7-8c97-65861101ec16/Lyperanthuds+serratus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - Rattlebeak Orchid There are no campfires permitted at Yourdamung, perhaps because the campsite is surrounded by orchids. Here, Rattlebeaks (Lyperanthus serratus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/26ef29bd-bc9d-46b4-9dee-8290a9b5ba0b/01+Helena+enthusiformis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - very tall white spider orchid Helena enthusiformis! You can see how the Peak Designs Camera clip holds the camera on the shoulder strap of the backpack, and how a mastectomy helps the fit! The camera’s universal baseplate locks into the clip; you press a button to release the lock and slide the camera upwards. It works with DSLRs but is perfect for Micro 4/3 cameras. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2b247429-9a27-4a39-8106-f99b892c617d/04+longicauda.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - White spider orchid White spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/59ef8735-0a9b-46ef-b6c2-00a60faab718/jarrah+understorey.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - singel track through tghick forest high diversity in plants and habitat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c5fd34c-84d2-4a73-991e-5a0d1829d81e/bracket+fungi.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - Fungi on a log Bracket fungi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1c0a8c8e-d988-4cd7-8b12-1a5b548a219f/Cordyceps.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - Cordyceps, I think this is the fruiting body of a Cordyceps, a parasitic genus of fungus that infects caterpillars and grows to the surface. Think: dinner table scene on the spaceship in ‘Alien’! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1591ed01-5abc-458b-8568-469079005b40/12+sowerbaea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - small purple flowers Sowerbaea juncea (Vanilla Lily) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e79a2ec3-2de0-4ace-9b53-83dd5ddbcaad/09+coral+pea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - coral pea everywhere Amazing regrowth with coral pea draped triffid-like over everything https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d890ae4a-7238-44de-96d1-c8d214934f5e/Isotropis+cuneifolia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - Isotropis cuneifolia Isotropis cuneifolia. When closed, the flower veining looks like butterfly wings! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2832206c-0ab6-443d-a8bc-09fefb7714cc/open+sandy+clearings+for+orchids.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - grass tree and orchid rich white sands An open clearing rich in orchids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fb0bcdfa-de57-473f-8eab-b3c625c4e9a2/paracaleana+nigrita.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - Flying duck orchid Paracaleana nigrita (Flying duck orchid). These look spectacular in photos but are incredibly cryptic in real life because they are tiny, and the dull brown colours blend in perfectly with leaves and debris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e49b6291-1bd6-4ccd-8b4a-7b3258b673eb/caladenia+magniclavata_.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - Spider Orchid Caladenia magniclavata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9da349e8-066b-4b2e-9542-99ece473a418/Drakaea+livida.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - Warty Hammer Orchid Drakaea livida, the Warty Hammer Orchid: another tiny species that’s hard to spot. You’ll walk straight past them unless you’re specifically looking for small flowers or insects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/681bd019-7170-465e-9dc4-52921d4e541c/drakaea+glyptodon.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - King-in-His-Carriage orchid Drakaea glyptodon, or King-in-His-Carriage, widespread, common, but rarely seen! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce7355b4-c6c0-4f88-a28b-8a5c76e363b4/21 Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - wooden timber rounds make great stepping stones through boggy areas Thank you, track vollies! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fc16b8fa-ffb3-4959-9a73-43bfb88b4108/control+burn.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - forest on fire controlled burn - we hope! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/beb60a92-2e6e-4fe2-acef-cd8b6bb34af0/checking+the+fire+map.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - looking a burn map He shows us on the map where the diversion is. “Didn’t you see the sign?” he asks. Sign? What sign? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/210ba24e-c152-42d7-9db5-0918a082f766/control+burn+map+sign.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - burn notice This sign! It’s on the side of the road where we emerged but, in our rush to flag down the fire truck, we hadn’t even seen it. It has only been put up yesterday and no, there was no notification in the huts either side. But I’m much calmer now I know it’s all under control and that we only have a short 2 km diversion; we’ll soon be upwind of the smoke. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8112ccfd-3484-4069-85f1-b37c73f63a70/smoky+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - track is edge of burn The ranger drives away and we begin to walk. The smoke is quite thick and within minutes there is a dusting of ash on our packs, not great for asthma. But then the Ranger reappears in his car. “Hop in, we decided it’s really a bit too smoky to walk along here,” he says. “We’ll drop you round the other side but can only do one at a time as there’s too much equipment in the cabin.” Well, that’s a relief. We enquire after a couple of hut mates ahead of us and indeed they have been shuttled through already. On the other side, we eat a belated lunch and continue on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d2bff61e-1f29-4186-9259-b480527e427e/sleepy+lizard.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - sleepy lizard The sleepy lizard (Tiliqua rugosa), aka stumpy tails or shinglebacks, look different to those back home in South Australia. These are much more differentiated in colour with tan heads. It is perfect camouflage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a60ecefe-305c-4c04-abd8-6a8921809fdc/Harris+Dam+Hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - Harris Dam hut And here we are at Harris Dam Hut with John again. He’s a great bloke despite the T-shirt! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27d4d229-6c56-41b5-99a0-935fa1318caf/Harris+dam+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 24: Yourdamung to Harris Dam - Harris Dam camping area We’re sleeping in the tent tonight with good weather and a smooth substrate, and it’s what we prefer. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-dwellingup-collie/harris-dam-collie monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c97fe8e2-e56c-4067-8625-e3d4589fca20/harris+dam.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - Harris Dam The Harris River below the dam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e864d176-dbec-4b3f-9066-138d24512ac1/Harris+Dam+Overview.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - Overview map for today… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dbc1dcf0-ded4-4a0a-b7de-d70f120a29ac/Harris+Dam+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - Harris Dam to Collie Elevation map A long day of 22.9km with 340m elevation gain generated by many short ups and downs. We’re never sure if we prefer one long climb or many short climbs - it always seems the other is better when you’re doing the alternative! Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 3 Collie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1c3dbc9b-a1ac-4418-a55a-08c6a770aec8/photography+with+sore+knees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - Helen photographing orchids Today is particularly rich in orchids despite weedy sections. My knees refuse to kneel! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5827604-8c77-43dd-9981-aa6094c79778/10+purple+pansy+orchid+PIN.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - Purple Pansy Orchid Diuris longifolia (Purple Pansy Orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f746db8-f775-44ed-8871-7a5adb115010/pterostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - Green orchid Pterostylis sp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2230a067-8e34-4305-80be-829b9bc18fd6/04+harris+dam.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - river below Harris Dam After a long downhill through purple and yellow pea bushes, we pause to enjoy the water views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c422b1d5-ef84-4408-827f-a308cb769041/jarrah+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - yellow flowers in Jarrah forest Still plenty of colour here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/910c12a8-0795-437a-b723-629991978a14/rest+beside+the+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - track in thick forest with handy logs to sit on for a rest Time for a snack and drink break. Stopping for a drink helps ensure we both stay properly hydrated: the “thirsty” switch gets a bit worn out on older folk so we often need to drink more water than we think we need. We have a short rest every hour for a drink, plus one snack in the morning and another in the afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a01ddeb6-d2bf-4883-a26f-a9d968629bf3/easy+plain+walking.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - so many cream and yellow flowers A long section of old forestry track surrounded by yellow pea bushes. It’s pleasant but not especially exciting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8a52adfb-14e9-4b0a-a5bf-45596bdd4047/hiker+amongst+xanthorrhoea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - ironstone track through grass tees and many orchids And then back into beaut country. Exciting! Keep your eyes peeled for orchids! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/95481a09-1b24-44a1-81f2-2b85b65387ee/caladenia+macrostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - spider orchid A double Caladenia macrostylis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/684fb285-9378-4c6b-8501-65d375bc498b/zebra+orchid.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - zebra orchid And - how thrilling - a new species, the tiny Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) only 15cm tall and flowers about 15mm across! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c15617a-5b8a-4262-a297-4f443a900905/track+approaching+road.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - back into civilisation Approaching Mornington Rd North. The traffic is a bit of a shock! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1dafd650-8917-47de-9981-8d3e24ed2494/horses+in+pastoral+land.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - horses in paddock We’ve seen surprisingly little farmland because so much of the Bibbulmun has been through forest. This is one of the things that makes this thru-hike so unique: most include a much higher proportion of road and/or agricultural land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b669e3d8-53f5-4088-b5ea-8f9c600b6863/path+through+casuarinas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - track through conservation area Westralia Conservation Park is a complete delight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6baf24ba-eef8-460f-b995-7ba1c2004505/caladenia+discoides.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - dancing spider orchid The Dancing Spider, Caladenia discoides. Almost always double headers with two dancers, and named by a botanist with a sense of humour! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eaf42b14-23ba-47f7-8539-eac362e294f5/garlic+bread.jpg Bibbulmun Track Dwellingup to Collie - Day 25: Harris Dam to Collie and Day 26: Rest Day, Collie - Garlic Bread at the Federal Hotel Collie Geoff and I have a Garlic Bread Scale. Let’s face it, if a place can’t get bread, butter and garlic right, there’s little hope for more complex recipes on the menu! Similarly, when there’s fantastic garlic bread, you can look forward to a great meal! This one at the Federal Hotel scores a respectable 7.5, possibly with a Hiker Hunger loading! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-brookton-to-dwellingup daily 0.75 2025-10-31 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-brookton-to-dwellingup/brookton-canning monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752554173-5X2EYTDCN0FX9ZCBARU4/03+towards+highway.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Approaching Brookton Highway Following the powerlines to the highway with swampy ground either side. It’s easy walking and even along the power lines there are hundreds of wildflowers. And we’re looking forward to our resupply - well I am, at least - Geoff later confides that all he was thinking about was the weight of extra food he was about to carry! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/757d78fc-878a-4e9d-ac68-bd0b5491272c/Brookton+Overview+clipped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Brookton to Canning Use the Bibbulmun Track Foudation Map 1 The Darling Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf43149d-5bdd-4422-b935-3bb7fb7ada12/Brookton+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Brookton to Canning Hut Day details map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752555995-K9V4FWJQPUYMBFPGTK2H/07+philotheca+spicata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Philotheca spicata Philotheca spicata. These are absolutely stunning with their arching sprays of pink flowers, and the foliage smells wonderful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752557153-O0PREFKS4UCQGVM2LTM4/08+Tripterococcus+brunonis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Tripterococcus brunonis Tripterococcus brunonis in the Stackhousia group. From a distance, or the corner of my eye, I keep mistaking these for orchids. There is something in their asymmetry that is reminiscent of them, as other orchid fans will understand! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752555043-36BNHSKI626KOZ1RQ0LZ/04+more+tiny+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - searching for delicate wildflowers We stop at the highway, and our Track Angel is bang on time. He appreciates the red wine! We have a chat to share our enthusiasm of the walk so far, repack our bags and then enter the jarrah. Numerous sun orchids are in bud, as well as more tiny treasures! One big advantage of hiking earlier rather than later is that there are fewer ticks in this northern section. With all the kneeling in vegetation, I’m amazed I haven’t yet had any guests! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752555070-EPZQ5ZNZUMYGGW4PWLJ5/05+stylidium+sp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Trigger plant Stylidium calcaratum, the Book Triggerplant. Different triggerplants have different trigger lengths and placing, so that the insect is stamped with pollen in a very particular spot – in this case, the abdomen. This prevents species from hybridising. Aren’t plants amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752558318-LF7FL7RLRZU0C1YBZDUV/10+unknown.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - flower buds ready to burst Stirlingia in bud https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752556581-NXDMKCU4UJUU8RBQ6ERZ/06+blue+boronia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Cyothamnus ramosus Cyothamnus ramosus. It looks and smells like a boronia, and was considered one up until recently. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752557701-UIY8YLF4CKT27FABPIET/09+Grevillea+wilsonii.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - stunning red flowers Grevillea wilsonii. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752559484-QHU7UMHQTM38ITBC7ANP/12+Drosera+glanduligera.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - orange sundew flower The tiny Drosera glanduligera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752559440-U7A4HV628J0N8ZLCKWSU/13+Phyllidrella+pygmaea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Butterfly plant with yellow flower Butterfly flower (Philydrella pygmaea subsp. pygmaea), also just a few centimetres tall… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752560364-CCMCUBB5NFXCB0ZRR0NZ/14+Urticularia+tenella.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Pink Petticoat flower … and Pink Petticoats, Utricularia tenella, about the same size. Bladderworts are carnivorous, trapping tiny things in equally tiny bladders that are under water or below ground in moist soil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752558559-F42KM1YZIX9QDVERVZQH/11+drosera.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - sundew Drosera sp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752562032-2YSOY5JTXQ6KBILRG6NS/15+Abyssynia+Rock.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Abyssinnia Rock This picture, just leaving Abyssinnia Rock, is the last picture I take until we reach camp. See that white on the horizon? That’s not cloud, but smoke. And soon we can smell it. Because of the terrain and our unfamiliarity with this landscape, we can’t judge how far away it is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752574269-Z3HA4DMOXTN8ZSM9IS94/16+inreach+conversation.JPG Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Garmin Mini Inreach text After a little while, one daughter replies. ‘Prescribed burns.’ Phew! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/59a2a061-3842-4863-8e20-6bf7c5528d9f/17_block_LR.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Garmin Mini In reach text Meanwhile, the other daughter is also checking: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/22372414-b464-471a-bf37-ade431bc34cf/17a_blocked_LR.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Garmin Inreach Mini text Burn details https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b4b7ebf-37b9-4fa0-9aaf-54f5b6087e40/17b_blocked.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Garmin Inreach Mini text with details of prescribed burn we seem to be safe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a6811aed-f24c-4233-90f8-8531113c1456/18b_blocked_LR.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Garmin Inreach Mini text with details of prescribed burn location details https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bc041245-30c6-449c-9e30-cb8f07fd491d/18c_blocked_LR.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Garmin Inreach Mini text with details of prescribed burn All ok https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752602162-P26UYGNWFWAN8GQ1LOMD/20Canning+Hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Canning hut We reach Canning hut in record time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752599736-G98ZA8JMBHW1PV4C56XC/19+In+urgent+need+of+a+cuppa.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - our hiking kitchenware I’ve never hiked as fast in my life and am in urgent need of restorative medication , two cups of which are in the background! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752601460-BM0E9OK3RMPT1DRX7TUL/21+inside+canning+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - inside Canning hut Another hiker having a little rest before dinner. We are able to reassure them about what we’ve learned, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752604513-4UU47ETAOILMCXONHWTS/21a+campsite+at+canning.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Canning tent sites Another lovely campsite, plus the opportunity to do some washing, seeing as we’re here so early after our sprint from Abyssinia Rock! I expect washing clothes to happen less often as the hike progresses. Apparently that’s normal! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1649752605453-SV7M2LWU6AJ1E9RTR7O2/Pterostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 8 Brookton to Canning - Pterostylis crispula at Canning campsite Pterostylis crispula near camp. We no doubt rushed past many on our way to the hut, but I’m just glad to be here! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-brookton-to-dwellingup/canning-monadnocks monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/800bfd9f-677c-4669-b892-ed2d42c22f8f/day+10+cover.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - Open shrubbery but still lots of flowers Today we have a mixture of landscapes and, without smoke, it’s a stress-free stroll through wildflowers, open woodland and forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/243cf3e4-cd94-4b79-83b4-e55d911e6dfc/Canning+Overview+Cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - Our overview map for the day… the first of the slightly longer distances. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/11f6d96f-dbad-46cc-8ecd-1cd20990e4ae/Canning+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - 16.3 km Use the Bibbulmun Track Foudation Map 1 The Darling Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335950898-LJW008VTJZZP7OLG9NKW/02+corymbia+fruit+eaten.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - gum nuts eaten by parrots After yesterday’s excitement, it’s great to go back to our usual leisurely style and take note of interesting bits and bobs on our path. Here, endemic Corymbia nuts that have been eaten, which we don’t see in South Australia with introduced native Corymbias – our local cockatoos might need another ten thousand or so years to evolve! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335951412-9OJM9V1AP1HA9WT8L0FA/03+melaleuca.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - Craggy limbs overhead its a melaleuca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335952759-ATK0FVJ1HVP7A5CJ87HC/04+forestry+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - Classic Australian sky and bush Pleasant walking. And just look at that sky! We’ve had showery days but no extended rain. It can’t last but we appreciate it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335954133-10RM3WZ33LPPTMQC89PV/05+signposting+by+roads.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - Track signage is excellent Most of the signage comprises the tiny triangular wauguls, but often road crossings have larger ones https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335954678-O8D4BIVTIXGW56ES0UIJ/06+post+fire+vegetation.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - single track through dense understorey Regrowth is sufficiently dense to obscure views. We take each bit as it comes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335955027-PARPV662LDICU78GBQMP/07+Conostylis+setosa.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - another different amazing flower Conostylis setosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335956811-SW4C8UF1FNPEQGRHWPKU/08+thriving+banksias.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - Banksia forest The bull banksias are amazing with their distinctive leaves. They are incredibly sensitive to the introduced root pathogen phytophthera cinnamoni which can be carried on hiking boots, so sticking to the track in these areas is worth doing so as not to infect pristine stands like these. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335957144-K4T1JN6B0C8FV5GH3J05/09+open+area+and+monadnocks.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - and out into the bright sunshine It’s great coming across the more open granite areas – as we saw yesterday before being diverted, there are so many different and interesting plants, and it’s nice to have the views open up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335958704-1UK0EOY6MAL0TTVWQCTI/10+daisies.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - purple daiseys Daisies on granite outcrop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335959706-BDR7YPDANW8Q2RZBVF87/11+canning+river.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - sturdy footbridge Canning River Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335961262-SB5XL909U1S531N33RF8/11a+canning+river.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - Canning River There’s a little beach on the northern bank from which you can take a dip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335963284-9V1BOUS1IV3UX5VRXART/11b+canning+river.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - rocky outcrops next to river Canning River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335962434-9662NR26PGZ04TIN2ARV/12+hibbertia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - single yellow flower next to track Hibbertia amplexicaulis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335964040-EJT11P1ICOJW7DV5NWQA/13+case++moth.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - caterpillar on pebbles This little case moth caterpillar was crossing the road. We gave it a helping hand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335966457-8Q913063A2OFKTF6M0OJ/14+lunchtime.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - Lunch time We stop for lunch – our favourite topping to Geoff’s sourdough crackers is freeze dried feta, rehydrated with a sprinkle of salt and pepper added and a splash of olive oil. It is DELICIOUS! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335966000-1RBMBR42KXRPGT535EDK/15a+Daviesia+cordata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - Pea flower The leaves of this pea flower, Daviesia cordata, look exactly like young gum leaves https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335968113-1KHHH1AFP5K54DSMVI1R/16+more+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - Forestry track the tracks are well maintained for vehicular access https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335967437-9FQZJ9XYMRXUHT6QTH2J/17+Prasophyllum+hians.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - little white orchid Pterostylis hians in a burnt area just before the hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335971126-ULMUZEPSNREZF4BCUEUZ/18+view+from+monadnocks+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - numerous grass trees View from the hut and through the trees to Mt Cuthbert, where we’ll head after our rest day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335970656-BVH3WYDG054BJKU8ZJOP/19+campsite+monadnocks.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - tent pitched on cleared area Our campsite. There are quite a few but they are all very lightly sloping, which turns out not to be a problem. Behind the tent, just out of sight and to the right, is a hill we plan to climb tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335973518-DKWEFENGLCVXO73RQXS3/19a+campsite+monadnocks.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - tent amongst grass trees Another view of the campsite. You can just see another off to the right, connected by a little path. There’s another a similar distance away downhill. This turns out to be quite significant! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335974841-QKD2OZ5P2U2DSITQGBGW/20+after+a+wet+night.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - View from Monadnocks Hut After a while we get up and make our way to the hut. The ground is drenched, the views non- existent. So glad not to be hiking today, not so much because of the rain but because the next section of track is famous for its views. There will be none today: the cloud is scarcely above tree height. We wave off our friends, thoroughly bundled in their rain gear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335975074-WJCLJ8AW4XPZND4ZA2OH/21+reading.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - book inside tent its raining outside I rummage in the box in the hut and unearth the perfect book to snuggle up with: Fuchs and Hillary’s “The Crossing of Antarctica”. Their travails make me feel quite cosy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335977143-9C09M03UC7N5P45VKUUG/21b+reading.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - Any reading material is most welcome Geoff works his way through the Bibbulmun magazines – there’s always a stash of them in the box. Though we’re not quite experiencing the track “In Comfort”, at least we’re dry! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335977470-UCFCH4H0RU5HRAFE3RK1/22+drenched+vestibule.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - water in vestibule of tent We took a polycro footprint instead of Tyvek on this trip to save weight but we’ve just about had it with the stuff. It turns into scrunched cling wrap when wet and is similarly difficult to flatten. You can see the wrinkled film of our vestibule triangle in the vestibule. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335980219-OFC1VE0MO52167TKLCBR/23+splashback.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - muddy sides of tent Because previous campers have assiduously raked campsites clear of any leaf matter, there’s a LOT of splashback, where rain hitting the hard ground throws up mud. It’s all on the outside of the tent – zero enters – but our tent is grotty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335979586-EV55X2KWRXGTSANTF4ZM/24+misty+morning.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - foggy campsite at Monadnocks We are very glad not to be hiking today: there will be no views whatsoever. And hiking up the hill behind the hut has also lost its appeal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650335981648-63MTI51SF7BC36BB3X1S/25+misty+morning.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 9 Canning to Monadnocks, Day 10 Rest Day Monadnocks - foggy view from hut The next morning, one of the teachers tells me the kids are nearly adults; they’d been given a list of what to bring but it was important that they experienced the consequences of their choices. We understand this, but it’s also incredibly disappointing because, from the kids’ conversation, not one of them wants to do an overnight hike ever again. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-brookton-to-dwellingup/monadnocks-mt-cooke monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438892660-23NDIJHH757JGPSS6QPR/28b+hiker+evac.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - Yellow helicopter emergency rescue landing area https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/944f82b2-33c7-4fd3-9017-9dddc3e9a556/Monadnocks+Overview+Clipped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - The days overview map Monadnocks to Mt Cooke https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c1cfdb7-45ed-493d-91ad-5ddb82d42562/Monadnocks+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - Elevation graph Use the Bibbulmun Track Foudation Map 1 The Darling Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438875595-H2KQGXYFNR4FLPECE6TT/02+mist+starting+to+lift.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - Scrub around Monadocks hut We set off in mist, but hints of sun peek weakly through. The fog should burn off soon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438875806-S4DEAKKPT4LP3CPGXI1V/04+leaf+rolling+spider.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - spider’s web Leaf rolling spider. She or he will be hiding in their little house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438876525-7UJ06YNZIFYHQ5BAD1L8/05+Pterostylis+vittata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - Greenhood orchid Pterostylis vittata, a tall, bold greenhood orchid. The small dark labellum on the lower petals is a hair trigger that flips the insect up into the chamber where the reproductive parts reside. You can’t touch these trigger sensitive orchids when photographing them because the slightest jostle will trip the labellum under the hood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438877992-T3P7LRS5HV1HPDUDB7GF/06+delightful+path.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - hiker in forest near Monadnocks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438877774-CR834WWNLK0SM0DG5F34/07+calothamnus+quadrifus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - red tasselly flowers Calothamnus quadrifus amongst the granite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438879689-A53871E1DWW23CISZC53/09+views+opening+up.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - Mt Cuthbert views We gain altitude up Mt Cuthbert and the views begin. Still a little mist about but it just adds to the beauty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438880596-RMJMKFSAA7B1IRCZFLYQ/12+Velleia+sp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - yellow flower Goodenia trinervis growing on burnt granite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438880114-6AAZI85FRF4J0QFXKBZ5/10+more+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - Mt Cuthbert Views grass tree amongst granite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438882493-LEEFQOBNWNA9X1OSGF8U/14+moss+and+lichen.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - Amazing plants amongst the granite Beautiful Cladia (coral lichen) in a moist granite cranny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438885062-UOJV9N1HXNBLP9V0EWZ5/20+borya.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - more flowers amongst the granite Borya sphaerocephala (Pincushions) is aptly named. You don’t want to kneel on this plant because the leaves will poke straight through your pants! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438883455-ZICXLW6XVPVA8QR6PNG1/15+burchardia+sp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - white flowers Burchardia multiflora on granite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438885217-9YEAOKT7IMHV1DP3QMW9/18+mt+cuthbert.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - granite pools The pools atop granite outcrops were an important water source for First Peoples. Sometimes you can recognise the smallest, deepest pools, as well as other artefacts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438884014-MBTEYIDJXMLJP0NHTSHQ/16+mt+cuthbert.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - vast views from Mt Cuthbert The walking is great fun. Thru-hiking by its very nature means you have ordinary days and spectacular days. Today is one of the latter because of the views and the variety. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438882334-3T2IBD9CHMIOML9Z9659/13+mt+cuthbert.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - moss on granite The sky continues to clear so we soak up the sun and the views https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438888244-TO011ZM9JX3N6FXWYSD1/23+grevillea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - red flower Grevillea bipinnitifida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438888725-H33WN6OGLIOK6MRPMU9W/25+mt+cuthbert.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - Rugged steep track Some steep rocky sections, but no climbing. So far the walk has not been demanding except in the sense that we are hiking every day. It is this cumulative effect that I’m beginning to notice, even after a rest day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438886500-SU0TM7CRA91HMFXG7Y3C/21+mt+cuthbert.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - go along the ridgeline …and back into forest. Today is SO much fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438889502-F6AAQRCYX33MTB9LDB8Z/26.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - small purple flower Scaevola calliptera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438891048-6SI2QD8ATCOSAX2R3DEP/27+mt+vincent.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - on top of Mount Vincent Wonderful view from Mt Vincent back towards Mt Cuthbert https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438892010-S5O39K48TXEDLX06XV4I/28.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - Emergency services Paramedic airlifted to the emergency https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438894024-8U2JTAN8PLRT7M07H3EM/28c+helicopter+evac+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - the helicopter pilot makes a skilful landing granite slab used as landing area https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438894298-2XQNAP969S4JI3DMKYN7/31+lunch+mt+vincent.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - cooking lunch on Mount Vincent We finally get to eat our soup and crackers for lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438895831-7EEA0M4VV4H6TOZ09JDU/33.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - Descending from Mount Vincent Clear fell scars mar the view on the descent, but you can see that the walking is still primarily through forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438896188-D2NP0MEFXU46IE5HG859/34.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - regrowth after fire Still plenty of wildflowers, here yellow Hibbertia and orange coral pea (Kennedia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438896665-N61MYG4PQ1L45YTGEE40/35+Grevillea+quercifolium.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - purply pink flower Grevillea quercifolium https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438898005-3DLR1EKFVMHGQG24RVUU/37+magnificent+melaleuca2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - new open woodland area Lovely open woodland and swamp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438898485-LHT3K0G6EUZOQZNHN2DA/38+rushing+creek.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - fast flowing stream Stirlingia latifolia perching on a rock in a stream https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438900408-NDB7BWKWWBLEE8OT7PO2/41+mt+cooke.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - campsite in forest And our wonderful campsite at Mt Cooke. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438900539-ZAL6696V2JSCLEQDE8W3/42+mt+cooke.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - Mt Cooke hut The west- facing hut catches the evening light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650438902038-1OX0ANV9ZG1SFVE2JOSQ/43+mt+cook.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke - spacious timber hut with verandah Our twin sleeping quilt has retained nearly all of its loft despite the cold, damp nights. When we arrive in camp, we often hang it over a rail in the hut to air. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-brookton-to-dwellingup/mt-cooke-nerang monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516750326-SBL2SA04WA6IGOYYZ0S6/01+white+flowers+and+boulders.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - Monadnocks A fabulous understorey of spiky Xanthorrhoea and zamias plus brilliant white Leucopogon amongst the granite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8678996-b19c-4392-9621-cc1e74267815/Mt+Cooke+Overview.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - Overview map for today It’s a 13.4 km day… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/57507834-2b58-4409-b3c0-39578b6b035a/Mt+Cooke+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - the days details …And once we get over Mt Cooke, which gives us most of the 310 metre elevation gain for the day, it’s pretty much downhill all the way to camp. Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 1 The Darling Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516748789-DYQGWY7S9TGXJJB5RBT7/02+scrambling+amongst+the+boulders.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - weird granite shapes A little easy scrambling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516751291-NKSOZJUZ1ON5T3P3GH55/03+views+around+mt+cook.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - near the top of Mt Cooke Views! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516753379-74ZS9GG5RH48KT8YOVZQ/04+through+the+rocks.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - track meandering amongst grass trees Every now and then on the track, you come across scenes that are so perfect they resemble an effortlessly landscaped garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516754587-MRJZCNNG1HK14J5FYPE4/05+following+the+spine.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - easy rock hopping We’re following a spine of granite with a few cairns here and there, but route-finding on the track is straightforward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516755679-1XZN5XOKF1XIWTMCVBZ4/06+pausing+for+a+break.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - Another amazing view from Mt Cooke Time for a rest and a snack with a view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516756074-VBSFWSRGLCKU9EHQ4JBT/07+sigage.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - Interpretative sign this one about a wild fire and fire management https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516757587-5UJBXTNE7ECUOY7CWBGB/08+the+long+ridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - continuing along the ridgeline of Mt Cooke We’ve been following this spine for a while, winding our way between and around the monadnocks. The track is rough and rocky but not difficult if you take your time. Trekking poles are especially useful on this kind of terrain. They help with trips and knees while going downhill, and reduce the strain on calves when going uphill. I travel uphill significantly faster when using poles than without them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516758820-1IBUQBS5OYOL0K98RHRQ/09+the+long+ridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - more amazing views along our Mt Cooke descent the granite outcrops are providing many clear viewing points https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516759368-5RL7D8N1RRKLTC6COKG7/10+hidden+cave+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - man in cave A hidden cave along the ridge. We have no idea it’s there because we aren’t carrying the guidebooks, but one of our hut companions shows us. Look for the V with the rocks wedged in them. You can just make out Geoff’s head near the entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516760750-CEPTSL3TC81O8N3TWQ5S/10+hidden+cave.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - inside the cave its squashy but a bit of fun https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516760952-3RBDT7SB0AZ1SCDMX0V0/11+descending.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - making our way down the rock slab slopes of Mt Cooke And then the descent into the flats, with the white fingers of dead gums from the fire. Once again the Bibbulmun illusion of wilderness – we hear cars on the main road, but can’t see them. Glimpses of pine plantation and clear fell, but even all of the jarrah has been selectively logged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516763235-RKJ6CZTM792PNSHGF3KX/12+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - view across forests puffy white clouds developing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516762006-359MJD5NNMQJITICIKOJ/13+Pheladenia+deformis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - small blue flower Pheladenia deformis, or Bluebeard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516764770-I9KR73NEIBB5C4BGV9AT/14+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - rutted track We’re into the flatter country, on forestry track again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516764679-VLA7TEJWYVDMGNDCN789/15+paper+daisy.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - small pink flowers Pink paper daisies (Rhodanthe manglesii) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516772569-AITC80VPLSGK71DLAQXG/24+boronia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - pinky purple flower Boronia sp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516768347-2345XMPLDTGUJQ3904G5/16+lunch.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - sunny spot for lunch Time for lunch. If there’s no view to aim for, we simply pick a likely log in a shady or sunny spot, depending on the weather, and park ourselves there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516766461-KGNQYDWN4D0IDQT3VM1B/17+frmed+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - more views from the descent glimpses through the rocks of the vast forest areas around us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516767595-1U5JVYDKJ18NUESND4F9/18+Hemiandra+pungens.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - white flower Hemiandra pungens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516768502-Q3XTCYFA3RAPO5HVV1RV/19+Pterostylis+ectypha.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - small green orchidt Pterostylis ectypha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516769302-QS43WUR0EE6J06OJDQAK/20+Drakaeagracilis+x+livida.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - Hammer orchid Drakaea gracilis x livida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516772183-X8E2HVN7R6H8PXAR0Y68/23+Drakaea+gracilis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - hammer orchid Drakaea gracilis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516771693-NOPMDVW4MPJOQVOJJEVD/21+nerang+camp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - Nerang campsite We get to camp – the tent pitches really have been terrific - and have time to wash bodies and clothes. A halved car sponge is perfect. Car sponges are extremely light, compress well, but hold a lot of water, so they’re convenient for washing when using a bottle or cup of water. You just pour it onto the sponge. In cool or cold weather, we usually each use a half cup of hot water mixed with half a cup of cold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650516771264-XCENMJQIE6IVQ40R75P4/22+nerang+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 12 Mt Cooke to Nerang - nerang hut Nerang Hut. You can see our ultrasil food bags hanging out of reach of critters. There’s our dinner bag, plus lunch/snacks bag, and breakfast bag. We also hang our toiletry bag at night – many animals are attracted to strongly scented things like toothpaste and will chew through your bag to get at them if you leave them in your pack (always unzip pockets and leave the bag open if you’ve had strongly scented things in it). Thin spectra line with a tiny carabiner is very strong and we’ve never had any critter reach our food when it’s been suspended like this. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-brookton-to-dwellingup/nerang-gringer-creek monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650780358637-7SVQ6UNQCHXGK3MJCW31/05+xanthorrhoeas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - Open area of woodland near Nerang hut many grass trees amongst yellow flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c8bdb3cc-b47b-4ef1-9344-4b60befd738d/Nerang+Overview+Clipped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - Here’s where we are today… still inching our way south! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/23f07a52-5fa0-4e27-a972-2820dd46ecf4/Nerang+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - Elevation chart and day details map The day’s main hike details - the trip to the servo is a flat 1.4 km each way which is not included in the above figures. Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 1 Darling Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650780353483-SEANKZGAVMUP9NT9WED5/01+early+morning+light.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - sunrise through the misty forest The morning dawns bright and misty with beautiful light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3d4187c2-22f1-469f-9243-07e79102d235/02+early+morning+light.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - early morning light the forest is glowing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650780372117-NUTIQGW7WZ0VFFYF58OZ/around+the+campfire+nerang.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - fire pit at Nerang hut Three of a group of seven wonderfully independent and interesting women with whom we shared camp last night. They were just doing an overnighter and had carried in all kinds of delicious things, including bottles of wine and salads and snacks, the envy of us thru-hikers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650780357363-8LF4VLUMB74G13052CSM/04+lovely+forest+walking.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - track out of Nerang Oh, how I love flat woodland country, the understorey sprinkled with a smorgasbord of interesting shrubs and flowers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650780358286-R7RKR4YJHV9E9EMTYXW0/06+Caladenia+longicauda+longicauda.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - white spider orchid Various forms of the white spider orchid (Caladenia longicaudata) are widespread throughout the SW of Western Australia and we see lots today. Unlike many of the tiny, dull-coloured orchid species, these are hard to miss as they stand a good 40-50cm tall, and the flowers are huge. You’re almost certain to see them if you walk the Bibbulmun in spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650780359917-DO452AB87JL4K7NAFN3F/06a+lovely+xanthorrhoes.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - easy walking today The path wends through healthy xanthorrhoeas and under jarrah. It’s the perfect walking temperature, with scattered clouds and dappled shade under the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650780356168-K6L4OE8SNKG2IC0FTLNO/02a+perfect+temperature+in+dappled+shade.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - up a slight grade through open Jarrah Forest One of the few gentle inclines of the day… this one through regenerating woodland after a fire a seas or two ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650780363273-DLMRRQRA6DVOX7I2WJ1E/08+hibbertia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - more delightful yellow flowers amongst the ironstone Hibbertia lasiopus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b7129000-2cc2-441b-bc30-b5823e6c5ce0/07+wandoo+and+big+trees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - larger trees here The trees are gradually getting bigger. In colonial times, sailors and pioneers used the size of trees as an indication of water availability, and would come ashore to replenish. If these huge specimens are anything to go by, there is plenty of groundwater here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650780363182-RW4X2I0SJ158C2JL0BNL/08a+magnificent+tree.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - A magnificent tree This one has had the space to spread at is indeed a marvellous specimen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650780365624-1ZAZADDPK94Q5PU5QO97/09+forest+clearing.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - splashes of colour in surprising places A forest clearing. I spot a splash of colour next to the Acacia by the granite… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650780366037-PSY72XAZ4CZ8CM9PK0MK/10+herd+of+donkey+orchids.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - Many Donkey Orchids It’s a herd of donkey orchids (Diuris porrifolia)! No, that’s not official terminology, just a bit of fun we had making up collective nouns for different orchids (A Swat of Midges, A Slime of Snails, a Thwack of Hammers…) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650780366556-C3QP498T8K2FPNBFAG7H/11+lechenaultia+formosa.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - Leschenaultia formosa From a distance, this lone flower resembles a scrap of plastic rubbish: Leschenaultia formosa. If you see a flower that’s a ridiculously artificial colour, it’s almost certainly a Leschenaultia! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1650780361402-CGU32LRQ51YXEKR74I3Y/08+bracket+fungus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - fungus on a fallen burnt tree trunk Bracket fungus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/85ea0fce-416b-48ed-82ea-09e49707e48e/15+gringer+creek+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - Gringer Creek campsite We reach the hut in record time and set up quickly. The campsites have been uniformly excellent thus far, except perhaps last week at Ball Creek, which looked prone to flooding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b9308fc2-d459-4f91-a564-a06c3d25074e/13+gringer+creek.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 13: Nerang to Gringer Creek - Gringer Creek Hut When we get back it’s time for a second dinner. I’m quite tired but it’s as much about the mental rush as it is about the physical. Hopefully I’ll feel better tomorrow. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-brookton-to-dwellingup/gringer-creek-white-horse-hills monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f53e5a8a-49f3-4089-b93e-fa8a09e5488b/05+rocky+outcrop.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - Boonering Hill More amazing views and wildflowers today! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/43a2c61f-bcd6-42d8-8e4c-81e03002857c/Gringer+Creek+Overview+cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - Today is longer with two big climbs. These will be the biggest we’ve done so far. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf2e5672-e787-4cfe-bf4b-222402e27099/Gringer+Creek+Detail.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - Distance and elevation graph And the first climb is actually very steep, which doesn’t help because we know there is another long climb later in the day with similar elevation gain. Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 2 Dwellingup https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/29b126de-6c1e-42f6-8c65-a6a62034478c/01+icy+morning.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - ice on cloth we use a clothe to swipe condensation off the tent in the mornings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d8ca251b-f6fd-435c-9aaa-59803c729482/03+condensation+droplets+on+liner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - condensation on tent condensation barrier As we wipe, we knock water droplets onto the top surface our DIY liner. We wipe most of them off the top of the liner as well, but a very few have soaked in. This doesn’t matter as the liner dries in minutes with a bit of breeze; we don’t bother disconnecting the ten mitten hooks securing it to the fly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/25feba3a-f888-4447-aad3-65e80a7bf682/02+sleeping+quilt+hack.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - jackets tucked over boot of sleeping bag This is one of our sleeping hacks: two jackets zipped together and slipped over the end of our twin quilt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fb1cf39e-d873-4f13-bd54-e53a0a4627d5/04+sunny+morning.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - easy walking along forestry track But now it’s a splendid summer morning and we are soon warm. Thank goodness, the walking starts out easy for my tired legs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0177521c-b44c-47c8-9dcb-8a82463abbba/001+bib+signage.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - track interpretative sign Very soon we cross Albany Highway. Interpretive signs are placed at major intersections with main roads. The Bibbulmun is named after a local language group and recognises the long distances walked by the indigenous Aboriginal people. Western Australia is a huge state; indeed Australia is a huge country, as big as the United States or all of Europe, and Western Australia is about one third of the area, so these long distances are not insignificant. The Wauguls are a stylised Rainbow Serpent, which is part of the Aboriginal Dreaming (creation) Story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/daa47984-63b3-480d-83c0-6249feb4d981/002+ausvusa.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - map of australia Australia is a BIG country! Image Credit: takrawesome.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e049466d-ac3c-4a49-9318-ec223dbb41a6/04a+Conostylis+setigera+Bristly+cottonhad.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - yellow flowers Conostylis setigera Bristly cottonhead https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d3c2688-efd9-43d1-85c6-aa05a038d78e/04a+hill.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - Boonering Hill We eventually approach the summit of Boonering Hill; the first part of the climb has actually been very steep. I feel hot and depleted but seeing the top of the hill so close lifts my spirits: we’ve almost reached the top and there are sure to be great views to soak up! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab480bb7-5cac-44e9-b652-c004e5e661a6/10a+caladenia+macrostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - Spider Orchid Caladenia macrostylis (Leaping Spider). Some have tiny clubs on their sepal and petal tips while others don’t. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9a334173-8609-4e8a-b065-7d5835f78230/06+pterostylis+recurva.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - jug orchid A pair of snuggling jug orchids (Pterostylis recurva) on granite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3d56724c-22a3-4c36-8b72-b0478e924a5d/05+rocky+outcrop2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - approach last part of climb to Boonering Hill …and the scrub is just lovely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa0362ff-1c88-4f7d-a2cb-ba56dbc8a031/7+climbing+rocky+hill.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - steep rock ascent to summit After packing lunch makings, first aid kit, water and cook kit into our daypacks, we leave our main packs at the intersection of the spur track up Boonering Hill. It is very steep. My legs burn and it is hot and airless. The spur track leads up through thick scrub before opening onto the granite. This adds about an extra kilometre to the day but it’s worth it: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b2c3c31b-3858-41d1-bc02-84f8b3d966ef/09+lunch.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - view from summit Oh my, the views are lovely. What you can’t see is that a rubbish tip is upwind of us, out of sight but not out of smell! Again, we’re reminded of the Bibbulmun’s clever sleight of hand: the illusion of wilderness. We eat lunch with this view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6db881b7-567e-45fe-984d-28dbdc860df3/10+onwards.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - on to Whiter Horse Hills Geoff takes a few pictures of my disappearing back as I hurry along. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74c01a00-0d18-47f0-8389-e1a9000f6f9e/11+onwards.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - moss covered rock The moss is fragile and is damaged by hikers foot steps so it’s important to stay on the track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5931908-907a-462f-88d1-cec6242801c8/11a+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - more expansive views Geoff has paused to enjoy the view but I’m too anxious to appreciate it. How silly this sounds now, but it felt very real at the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e3ab961b-a879-4f6e-b5b9-1102bf31ca53/08+forest+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - forestry track through scrub I take a quick snap of a pretty bit of forestry track, but there is no time to look around for flowers. This is stupid: I know what motivates me on walks and rushing to a destination is not it. In the end Geoff asks me to slow down on the downhill. It is a safety issue – he can keep up quite easily, but this speed is asking for an injury. I slow down - and calm down - somewhat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/93943fba-17fe-44a8-b61c-feee0250b60e/13+white+horse+hill+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - tent siet at White Horse Hills Hut The campsites are still great but without understorey after a very recent burn, and we set up on ground covered in scorched leaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/46510c6f-5ed8-4b44-891d-f5ad72015b0f/14+white+horse+hill+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - White Horse Hills Hut You can see that we’ve arrived at the hut in plenty of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e021964a-1012-4037-b053-9eb7c68902d2/14+white+horse+camp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 14: Gringer Creek to White Horse Hills - White Horse Hills Hut at sunset https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-brookton-to-dwellingup/white-horse-hills-mt-wells monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/879e3b83-d094-4263-a6ea-6acd49c95b59/12+pond+atop+rock.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - rock pool on top of mountain At the top of the first hill for the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ccc7364b-2789-444d-8f41-a500df53542e/White+Horese+Hills+Overview+Cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - The overview map for today. Dwellingup and a hot shower are just a few days away! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8526fe78-42c7-4715-bda6-b1ccea3c4fb0/White+Horse+Hills+Detal.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - Elevation and distance graph for the day The day’s details. The 4km climb at the end of the day looks steep but doable at a leisurely pace. Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 2 Dwellingup https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/102084a4-2e8c-4830-8491-10ddc1809053/01+breakfast+poha.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - breakfast phoa A tasty mixture of spices with flat rice, peas and nuts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/60a6f9ad-6e6b-40e4-b7da-b706d88daf49/02+burnt+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - Recently burnt scrub We set off through recently control burned country. Look how quickly the xanthorrhoeas respond! Many other Australian native plants rely on fire and the chemicals present in the ash bed to germinate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97eaf88e-5c92-40cb-90bd-e3e7ca55b467/03+patchy+burnt+and+clear+ground_.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - on our first climb for the day The best burns are patchy, leaving small areas unburned as a refuge and food source for native wildlife. You can see the patchiness perfectly in this shot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d09ead70-e594-4e54-a489-31c300ff03ee/04+Phyllanthes+calycinus+False+Boronia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - Phyllanthes calycinus) False Boronia (Phyllanthes calycinus) growing in a sheltered granite crevice. Just how much of the block has been burned? If a lot has been, it will make for a quick hike! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a7e476a-d3a0-49d8-9fe0-3c7acf492036/05+views+to+the+tailings+dam.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - Tailings dam Views to the bauxite tailings lake to the southeast. We are in the middle of mining country as well as logging country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/05027a20-f8d1-4df2-9d8c-97a5254fdb78/06+more+burnt+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - more amazing grass trees Kingias. There may not be too many tiny herbs or plants today! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/957a40cb-239c-4da3-be65-42b573567794/07+kingias.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - Grass trees in flower And here are those Kingias in flower! Astonishing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6535e45-d9a8-4c52-a209-7c5f0b6f6e4b/07a+patchy+burnt+areas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - Hazy sky must be smoke form a burn off somewhere nearby https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a34ecfb9-c98d-4e37-897c-d41823bde16c/10+Leptoceras+menziesii.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - Hare Orchid And near the top of that first hill a huge warren of fire-responsive Hare Orchid (Leptoceras menziesii) in bud and flower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e49a7b36-a104-4b23-86d4-f3fd49f7bbc1/16+drosera+stolonifera.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - Drosera stolonifera Many of these Drosera stolonifera in flower, like confetti scattered across the burnt ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8bf09f1a-23b6-41af-ab50-d1a2a2638343/11+macrozamia+fruiting.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - Zamia Zamia in football-sized fruit. The nuts and flesh around the nuts inside the pods are an important food source for many animals, and are edible for humans if prepared in a specific way to remove toxins. Flour was made from the starchy trunks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5892cba-23ed-4678-a06a-4ffb898af556/13+photographing+in+burnt+country.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - forestry track in burnt area Geoff thinks it’s pretty funny that even here I can still find interesting things to photograph! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/10b28406-1eb2-4fff-b08b-c3987fd703a1/17+Pterostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - small green orchid Pterostylis sp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f3bc217-ba57-47fe-8d73-5e2ad06d46d0/15+caladenia+flava.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - small yellow orchid Caladenia flava, Cowslip Orchid. We have seen a lot of these; even today some are popping up in the ash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b2bd0969-81a1-4f93-90a2-4b6bd70c8971/14+more+burnt+jarrah.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - Burnt Jarrah forest recently burnt we presume a prescribed burn for management purposes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e6ec7ff9-3278-4f0f-b4f2-8a1166e296f3/18+patersonia+pygmaea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - tiny plant with three light purple flower petals A stubby iris, Patersonia babianoides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/952695f3-8776-466c-ab58-081f51d557bb/19a+mt+wells+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - Mt Wells Hut The hut is the only non purpose-built one on the trail. It is on the very top of the hill, and would be fun in wild weather… or would it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df7fa200-e823-4927-ba3a-8812525fd9aa/20+sleeping+platform+in+mt+wells+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - Inside Mt Wells Hut It should be cosy with the sun shining through the window to warm the timber sleeping platform. In the patch of sun I read a book from the hiking log book box but for some reason the hut feels off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f83b7438-3c38-43c0-9e6c-ee45680157be/21+kitchen+mt+wells+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - second room in hut The second room comprises a kitchen. The hut would be welcome in bucketing rain but there’s something strangely uninviting about this building. Neither of us want to sleep in it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67849deb-d6e0-4f09-89c9-1d502576640c/22+mt+wells+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - our cosy campsite So we set up our tent amongst the banksias. The ground here is extremely hard and you’ll likely need a few rocks if you have a non-freestanding tent. We use MSR full size groundhog stakes, and carry a few spare nail pegs, and these have been good for the kind of terrain we’ve encountered. Thin cheap shepherd crook stakes would have long bent out of shape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef447e72-a23a-4d77-b216-8a33f3a5b8b6/23+mt+wells+tower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 15: White Horse Hills to Mt Wells - Old fire lookout tower The old fire tower next to the hut is worth climbing even though the views today aren’t spectacular. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-brookton-to-dwellingup/mt-wells-chadoora monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ce5037c-773d-47ec-a753-5c0bd6067a83/03+more+burnt+jarrah.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - prescribed burns used to manage wildfire risk and promote regeneration We set off through more burnt country. Hopefully we are coming to the end of it soon! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e6fdba8-3332-428a-92d5-a67f10618878/Mount+Wells+Overview+cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - Today is a much easier walk with a long descent from Mt Wells followed by flattish ground and a shallower climb at the end of the day. The terrain will be welcome. I’m surprisingly weary and am ready for a hot shower and a warm bed in a couple of night’s time, but Geoff is as bouncy as ever. It’s disgusting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5480cfbd-620f-4cdf-9da9-564240ba1cb0/Mount+Wells+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - distance elevation map 15.6km 150 elevation gain so mostly downhill! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/777296ae-e186-468f-8997-5e47b257dfea/04+Caladenia+nana+ssp+nana.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - small spider orchid Caladenia nana ssp nana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ddd24a62-1fe9-40d6-b5c7-d3ad8b388a3a/10+caladenia+reptans+reptans.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - spider orchid Caladenia reptans ssp reptans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5376c95d-49c9-4ee7-8846-7180b284db8e/23+mt+wells+tower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - jarrah forest And then, an hour or so out, we come to unburned country! There’s a distinct change implying a higher rainfall environment, with native bracken fern now dominant in the understorey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c4810c9a-211a-4fb9-b9e8-f2ab86747bb5/06+caladenia+x+spectabilis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - spider orchid hybrid number 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a76e15a-a16a-48b1-af99-e98dab062e56/07+caladenia+x+spectabilis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - spider orchid hybrid number 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f68757f7-a882-4f9c-a77f-f9c684031a80/08+clematis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - pale cream almost white flowers Clematis is also in full bloom, draped over shrubs and logs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/85570a7c-1ce4-4067-ba4b-f97672afd1db/09+xanthorrhoeas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - stunning grass trees The xanthorrhoeas are magnificent. It’s wonderful to see such healthy specimens. Many in our local Adelaide Hills region at home are dying due to the introduced pathogen phytophthera as are many in Western Australia but this lot, at least, are in fine form. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a1501e9-5c80-4c91-92a9-18a5e2ea2dc2/11+lunch+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - soup for lunch at a convenient log https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6b2a5344-e18e-481d-8d39-2d83fde6e18d/11+lunch.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - time for a rest We don’t rush at lunch time and take 45 minutes or so when the weather is nice. We’ll often take a look at the map to see what’s in store, and to build a picture of the landscape ahead. Sometimes I even have a little nanna nap! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e5d6110-d5e9-4d3b-b2d4-19326832d1e7/12+unknown+plant.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - strange burnt orange flower Leucopogon verticillatus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/14ecd8dd-57f6-4dbd-8c55-56b95573c479/13+unknown+bracket+fungus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - fungus growing on tree trunk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6c4c6a5-3856-4dd1-9704-b2bf8336971f/15+pig+damage.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - pigs are a big problem their diggings destroy the local vegetation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5cd28dd-502b-44a7-bcb0-1ccdc0fafead/16+beaut+banksias.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - a welcome green tunnel Some of the track follows old logging bullock tracks, with a gentle and even gradient. Delightful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/57d378f3-f591-4c05-81e9-dab4b3d6d376/19++chadoora+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - Chadoora Hut We arrive at Chadoora Hut. The design of most of the huts is similar, but they are all in different settings and it’s always fun - or a relief! - to reach them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7d33222f-9e1a-4d02-ba6b-86058a98655f/18+chadoora+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - Chadoora Hut tucked in the forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d1658e41-52b8-400b-b0aa-31110f1ae2de/25+chadoora+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - Chadoora Hut campsites https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9b87f776-34cd-4079-aaf3-89b5fd2ccde4/26+chadoora+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - Chadoora Hut The campsites are great but we’re expecting heavy rain… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1886b4f2-f3d5-4581-a118-42ba40facb56/20++chadoora+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - inside the hut … so for the first time we’ll sleep in the hut. The sleeping platforms are very smooth and generally spotlessly clean. No boots on platforms – you can see ours at the foot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ae5dbaec-286d-43a0-a9d6-02c22762bcae/17+sleep+system+chadoora+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - bunks inside hut sleeping bag set up inside https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0be2851a-e6cf-405d-92b0-38a91bdf416a/21+long+drop+loo.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - drop tiolets at every hut The long drop loos are a luxury. There is toilet paper in this one but don’t expect it every time or you will be in for a nasty surprise. We always carry loo paper and have included just the right amount for every section in each resupply box. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d6a15984-9a40-47f5-8225-2101e383ecbf/22+bushfire+signage.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - fire warning sign On the inside of the door of every loo is this sign. You’ve seen the kind of country we’ve been hiking through – being caught in the bush or even in the hut in a fire is not a good outcome. And it’s why the track should not be hiked in summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3b7a074-20c7-460d-b180-32ca32440668/15thseptember+log+entry.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 16: Mt Wells to Chadoora - notes from hut log book hikers post notes for others to share their experiences or warn them of upcoming issues https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-brookton-to-dwellingup/chadoora-dwellingup monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f13ecbf0-ce84-470d-b8e3-f1c8e136a555/05+following+the+old+rail+line+to+dwellingup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - tourist railwayline Much of today’s hike follows the old railway line. It’s pleasant walking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b07925f7-d167-4240-96e0-b433a5af8c7f/Chadorra+Overview.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - The last day to Dwellingup: And Geoff can get his long-awaited chicken schnitzel with pepper gravy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0b282778-2a95-4212-95bd-a95a1b362a88/Chadoora+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - distance and elevation map for the day Whilst the day is relatively flat with gentle grades… it’s long, just over 20 kilometres. Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 2 Dwellingup https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2efde5b-1958-48b0-ae78-554040e86684/01+rainy+morning.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - the track out of Chadoora more black tree trunks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/afa5c0b3-9661-4326-9b24-fe209ddd6489/02+orchid+leaves.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - slipper orchid leaves These leaves are common. They look like orchid leaves and later I discover that indeed they are: Cryptostylis ovata. These don’t generally flower until Christmas but I might get lucky and see an earlybird towards the end of the walk. They look exceedingly like fallen Corymbia leaves. I wonder whether it’s convergent evolution to protect against grazing animals? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7aeb7d77-2fc3-4567-804a-b9b298359ada/03+1080.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - poison warning sign 1080 poison is an excellent feral animal control because it targets only non-native species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f58e5e4c-c394-441f-a159-f34b18bc3957/04+waugul+on+mossy+post.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - waugel the track continues to be well marked even though we are now some distance from Perth https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ea4b2f6c-f533-43e2-8ec2-f523aa21be8c/06+pterostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - small green hooded orchid Pterostylis sp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de2dfe09-384b-4fda-8f02-658e3ac37e62/08+caladenia+magniclavata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - spider orchid Caladenia magniclavata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/677b8777-af32-45a7-93af-cc675072a3d0/07+trymalia+edging+path.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - tunnel of yellow flowers Parts of the track are beside the rail line. This part is okay but some of the sections are quite overgrown, and in some narrower sections when the Trymalium gets wet it droops and blocks the path almost completely. We suspect that most hikers simply follow the rail track all the way into Dwellingup to avoid the brush, as well as the dips and climbs that the rail track irons out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7737361-424e-4c91-b17f-0f6753352c17/09+old+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - signage for 300 year forest trees 300- year-old jarrah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f6b31c0-c10a-4fce-9e17-7c535bd3cb31/11+lunch+stop.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - lunch time Lunch on the track. We wait for a break in the rain to stop, and the sun is peeking through as well. We had considered taking a lightweight tarp but it’s too much weight for a thru hike. Lightweight hiking umbrellas are another option for clear areas of track and it’s one we’ll investigate more after this hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/290ca129-314c-4a53-81da-3d9529b36b08/12+more+railway.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - railway line is used for tourism trains on weekends We decide to follow the railway the rest of the way into town rather than the parallel overgrown track. Everyone we speak to later has done the same, but this part is an active line so hikers do so at their own risk. The last few kilometres seem to go on forever! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86ac949c-1480-43e2-ada2-2e3612104a7b/13+rest+time.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - memorial sign on rock But you’ll see ghost towns, memorials and interesting interpretive signs along the rail track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/440406ba-03d1-49fb-b51d-db848de176ee/14+granite+slabs.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - Granite outcrops can be a site for unusual plants We pass this granite outcrop. Normally I’d explore it but I have a hot shower front and foremost in my mind! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/051f9e7e-9139-42ef-a0f4-993d48dff88f/15++Dwellingup+News+seat.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - Make it stand out Indeed it would be but we don’t have time to share the local gossip - shower and pub meal here we come! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce2ce113-7df9-4e00-83ce-a4ef5c9a8af4/16+Dwellingup+Hotel.jpg Bibbulmun Track Brookton to Dwellingup - Day 17: Chadoora to Dwellingup and Day 18 Rest Day in Dwellingup - Make it stand out The outstanding community-owned Dwellingup Pub. We’re told it’s the only community-owned one in Western Australia and one of very few in Australia. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-collie-to-balingup daily 0.75 2025-10-31 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-collie-to-balingup/collie-to-yabberup monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488091405-7250TMB7BD20CHKDKER9/06+sandy+track+westralia+cp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - Out from Balingup Easy forestry track walking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2069849d-439a-42f4-8af6-2beb5f9d42d9/Collie+Overview+Cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - Collie to Yabberup overview map Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 3 Collie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c7232041-10b3-4fe5-a37e-4867a46090d6/Collie+Detzails.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - Elevation graph for Collie to Yabberup 19.6 km 350 m elevation gain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488084789-YY8GQZNNNZL42GS5K4O5/01+purple+pansy.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - purple pansy orchid Diuris longifolia (Purple Pansy Orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488086025-SYDLQ9I0DKDHL7VRS2BN/02purple+pansy+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - Purple pansy orchid Diuris longifolia (Purple Pansy Orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488086929-N59U00THA2QKZOBMW4FN/04+leucistic+purple+pansy.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - yellow flower Diuris longifolia: a leucistic form https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488086354-0E57G8KE9TDJPA88BKHY/03+purple+pansy+3.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - Pansy Orchid Just opening up, this Purple Pansy is intensely coloured https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488089622-JP2IM661UAXRCQJLSJI1/07+hammer+orchid.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - Hammer Orchid And hammer orchids (Drakaea livida). We’ve mentioned before that you’d imagine they’d be easy to spot from macro images, but the next shot gives you more of an idea of their tiny, cryptic nature: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7a33c4a-18c7-4991-8195-41b3c8e96d3b/03+hammer+orchids.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - A workshop of hammer orchids We also saw Caladenia longicauda, C. discoides, Drakaea glyptodon, Pterostylis vittata, Cyanicula sericea, Caladenia macrostylis and Caladenia latifolia. Numerous Thelymitras were in bud and, for those who hike in autumn, Eriochilus leaves dot the path edges so there would be a good display then too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488094817-AKPC8RJPWNTDBHIXVPWU/09+river+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - Collie River Following the northern bank of the Collie River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488093665-LJ6WGO91EFT5PAVI5E8K/10+stepping+logs.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - river crossing stepping rounds make it easy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488097856-M5WFCTNYTNWC9MWSCLW2/12+path+through+hibbertias+and+burnt+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - regenerating forest after fire On the other side of the river is burnt country but, even though it’s jarrah, it’s quite different to that around Mt Wells further north. A carpet of cheerful Hibbertia lifts our spirits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488088662-75BCBXI0163MI1UBHKWU/05lobelia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - purple flowers Lobelia rhombifolia is common in newly burnt terrain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488090362-HNX19UXF6FCJCSSE4TS2/08+pterostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - snail orchid Pterostylis erubescens (Red Sepalled Snail Orchid): a new species of orchid to add to the growing tally! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488099434-AANAEAHLFQ6Y40SKP52A/15+hibbertia+PPIN.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - many bright yellow flowers in regenerating forest Hibbertia hypericoides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488087272-5WQ0BK05YFQD979ZP1FR/05+caladenia+nana+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - purple orchid flower Little Pink Fan (Caladenia nana ssp nana) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/245904f3-9416-47cf-b0bf-4c1f9878c4e1/06a+thomasia+sp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - bright pink flowers with purple centres Then you’re out of the burnt area, with beautiful Thomasia grandiflora shrubs to cheer you on! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f277df21-0119-49df-bcc7-4a659ca77ca6/dam+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - Mungalup Dam Mungalup Dam… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488096751-RCH5T80JRG10ZB3HKXSX/13+sign.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - Regulatory sign …But at least we can walk! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488107538-320AKQ4GFYK5DDG7VQDC/20+brown+boronia2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - Boronia flower The small, dull flowers are easy to miss, especially in dappled shade, but their famous scent means this is one of the Western Australian plants most widely grown elsewhere in Australia. Well, let’s amend that to, ‘attempted to be grown,’ because they are notoriously fickle outside their endemic environment. My heart always sank when someone insisted on garden culture in my local Adelaide Hills area with its heavy clay. If you want to try them at home, a sandy native acidic mix in pots is your best bet. Although perhaps that was my mistake. Garden advice recommends growing them in well-drained acidic sands, but here they’re thriving in drenched soil, streamside. Go figure! A final quirk of this glorious flower is that many unlucky people lack the gene necessary to smell the characteristic aromatic compound so, if you’re passing through in spring and notice nothing, you might be one of them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488111512-T6VBEWYFRLFMOU1Z7OVS/21+flowery+path.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - forestry track Just look at that understorey! Here, pink Hypocalmma angustifolia, which has made a reappearance after a hiatus on the track. Ebb and flow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488104492-XWWW5ZVAHOKAS12MUIXZ/18+nearing+yabberup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - clear signage on the tarck Nearly at the hut! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488103862-5A5N8C3EQX1BYZFSXBRR/19++sign2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - Well place interpretative signs as well The Wellington Spur Trail is apparently a terrific hike, with plentiful flowers and orchids. But not for us today. If you’re a plant lover and you’re section hiking, this out and return would be worth doing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488114364-IBT36AOMFJHM0GU12UFK/23+yabberup+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - camp at last Yabberup Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f46f459c-958f-46bc-b4c4-4b26234d22a3/24+hut+sign.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - Interpretative sign You can see our food bags hanging in the images above and below this one. Once animals learn there’s a ready food supply, they can become a nightmare. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488106513-EE53G80KY8K4X0AZAQZ0/19+new+friends.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - tables are a welcome luxury at huts We had heard about Patrick and Helen (above) from the couple, Oly and Virg, who had started the same day as us and who are now one or two days ahead. We are all to become good friends over the course of the walk. Even on first meeting, we can tell we’ll get along: they are invested in living life, rather than just drifting with the current. Apropos of nothing much, we are all about the same age mixed race couples in varying flavours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1656488111919-HDY0KILOX3W5W6W40Q0S/22++campsite+yabberup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 27: Collie to Yabberup - excellent campsites once more Yabberup hut is quite full with about fifteen hikers staying the night, but happily we now have our Tyvek footprint, which we recommend for thru-hiking the Bibbulmun because of its rough substrates. It’s important to cut your footprint slightly smaller than your tent floor because, if it extends beyond the fly and it rains, water will sheet down and funnel between the footprint and floor, promoting leakage through any pinholes or abrasions. The white tyvek at the vestibule ends are separate pieces that double as sitpads. It’s good to be back in a secure tent again! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-collie-to-balingup/yabberup-to-noggerup monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c549b267-6e31-42df-9467-a7220fddae1f/22+pastoral+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Farm dam in pasture Picturesque farmland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d977f314-514e-48b5-a426-ec51606fb94d/Yabberup+Overview+Cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Overview Map for Yabberup to Noggerup Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 3 Collie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d5884ab-18bd-4a3c-b12a-b5f7aaac8afd/Yabberup+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Elevation Graph Yabberup to Noggerup 20.2 km 320m climbing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ceece208-642f-4f97-ae54-0fdb8da45650/04+flower+lined+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Kennedia coccinea and Hibbertia Almost straight away we are in beaut country, with an understorey of red coral pea (Kennedia coccinea) and yellow Hibbertia. One of the joys of learning about plants and wildlife is that it enriches the experience of being in nature. You see the story the land is telling: is it happy, or under stress? I wish I’d studied more Geology in my youth! If anyone knows of an Australian hiking geologist who produces videos like this (skip to 1:33 for what you see vs the story a geologist sees) while hiking, please let us know and we’ll link where appropriate! Geoff’s hydrology background also gives him a different and complementary perspective to mine; all we need now is an ornithologist, a historian and a local Nyoongar person in our team, and we would have so much more of a multi-layered experience! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3424c6cd-d820-4a48-b5bf-8bb6013bd345/02+caladenia+magniclavata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Caladenia magniclavata Caladenia magniclavata. I think. The difference between this and C. longiclavata is the relative length of the furry clubs on the sepals and there is a bit of overlap! Taxonomists are grouped into splitters and clumpers; at the moment, the splitters have won the day but, some time down the track, new DNA evidence may see this species clumped together under one name again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ec7f1dc-364f-4bfe-a9cd-e9ee6930b9ca/04a+manky+red+beaks.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Pyrorchis nigricans Yes, this is a very manky Redbeak, or Fire Orchid (Pyrorchis nigricans). See the orchid gallery for one I prepared earlier! These usually flower immediately after fire in the black ash beds, and the striated red, white and black flowers resemble meat. As soon as the flowers are fertilised, the entire plant turns black to camouflage it from predation by birds or grazing animals. Isn’t evolution clever? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a4cd21a-e2fa-4b59-b0b4-3920980a3bcf/05+sunny+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - forest track in bright sunshine Approaching Glen Mervyn Dam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/85005aa9-be12-4261-8c37-f17bb713a6b6/06+dam.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - View through forest to dam Glen Mervyn Dam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3d088644-84c4-4a27-866e-1808ccbf08c6/07+dam+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Glen Mervyn Dam You can see cars and campsites on the other side of the dam; we also pass some near the northern end; campsites are free. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/89698c23-4a05-498d-8151-c9018af5cd96/08+clematis+and+peas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - clematis and coral pea Creamy clematis and red coral pea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cea791ac-1359-40c1-9c24-44bce88d1f26/11+crossing+dam.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Glenn Mervyn Dam Wall Crossing the dam wall. Our new friends are ahead of us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c863909b-88f3-417b-bc47-64fa603951df/09+mumby+pub.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Mumballup Hotel It has been raining on and off and here we are at the Mumballup (Mumby) Pub, famous for its delicious burgers. Sadly, it is also famous for being closed a lot of the time. Sigh. A crackling hot fire in the hearth, a hot beef pot pie or hamburger or Big Hunk of Meat, a stout for Geoff and a red wine for me… but alas, that is not going to happen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4261d5c8-bce4-45f9-9f77-4301586367c5/10+lunch+at+mumby+pub.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Lunch time rain or shine pub open or closed Instead, on the verandah we tuck into something I try to convince myself is almost as delicious: Geoff’s sourdough crackers, local salami (it is, in fact delicious) and consolation chocolate. Plus tea, of course! While we sit with the rain hammering on the tin roof, half a dozen cars stop, only to leave when they realise the pub is closed. Together with the people at the hut who had been intending to eat here, plus those in the cars, there would have been 25-30 customers. The spicy cough has wreaked havoc on country hospitality, so hopefully things will be back to normal when you hike! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e9e6edc-ddda-4473-b6a5-a42a0e526ac3/21+railway+vegetation.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - railway reserve The rain eases but doesn’t quite stop. We set off along the old railway track. Plant enthusiasts, keep your eyes peeled for very interesting vegetation here in the valley: like cemeteries, railway reserves often contain the only remnant native vegetation in farmland that has otherwise been cleared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a3da61c9-5c0b-4e4a-94db-43ec876603f7/18+fun+with+signs.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - road sign warning drivers of hikers You can see my camera in its ultrasil bag protecting it from rain. You can also see my DCF pack cover, which is not really waterproof any longer after one too many trips. The DCF liner bag inside the pack, however, is still okay. Down sleeping bags are light and compressible, but you must, must MUST keep them dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9748e3b1-5090-40ff-aaaf-f83aba87c163/23+leschenaultia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Leschenaultia biloba)t Like the brown boronia from yesterday, Blue Leschenaultia (Leschenaultia biloba) is another famous Western Australian export, and equally fickle to grow. Yet here it is, casually lounging on the roadside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3bead1a3-2cf6-441b-9c91-d37608b8e601/20+preston+np+in+bucketing+rain.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Preston National Park Sorry about the quality of the image but it’s bucketing and I just took a quick snap. This little National Park is a delight for plant lovers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6190dd9a-4cdb-4218-96c0-9568e5e3adc0/01+stunning+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Preston national park Dense healthy vegetation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b288a829-923d-4a19-8679-ecc8c47ef727/17+coral+pea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Coral pea A ball of red coral pea (Kennedia coccinea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d4b6627-c511-4f2b-8b88-e1373e4ac167/25+prostranthera+maybe.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Hemigenia sericea Hemigenia sericea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/73ee92a0-e9b4-4a25-af40-be54bdeed689/26+cowkick.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Stylidium petiolare Horn Trigger Plant (Stylidium petiolare) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/067f79b2-9d40-4908-8ed3-198688b3a806/19+cow+kicks.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Stylidium schoenoides) Cow Kicks (Stylidium schoenoides). The one on the right is triggered, the one top left is not. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2078a1f9-d2b5-4c22-a424-e74a91532eff/27+caladenia+magniclvata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Spider orchid Caladenia longiclavata… I think! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/96c8a2f0-4141-4659-b15a-c0d617690a2c/28+rusty+spider.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Caladenia longiclavata You can see the variety in the C. longiclavata species https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3aebd435-76ca-4aea-9ef3-af999ae9c078/30+noggerup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - Noggerup Hut And here we are at Noggerup Hut. Nestled in a valley overlooking a little creek, it’s very picturesque but it’s wet, wet, wet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/72236ba0-400e-4835-8790-0f15a3fa1b2b/31+noggerup+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - campsite Good campsites as always but the hut is easier with this much rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3801183c-38f1-464d-897f-e3cbd2f2ea44/29+dinner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 28: Yabberup to Noggerup - warm campfire is most welcome Later, the rain stops for a while and we can eat dinner (Chili Beans) by the fire. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-collie-to-balingup/noggerup-to-grimwade monthly 0.5 2023-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fabb0d00-5965-4af1-ac6e-d38b28bfad5d/12+xanthorrhoeas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - Grass trees in a row More beautiful Xanthorrhoea today https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69f978d3-707d-41d1-9f31-6b0a9c795468/Noggerup+Overview+cROPPED.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - Overview map for Noggerup to Grimwade Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 4 Blackwood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/497365ed-d032-4243-8bd2-df193f1acb44/Noggerup+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - Elevation Graph Noggerup to Grimwade 560m elevation gain over 23 km https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8249c10a-17d5-4d9c-a2b5-b22d3787b553/01+caladenia+pectinata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - Spider orchid Caladenia pectinata, a large and beautiful new species: very exciting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be4e2966-180a-472b-9748-ef1dda1a1d51/04+caladenia+magniclavata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - cluster of spider orchids And a lovely cluster of C. longiclavata in the misty morning air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff672d8b-1546-454e-b9a1-2f4cdb02b6d5/05+from+grimwade.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - wide leafy track through forest Delightful and flat at the moment! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b3831a5-de95-4f8e-a2b0-37d07e0125d3/06+quirky+found+art.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - forest art Forest art. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06c94db3-af19-4b10-aabb-1cfc2eb4ca00/07+big+trees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - narrow vehicle track through forest It really is terrific walking, but I’m sore and apprehensive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78bce0ed-dd1d-49fb-b704-a77c16ed139d/08+caladenia+x+spectabilis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - small pink spider orchid Caladenia x spectabilis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b69b624-1466-4e5d-985b-111611e921d6/09+princess+on+a+chair.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - Seat in forest cut out of tree stump Some kind person with a chainsaw has made a seat for Princess Helen. I’m smiling but that bloody achilles tendon is playing up. Completing the track is something I wasn’t sure was within my mental capabilities. It hadn’t really occurred to me that something physical might get in the way and, now that the possibility has arisen, I realise just how much I want to finish. Choosing to leave the track and being taken off it are two very different things, with hugely different emotional impacts. For me to continue, this means zigzagging up steep hills, regular topical and systemic anti-inflammatory drugs, and keeping the hamstring and calf muscles loose with trigger point massage. The pain’s not at all bad, but ignoring it will cause additional permanent damage that impacts future hiking. Geoff suggests altering our schedule, perhaps by splitting some of the upcoming longer days, and this makes me feel a lot better. He also reminds me that we have no deadline, so staying flexible will give us the best chance at success. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0ca761af-eae7-4edb-813f-6255184c8789/10+caladenia+latifolia+on+a+log.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - Caladenia reptans Caladenia reptans growing on soil amongst the roots of a fallen tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/35e49a21-0274-4ff8-9ed8-fbb8c1e3e227/11+hovea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - purple Hovea Hovea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/87182c35-0ea1-4cbf-a2f8-df3904f634a9/14+chorzema.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - Chorizema ilicifolium Chorizema ilicifolium. But wait there’s more! LOTS more: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/513aa48f-a417-4506-a77f-607de97dbf93/15+amazing+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - sea of Chorizema ilicifolium flowers … today’s banner moment. The Chorizema is gloriously rampant. Here and there it is threaded with creamy Clematis or purple Hovea or yellow Acacia. Extraordinary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/17d4bc60-46ab-49a1-86a0-982a211c0b0f/16+grimwade+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - Grimwade Hut And finally at Grimwade Hut with our new friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e9f20d1-15d2-4c5d-a0d9-04429b19dd45/19+view+from+grimwade.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - forest view from inside Grimwade Hut It’s a lovely outlook from the hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81ddc7a0-78c3-42b7-bd40-c01734a3c0c1/17+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 29: Noggerup to Grimwade - Grimwade campsite The campsites are good, but it’s very wet so we’re in the hut again. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-collie-to-balingup/grimwade-to-balingup monthly 0.5 2022-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5ba2828-1149-4cc0-81dd-a95a95ffcea1/02+amazing+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - recently burnt forest regenerating masses of yellow flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b27a9c7c-7bc2-4e67-bd28-ac9e6cd268f7/Grimwade+Overview+cROPPED.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - Overview Map for Grimwade to Balingup use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 4 Blackwood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c397fc27-70f4-48c0-a03f-a2df4ba783d7/Grimwade+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - Elevation Graph Grimwade to Balinup 22.9 km with 4000 m elevation gain during the day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a3fd467-8e5b-4f21-bdd7-fcb08f109069/01+pool.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - clear pristine creek in forest Water and the sound of water add a whole new dimension to a day’s walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7bb64b8-6c6e-4e52-b13d-fb47ed153764/03+amazing+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - masses of orange and yellow flowers Oh, but just look at those wildflowers: Chorizema and Acacia. Fantastic stuff! Geoff’s pack matches! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2295555f-9530-433e-b890-d0430ffb6f7f/04+acacias.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - regenerating forest massess of yellow flowers either side of track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4c02be1-38a5-4d83-a01b-6a75e7b72bc9/05+wet+weather+gear.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - camera dry bag Geoff has a Peak Designs clip on his pack as well and is carrying my camera for me. You can clearly see how the Sea to Summit Ultrasil bag clips around the camera, completely covering it. There is a small microfibre cloth in the bottom of the bag as well to dry the camera. The Visp jacket and pants really are very impressive - and very comfortable - in light to moderate rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1752e8c3-8f5d-4f53-8c47-fdcd22319623/06+banksias.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - Banksia shrubs in forest Banksias! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f7ba6488-1e38-438b-b00d-cdeeb7bdcd37/06+diversion.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - Hikers signage If you’re unsure of which way to go when you come to a fork in the track, a branch laid across one arm is the universal signal that the track does NOT go that way. When you’re ambling along it can be easy to miss such signs: here there’s a waugul as well, but we’ve hiked on otherwise unmarked trails in Tasmania, and a simple branch has told us all we needed to know. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fe6d4524-2933-4779-9c8c-6609213b25eb/07+lasagne+fungus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - orange fungi on grass tree trunk Lasagna fungi! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/452b9ba8-28ca-4012-bc09-411e69f9c3f7/09+turkey+tail+fungus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - Turkey Tail fungus Turkey Tail fungus (Trametes versicolor) is used medicinally. There are often very subtle differences between species that are traps for new players. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5ec0b29c-a2a9-462d-941c-b34acb6302f4/08+boronia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - Boronia Boronia sp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/188d03cb-b554-46cc-8da6-0f2230e0c422/11incredible+acacias.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - more dense coverage of yellow acacias The Acacias are a complete delight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a7a9a49-7281-400c-9cba-955cad4de1f5/12+rain+rain+rain.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - we walk through light showers of rain most of the day We briefly emerge from the forest to skirt around farmland. The weather has been drizzly all day but it’s not unpleasant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16d5eadf-5955-499c-839a-e7c16cff68c6/13+enamel+orchid.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - Elythranthera brunonis) And into a lovely section of native vegetation, with enamel orchids (Elythranthera brunonis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16a8c3d6-8b94-449d-8048-a80f033c2503/14+blue+daisy.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - blue and yellow daisy … and a tiny patch of this lovely daisy, which was exactly that colour, a brilliant, dark intense blue without a hint of mauve. It is probably a particularly vivid form of Swan River daisy, or Brachyscome iberidifolia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ed00dbcf-b538-4d72-841c-9ea2ef4d581e/15+white+spider.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - white spider orchid A Caladenia longicauda that I thought was a different species due to the short sepals and petals. Sometimes while the flower is in bud, a little critter munches on the tip, with this result. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a67d587f-ade5-4ff1-bbd0-9250b4312a6f/16+longicauda+x+pectinata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - white spider orchid hybridMake it stand out And this beautiful hybrid, C. longicauda x pectinata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cab28b5e-81b3-429a-8047-6359414292a0/18+approaching+balingup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - formal wooden footbridge over river We are nearly in Balingup, out of the native vegetation and into weedy but pretty country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f9361d9-0d2c-413d-b94a-66b25b63cdb8/22+approaching+balingup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - amongst the pine trees close to Balingup And through the pines along the creek. Nearly there! I’m feeling remarkably good: the drugs are working! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/230ab6e4-f40b-4786-9a2f-40e09759ba87/19+dinner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - salad at last Fresh greens! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ee9bbbb-accf-4262-9067-b870c890834b/20+cooking+dinner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - frying pan with spaghetti cooking Pasta! There’s no big pot but we manage to cook the spaghetti in the frying pan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f0d7299-dcd2-4b1a-976e-b92c59af1cbd/21+yummo.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - spaghetti and meat sauce Yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/66a14d71-388b-48cb-8fbf-5e1d3d4a2677/cottage+in+balingup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - Jalbrook Estate, Balingup Our pictureque cottage on Jalbrook Estate, Balingup. Although it is expensive, with two breakfasts included and cooking our own lunches and dinners, this accommodation ends up not too much different from more modest accommodation where we buy all our meals in cafes or the pub. We were able to do washing in the shed, lounge in the spa, and just have a darn good rest. Our hosts picked up our resupply box from the visitor centre for us, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/60e1c51b-4ec6-4e6f-9bb4-334fced261ed/24+rest+day+balingup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - Bacon and eggs! Breakfast! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c085f5a-259d-41f4-bbff-acfdb53fe4d4/25+recalculating.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - rejigging the schedule Geoff spends some time rejigging the next sections to avoid exacerbating my wonky achilles. He identifies one day that can be easily split with an extra camp at Willow Springs immediately before our next Rest Day in Donnelly River Village, and then two extra nights at Greens Island and the Arboretum before Pemberton. We always carry an extra day of food, and these are accumulated and also posted onwards in our bounce boxes, so we have plenty available. If at all possible, it’s helpful to stay flexible with your schedule in this way. Even with a deadline, including an extra few days for contingencies can make the difference between an enjoyable hike and one where injury prevents your ability to complete it. Listening to your body is important. We are only spending two nights here in Balingup due to the price, and we could get only two nights in our next stop of Donnelley River Village (school holidays) but, after that, we hope to be able to take Pat and Helen’s advice and spend three nights in each town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce12ce44-f0f0-414e-b269-35da31b27b08/26+hunk+of+meat+and+salad.jpg Bibbulmun Track Collie to Balingup - Day 30: Grimwade to Balingup and Rest Day in Balingup - peppered steak and salad Steak and salad on our second night! I’ve eaten more hunks of red meat in the last 6 weeks than I have in the last six years but I’m listening to my body, and this is what it is asking for! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-balingup-to-pemberton daily 0.75 2025-10-31 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-balingup-to-pemberton/balingup-to-blackwood monthly 0.5 2022-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ea13fab5-25bd-4ba3-b46c-416deb909361/rural+scenes.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - Make it stand out Lovely rural scenes today https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db6cf805-1951-449f-8d3e-d44ad2116fb6/Overview+Map+Balingup+cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - Overview map Overview map, use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 4 Blackwood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f13745b-97a5-410c-852f-db2ca3faeb6b/Balingup.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - Days details Balingup to Blackwood With Elevation Graph 20.1 kilometres with an elevation gain of 500 m https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/406dd02b-e93a-409f-9156-15f5521a7793/01+rural+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - Memorial Park near Balingup It’s raining with glimpses of sun, creating beautiful limpid light as we leave Balingup. It’s road walking, but they are pleasant country roads rather than highways, with pretty scenes like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5981d586-1f3e-41c6-9569-b05deef75905/02+arboretum-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - Golden Valley Arboretum The track diverts into Golden Valley Arboretum, with many different exotic trees in a park-like setting, sheep grazing under the canopies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/39e2be2f-6648-4d12-b9aa-4b198f2a2b02/22+when-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - Greenbushes Reserve You’ll continue climbing and then turn into Greenbushes Reserve. Oh my, it is so rich in orchids! This section passes very, very slowly! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9546ce0-3bb1-4fa3-beab-1ebd98de45c1/12+calaenia+arrecta-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - Spider Orchid Reaching Spider Orchid (Caladenia arrecta) - a new species for me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f208c44-7b9f-4108-bd44-626d080faecf/05+x+caladenia+arrecta-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - clubbed spider orchids Growing right beside them are these Clubbed Spider orchids, Caladenia longiclavata, with particularly wide, flat, vivid yellow clubs. I’m almost certain that they are a hybrid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f16ba437-7564-47b1-a3af-876caa0c3a66/07+caladenia+longicauda+ssp-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - white spider orchid And a new white spider, Caladenia longicauda ssp redacta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ee271e70-f6a2-43f8-bdc2-8b5ae02e90f9/06+caladenia+ferruginea-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - Rusty spider orchid And yet another new species, the Rusty Spider orchid (C. ferruginea), named for the colour on its clubs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75bbc774-faa7-40a8-9c62-e3a0ccca3a0f/08+caladenia+sp-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - hybrid spider orchid This is probably a hybrid between C. ferruginea (note rusty clubs) and C. longicauda ssp redacta (pale colouring, elongated sepals and drooping petals). The two species were growing in close proximity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/100fd302-7900-47c7-a69c-a3280c4391c1/rest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - bench seat to rest on at end of park After many happy minutes photographing orchids in the rain we emerge from the park for more beaut rural vistas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/af3728df-e4b2-4fa2-b2db-6d55f950bed7/13+farmland-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - farmland vista Moo! The fact that I even bothered to photograph these cows is testament to just how much of this track is in native forest, and how little is in farmland. The Bibbulmun is unique. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/60922fbc-e2b2-4a03-a8f2-11c1127d91e1/13a+road+walking-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - road walking Just a little more road walking, and into private property. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/318a0359-67ab-463e-af55-b5952dd9cd31/13b+private+property-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - Private property signage Please heed signs like this. Only a few people doing the wrong thing can spoil it for everyone. Owners are under no obligation to allow hikers through their properties, and can revoke that privilege as easily as it is given. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c390819-2a92-4ffd-9a5f-7f27a30aa152/14+beautiful+farmland-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - rolling grassy hills The trek up through this paddock is long and muddy, but dappled sunlight and rain showers make for lovely views even here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/220d563b-8f6a-44e2-bea1-f526e8378496/14+approaching+blackwood-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - Pine forest track Finally into the pine forest, with more climbs and descents. I’m really looking forward to reaching the hut! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/966a1c28-339e-4d8d-829b-cdb0b34d7858/20+morning-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - Blackwood hut And there it is! Surrounded by revegetation after a bushfire destroyed the surrounding pine trees, the hut is still quite exposed but should be delightful once the native species establish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2836f53c-2fe1-47e6-9d02-a3ae54f352d9/16+bunk-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - bedding set up in hut It is very wet so we sleep in the hut. A number of northbound and section hikers arrive later, making for a congenial crowd. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ac4f5815-98da-43ad-bfa7-57df6b7c740d/18+blackwood+hut-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - Blackwood hut and camping area Apologies for the quality of the shot, but I’ve included it because it shows the tent pitches behind the hut, which I forgot to photograph. At the moment the pitches are all very exposed, but this will soon change as the reveg establishes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cd0506ce-26dd-42b2-8fbc-aad76d9401f9/19+sunset-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 32: Balingup to Blackwood - Blackwood camp as the sun sets A lovely sunset and we are in bed not soon after. Long days like this after a rest day are not too bad at all! And of course, there were plenty of orchids to put a spring in my step. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-balingup-to-pemberton/blackwood-gregory-brook monthly 0.5 2022-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5473d1b7-84bb-4328-b1d1-c4e2634310b5/setting+off.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Leaving Blackwood Expansive views across forests on distant hill tops https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/09ab3431-099e-417b-a328-8d5defd4e86b/Overview+Map+Blackwood+cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Blackwood to Gregory Brook Overview map. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b4002a7c-3256-4689-bc0b-72567b6ebcf3/Blackwood.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Blackwood to Gregory Brook details map with elevation graph Another long day: 18.2 kilometres with an elevation gain of 485 m. Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 4 Blackwood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0d260b0d-c9a5-4ce7-a903-10cd692af919/03+descending+cardiac+hill-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Cardiac Hill The long steep descent down Cardiac Hill almost straight out of camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/44df3b23-9bcf-47ca-b52e-264a83259dc4/04+peaPIN-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Pea flowers Bossiaea aquifolium: so many different pea flowers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f936fa9-f830-4995-ac7e-714ec8c443d7/05+trail+magic-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Esky on picnic table Trail Magic on private property: only a bit of tired fruit left in the esky but it is nevertheless welcome. What a lovely gesture, with a pictureque spot to sit beside the Blackwood River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/561f856c-da8f-423b-9c22-677cf6bf4217/06++one+month+beforehand-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Flood depth indicator Look at those record flood levels past Geoff’s armpit, just a month or two before today! This section would have had a detour for sure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a31315c-505e-4a4c-9abc-0d80d01f351b/07+along+the+river-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - blackwood forest with understorey That “grass” isn’t grass at all, but a blue-flowering lily, Stypandra glauca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cdf43e1e-8580-4d31-a8e6-2a37ccac30a5/09+blue+grass-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Argrostocrinum sp. Stypandra glauca (Blind Grass) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8958e987-db77-46b8-87cf-011b00698171/13+purple+pea-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Hovea Lovely blue Hovea on the long steep climb up the forestry track towards Millstream Dam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e628a523-e421-4c52-9d63-bb4766aaaa92/08+patersonia+umbrosa-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Patersonia umbrosa Patersonia umbrosa, the only yellow-flowered species in its genus. These form big clumps and would be spectacular in peak bloom, even though each flower lasts for just one day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e056e32c-4730-4020-8449-514424ef244e/10+pterostylis-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Orchid Pterostylis There are so many different Pterostylis species but it’s simply impossible to ID them when they’re all unfamiliar, and I’d still be back at Dwellingup if I shoot every one that I see! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69f1f5c1-807e-4abf-b2e5-83f9a903a50c/11+cyrtostylis+hueglii-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Cyrtostylis huegleii Cyrtostylis huegleii grows in shady places and the dull green and brown flowers make them even more difficult to spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/986fd1f7-b02c-45b5-9d8e-108b9521b553/12b+yellow+flowers-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - more yellow flowers When you walk through so many flowers, a tunnel of yellow, it can be easy to start taking them for granted. But this amount of colour is just extraordinary, and it’s worth stopping every now and then to just soak it all up… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75e86c37-0460-40f4-90ba-c243fe002310/14+rest-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - rest spot amongst the flowers … or as an excuse to have a rest next to the yellow water bush (Bossiaea aquifolium) and another red brown pea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d2bcf40a-5b54-4556-b585-3f93bd0a75b2/15+leptospermum-1.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Leptospermum sp in flower The vegetation is dense so no distant views today, but every now and then it opens up as in this little patch of tea tree (Leptospermum sp.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bb513671-de50-4654-913c-1bb839a90b97/16+hardenbergia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Hardenbergia You’ll see plenty of purple Hovea but keep your eyes peeled for the occasional pale pink and white sports. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/79424613-fa9b-4840-b757-6d0a6ad4109d/18+gregory+brook.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - camp site at gregory brook And here we are at Gregory Brook, right by the, well, brook and its little rock pool. Look at that yellow, bright even on such a dull day. The drizzle stops just long enough to get the tent up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3fc49983-9da6-485a-9ea1-ae6d280e6df8/19+gregory+brook.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 33: Blackwood to Gregory Brook - Gregory Brook hut And then we go into the hut and cheerful company. Spending time with new friends at the end of the day has become so much more of a highlight than either of us ever expected, even though we are boring old farts who retire early to bed! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-balingup-to-pemberton/gregory-brook-willow-springs-donnelly-river-village monthly 0.5 2022-09-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c5e244c-826a-4fa1-9e75-620b96fe1d4d/portrait.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Emus and kangaroos at Donnelly River Village https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bffaf3f2-b941-4d24-8034-dbc24d278088/Overview+Map+Gregory+Brook+and+Willow+Springs+cropped.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Gregory Brook to Donnelly village via Willow Springs Overview map. Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 4 Blackwood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cfd54e20-93d2-4d9c-86fb-0e8a22da4eee/Gregory+Brook+%26+Willow+Springs.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Elevation graphs from Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village Distance and Elevation details for the two days: Gregory Brook to Willow Springs (10.3 km) and Willow Springs to Donnelly River Village (12.7km) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9bc28c9e-9c17-4a70-8b2b-114f193f248e/01+leaving+gbg.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - forest in full flower We are still walking through amazing corridors of colour. The sheer mass of flowers is exhilarating. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/037ddc66-f38a-4fb0-8635-64046d82f5ca/02+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - multi coloured peas flowers Yellow water bush (Bossiaea aquifolium) and orange red coral pea (Kennedia coccinea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c322246-10f6-4ee0-a618-a14cd12d9a5c/03+purple+and+yellow+peas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - purple Hovea and yellow Bossiaea And so many vignettes comprising combinations of colour. Here, purple Hovea and yellow Bossiaea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c44934d8-f8fc-4551-b803-809a2cac580a/04+clematis+and+pea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Clematis Creamy white Clematis threading through yellow Bossiaea… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d3f4d9d1-8ce6-4741-aeaf-3c6d14aee116/05+clematis+and+pea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - purple Hovea … and purple Hovea. Delightful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd07838c-226e-46b7-9228-ee6927840d5c/06+first+karri.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - karri forest (Eucalyptus diversicolor) And then, suddenly, after weeks and weeks of jarrah, we’re at last into the first of the karri forest (Eucalyptus diversicolor)! How exciting to be below these giants of the eucalypt world! The long shards of bark on the forest floor make for a completely different understorey, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4cd5bc6a-2690-488a-b7e2-b3ea60edc528/07+pterostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Pterostylis - snail orchid And a Pterostylis, probably P. karri. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/30758610-f317-4664-8057-33dd3cc1ab8d/davies+07.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Willow Springs campsite But today’s distance is refreshingly short and soon we arrive at Davies Camp, aka Willow Springs. The Mundabiddy Bike Trail often intersects with the Bibbulmun, but the Warren Blackwood Stock Route, which intersects the Bibbulmun here, is a horseriding trail, and the hut is set up for riders. There’s a corral nearby. We investigate the hut but the steel design is icy, so we decide to set up the tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b5ba465-43c0-4c55-86e8-f162f78dd4ad/davies+03.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - historic stock trail photo An older couple is exploring the grounds and we meet up at the interpretive signs on the hut for a chat. It is Mandy and Doddy Davies and yes indeed, Doddy is of the Davies family. That’s Doddy’s father on the right, and Doddy shares wonderful stories of when he himself drove the stock before the advent of bitumen roads stopped the practice. The horse trail was organised by the droving families, with all the huts named after them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aac015d4-56f2-432f-b3e0-da33d79f76d4/davies+06.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Davies (Willow Springs) hut We have arrived in camp quite early and have plenty of time to gather wood, light a fire and boil a cuppa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ec22345-e568-4ca5-96e8-ad9d41e4944d/davies+05.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Iota winner Winners are grinners! We also take advantage of the table to play a few games of mini Iota, one of the few card games where my visual spatial skills allow me to keep up with Geoff’s strategic thinking ones. This is the only game we brought with us. I ordered mini playing cards from Amazon as well but didn’t bother to check the dimensions and when they arrived they were toy ones about the size of my thumbnail - completely useless! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bc871493-0b53-4003-99bb-80cbf8c94938/08+foggy.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - road out of Willow Springs The next day is wet, but the quiet roads and forest are beautiful, with rolling terrain and no steep or long climbs: great for recovering tendons! Forest types don’t delineate cleanly, of course: there’s a mixture of jarrah and karri, with one or the other predominating depending on the terrain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65e0c22f-89a2-40e5-8062-c9b86be8f6c0/12+sign.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Snake Road More jarrah and, happily, the rain stops. We don’t see any snakes, it’s still too cold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eef6beeb-cd2d-45e3-bf41-4ecda4621907/14+bridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Rustic footbridge There seems to be significantly more water about, too, which makes sense as karri grows in a higher rainfall region. Here’s Geoff surveying one of many small streams from a mossy bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5559b2ae-dacf-4429-bd29-2da6ae57c98b/15+party+of+linguellas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Pterostylis growing on a log Pterostylis growing on a log. Our collective noun for these is a Party of Pterostylis because they always look like a gathering of people at a party, with a few looking a little worse for wear. There’s often a latecomer who’s still raging after everyone else has set seed and gone home, and the loner out at the edge with no friends to talk to. When you’re thru-hiking, you make your fun where you can! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/998349a2-e3d5-4ab8-b367-972c39caebc2/19+near+donnelly.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Karri Forest And nearly at Donnelly River Village. Just look at those tall, tall pale karri trunks. Aren’t they fabulous! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9cfb1b68-0db1-425d-8601-44fdf84326d3/16+tea+in+donnelly.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Donnelly River Village General Store Donnelly River Village is unique in Australia. Its history is fascinating but right now all we want is a warm spot by the open fireplace, tea in a china cup (Geoff has a coffee) and yummy things like hamburgers to eat. Once again rain is bucketing down outside and we make ourselves comfortable before heading to our lodgings for the next two nights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e1ca66e7-fe9e-43ce-b55d-cfe6101c4e7f/27+hiker+houses.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Basic huts for free camping You can stay in free hiker accommodation in town in these shelters, which are serviceable but not especially inviting… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9fa7e733-3cde-4e05-8bb8-4e060fdd4ae2/28+village.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Accomodation at Donnelly River Village … or, if you’ve booked ahead as we have, you can stay in one of the old loggers’ cottages. If you share with other hikers, the price is reasonable and indeed some other hikers do exactly that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f07872b0-2f83-4ff9-8b0c-498e7039ed5e/23+donnelly.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Our hut rented house with warm fire place Here’s our little house! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e9bb9b9-4a30-437f-a7bd-238e688dbf59/26+brekky.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Goose egg omelette Luuuuuuuxurry! The little shop was selling goose eggs and fresh leafy vegetables so we make an omelette for breakfast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6447ead9-e3a3-4853-930f-20413955e0f6/21+donnelly.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - luxury of a sofa and fresh coffee The small loggers’ cottages are all available for rent. Firewood is stacked in the enclosed back verandah - a communal woodheap is nearby - and there is an outhouse. These cottages are a delight… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/126a3ef5-9845-4fb7-a4ec-baaf060f8a8f/22+donnelly.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - kitchen … and just look at that kitchen! Unfortunately we can’t use the Metter. This old logging town with its falling-down timber mill is frozen in time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1ace7a92-1a81-4064-ac37-2c96d0173412/20+donnelly.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - pretending to feed kangaroos When the rain eases for a bit, we head to the shop to find More Food. The kangaroos and emus hang around the entrance, begging for scraps. We pretend we have some for the photo but they really don’t need anything more to eat. You can buy the right food for them in the shop if you do want to feed them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fb8489a7-f8e0-4efe-956f-b2b7b5304d83/24+donnelly.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - emus and kangaroos outside of general store That’s the front door of the general store. It’s busy! The animals have since been fenced out as they were getting a little too friendly! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01e209ed-5787-497a-9d24-906ca16e189c/25donnelly.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - Emus walking down road in Donnelly River Village Kangaroos and emus wander the streets, which are equally safe for kids on bikes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e8fe358-9ea1-4b5b-92dd-b4137d0756cc/29+village.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 34 and 35: Gregory Brook to Donnelly River Village and Rest Day, DRV - emu chicks You’ll see Dads looking after the kids as well! This has been our favourite town experience so far. A genuine treat, and our rest means we’re ready for what the next days will bring! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-balingup-to-pemberton/donnelly-river-village-to-tom-road monthly 0.5 2022-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa0dc8ff-4213-41a6-a9ca-25f14c87d1ae/06+amazing+ttrees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - amazingly tall karri trees Today’s pleasantly contouring walk is cruisy, and the trees are spectacular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9c56a28e-5985-4cbb-a968-e341000695ab/Overview+Map+Donnelly+River+Village.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - Donnelly River Village to Tom Road camp overview map Overview Map. Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 5: Pemberton https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8420e8b1-95db-43ab-9156-c1998c8447a8/Donnelly+River+Village.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - Elevation details Donnelly River Village to Tom Road Camp Back on the track with an easier day of 16.2km and an elevation gain of only 280m https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c805091c-7466-45e5-bade-bb14b0c08f02/01+wildfloweers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - purple and yellow flowered understorey in the karri forest More of that purple and yellow, but there is less understorey when we are in the karri. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5554e47-714b-4ba5-b5ff-b2f379282bfa/02+ant+nest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - termite mound in karri forest Geoff admires a humungous termite mound https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c002f03-c2d8-4c80-9a3e-0d54561240d3/03+leucistic+pterostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - Pterostylis karri A leucistic (white form) of Pterostylis karri https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b23e7c53-cd7d-4364-bad3-0931c70dd65a/05+beaut+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - patch of Eucalyptus patens We pass through a small area of blackbutt (Eucalyptus patens) with brown rather than grey (jarrah) or white (karri) trunks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e989ea28-efef-46fa-84af-a8ddda2d9332/08+stream.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - streams have clear but coloured water naturally tinted by the forest vegetation Small streamlets and little bridges are everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c89f9181-6d47-446f-a41f-1d2fd49ecb73/09+fungi+on+fungi.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - fungi on tree Fungi growing on fungi on old stumps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e2a10a5-572c-4ac5-a366-a7faf1984422/10+more+big+trees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - diverse vegetaion in karri forest Wow. It’s hard to convey the scale of the karri, but they can reach 90m (295ft), making them the tallest tree in Western Australia and one of the two tallest flowering hardwoods in the world (the other is the Mountain Ash, E. regnans in Victoria and Tasmania). Because we’ve been walking for so long through different trees, coming into this new forest is so much more rewarding than when you flash through in your car covering hundreds of kilometres in a day. When you walk, even people with little plant knowledge pick up all kinds of subtleties. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/745c1fde-d075-4e36-8949-99d8b4aedf08/13+hovea+and+yellow+pea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - purple and yellow flowers all mixed in together Purple Hovea and yellow Bossiaea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/98db53a6-85ee-4f4f-a493-c42f241bb92c/15+fire+tom+rd.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - Tom Road Hut And soon we’re in camp: there’s even a woodshed with an axe! We’ve been following a group of Year 10 lads - none are old enough to drive - who are staying at the hut to farewell one of the party; he’s won a scholarship to a private school. Because of their age and our desire not to cramp their style should they want to party late, we camp a little distance from the hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ecf42b1c-4de5-4247-bb22-9ad2b387b9c9/16+campsite+tom+rd.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - tent site at Tom Road camp Another lovely pitch but again raked carefully clear of any leaf material that might provide protection from muddy splashback. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fad21c05-43ec-444d-8707-34caceb6ba3b/17+tom+rd.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - water hole at Tom Road camp It quickly becomes apparent that we need not have worried about noise: these are smart non-alpha nerds who will inherit the world and make wonderful husbands and fathers. There they are at the edge of the river. It’s way too cold to swim but this hut would be fantastic fun in warmer weather. Later, the departing boy teaches the others how to play poker. They bet with gravel and argue good-naturedly about how to light the fire (the one who actually knows is overridden, but the flames eventually sputter to life). No alcohol, no drugs - they are having a great time without them. It’s heart-warming. What a shame that most of us tend not to recognise let alone value such lovely qualities when we are young ourselves! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b16aca1-058a-4585-87c8-2e0e4233c4ed/21.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - view from hut to Donnelly River View from the hut down to the Donnelly River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/797c57c2-76b7-41c8-a7cf-f955c13cdf42/19+tom+rd.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - swimming hole at Tom road Camp Although it’s too cold for us to swim, the flat rock on the river’s edge is the perfect place to cool feet and tendons. It’s been a delightful day and tomorrow promises to be another. How lucky we are to have this amazing track right here in Australia! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/abd57656-ee48-4fb3-b7f3-c56fa2110cd0/logbook.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 36: Donnelly River Village to Tom Road - entry in camp site diary Huts are shared, communal sleeping quarters, with all the delights and disadvantages those bring. Geoff and I both snore at times, and if one of us wakes in communal sleeping quarters and hears the other snoring, we’ll give each other a nudge to roll over as we do at home. But it is what it is. To protect the guilty who left whingeing sprays about snorers and noisy sleeping mats in other logbooks some time ago, I’ve placed my response to them here rather than on the nights and huts they complained (not about us, but someone else): “Communal sleeping spaces are a joy. You get to meet so many interesting people, and the enforced physical closeness, especially over many days, often engenders a wonderful intimacy. “Whether it’s huts here, or in New Zealand, or rifulgias in Europe, communal sleeping quarters are all the same. ALL of them recommend you bring earplugs, which are a choice. Sadly, snoring is not, as many longstanding couples (ahem!) will attest. “Fortunately, on the Bibbulmun, those who find sharing their sleeping quarters with others difficult always have a perfect alternative: a tent! The campsites are lovely, and sometimes we use a tent, sometimes we don’t. Depends on the weather. Depends on how tired we are. Depends on the number of people in the hut. It never depends on people’s sleeping habits, or their mats!” You have a choice to get angry about others’ sleeping habits, or not. Why waste the energy when you have two stress-free alternatives? https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-balingup-to-pemberton/tom-road-greens-island-boarding-house monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/549271b3-ee27-4621-a36d-fabb8ba51ae2/lead.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Donnelly River at Greens Island Beautiful river scenes at Greens Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c16fc5bf-e512-46e6-bc49-e19da26a873d/Overview+Map+Tom+Road.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Tom Road to Boarding House Overview Overview map. Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 5: Pemberton https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fbce90f4-374c-4999-87d7-3f790741e75c/Tom+Road+Greens+Island.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Elevation details from Tom Road to Boarding House camp via Greens Island Tom Road to Greens Island is 14.7 km with 270 m elevation gain and Greens Island to Boarding House 10.4 km and only 225 m elevation gain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52554421-1ce5-46b5-88b6-92bce8e964f9/001+steep+descent.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Steps makes for easier walking for Helen’s sore Achilles After a truly astonishing dawn chorus - twitchers will love this section! - we set off. A few short steep ups and downs with - oh, joy! - steps! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0865cf6-67ab-4779-a7e3-86779000c53a/01+bullock+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - wide leafy track Some of the Bibbulmun follows old bullock logging tracks. I love them because the gradient is so gentle. Sometimes you’ll see these enormous logs beside the track, with a small dirt ramp beyond, which were used to load timber onto the drays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/af708ef4-9dd1-4bf1-b6e6-af1aec16285a/02+caladenia+flava.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Caladenia flava ssp sylvestris Caladenia flava ssp sylvestris in bud, growing on a log https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/692d0ce7-2c17-4cf5-892b-2e5adfbe11da/03+caladenia_.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - pale purple orchid Caladenia latifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5bc4772-b700-4406-845d-6e98b051c876/04+deadfall.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - fallen debris blocking track With one of the wettest Junes on record and huge storms before we walked, a lot of deadfall litters the track. Although volunteers are cleaning up it is a massive job and, rather than complaining in the hut logbooks, we hikers should be grateful that it’s being done at all. Just let them know where the issues are, and it will be taken care of: thank you so much, trail vollies! The vast majority of us hikers are hugely appreciative of everything you do: ignore the self-entitled whingers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1695ca1f-0c13-48ee-9a10-206e51605591/06+native+fly+on+pimelia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - pale pink flower with native fly Pimelia sp. with a native fly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6214ffc-ed28-47c5-be92-0cabf0597334/07+lovely+green+tunnel.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - bullock logging track More flat bullock track. Yay! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a9a4cc29-48d4-4863-9d95-f7144740aac8/08+pink+hardenbergia+violacea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Hardenbergia violacea Some hikers also complain about this section: it’s the 200 km “tunnel of green.” Actually, it’s not. If you take your time there is an enormous amount to see, like this lovely pink form of Hardenbergia comptoniana, and the towering trees overhead are exhilarating. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b90293b0-2774-4dfc-b647-08452d1be1bc/09+greens+island+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - camping amongst the trees Greens Island Here we are at Greens Island campground amongst the casuarinas. It’s been raining on and off - mostly on - so we set up the tent in the rain and then warm up inside. Single skin hybrid tents like the Zpacks Triplex, Tarptent Double Rainbow and Durston XMid Pro, and double-skin ones like the Durston XMid 2P and Tarptent Stratospire Li that can be set up fly-first or all-in-one, are vastly better on rainy hikes than ones where you must set up the inside first, then throw over the fly. If there is no break in the weather, the inners of these tents will be drenched by the time you get the fly on. All our backpacking tents can be set up in bucketing rain without getting the inner wet. It is a HUGE advantage and, if you are choosing a tent for a thru-hike where you will be spending consecutive days in a tent and you expect to experience significant rain, we recommend that you ensure that it is single skin or can be set up fly-first or all-in-one. There are many budget options that do this too, like the Lanshan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8d41695-8806-4f64-9148-5528b039d46d/jpeg+01+greens+island+dinner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - eating in tent Enjoying dinner in the tent. We try to avoid cooking in the vestibule and don’t recommend anyone cook in them, but sometimes it’s necessary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca0e7088-aeec-4dd9-a19f-0ffd0b67b914/10+greens+island+registration+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - registration hut at Greens Island camp area Not tonight, though, because there is a tiny shelter in the form of a registration station that provides cover. You could set up your tent under the verandah if you had a mind to, and cook in the little alcove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a807c1f-5f87-4d36-aedf-90328bd8c4a1/13+cooking+brekky+or+dinner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Greens Island Registration Hut Here’s Geoff cooking breakfast the next morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2949f10e-79f2-4093-abb3-efbcff673b2c/14+brekky+poha.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - poha Poha! We’ve since tweaked it to include more protein in the form of dried edamame and extra nuts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/19d00929-69ea-400c-a637-266924f2efd4/15+following+river.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Donnelly River Today we’re following the Donnelly River the entire way to Boarding House. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b74997e7-738f-400d-84ff-cbaf64d95ae2/16+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Dampiera linearis Common dampiera (Dampiera linearis) with Chorizema in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5f25c088-0a35-43b2-afac-36ea9a9ab960/16b+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Scaevola sp and Chorizema Fan flower (Scaevola sp) and Chorizema https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15a315f5-bde8-49ef-8ab7-0c368ee21e27/18+chorizema-2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - coral pea and white clematis So this is the much-maligned “tunnel of green”, with coral pea (Kennedia coccinea) and white clematis draped in fabulous abandon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/25785b58-9f9c-4dde-881d-e123bf9d869e/19+treetops+accommodation.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - One tree bridge chalet Glimpses of One Tree Bridge Chalet accommodation near One Tree Bridge. The chalet is right next to the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c3a843a-2e6d-462b-ac81-cb64d977bbee/20+0ne+tree+bridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - One tree bridge relic Well yes, clearly it’s closed, as it has been moved away from the river. It must have been a monster tree, though. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74c05c40-4a6a-4dfa-b590-9103c72eab2f/22+bridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - swing footbridge over Donnelly River at Graphite Road A separate bridge for hikers beside the road bridge. The small interpretive gazebo/shelter in the background would be a nice place to stop for a break if it’s raining. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dc69185c-a565-41f6-810a-5e6e8b62db69/temp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Donnelly River at Graphite Road crossing View from the bridge over the Donnelly River, with sunlight filtering through the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/049ae830-1e7e-4a7f-b67c-424869380cb0/jpeg+03+midpoint.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Bibbulmun Track halfway point And then - oh my goodness! - we are halfway! Halfway through our E2E! I have deliberately avoided tallying up the daily distances, although of course I know we will reach halfway sometime this week. But I did not expect it today! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e362c8ca-a8f9-4614-9185-534c58db85a8/25+lunch+by+river.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - steps to the Rapids picnic area But onwards, and the rain returns with a vengeance. Towards lunch time, we find this little spot known as The Rapids. It has been used as a campsite, but it’s definitely not legal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fc1dae5c-552d-44ad-b711-00353fbfae26/28+lunch.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - The Rapids The rapids are beautiful, even in the rain (there was a five minute respite when I took this picture), although eating a cold smoothie and crackers in a deluge isn’t much fun. Next hike, we will try lightweight umbrellas for this situation if nothing else. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/039a86b6-bad4-4014-829f-ba7b35b69dc6/27+hibbertia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Hibbertia sp Hibbertia cuneiformis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de587c6e-9832-4a0d-b275-dfabeb6bd2f7/29+chappells+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Chappels Hut A little later you’ll reach Chappell’s Bridge Campground, which is an alternative quieter place to stop if Boarding House hut is likely to be crowded. It is quite close (1500 metres) to Boarding House, but will still make the next day harder (which is already 21km with 650 m elevation gain). Oly and Virg stayed here, we discover later, and it worked well for them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06e88544-8a0d-4df2-bdb3-237ebd8f31c2/30+chappells+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Inside Chappell Bridge Hut Although the hut looks ramshackle, it’s watertight and completely dry inside, with a sleeping platform. It’s a good option if you are running out of steam and want to stop before Boarding House. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/953ceb3d-2209-42d9-aec0-37b71226765f/31+crossing+bridhe.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - tree trunk footbridge over small river Another terrific tree bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c391db8-862a-4c12-9cb7-e3955f3823e9/32+boarding+house+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Boarding House Campsites And finally at Boarding House Hut. It’s very wet and, although there’s nothing per se wrong with the campsites, the dry inviting hut proves irresistible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fbf0aaba-3d06-47bf-9207-91cc010042d5/33+boarding+house+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Days 37 and 38: Tom Road to Boarding House - Boarding House Hut Here we are with Pat and Helen. Pat has, amazingly, managed to get the fire going. Dry kindling is often stacked under cover in the hut, but a bit of methylated spirits from our fuel bottle helps! Hopefully tomorrow is not quite as wet! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-balingup-to-pemberton/boarding-house-beavis monthly 0.5 2022-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9c1ac999-0f78-4b26-88ff-35cd1d1ac617/12+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - colourful flowers in forest along Bibbulmun Track Rest assured, botanists and plant enthusiasts: you will not be bored even in this “green” section of track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/697fc5a2-5d47-4e31-89c2-9ea6ac0c6391/Overview+Map+Boarding+House.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - Boarding House to Beavis campsites Overview map. Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 5: Pemberton https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf6205bc-1b3c-457d-b7cb-9dcb463e5071/Boarding+House.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - Boarding House to Beavis Campsites elevation graph and map Another long day: 21.1 kilometres with 650 metres elevation gain including a very steep climb just over halfway into the day makes this one of the ten top days for difficulty according to Geoff’s algorithm combining distance and elevation gain/loss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8c50bda0-66c1-40bb-8110-961f8145f4e8/01+lovely+veg.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - Leafy bullock track Bibbulmun Track Still plenty of colour in the bush, and not too steep here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1ff2c54d-c5c1-41cd-baf8-6eb461c1816d/03+bridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - tree trunk bridge But then there’s a long steep downhill to this quaint bridge: the track builders have simply taken advantage of a log over the creek. Because the timber is hardwood, it lasts for a very long time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/537afe49-a5af-4523-9ac5-a8641eeb6c58/04+fungi.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - white mushroom Still a few fungi like this Agaricus species to see in this wetter environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b245907-b54b-4ec5-9f52-2712f220f160/05+switrchbacks+yay.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - well graded track by using switch backs Switchbacks! What a treat! On the whole, the Bibbulmun does not do switchbacks: overseas hikers are in for a bit of a shock! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b28a360b-9173-4dd8-a5ae-19b135cd2e66/06+karri+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - Marri flower Fallen marri flowers (Corymbia calophylla) - the first I’ve seen as they are all far too high up. May Gibb’s gumnut babies spring instantly to mind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0c58284-6421-46fe-9132-ed3c329941c3/07+deadfall.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - hiker ducking under fallen tree over track A happy short section of contouring track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c4bde33-8298-4a85-a9ff-de340cfa6bbb/08+pterostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - a single small snail orchid More Pterostylis. The species are too difficult for me to differentiate without a book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/51bf36b1-d86b-41ca-b9bb-ef8aecaf53c1/09+river+crossing.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - Hiker on road bridge in forest looking at river The country has been incredibly steep but here there is a good place to stop for lunch or morning tea at the Lease Road bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/63458665-55ae-403e-9cec-5ca47e0a0d10/10+river.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - Donnelly River at Lease Road Bridge Donnelly River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a2febc1-f8f5-436c-a72a-0c79449f7afd/11+lunch+stop.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - clear area next to Donnelly River and Lease Road Bridge The terrain has been steep and we are climbing again. A pretty spot beside the bridge next to the river has obviously been used for (illegal) car camping. Pat and Helen have stopped for a (perfectly legal) lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7543e29d-dc82-4822-aaf1-74360d90bf02/13+flowwes2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - colourful leafy track It’s wonderful. And So Not Green! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6cdfe947-53ac-4214-8ef7-69e1773024ea/14+bridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - mossy rustic timber bridge More rustic bridges https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/095f64d9-71d1-4c33-af75-bf82dc8d3e21/15+pretostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - snail orchids Not quite a party of Pterostylis, this trio of adults looks as if they’re having a hushed conversation while junior is distracted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf507499-6cd1-4495-9ada-bd3bf21f99eb/21+prasophyllum+leaf.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - giant leek orchids (Prasophyllum) Orchid enthusiasts will spot these giant leek orchid (Prasophyllum) leaves. Most of them are fire-responsive, blooming only in the spring after a hot summer fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a183ffe7-7cac-4211-b4d3-c762f5b19842/16+flat+spot.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - small cleared area next to track The country remains steep but, if you need to stop, you’ll find flatter spots near the top of knolls where old tracks branch off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e24e84af-ed7d-410f-9f59-ee72a3bbbc3c/17+different+soil+and+vegetation.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - areas of different soils means more new plant species to see Suddenly we’re into different soil, a white gritty gravel with new plants. It’s only a short section of track, but enthusiasts should keep their eyes peeled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1b2740f-d781-4caa-a3cb-d096bff8ad41/19+beavis+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - Beavis Hut Beavis Hut is beautifully situated with a small dam nearby for a dip. Again, there’s a woodbox stocked with jarrah and an axe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83c7fcb0-1d30-48f3-9eac-fd61d19c1ae5/boarding+house+campsite+small.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - tent sites at Beavis camp This is one of the few huts where the campsites looked prone to flooding in heavy rain. Apologies for the image quality: I had a few glitches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bc5cd5e2-79ab-4132-8c9c-3034a2a2c09b/20+wet+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis - tent pitched close to hut for shelter Close to the hut had better drainage and our friends have chosen here rather than the tent pitches. Most of the huts have areas close to them that can be used in this way. Two more sleeps till Pemberton and Big Plates of Hot Food! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-balingup-to-pemberton/beavis-to-beedelup monthly 0.5 2022-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/719449bb-8859-4d04-8d33-9515016cea7d/15+beedleup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - cascading Beedelup waterfall Beautiful Beedelup Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/66748e96-6e77-4c7c-9a2a-6273c54e3730/Overview+Map+Beavis.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Beavis to Beedelup Campsites overview map Overview map. Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 5: Pemberton https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b83aff5-4090-42e7-8468-fa8fd2d13e32/Beavis.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Elevation graph Beavis to Beedelup Camps 22km with just over 700 metres elevation gain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7678143f-c16b-4c20-906c-2dd268a6b8ca/01+more+bridges.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - timber footbridge out of Boarding House camp More pretty bridges to cross and perfect hiking weather make for a great start. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e93e91dc-7aa0-470c-bf8f-0867f53e8866/02+crossing+road.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - typical Bibbulmun Track road crossing There is very little road walking: nearly all is single track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f0a72e0-3ebf-4a81-80ea-e8808a5822ee/03+deadfall.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - fallen timber blocking track More deadfall. Negotiating fallen trees when there are just few like this is no biggie, but when a lot are down then it greatly increases the time you need to cover a certain distance, and it can become physically exhausting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f13f1915-e1b3-462c-be55-2e31825279ed/04+bigger+trees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Magnificent Karri trees with colourful understory Tall trees! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c0a22ee7-c7ed-44fb-9869-67fe1b03005c/05+drosera.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Pale pink flowers of sundew Drosera sp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1fef9802-080d-472c-8de4-38623b365d17/06+karri.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Huge Karri tree It’s hard to convey the scale of these trees. Here’s Geoff at the base of one of the karris. The volume of timber in these must be astounding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0217f62-8286-433f-96d9-8e1132b0a9d0/07+pterostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Snail Orchid More Pterostylis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/59e6c4c1-3dc4-4ca3-9b4f-7cfab4ff5a41/08+karri+marri+tree.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Karri Marri Tree The “karri marri tree” is a natural graft. The swelling below the fork, its narrowness, and the debris in it suggest that they will split apart at some stage but, for now, they are still wedded! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f48bee2e-4705-463d-8adf-f8bfd50161a4/10+streamlet.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Another fast flowing creek in the forest Creeks, creeks and more creeks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a58ec529-f765-4236-b0b4-fb1323cd48a3/jpeg+01+resting.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Make it stand out I have collapsed at the start of the big, steep climb at the 14.5 km mark. Please, let it be over! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8188c07-a5c0-4741-8897-a398efa1990f/11+philotheca.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - pale white flowers So we stop for a long lunch and, after a rest, there are more interesting and new plants to find and put a spring in my step. Here, Crowea angustifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/322ed1db-bd52-4f64-bf66-5c0531c1ef8d/12+white+orthrosanthus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Orthrosanthus - but a white flowered version And a white form of the normally blue-mauve Orthrosanthus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/acdfc80a-bda1-46ec-980a-b209fdbbc40f/jpeg+02+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - back in iron stone country at the top of this hill Seriously, how could anyone get bored with this? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b1b8b083-94d0-4362-852f-90b78cc5a126/jpeg+03.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Entry to Beedelup National Park Nearly at the Falls. We expect to pop in quickly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e11c940c-2be3-4c5d-a67c-09b85884df3e/13+karri+forest+lodge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Resort accommodation near Beedelup Falls Karri Forest Lodge across the lake. Some of our friends are staying there and slackpacking into town. Apparently the food is delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c661432-8f33-46e4-bdf7-6d0137e6859c/14+geoff.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - man inside large Karri Tree We think this tree is huge, but there is so much more in coming weeks, trees that dwarf this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/33ed45e4-8154-4a65-b8ba-d2910766e4f5/jpeg+04+sign.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Karri tree interpretative sign These signs give you some idea of just how big karri trees get: 212 cubic metres (277 cubic yards) of wood, or 234 tonnes (258 tons), in just one tree. When you consider these kinds of numbers, you instantly understand why forests are so valuable in locking up carbon, why tree planting can help, and why clearing them is so damaging. And these trees survive bushfires by developing protective bark up to 45mm (1.8”) thick, so hundreds of years worth of carbon is sequestered in each one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0fede30-753b-4946-a6dc-4cbf78e7846a/beedelup+falls+best.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Beedelup Falls The falls are a complete delight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c4ed1f3-9eb5-4235-871c-e75ce8ecc825/16+karri.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - leafy single foot track through Karri forest After an hour pootling around Beedelup Falls, it’s time to head to camp. The fun photography is again bouncing me along! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9b5b596a-49c7-48d3-a482-8aeeb7f06aaa/17+beedleup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Beedelup campsite The tent sites are, as is nearly always the case, excellent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/63f29e91-2b99-494e-812f-88615a74798c/18+beedleup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 40: Beavis to Beedelup - Beedelup Hut And another lovely hut with two people who are becoming dear friends. Unless you specifically don’t want to, you will find kindred spirits on a thruhike, not least because you have at least one very important life experience in common. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-balingup-to-pemberton/beedelup-to-pemberton monthly 0.5 2022-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ed9b9b3c-822e-4e9f-abfb-9a79dce8e410/11++gloucester+tree.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - Gloucester Tree Climb Pemberton’s 58m (190ft) Gloucester Tree… if you dare! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cfdb8c0c-5cbc-4386-84e1-f59394de4557/Overview+Map+Beedelup.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - Beedelup to Pemberton Overview map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7baa3712-2a63-4340-b4d2-996ba92675e0/Beedelup.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - elevation graph for Beedelup to Pemberton 25 km with a surprising 420 m elevation gain. Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 5: Pemberton https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/47899d80-4bb3-4aa0-a01f-0aaa48b172e5/01+past+beedleup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - open pasture farmland The forecast is for rain later - quite a lot of it - but, when we set out, sunlight dapples the rural landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f324fa5-1c5f-4c8e-b212-e5cb476b2543/03+philotheca+spicata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - Philotheca spicata purple flowers Philotheca spicata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3154f7d9-7416-41ba-b1a4-fd0458ceb5c3/02+racing+the+rain.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - forestry track in mixed karri and marri forest Back into beautiful mixed forest and flatter terrain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7271014f-9535-4d61-a30b-5b544173dac3/04+white+flower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - white flowers of Orianthera serpyllifolia Orianthera serpyllifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77cddc77-89e4-4b06-a71e-f2c9bde9e038/05+into+farm+country.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - storm is brewing - Bibbulmun track short distance out of Beedelup campsite It’s clouding over and we can see rain in the distance, but it’s holding off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7f9800bd-41a3-42af-8be3-799c9bc26ac0/06+yellow+tunnel.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - heavy rain on Bibbulmun track - partly sheltered by canopy of forest Shortly after this, the rain hits. Boy, does it ever! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/820286c1-b289-457a-a17e-ac191a5fed51/jpeg+01+over+bridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - jarrah forest in the rain We don our Visp jackets and rainpants: this will be their biggest test yet. The drizzle turns to rain, heavy rain. It rains without a single break for hours and hours. All day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1718ebe5-b762-4427-bb65-812b56609833/jpeg+02+arboretum+lunch.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - Arboretum near Pemberton There are no pictures for a while until we reach this little shelter in the Arboretum for lunch. It’s tiny and it leaks but we are overjoyed! Geoff fires up the cooker for hot soup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c42d51d6-0ab1-4e3b-a463-9e656b4d469c/jpeg+03+arboretum+lunch.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - Lunch under the arboretum shelter roof Hot soup in a tiny, leaky shelter. Yay!!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce593df0-f59f-4ab8-9b37-c2a5ad0dc0c2/jpeg+04+along+dam.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - Big Brook Dam pathway We decide to skip the Big Brook Dam Campground and instead continue on the paved path beside the dam. It’s bucketing down; there is no phone reception but we hope we’ll be able to book a room somewhere. This may be possible outside of school holidays or on a weekday, but not at other times. Fingers crossed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad876873-983e-4c46-866d-a96c4bce7e65/jpeg+05+along+dam.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - small picnic shelter next to Big Brook Dam A little bird hide shelter beside the dam. The floor is flooded inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/84eeb5c7-dcea-431a-affe-a4a79bdd9a5d/jpeg+06+along+dam.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - Big Brook Dam A bleak Big Brook Dam. This part of the hike would be delightful in sunny weather! And no doubt very popular too but, today, we have it to ourselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6559af02-ab36-465a-ba5a-f8328250b9a5/jpeg+07+pemberton.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - Pemberton under very threatening sky … and here is Pemberton! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d4e09842-bf9c-4ec8-aac8-1c32d5c62f2c/07+motel+pemberton.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - sorting food and camping gear After deliciously hot showers and lots of food, we spend the next day doing washing and resupplying. Because Pemberton is the first town where we had booked three nights, we are now actually staying four with our early arrival and additional booking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/54a95007-11f5-40e2-a0b6-f5e3b985eb42/08+motel+pemberton.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - Make it stand out Resupply dinners. We have also packed lunches, snacks and breakfasts and, although some people decry this practice as not being sufficiently supportive of towns, we disagree. We buy all our meals while we are in town and we sleep a few nights there: I can tell you, we spend plenty! Other hikers support towns in other ways, perhaps a combination of both methods. There is no one right or wrong way to resupply: do whatever works best for you and your budget. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91e5ca9b-9c9e-4eac-b0ec-94891e97df60/12++gloucester+tree.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - Glouster Tree “Ladder” up the Gloucester Tree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/48f6bc43-bc60-4833-a9c0-f5f6569fff12/09+gloucester+tree.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - Platform part way up Glouster Tree You ascend past several platforms until you reach the very top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c58dd88-12b5-4681-b5fd-711092dc476a/jpeg+09+gloucester+tree.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - platform at top of Glouster Tree Geoff peers down at the ground, such a very long way away! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d5be5a56-2fcd-4082-a53f-7c86f9c8c7ec/10+gloucester+tree.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - View from top of Glouster Tree Wonderful views across the treetops to the dunes on the coast. Marvellous stuff! And then it’s time for the climb down. As hang glider pilots, neither Geoff nor I are afraid of heights as such but, like any sane person, we are afraid of falling. We are wearing no harnesses, so one slip will lead to a nasty experience or worse. The descent is surprisingly nerve-wracking. When we reach the bottom, my legs are shaking and cramping - there was a lot more tension in them than I thought! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9e3ab17d-6024-4fee-b9c5-1e153a62c408/13+to++gloucester+tree.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - bitumen path back to Pemberton from Glouster Tree After that, we walk back into town along the Track. It’s been a lovely day, and we have yet another to come! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dc52637a-272c-4d09-b69c-a2e664cf1d13/14+fancy+accommodation.jpg Bibbulmun Track Balingup to Pemberton - Day 41: Beedelup to Pemberton and Rest Days 42-44 - Forest Lodge gazebo, Pemberton For our final night, we catch a taxi to our luxury accommodation just out of town. https://slowerhiking.com/thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-queensland daily 0.75 2025-10-30 https://slowerhiking.com/thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-queensland/thorsborne-trail-planning-and-tips monthly 0.5 2025-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e875a293-20b7-49a1-8ede-302cc02215f6/mulligans+pin-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - Make it stand out Gobsmackingly beautiful Mulligan Falls: just one of many spectacular experiences on the Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f05ce2d8-eb09-4d13-83d8-6e88f3f29796/06+rounding+the+headland-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - rocky headlands You’ll do some rock scrambling depending on tides: this was very manageable https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9b6245ca-1ab7-4d21-8de9-4549daca97b6/21+sign-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - warning sign Heavy rain causes rivers to rise quickly. Many are rocky and very slippery - wait for the level to drop if you’re unsure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e4fb14d-25df-4083-a046-2b8db169c7ec/28+river+crossing-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - river crossing Rocky river crossing: low and straightforward here, but potentially treacherous at high flow. You can see how slippery the footing is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ea9b70b-d9ec-4ace-ab31-5b33fb1e6258/45+doug+on+rope+climb-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - rope climbing Our friend has fun on the rope scramble beside Zoe Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f55d0e11-cdb0-4b93-9e5c-a2683adfde84/44+scramble-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - more rock scrambling Another short scramble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a41a5bf4-8d3c-4e57-84b2-3a637bf88030/04ariver+crossing-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - creek crossing at southern end of Little Ramsay Bay We waited for the water level to drop here, not just for ease of crossing but so that we would be able to see crocodiles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/641ebc57-cce9-442b-b47d-08fb26637a2e/Overview_Map+Potrait.jpeg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - Hinchinbrook Island Thorsborne Hike Overview map: 32 km with 960 metres elevation gain and loss https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a8225966-8957-45a0-9331-33851a3a42e1/26b+up+to+nina+peak-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - view part way to Nina Peak Steep climb up the spur trail to Nina Peak: the views are worth the effort! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd020db0-a22a-4613-bb28-c7802ea0b104/06+not+sure+sunrise+or+set-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - Lagoon near Little Ramsay Bay The beautiful lagoon beside Little Ramsay Campground https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/64ab643d-4a22-4ecd-9558-f72307a3a419/fishing-1-2.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - swimming in pool below Zoe falls Swimming with jungle perch at Zoe and Mulligan Falls: the fish are friendly! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4e5e43bb-ec8c-45a6-8e97-04efb3728448/zoe+falls+PIN3-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - Zoe Falls Ridiculously beautiful Zoe Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c617c23-9289-4367-9461-9f3494d522cb/17views-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - vast views towards magnetic island Glorious views on Day 5 between Zoe Falls and Mulligan’s Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/11970a37-a7f2-4570-b868-d89e615285ee/12+crossing+river-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - Mulligan Creek crossing at low tide A cruisy walk along the beach with one estuary to cross at low tide… chest deep at high tide would be much more exciting, and not in a good way! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75a69a58-1ddf-4681-a5a4-441a9f2b1194/Weather+Summary+Table.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - Cardwell temperature chart Ideal times to hike are quickly obvious from this table (https://www.eldersweather.com.au/climate-history/qld/hinchinbrook ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f4d993db-1de7-4173-8b5d-e4a46ee2bcdd/34+nina+bay+campsite.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - Nina Bay camping area Many of the campsites - Nina Bay, Banksia Bay, Little Ramsay, Zoe and others - are a stone’s throw from the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c024c4cc-a64d-47b8-9a89-9121447cd807/pack+rack+zoe-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - vermin proof racks for backpacks All campsites have “pack racks” to foil goannas and native rats! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ee0e3273-e635-4d6b-8191-e0aba729707b/31+mulligans-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - camping signage All campgrounds allow two night stays except Mulligan Falls, which is one night only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c797b817-86e3-432a-836e-ecfc08d7340d/15+hybrid+loo-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - toilet block All campsites have long drop hybrid composting loos. You pump the lever for a flush. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6baeeefb-34e5-4ab9-827e-44141a357588/17+water+top+up-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - collecting water at Banksia Creek Collecting water enroute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/53ba9b02-2d7a-482c-ad12-f128876bba1e/04+transfer+boat.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - small ferry boat in marina You’ll need a charter boat ferry to the island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/23a72407-8c1a-4e49-843b-e448e5eea2f1/trail+marker-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - highly visible trail markers The route is largely well marked with orange arrows for southbound, and yellow ones for northbound. They are attached to trees and rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2dfdf14-5057-40b1-87a4-cb86081f4fc0/02+sign.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - stingers and crocodile warning sign You’ll see signs like this near beaches and estuaries. Heed them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1df8010c-bb22-4013-aa8f-d17a644bd8ab/27+hairy+mary-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - Hairy Mary Hairy Mary (Calamus australis) - gets its hooks into you and won’t let go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d2de606d-78ea-4ec3-ad5c-359be745ab58/sandflies-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - sand fly bits Do as we say, not as we do, or you’ll end up with thousands of bites! This was a week later! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b02e0a9f-ec80-4750-88a9-da428223b83e/27+mulligan-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Thorsborne Trail Overview and Planning - Make it stand out Mulligan Falls https://slowerhiking.com/thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-queensland/nina-peak-nina-bay monthly 0.5 2022-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9544ccc2-76f4-4c4b-b579-765de74d80dd/view-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Nina Peak Spectacular views from Nina Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f7281a08-f686-4862-bb93-f5498bec9437/Trail+Head+to+Nina+Bay+Potrait.jpeg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Trail Head to Nina Bay Map Including the climb to Nina Peak, the daily distance is 5.4km with an elevation gain and loss of 400m. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dbf0356a-2744-4bc7-ad83-28a177f88e9c/03+an+early+start+from+Cardwell.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Cardwell marina It’s an early start with Hinchinbrook Island Cruises to catch the tides. The five of us are picked up from our accommodation in Cardwell and driven to the marina where Brad checks off our names (the number of Thorsborne hikers is capped). He then runs through safety checks: boat, tide times, estuary crossings, fresh water availability, crocodiles, and cell phone reception on the island (very little). He gives us each a basic map and is pleased we’re carrying Inreach Minis because he is regularly called upon to find and rescue unprepared hikers, particularly in the hotter months. The boat ride can be quite windy and cool, so have your jacket ready. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81843725-a970-445d-b966-f0505c82d391/landing-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Landing pontoon The trip takes about an hour, with pauses along the way to see elusive dugongs - or at least the tiny splash as they disappear beneath the water! Cyclone Yasi decimated the seagrass beds upon which they rely and the population is taking time to recover. We pass the imaginatively named creeks (one through eight) before motoring up Ninth. The island is much steeper and more rugged than you might imagine - the rocky cliffs are spectacular. We disembark on the pontoon and within minutes are away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/060da9c4-98bd-4ef2-9395-efe334a14617/07+start+of+track-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Trail head After a short boardwalk through mangroves, you emerge at the official start of the track. Here is the obligatory shot, looking fresh and clean. It won’t last long in this heat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4e8350db-0eae-4f7c-b193-22cc4efb33ef/13+bech.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Mt Bowen Onto Ramsay Beach, our friends ahead. The terrain is stunning. That’s little Nina Peak left foreground and imposing 1,121m (3,678 ft) Mt Bowen, the tenth most prominent mountain in Australia, centre and right. While planning, we had briefly considered the route up but very quickly discovered it is notoriously difficult, certainly beyond our current strength and fitness level. On the boat, Brad tells us of a recent group of young blokes who tackled Bowen: half didn’t make it, and all returned injured. If you do want to try this route (not a trail), you need special permission. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/128f70b0-3633-4839-ba1b-4e3ce7d81ae8/11+ipomoea+pes-caprae.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Pink flowers on sand dune Ipomoea pes-capri, named for the shape of its leaves, is a stabilising coloniser of foredunes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/21169a8f-2df0-482d-98a2-42954b5b6da2/12+shells.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Sea shells Many lovely shells on Ramsay Beach but LNT means no beachcombing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4228078c-eda9-4fa1-8208-a3a29d875bd3/15+end+of+beach.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Ramsay Beach Nearing the southern end of Ramsay Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fcf692fe-5fba-4d41-a13d-a5939b420401/10+into+jungle.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - trail marker in forest The trail ducks inland and we are instantly in a completely different environment. A little sun dapples the leafy ground, while birds flit into the greenery as we approach. Lianas and vines twist their way upwards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/372ae049-16ba-438a-b746-09759e23533e/17+jungle.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - thick forest The green is different to the olive tones we’re used to in South Australia, and the forest smells different too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86ac7b2f-2428-4173-a92c-51d77fe1581d/16+near+kayak+campsite+3.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Black Sand Beach The creek emerging onto Black Sand Beach, with a boat/kayak campsite amongst the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78461843-6491-4b71-b0b0-0154edbd3c7a/18+kayakars+beach.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Black Sand Beach creek outlet And indeed some kayakers have camped here overnight: you can see their gear on the right. The paperbarks are magnificent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fdc566b9-e229-47c5-92c6-5c18c1d5d733/19+fungus.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - mushroom Back into the forest. Few flowers at this time of year and in deep shade, but a few fungi still clinging on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fcc04641-8132-4dca-9150-082458e8cee0/20+fantil+standards+res.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Rufous Fantail This little Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) busily darts around as we stand watching him. The forest teems with birdlife both on the forest floor as well as high in the canopy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a329a6d6-090c-4c75-9bf6-fbd02ba602f9/24+up+to+nina+peak-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - climbing to Nina Peak When you reach the spur trail to Nina Peak, leave your pack at the intersection. A 30g (1 oz) ultrasil daypack is ideal for this situation: we carry up water, snack, camera and first aid kit, while I attach the Inreach to my belt loop. Those bushes just in front of Geoff are Borya, or pincushion plants: don’t put your hand in them! The climb is very steep and it’s hot and airless. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/44c388e9-562f-47aa-be2c-3d87b1ebf11e/26+up+to+nina+peak-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - view form part way to Nina Peak But the views begin very quickly and are enough to spur us on, though I’m wilting a little in the heat. Just look at that beach behind us! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/427d3ef1-df7f-4d2c-8d17-d35204e6dae8/23+nina+peak-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - View from just below Nina Peak A rocky outcrop offers welcome breezes to cool sweaty backs, and a wonderful view of Ramsay Beach. I think that’s Ninth Creek just visible far left. Other small groups of hikers are clustered at the base of a steeper section just behind us - we’re not quite at the top. Purists will want to go the last few metres. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b7fb67d-238e-4e10-ac11-b62ba6eb3ba3/29+view+from+nina+peak-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Nina Bay from Nina Peak Nina Bay. North Nina Bay campsite is in the forest at the edge of the beach, just out of shot to the left. Get your fill of the views before heading back into the forest: it’s all downhill now to your camp for the night! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bedd0f1f-b61c-4a37-93a5-f8ab38b19430/29+scaevola.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Dampiera ferruginea Dampiera ferruginea. There aren’t many flowers but the species are nearly all new: it’s wonderful! Hours of fun with the species list when I return home! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df24e3a0-882e-47df-80fb-3d8aa60a741b/30+crossing+creek.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - track follows rocks in creek bed Seasonal creeks can go from nothing to raging after rain, but recede just as quickly. You’ll never know what to expect when booking! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eee58a0d-4189-4025-80fd-1426f6e5a49b/35+another+creek.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - creek crossing We’ve had sandy beaches, rainforest, heath, views and now these rocky creeks, all in one day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bd55e6a6-f03e-4e79-b0fc-3073f764c77c/33+skink-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - skink on rock These fat skinks are on almost every sunny rock and dash off the trail in front of our feet. Their slightly iridescent scales glint in rainbow colours when the light is right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/acca2472-6edf-4613-b286-715733a920f5/31+scrub.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Dense forest Here the more open forest with its sedgey understorey is different again. So much variety! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49a4200d-4731-4924-b3dc-65477a603ff9/32a++pink+flower.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - hot pink flowers Beach myrtella (Lithomyrtus obtusa) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/552a3b19-dc7c-4c9a-b728-8dd15f87d431/32+nina+bay-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Toilet hut at Nina Bay And here we are at Nina Bay Campsite. There’s a long drop loo, and many flat campsites tucked under the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/84637181-8629-48f3-bc79-7d0aba46afd2/34+nina+bay+campsite.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Trail Head to Nina Bay - Nina Bay camp site next to beach Look how close this particular campsite is to the beach! Presumably it’s safe from crocs! There are also sites a little further back if you’re nervous! https://slowerhiking.com/thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-queensland/nina-bay-to-little-ramsay-bay monthly 0.5 2022-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bbd9d184-6db4-44bd-9c2f-3dc4dfc6b971/26+doug-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - reflections in lagoon at Little Ramsay Bay Doug savours evening reflections at low tide (with clear visibility in the lagoon!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/34d8c9e7-e8c9-4f9e-8b68-ebb9ce18d299/Nina+to+Little+Ramsay+Potrait.jpeg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Nina Bay map 2.7 km 80 m elevation gain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d94f9d3d-04c7-43c7-a937-62c76bedf1e0/01+nina+beach.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Nina Bay Breach You’ll set off on pristine Nina beach, fringed with palm trees. Delightful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4fdcbc14-70d8-42f2-a4f8-575ca14deb12/02+lunch+end+nina+beach-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Nina Beach We hiked this yesterday and stopped at the southern end of Nina Bay for lunch in the shade: you’ll be there for a very early second breakfast. The trail continues around the headland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a7805eb-d051-4483-9f17-ba7cb2dd88c5/02end+nina+beach-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Headland at southern end of Nina Beach The headland is rocky but not difficult nor far. At very high tide, you’ll need to detour around the headland in the vegetation or at its edge, which might be trickier. However, today’s distance is so short that you should always be able to time your departure from camp to coincide with a lower tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20970308-92ca-41de-b448-80a80fe207d6/02a+looking+back+at+nina+or+ramsey-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Nina Bay Beach Looking north up Nina beach, with Nina Peak looming behind. Our friends are not far behind on the sand. You can also see how you may need to skirt the vegetation at high tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/524633a0-3094-40fb-adea-f4542a006c2f/03+scramble-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Rocky headland at end of Nina Bay The trail ducks briefly inland. It goes straight up to the right of the big boulder next to Geoff. I’d read there was a “small cliff climb” somewhere here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c384820-25c9-4ae6-9a24-fef425b98c7e/04scramble-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - rock scrambling And here it is, with the Trail Arrow on the tree leaving no doubt as to where you are to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d896319-44fc-437c-8e42-963b498d4e78/07through+the+callistemons-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - rocky pat across headland through forest Up over the headland with its broad-leafed paperbarks, and on to Boulder Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b17be4c-673c-4fed-a093-a59cdb98b69e/06+callistemon-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Melaleuca viridiflora var. viridiflora Broad-leafed Paperbark (Melaleuca viridiflora var. viridiflora) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/110ff811-793f-498d-991a-819123ccdf27/05leaving+nina-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Boulder Bay Little Ramsay should be on the other side of the next headland. Oh, this is such delightful walking! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e0b1c6d1-3b7a-442a-94a8-c4e1f2cd2147/08across+the+rocks-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Boulder Bay And this must be, let me guess… Boulder Bay! It’s different again! This is the rock-hopping section which can be slow particularly at high tide when you’d have to skirt the edge, or when it’s wet, when it might be slippery. Again, you have no time pressure because the distance is short, tailor made for us slower hikers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff0a828a-3f1b-4eb3-baa9-0142f3afa43d/10+green+ants-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - green tree ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) Once you’re into the forest again, if you haven’t yet, you’re likely to see these green tree ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) with their lemony translucent abdomens; the larvae are also highly nutritious, though I imagine you’d need to eat a lot of them! The ants build waterproof nests by using larval silk to weave large leaves together. Tap on one and watch the soldier team explode out! Or better yet, don’t: I brushed against one accidentally and was so startled by the effect that I forgot to take a photo! These ants bite but don’t sting, though they squirt an aggravating fluid. One species of caterpillar even lives inside the nest. When the Moth Butterfly emerges from the pupae it’s attacked, but it’s covered in loose scales that fall off, so it can escape. Isn’t that marvellous? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/93a35dfe-66d6-44dc-ba7f-e4f15d2dd322/11+white+flowering+shrub-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum longiflorum var. glabrum) Long-flowered Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum longiflorum var. glabrum) with its large, soft, supple leaves is often host to Green Tree Ant nests https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5973db4-f742-4334-baa5-f12493b844e9/09+crossing+ramsey+creek-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Little Ramsay Bay lagoon outlet We emerge onto Little Ramsay Beach. Some distance along, we reach the lagoon with its outlet, which is easy to cross at low tide. At high tide, you could detour around the northern edge of the lagoon and to the rocky creek that feeds it. You would be able to cross the rocks there even at high tide, and follow the western edge around to the campsite to the south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/64cb54f8-dc06-466f-bc71-65c472cadfa1/10+ramsay+campste-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Little Ramsay Bay campsite And here we are at another lovely campsite. The sandy substrates are firm and easy to peg: we recommend Y-pegs or full length MSR groundhogs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a8756f2f-209b-4fb2-9c34-fc67395f5360/57+ramsay+campste-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - pack rail at little ramsay bay camp The beach is just a few steps away, and the pack racks are perfect for hanging your food bags and packs out of reach of naughty goannas and native rats and mice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0d2b74b-a133-4dfb-a678-a373e4fb9c6a/54+collecting+water-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - little ramsay bay lagoon water source Once we’ve set up camp, it’s a few minutes around the lagoon to the rocky creek to collect water. We didn’t bother treating it: you could hardly find a more pristine catchment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0fca2e52-d278-4430-ab86-456547c48c1e/17+goanna-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - large Lizard / goanna up tree I tried to get a closeup photo of what I think is a Spotted Tree Monitor (Varanus scalaris), but he was too fast and ran up a, well, tree. If you hear a loud rustling in the dry leaves in the undergrowth, it’s almost certainly one of these beautiful characters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a33c8cb2-20b9-4c1b-8702-356c23a47dfc/02+blue+grass-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Flax lily Flax lily (Dianella longifolia var. fragrans) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/422f0df3-3667-4fca-b75f-29b12b592b13/collecting+water-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - collecting water at little ramsay bay Diana, Martin and Doug collecting water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/70e7c53f-445a-48ab-b86f-ef3397f4c5b2/landing-1-2.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - White-lipped fish in the lagoon Some kind of white-lipped fish in the lagoon (the outcast on the left is different). Fishing is allowed in the park, but not in the rock pools at Zoe Falls and Mulligan Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/35e02152-444f-412f-a470-10969869ad25/13+wasp+nest-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Wasp nest little ramsay bay toilets there are several https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0736b062-c184-470c-9721-387c21060c17/16+wasp+nest-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Wasp nests Look for these fascinating wasp nests in the loo! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d6994229-63d8-4eb2-81d4-2a88cd7ffde5/03+preparing+dinner-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Cooking at Little Ramsay Bay Our kitchen for two: Caldera cone tri-ti with 1300ml Evernew pot and toaks titanium siphon stove. You can see our dark fuel bottle and small olive oil bottles behind the water bottles. Our tablecloth is a piece of tyvek that sometimes doubles as a sitpad. The sousvide bag containing our dehydrated meal, ready for boiling water, is leaning up against the log, whilst our grey cosy, sewn from an insulated shopping bag, rests on top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aa0b86ac-9eea-480b-bc4e-c9d53beee9bb/27+dinner+-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - sunset at little ramsay bay And here’s our deliciously authentic chilli sans carne rehydrating, ready to be sprinkled with parmesan, scooped up with corn chips, and seasoned with the best flavouring of all: a glorious view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4e4375ea-bb42-4192-9e5a-784330206564/07+enjoying+the+view-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Little Ramsay Bay Beach views Doug and Diana soaking up the same view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b3ddf2df-06bc-4890-99a6-ec25633723b8/31+other+hikers-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Make it stand out Two northbound hikers enjoying themselves as much as we are! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/870745ce-06b5-4733-80e9-2e035b37b6ee/30+sunset-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Nina to Little Ramsay - Little Ramsay Bay sunset And a spectacular sunset to ice the cake. What a fantastic day we’ve had! https://slowerhiking.com/thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-queensland/little-ramsay-bay-zoe-bay monthly 0.5 2022-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3946d67-da59-4c30-93fc-583df58c6cac/46+zoe+falls-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Zoe Falls Zoe Falls, today’s destination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c961b696-3950-41ef-a995-9f0b552ce8df/Little+Ramsay+to+Zoe.jpeg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - map for little ramsay bay to Zoe Bay 160 m elevation gain over 10.5 km https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/66ea197c-9761-499b-b15c-32d61cb53baa/01+lovely+morning+light-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - reflection of Mt Bowen in lagoon at little ramsay bay Mt Bowen bids us good morning in the soft easterly sunlight. This lagoon is incredibly inviting but it’s obvious that it’s easily accessible to saltwater crocs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dd5eefd5-252c-40bf-b82b-2c6a7de39640/02+leisurely+breakfast-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Breakfast in camp at little ramsay Bay We have a longer day today, but we are in no rush. Time for a relaxed brekky and a chat, because one of the joys of hiking is also the company you keep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2baeb0f7-e3c4-4c93-bd71-1fec85a6e5db/03+shark-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Shark in water just off of beach We begin along the beach. A hammerhead shark is lazily cruising up and down not far out. More things with sharp teeth in the water! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49a93cfd-3548-422b-a99c-6025df3c7172/04ariver+crossing-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Estuary crossing at Little Ramsay bay Another of the reasons we didn’t hurry breakfast is because we know that we have this small estuary to cross at the end of the beach. As it is, we wait another half hour or so for it to recede a little further before crossing because it’s nice to see the bottom as well as up and downstream; we southerners are more paranoid about crocodiles than the locals! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e1f0583d-2c09-4a27-b415-082d1882ddc8/22+lagoon-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Lagoon at southern end of little ramsay bay The estuary we crossed feeds into this lagoon, hidden just behind the beach. This walk has numerous secret treasures, including many culturally significant ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4dce384f-6221-4234-9b0b-fda86d2da55f/06+rounding+the+headland-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - rock scrambling At the southern end of Little Ramsay Beach is a short rock scramble. At low tide, you’ll be able to walk around the headland on the sand, but it’s still too high for that today. The bank of trees in the background at the edge of the beach screens the lagoon in the preceding photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f2d70de5-f0a7-4164-9abb-7a5ec02e5cae/07a-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - southern end of little ramsay bay Over the headland is another tiny beach, at the end of which a rocky creek empties into the sea. Follow this creek upstream a short distance to find a small rockpool perfect for a refreshing bathe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e06f4b5e-517f-489f-8c76-25452c7e5fcc/21+wash-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - small rock pools idea for cooling off We take the opportunity to refresh in this lovely natural spa just up from the beach. The mosquitoes are fierce so we don’t linger! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a97c16b5-e2ce-49fd-8c7d-e2b00205fb70/07+second+headland-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Headland at end of little ramsay bay Over another headland onto a third beach. The trail markers are regularly placed; along these headlands we’ve generally been able to see the next marker from each preceding one, other than where the track is unmistakable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/580651a4-0b7f-4a1b-8e4f-0184bbcec307/11+view+back-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Little Ramsay Beach, Nina Peak and Mt Bowen. View back towards Little Ramsay Beach, Nina Peak and Mt Bowen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6359ca27-0fbd-41f6-b185-d43ec08eb01e/12+into+the+jungle-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Into forest at end of beach And now we say goodbye to beaches for a while and head inland into shady forest. It is warmer today and the respite is welcome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/763c36f6-4cee-450d-b8c8-b5078beb655a/climbing-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - climbing through steep forest track Not least because soon we are climbing… and climbing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bbcd11f6-1178-42a3-a7be-750ffa7ecefc/13+and+out+again-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - clear narrow track through thick vegetation As we climb, the vegetation changes from shady forest to more open heath. Phew, it’s hot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1baf896c-88a6-4f65-bcbb-e6e58dae1876/14abanksia+bay-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Banksia Bay We reach the .45km spur trail to Banksia Bay and decide to head down for a look, leaving our packs at the intersection. It is a steepish descent but the beach is quite different, with small mangroves colonising the corner. The rocky headland offers interesting views. There are also fabulous golden orchids in the area but, like the others I’ve seen over the last few days, none are in flower; the best has been one plant in late bud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bb3a8809-ac0d-4ce4-afc0-a5aad925e792/14+banksia+bay+campground-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Banksia Bay campsite Banksia Bay campground with a makeshift table. The sites are again well-spaced and flat. Remember you’ll need to carry in water from Little Ramsay if you decide to stay here for the night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e51b2777-ebc7-44c2-b3ec-16b63b5119a0/15+python-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Python crossing track Up the spur trail and back onto Thorsborne, and this beautiful spotted python (Anteresia maculosa) is sunning on the track. There are about half a dozen species of snake on the island, including the green tree snake, a couple of sea snakes, two more pythons and the death adder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/42d91c79-0158-4080-b754-f7315e4018d1/16+scrambling-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - track along creek line More climbing. It’s hot and steep, but fun terrain. We’re following a drainage line, probably a dry tributary of Banksia Creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9d530892-3b66-4372-8b0c-38ce334dccc9/17+water+top+up-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Banksia Creek We take the opportunity to top up our water bottles here at what must have been Banksia Creek. This spot, about 400m past the Banksia Campground spur trail, isn’t marked on the maps, probably because it is ephemeral and therefore unreliable. You won’t find a reliable water source for a further 3 km, so if you do camp in Banksia Bay make sure you bring plenty of water to get you well into the following day’s walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/033722b7-e9b9-4e7d-b487-0a237151609c/18+view+into+zoe+bay-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - view from saddle to zoe bay We finally reach the saddle with spectacular views across the swamp to Zoe Bay. A long, rocky track is ahead but, hooray, we’ve done our climbing for the day and now it’s all downhill! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/af3c9220-9725-4f61-bb6a-16caae49e589/19+unusual+flower-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Chloanthes parvifolia Chloanthes parvifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e40f6f5-a2c4-4209-9a1a-2a7ba2b54898/20+hibbertias-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Guinea Flower Guinea Flower (Hibbertia melhaniodes) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ebd10e76-ad75-49f1-b56c-47e0713402b1/29a-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - through the thick rainforest As we descend, we’re back into rainforest. The constantly changing nature of this hike over such short distances makes it so unique, and so much fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e3a8d603-b03f-4ee8-ae4a-5f828b299ec3/22+swamp-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Marshes north of Zoe Bay And then, suddenly, we reach the edge of the forest and are into yet another environment, open swampland studded with paperbarks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/12102613-d647-4321-a359-0c28ed47d697/23+boggy+track-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - waking through muddy marshland The trail skirts the edge of the swamp: imagine this in the wet season! It’s tempting to make new trails on drier ground but grit your teeth and go straight through the mud, or the track gets ever wider, more braided and more subject to erosion. Epiphytic orchids perch high above on the branches of the paperbarks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/767d538e-6d3c-4e03-a123-74d3aa2e6970/26+river+crossing-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - lagoon in forest You’ll see many rocky creeks and lagoons on this flatter terrain, edged and dotted with those magnificent paperbarks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/218e801f-1ec0-4cd0-88d2-31b0c2e74773/28+river+crossing-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - North Zoe Creek Although this year had record flooding in areas of Queensland and New South Wales, the creeks are low here: they rise quickly but also fall quickly. The algae-covered rocks below the surface are extremely slippery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d1ecee23-7da0-459c-a10d-513e6ba4fc46/29+palm-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Australian Fan Palm When you look skywards in the forest, the light filters through a vast array of textures to delight the eye. Here, the spectacular Australian Fan Palm (Licuala ramsayi var. ramsayi). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ba2227ce-8b15-4369-b1b8-74a80010f67a/30+another+river+crossing-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Cypress Pine Creek And more creeks to cross. Keep an eye out for Cypress Pine Creek, the final one before you reach camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/622d406d-d056-4200-8b8d-90d89a9fef84/swim-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Blue Lagoon Fifty metres or so upstream of where the track crosses Cypress Pine Creek is a small waterhole known as Blue Lagoon, with sun-warmed rock slabs at the near end to lie on. Delightful. When we arrived, we were somewhat disappointed as it looked very shallow, perhaps a metre or so deep. However, we were completely misled by the water’s astonishing clarity: it is at least 2.5-3m at its deepest point, and you can see the bottom easily. In southern Australia where eucalypts are the dominant tree cover, their tannins stain the water like tea so that even in pristine pools it can be hard to see much. Here, the water is a glorious, well… aqua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bc74062b-7ac2-43aa-b03b-ec4e5d576248/38+zoe+campground-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Zoe Bay camp ground After your swim, it’s another four kilometres or so to Zoe Bay Campground but it is flat and relatively easy terrain when we hiked; the low-lying areas would be much more challenging in the wet or after rains. You’ll have time to make a cuppa and set up the tent before going to see Zoe Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e944c0a5-26d9-4f07-9eca-ce09948689be/37+zoe+campground-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Zoe Bay camp sites More flat, shady campsites. The following evening, our little tent was surrounded by those of a water polo team, so it didn’t look quite the same! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/016d0e6f-1c59-4912-b116-97375d6ddcf3/zoe+1500-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Zoe Falls Zoe Falls with that extraordinarily clear water. And no crowds: we have the entire lagoon to ourselves, at least for the moment, because the day trippers have all gone home. Time for a quick dip in this little corner of paradise, before heading back to camp for dinner… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/84e1a384-9f62-4f6f-b7dc-cf19ca29d4fe/sunset1500-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Little Ramsay to Zoe - Sunset at Zoe Bay And a beautiful sunset over Mt Bowen. What a day, what an incredible day, filled with banner memories. https://slowerhiking.com/thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-queensland/zoe-falls monthly 0.5 2022-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49e9a184-8939-4424-99a1-a8f6c8da379c/top+zoe+p-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Infinity pool at Zoe Falls One of the famous infinity pools at the top of Zoe Falls. Because there would be one, wouldn’t there, on this ridiculously picturesque island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a23359ad-9a48-4aa0-b205-532a8dbb7050/heading+up+to+zoe+falls-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Track through forest from Zoe Bay campground The track up to the waterfall follows Zoe Creek, which is initially wide, deep and estuarine. Geoff is carrying a pack with our washing inside, which we will do on the way up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b13cea4c-f10a-40df-96f1-6ae5965187c1/40+hibbertia-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Hibbertia nemorosa Hibbertia nemorosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a2d77de2-3341-44f8-b338-1ce9a1252a4f/pea+zoe+falls-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Hovea densivellosa Hovea densivellosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b2f8aa6-6148-4150-8ec0-a81a0ccb83d4/41+washing+clothes+downstream+of+the+water+point-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - soap free washing clothes Martin boils up a cuppa while the rest of us wash clothes (sans soap) in the creek below the water take off point. However, the water collection point is still downstream from the Falls and swimming hole. This is the only place we elected to treat our drinking water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5ff6fbcc-1e88-44be-967f-868653c865aa/42+yellow+flower-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Golden Penda trees These Golden Penda trees (Xanthostemon chrysanthus) edge rocky creeks and watercourses. Their flowers attract the spectacular Ulysses butterfly, which we have seen fluttering like electric blue scraps of foil between the canopies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/32b41eca-8966-44fc-aed4-59c75a7a2d42/crossing+zoe+creek-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Crossing point for Zoe Creek The crossing at Zoe Creek has a rope to assist when water levels are higher. Crossing this stream during very high flows would be dangerous because of the number of boulders to whack into should you lose your grip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83775a27-01c3-492e-ad0c-45361fe4efce/zoe+best+phone-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - pool below Zoe Falls Zoe Falls is lovely, and packed with fish. During the day the rockpool can be busy with day trippers who are ferried across from Cardwell or Lucinda, or who have their own boats. It’s quieter early morning and evening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0f4a76f-6295-4e58-952b-404d1f06e23d/fish+best-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - fish in pool at Zoe Falls These jungle perch Kuhlia rupestris grow slowly to about 50cm, though none we saw were quite that big. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04d94417-e6c6-4b0e-925d-f72da2d03034/45+doug+on+rope+climb-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - rock climbing to Zoe Falls After a swim, head back to the track to climb up alongside the falls to the top. It’s very steep and you’ll ascend a short rope scramble for which most people will need both hands. Here’s Doug, having a bit of fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d36f88a-05ce-4b5c-a1ac-7d5dd00871ec/47+infinity+pool-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Zoe fall infinity pool Just look at that view across Zoe Bay. To the far left, you can see the swampland and floodplain we skirted yesterday; the Track emerges partway along the beach, not at the very northern end. If you are hiking north, keep your eyes peeled for the signage under the trees at the edge of the sand. Directly in front of the infinity pool amongst the trees at the edge of the beach, you can just make out the tiny patch of sandy bank that is the mouth of Zoe Creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2b010444-95a9-4052-90e6-9c5a21eb6e47/fishing-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Fishing at Zoe Bay estuary Later, back down in camp, we find two fishers at the mangrove-fringed mouth of Zoe Creek. They cast before sensibly backing away from the edge, but have no luck. Keep an eye out for crocodiles! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/528d9755-335a-45dd-888b-91ee5a97a849/33+zoe+bay-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Zoe bay estuary Locals motor in during the day and may stay overnight; the channels and bay are very shallow so boaties have to know the waterways and tide times well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a090c3d-bc4f-452d-941c-7a30044fa42d/39+fig-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Beach Calophylla Fruit of the Beach Calophylla (Calophyllum inophyllum). This tree is native to Asia but has spread widely due to its cyclone resistance and its use as shipbuilding timber. We are camped beneath them. You’ll have seen a particularly huge one with impossibly horizontal limbs as you first emerge onto Zoe Bay beach the previous day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/98a9cac9-06fa-48be-b4ad-4b4f16505676/hibiscus-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Sea Hibiscus Also flowering sparsely along the edge of the beach is Sea Hibiscus (H. tiliaceus) with its spectacular yellow flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bb637d16-46e1-4095-92d9-757f80a28473/doug+and+coconut-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - eating fresh coconut And there are also coconut palms! Another group of hikers had picked one up (which we don’t recommend in a National Park), and gave Doug a piece. Yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6110c3ba-c64f-4f24-bb0c-162613a291cc/32+zoe+bay-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - picnic tables at Zoe Bay campground Zoe Bay campground has the luxury of two picnic tables. Here’s Geoff preparing dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a53401c-b314-4817-a8f2-a50def6ccb2f/dinner-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Dinner being preapred Carrot, coconut and lentil soup tonight (recipe coming soon!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d568bcb8-bf18-4dcb-9f10-2cf8b9c37ed2/sandflies-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - carrot and lentil soup Carrot, coconut and lentil soup: yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/39b8fdf2-f655-4696-956b-1c84b4e6f9ef/pack+rack+zoe-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - pack rail at Zoe Bay A water polo team has arrived and set up camp around us so the campground is very full! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec86a7ec-1fa1-4672-8492-789d761515a5/sunset-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Zoe Bay at sunset Zoe Bay: the high tides come all the way up the beach to the trees. Here are a few of the water polo boys enjoying dinner on the beach. Could it get any more beautiful? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b52ff069-843c-410f-ac13-806a6bb50df8/sunset+zoe+beach-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe Falls - Zoe Beach sunset … Yes. Yes it can, and it does. And tomorrow is another famously spectacular walk, to another famously beautiful waterfall. This hike is stupendous. https://slowerhiking.com/thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-queensland/zoe-bay-banksia-bay-mulligan-falls monthly 0.5 2022-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1ded1e5b-07f2-46f8-9aae-80ba74421c8a/mulligans+pin-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - Mulligan Falls Mulligan Falls is extraordinarily beautiful. Swim when you arrive in the afternoon, and again in the morning before you leave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/37d09955-dfbf-4144-84b2-e33ba35355c0/Zoe+to+Mulligan+Portrait.jpeg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - map for zoe bay to mulligan falls 6.7 km with 300 m elevation gain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6c2d61e-5883-4946-8dc1-d35da61f427b/04+bolete-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - Purply coloured mushroom Many fungi in the rainforest and on the climb up beside the falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b70d7fa-50e3-4bf3-809e-9b47ffbea905/31+strangler+fig-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - Ficus watkinsiana Strangler fig (Ficus watkinsiana) clambers its way up trees towards life-giving light. Eventually, the fig completely encases - or strangles - the trunk of the original tree, causing it to rot. By this time the fig has not only become self-supporting and reached the sunlight, but no longer has root competition with the original tree for soil nutrients. What a clever strategy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ea6bdbd1-df2b-4eda-ac50-bb91b4577143/05+top+zoe+falls-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - Pools above Zoe falls One of the many lovely pools above Zoe Falls. We collect water here: it’s beyond the main swimming spots so we don’t bother treating it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d2dc94d-d613-4739-afad-b0369650ac84/07+climbing+above+zoe-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - Zoe Bay from Zoe Falls Another step up above those last pools. At this zoom, and through a strange trick of perspective, you can easily see the mouth of Zoe Creek, but not the infinity pool below the lip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/21a33977-5078-45c5-a294-89324f297dd6/08+more+climbing-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - scrambling across boulders in Zoe Creek The track follows the creek bed with its huge boulders: see the arrow on the round one to Geoff’s left? This section would be extremely challenging at times of high flow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c2d8e82-667b-41a6-8c47-271b20b0b024/10+snack+break-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - Zoe Creek Further up, we stop for a drink and snack break. I’m looking at a lovely bank of coral fern, which I haven’t yet seen elsewhere on the island. The track continues up to the left, behind our packs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/559a4bd8-dcb0-4ca3-b9df-ed84b32de70a/12+nearing+the+saddle-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - saddle between Zoe and Mulligan Falls It’s a big long, hot climb. We are nearly at the top and Geoff is gazing north, back the way we came. He’s also carrying my camera for me as we have eaten most of our food (see our load sharing technique). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0cce79fe-89c4-471c-8826-a1133e2858d5/14++the+saddle-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - open saddle between zoe and mulligan falls We reach the saddle, a patch of open heath with those dark cliffs looming above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/083b2858-956f-47a0-9155-f0c29c69225a/13+rest+at+the+saddle-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - view form saddle to the south And here is the view south, where we are heading. If you’ve had a swim this morning or left late, this makes a lovely spot for lunch, or at least second breakfast. Several other hikers have taken the opportunity to take a break lower left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97fcc5da-aed4-4980-931e-086018ff3997/15b+heading+down-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - open forest land Down we go, through casuarina and sedges. It’s nice to have the climbing behind us for we are in the hottest part of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2e0c60fe-eb25-4725-b55c-4d18913cdcf2/17views-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - ridge top views towards Palm Island Wow, the views are marvellous. Down to our left through the valley is the spur track to Sunken Reef Bay. We considered popping in for a look but it is a very long way down (and therefore back up again!). We’ve also been told that it’s a midge/mosquito haven. So we continue on: you can see the trail snaking along the spine centre mid ground. This spot has a number of Hinchinbrook Island’s famous blue banksias (B. plagiocarpa). They occur nowhere else on the planet. Well, except in gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/29b3cd13-2170-4223-b205-d0bf40e47b4f/198+knob-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - beautiful grass lands and banksia trees Still following that sunny spur. The open country is a delightful change after the forests and beaches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/af58ff68-403d-4f74-b9ca-e8d9d7a10ac9/blue+basnksia+cone-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - banksia cone I keep my eyes peeled for flowers of this famous banksia but a spent cone is the best I could do. This is because I didn’t research thoroughly and am scanning the bush for splashes of red or yellow, rather than pale blue. What a doofus! This banksia can flower at any time from summer through to winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff35014d-1517-428e-abd9-bdb6e73706ae/20+crossing+creek-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - Diamantina Creek crossing We have eaten lunch on the shady bank of Diamantina Creek and Martin, Diana and Doug are just arriving to do the same. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be85ad23-97b8-488a-a0d7-cd1e9a62f476/16+jungle-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - steep rocky descent towards Mulligan Falls camp We leave the banksias behind and descend the rocky trail into more forest. Mulligan Falls is audible from a long way away. I haven’t seen any images of these falls and am immensely curious as to what they will be like. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7fe053ed-46b5-4e3c-bcb5-20a15c6ca4f0/22down+to+mulligans-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - foot track to Mulligan Falls Camp large bounders add to the interesting scenery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/38d37600-3dad-4ca1-9df7-b547c0dc7da1/31+mulligans-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - Mulligan Falls camp area And we arrive at Mulligan campground! The water polo lads are here and we aren’t sure whether there will be any campsites left, but they have very considerately squashed together into just one larger one, leaving enough for everyone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1c00d695-39ec-41e8-9936-fde9055e79f8/23+campsite+mulligans-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - Mulligan Falls campsite We quickly set up the tent near the back of the pitch so there will be room for Doug or Diana and Martin’s tent if necessary. They arrive not long afterwards and find pitches elsewhere (this is fortunate because we snore). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2da94bcf-03e7-42a0-9761-b43a28b01f69/24+pack+rack+mulligans-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - post a rail rack to hang backpacks at Mulligan Falls campground Another busy campground but the sites are well-spaced. Everyone finds a site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/128cf5f3-c3b0-4ccb-8ef5-adefe913a0c5/25+sign-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - Warning sign After pitching the tent, it’s time to head to the falls just a minute or two away. We pass this sign but suspect that those people who tresspass are no longer in any state to be fined. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aa906d9a-02d3-4701-81bf-2a4b97daae84/26+mulligan-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - Mulligan Falls Oh, my. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a81c1b7-fdf2-42de-a02a-9cfb3e5bd36a/fishing-1-2.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - fish in pool at Mulligan Falls This is why it’s worth bringing goggles (no, not for Geoff’s legs!). The perch swim happily around us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a3d3e6b-fb97-45e3-8cc1-3465a96cfd15/mulligans-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - native fish in deep freshwater pool Mulligan Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f2a4b25d-8f87-4a50-ba07-521d9b1630db/mulligans-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Zoe to Mulligan - Large pool below Mulligan Falls A lovely last evening at these beautiful falls. Tomorrow is our last day on the island. https://slowerhiking.com/thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-queensland/mulligan-bay-george-point monthly 0.5 2022-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/235d9948-c73d-447f-992a-91059a3f9fe1/lead-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - Mulligan Estuary art low tide Crossing the last estuary at an excellent time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b9330de5-6d18-43f5-a2f8-4a9c7094f6f2/Mulligan+to+Georg+Point+Portrait.jpeg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - Map for the day with elevation graph 6.3 km 40 m nett fall very flat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9669ff1-a47a-4778-9643-f1af23b8f06b/breakfast4-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - Mulligan Falls Geoff cooks breakfast beside the waterfall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/599db30b-2796-4e87-aa71-a4cafc071799/breakfast3-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - poha for breakfast Preparing poha with flattened rice, nuts, peas, and Indian spices: one of our favourite breakfasts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00961032-b568-4fe6-8d3f-773ab61380e1/brekky5-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - Breakfast at base of Mulligan Falls One of the water polo lads takes a snap - thanks, guys! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd883878-e74b-4e84-8c5f-c6e1eccf23be/dehazed+pool-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - swimming pools below Mulligan Falls Our view downsteam across the pool at breakfast. More pools for swimming are hidden below those boulders. You can just make out the jungle perch in the foreground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca2a0416-5267-4b2d-8031-40ca4520b06b/nikki+coombs.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - Make it stand out Back in camp, we meet Nikki Coombs, who has cleverly sewn her own backpack! Her video has footage of Sunken Reef Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0089128-e2a4-4c8d-8be2-80d8ad7b73a3/30b+noisy+pitta.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - Noisy Pitta (Pitta versicolor) As we pack up later in the morning, this brilliantly coloured Noisy Pitta (Pitta versicolor) flits about the campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ca4f8e2-4690-4bf2-a637-afd48d1c704b/04+staghorn-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - Elkhorn fern in tree You’ll see elkhorn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum) scattered throughout the forest during the hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7052f014-5a7a-4152-9567-f89b3d2467cc/01+fungi-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - Turkey Tail bracket fungus Beautiful bracket fungus (probably Turkey Tail, Trametes versicolor) on a mossy log. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a54e847-6695-404e-9a82-32c752554b97/12+tiny+green+ant+nest-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - green ants making nest And here is a baby green ant nest with just two leaves woven together. Elsewhere high up, we’ve seen ones the size of basketballs, or bigger! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f11d9549-5e95-4ec0-9df5-3c0c455517f6/roots-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - paper bark trees at creek crossing We pass magnificent gnarled paperbarks with tangled roots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69270cc1-7d5b-4bf3-9401-26781873729d/05+palms-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - rainforest And into rainforest that’s different to what we’ve seen elsewhere, with bare straight trunks and less understorey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c30ffe42-14c6-4538-be04-657c6778028c/06+textures-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - rain forest canopy Just look at that beautiful canopy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d3a199a5-c058-40de-9d0c-1597fb1ff7b6/07+bark-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - red brown coloured tree trunk Textured red trunks of Red Beech (Dillenia alata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c9b46599-23eb-407b-8907-8fdf5f727df5/08+pigs-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - pig diggings So this is why there is so little understorey here. This part of the island is sandy inland, rather than rocky, and don’t the pigs know it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65d5cf0d-249e-48b9-a18f-08074ecbc84e/23+blue+flower-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - morning glory vine Slender dwarf Morning Glory (Evolvulus alsinoides) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/57e20bdd-7b47-4a19-a258-0751af001453/09+umbrella-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - beach walking out from Mulligan Falls on way to George Point And onto the beach. The weather is great, but I decide to test out my new sun/rain umbrella even though it’s neither sunny nor raining. I’ve carried it all this way and I’ll be damned if I don’t use it! The umbrella handle attaches to the shoulder strap with a few shock cord loops. It works! Notice also those rough spots scattered across the sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6aa00e0e-64f6-4839-9ad9-9a1d8a9ca065/11+Crab+holes-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - small crab holes Many of the beaches have these intriguing holes with surrounding detritus distributed in fascinating patterns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5fa069e-ec23-448c-bf08-64ebbc997997/13+crab-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - Crab Here is the culprit, a tiny semi-translucent blue soldier crab (Mictyris sp.) who casts almost no shadow and is speckled to perfectly match the sand. These crabs feed on tiny detritus and the little balls are what is left after they’ve fed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e4ff1b5-b786-43a6-8539-3c2f68aa26b3/14+sand+worm-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - ;lug worm castings on beach Lugworm casts on the beach. Lugworms look like something you’d see in a scary alien movie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4c90d793-1ba5-4a36-aebb-bc3f424b0fa2/10+BEACH-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - George point beach Our little group of five has the entire beach to ourselves. Everyone else has already been picked up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a9a2aee-335c-457c-964d-f730360e38a9/01+scaevola+maybe-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - Scaevola taccata Lush green Scaevola taccata on the foredune. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c52fc5b7-7ea5-4e47-be55-0a0e46546506/25+yellow+flower-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - Yellow flowers Yellow flowering shrub I’ve not yet been able to identify - help welcomed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9fb1f075-6cef-429d-80a8-267432a2cac0/12+crossing+river-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - Mulligan Creek Estuary crossing at low tide The estuary is very low and easy to cross. This looks straightforward but when you realise that this morning’s high tide reached the bushes at the edge of the beach, it’s clear that the crossing can be challenging at other times! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/184fedc8-70cc-4d96-b125-254ef038df19/15+fig-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - George Point campsite And here we are at our pickup location, George Point. Again, you can see that the high tide reached the very edge. There is a small campground, picnic table and toilet, but no water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d51b3ec3-b466-44b2-8a85-1f9b5be71df9/16+last+few+snacks-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - reward snack at George point We divvy up our last remaining goodies - there aren’t many of them! - between the five of us while we wait for Brad to arrive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b9eaa05e-4736-4f1e-8e84-5d2370408749/view+4+p.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - Make it stand out Martin, Diana, Doug and us: five happy campers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da4d785d-9140-46fe-90be-2e9a7ae29832/18+last+sea+view-1.jpg Thorsborne Trail - Mulligan Falls to George Point - sunset on boat trip back to Cardwell A huge thank you to Diana, Martin and Doug for their wonderful company and generosity in asking us along, a rare gift of banner memories we’ll treasure for a lifetime. https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing daily 0.75 2025-12-10 https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing/lived-experiences monthly 0.5 2025-11-29 https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing/ultralight-toiletries-for-backpacking monthly 0.5 2025-12-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9e1e80a-0c8a-465b-9707-f3cb39ca749a/P1142591.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Lake Meston Walls of Jerusalem A memorable LNT (Leave No Trace) wash with a sponge, alpine lake water… and definitely no soap of any kind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2bdf0ca3-0747-42e6-ab1d-c9c22dc4cc4e/07+motel+pemberton.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - going through resupplies in town Resupplying on the Bibbulmun Track in a track town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/075d5f6d-2689-4c8d-8703-5eaaecf4a348/IMG_9220.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - standard camping toiletries pack This toiletry kit with a standard bag weighs about 894g/31.5oz. This is significantly heavier than our two person tent, so it’s worth shaving weight! How much weight do you think we could shave? We have another image at the end of the article revealing exactly how much! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/62fd6298-b0ef-4e57-8fb5-8ce337bd5e4f/IMG_8494.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - low weight aqua Ultrasil toiletry bag Our small aqua Ultrasil toiletry bag (for both of us) just to the left, pink towel on the rock and a halved car sponge in a ziploc on the same rock. Geoff is wearing his ultralight 28g/0.99oz laundry shorts that double as bathers (see Practical Tips, below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c39bf2e4-2da3-46f1-b5bf-77c3009b96d8/IMG_6540.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - windy hair day A hat hides a multitude of follicular sins! A windy day in the Porongurups, Western Australia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/477fc900-eb45-423a-85fa-30b06bdecf03/P9070673.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - lightweight versatile clothes line On the first part of the Bibbulmun track, we carried an elastic no-pegs clothesline that we ditched at the first resupply town. We used it, and it was convenient, but we wanted to shave more grams and so thereafter used tent guylines, bushes and branches instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/785d735e-6d1d-4d4a-a106-2851fe41affe/IMG_8785.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - having no clothes line saves weight and the clothes still dry! Branches serve perfectly as a clothes line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/821d1c6c-d874-4914-9146-e404887a9e1c/IMG_5961.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - insect bites The result of one missed application of bug spray in sandfly (aka midge, noseeum) country: hundreds of bites and weeks of itching. Ugh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7d663ba3-82a6-4e86-b354-3bb9913993ec/toiletry+bag.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - a lighter but larger toiletries bag Our ultrasil toiletry bag (for two people) weighs 31g/1.1oz empty, and our smaller car camping toiletry bag weighs 105g/3.7oz empty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5db6c7b-4b8e-4ce0-922c-1e3eb8a658dd/nalgene.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Nalgene containers Set of small Nalgene containers with alternate lids (Image Credit: Snowy’s Outdoors) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/73c9dda3-800d-42f4-bc29-93b3fd8cfe97/IMG_9214.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - mylar sachets are ideal for creams and pastes Small resealable mylar sachets (right) are ideal for creams and pastes. The sample Lavilin sachet (several weeks’ worth of deodorant on trail, up to one months’ worth at home) on the left weights 1g/0.04oz total, and the mylar sachet on the right weighs 1g empty. Transfer exactly the amount of cream that you need from a conventional tub and take only that on trail. Refill sachets from larger containers in your bounce or resupply boxes when you reach trail towns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/53001b8c-f019-448f-9b74-aeb78f6d44bc/IMG_8097.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - small zip lock bag with pill blister packs in it Medication blister packs cut to the correct number of days in a ziploc. You almost certainly know your regular meds’ daily dosage but, if you are adding less familiar extras (eg painkillers), snip dosage information from the box or include the relevant part of the enclosed data sheet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f15ffa16-7fce-46d1-aac6-0a1eef138aa6/IMG_9216.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - different weight toothbrushes Left to right from lightest to heaviest: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/359328e1-e6af-4ca3-a9a5-e55ab9d5206e/IMG_9210.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - different toothpaste tubes You only need a tiny amount of toothpaste. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cdb21860-34ea-4aa9-857e-4a825c8f167f/IMG_9211.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Combs Large comb 16g/0.56g, small comb 10g/0.35oz, fingers 0g/0oz: lighter is better! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/366d0e3b-039d-4577-8f88-e10267593754/IMG_9213.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Moisturiser Some hikers experience severe cracking and drying of hands in desert environments. Geoff and I don’t carry moisturiser, but your skin may be different. If you’re not sure, decant your regular moisturiser into a small container, enough to get to the first track town. If you don’t need it, pop it into your bounce box so it’s there for later should you need it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a270936a-35fb-4e9d-af98-9381521071f2/Screenshot+2024-12-29+122656.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Lavilin underarm deodorant sample sachet Lavilin 1g/0.035oz underarm deodorant sample sachet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0fab3813-f3e7-4ca8-afea-172fe1f82709/Screenshot+2024-12-29+122735.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Lavilin 1g/0.035oz foot deodorant sample sachet Lavilin 1g/0.035oz foot deodorant sample sachet lasts 2-3 weeks on trail. One sachet can last up to 4 weeks. If you like the deodorant, you can buy more sample sachets later or, more economically, a tub, and transfer into small mylar sachets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/458764c8-3335-46be-82a6-55c16c507536/IMG_9215.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Wilderness Wash and travel soaps Don’t be misled by the label: Wilderness Wash may be biodegradable but still contains surfactants and other chemicals that can harm aquatic life. As do the dry soap leaves, of course. The Wilderness Wash weighs about 100g/3.5oz, the two pocket wash packs products 14g/0.49oz each. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69adb617-2b90-41ab-8138-e1597453f3f7/culo+clean.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Culo Clean Culo Clean attaches to any smartwater bottle (Image Credit: Culo Clean) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d59c14d6-b48c-48c4-bfbb-a470b9a0a19a/sawyer+squeeze.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Sawyer Squeeze pouches These 470ml/16oz Sawyer Squeeze pouches are light and compact. Fit your bidet to one of these filled by decanting from your drinking water bottles (Image Credit: Sawyer Squeeze). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d436c20c-2d9e-4bf5-a2d1-5c83a31cdc17/05b.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Ironbound Range, South Coast Track Tasmania Washed undies and Kula cloth drying on my pack on the South Coast Track. The closed Kula cloth in use for the day is on the other side of the pack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ce76e9e-dc9b-41d7-a184-d30a32d818c8/menstrual+cup+the+conversation.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - menstrual caps and tampons Many women use menstrual cups, which are safe and perfectly lend themselves to backpacking use (practise over a few cycles at home first). On trail, simply empty the blood into a cat hole or camp toilet, rinse the cup, and reinsert. Wash it and pour over boiling water once daily to clean. It is by far the lightest option for menstruation when hiking. (Image Credit: The Conversation) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/260e90af-6406-416e-85c2-72bf422155c2/IMG_8085.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - washing next to creek larapinta trail It’s often difficult to completely eliminate sunscreen, but you can almost do so with protective clothing: long sleeves, pants, sunscreen and a good hat that protects the neck (Geoff and I like this style ). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1d40b07-2452-4004-873d-f9bf1a788d84/P8300041.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Gammon Ranges In the Gammon Ranges with a headnet for the flies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/631a886a-f6e5-4ae2-b028-af81700499df/IMG_5374.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - clothes washing near Zoe Falls, Hinchinbrook Island Washing clothes in a creek. Ensure it’s downstream of any water collection point, and never use any soap, detergent or chemical when washing directly in a waterbody like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/050eb217-ec4f-4f03-92cc-2624f85e9d2f/IMG_8811.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - odourless silverlight socks We have also trialled antibacterial/antifungal Silverlight socks with silver thread woven through the merino, here airing on a rest day on trail (disclaimer: slowerhiking were sent these socks to test). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a0d26c1-0ed7-414d-a214-7a005f37ea48/nutrition.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Eating Kangaroo Bolognese in Iceland Geoff with souvenir growth towards the end of a camping holiday that included many multiday and day hikes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8dc56ffe-ac4a-4f37-b53e-c4083454140c/dr+bronners.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Dr Bronner’s soap Dr Bronner’s soap is popular in the United States. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81172c14-ad3e-47f0-a68f-5ea06d261693/IMG_9447.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Hut at Jay Creek campsite, Larapinta Trail If you’re at a hut or campsite with multiple water tanks and a toilet (far right), wash your hands at the tank closest to the toilet, and collect drinking water from the one furthest from the toilet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e20a3082-03a8-4f2c-8f58-697068737f66/IMG_5392.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - swimming in blue lagoon, Hinchinbrook Island Knowing we were to be swimming in this pristine tropical pool later, I omitted applying bug repellent in the morning. This was a mistake (sandfly country, dozens of bites): I should have covered up with long sleeves, or applied bug spray and washed it off before swimming. Geoff, of course, had zero bites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1ae1538d-eed4-46bd-82dd-1f08552443e5/P6243780.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Waterfall Gully, Larapinta Trail The pool at Waterfall Gully on the Larapinta. Many people swim in this pool, whilst others collect drinking water from it as well as from a short distance downstream: not ideal. Flow rate is low, and you can see plentiful green algae filling much of the pool, an indicator of high nutrient (contaminant) loading in the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a2f64ab0-6506-4d22-b1f7-e3b36f437886/IMG_1375.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - bathing equipment for low weight hiking Outdoor bathroom with water, halved car sponge loaded with soap leaf, towel at the ready. The small yellow pack to the left of the ziploc is our pocket wash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d343eb59-fdbc-4fb4-b40b-09202888c8df/IMG_2398.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - glacier views Iceland My hair was as excited as I was by the view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91393983-861f-4ecb-98b6-19739d49c714/P6274000.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - Ellery Creek North Geoff going for a swim in his 28g/0.99oz camo laundry shorts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d4b0632f-2bba-49bb-9b7e-41ce4241c773/earplugs.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - ear plugs If you plan to sleep in huts as found on US, Australian and New Zealand trails, or in rifugios on European walks, ear plugs are game-changing, and often so light that they don’t even register on a scale ie <1g. There is no point in getting annoyed by the perfectly normal human side-effects of shared sleeping quarters: sleeping people snore, fart and toss and turn on noisy mats. If you’re a light sleeper, sleep in your tent or bring ear plugs. Life is too short to get angry about humans being human! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0ecd6cba-7cb6-4753-bed8-8e3ef90a9e00/IMG_4971.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - washing under Granite Beach waterfall Yes, even here: washing with a sponge, water… and nothing else! Later, seabirds were drinking from the outflow at the edge of the stones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad16bed8-93e4-4b2c-8023-7b04f83484f8/IMG_9219.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Ultralight Toiletries for Backpacking - light weight toiletry pack Here’s that scaled-back toiletry kit, with the three nalgene containers containing moisturiser, sunscreen and insect repellent (concentrated DEET); I forgot to put the pocket soap in the picture but its weight has been included. The original at the start of this article weighed 894g/31.5oz. Saving 10g here, 40g there, choosing an ultralight bag and omitting non essentials like a comb and razor doesn’t sound significant, but all those little bits add up: this kit is just 275g/9.7oz, which is 619g/21.8oz lighter, or one third of the original weight (our new towels drop the weight to under 250g). Ultralighters get by with even less than this! https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing/human-factors-decision-making-and-hiking-safety monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dcc19db4-521c-4acc-9e45-102bef9346ea/IMG_5702.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Barron Pass to Lake Tahune, Frenchmans Cap Hike For many of us, a degree of challenge is what makes a hike fun. The balance of challenge and fun depends on our risk tolerance and is different for everyone, but we all want success and to return home in one piece. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5b0ea14-619f-425b-98c2-19744aae0771/IMG_1293.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Little Desert National Park Wilderness Hike Hot and dry conditions in Little Desert National Park, Victoria https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4764175-bdb0-4ce3-8033-81b05b8d4c3b/Martin+Gotthard.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - fallen tree limb on backpack Genuinely freak accidents devoid of human factors are rare, but this is one. More often, tree falls happen during storms or after bushfires, when tracks are often closed. (Image Credit: C/- Martin Gotthard) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20d16f84-3bf0-4c6f-aeaa-aa1eb3eb2859/P1202766.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Chalice Lake Walls of Jerusalem A remote camp in the highlands of Tasmania. We saw no one for four days of our eleven day hike, and just one other group the previous day on a different route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b17019c7-7c73-4dbf-a07c-ed965cbb17bb/Day1_Map.jpeg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - map of hike from trail head to Dixons Kingdom Camp, Walls of Jerusalem Tasmania Most veteran hikers love topographic maps. Learn to read them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d7adff6-01ac-4b14-914e-ed420b2dd67c/Guilherme+Salum-2.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Western Arthurs Hike Tasmania Enroute to High Moor, Western Arthurs Track (Image Credit: Guilherme Salum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f52db9ad-3f0a-41bc-960d-f01ef6249e7c/Nicole+Anderson+6-3.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - practice camping in snow Incremental skills training with a nearby hut for backup: build on formal training in a sensible, safe way. (Image Credit: Nicole Anderson) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4c20dc85-349f-47b1-af3e-659ffed3cc76/Nicole+Anderson+7-2.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - digging out snow cave Nicole was proactive in getting training, and then building on those skills. How else might you build skills incrementally for a specific hiking challenge (eg scrambling, water crossings, remote offtrack routes)? (Image Credit: Nicole Anderson) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/87a87c71-7110-4d97-bdff-3d16931baf74/Nicole+Anderson+8-2.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - snow cave A cosy nest in a snow cave. Quality formal training gives you the skills, knowledge and confidence to venture into conditions with tools and equipment to ensure you do so as safely as possible should things go wrong. (Image Credit: Nicole Anderson). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5639cb90-ea5a-492e-9853-eb1dc9d51d0d/DSCN1259.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Dolomites Italy In the Dolomites in unfamiliar terrain, under time pressure because of the weather. We consulted no locals. We are finally on track above, but had started across a boulderfield and gone completely offtrack (no pictures, I was in a slight panic). Rather than retracing our steps, we chose a ‘shortcut’ that took forever across the partially snow-covered boulderfield with countless ankle-snapping hidden holes. There was no phone reception and this was long before the widespread availability of PLBs; a broken ankle isn’t life-threatening but the resulting hypothermia can be. . Other tracks in the region were still officially closed for the summer as the season was so late in breaking (after we got back, we discovered this track was closed too). As tourists, we found it dismayingly easy to make poor choices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/59a851dc-cf61-4d1b-a14f-2e962f406a29/IMG_6575.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Campsite at Mount Field National Park We were testing the tent, and it took all our skill to set up in wind on shallow saturated sod over rock, with few loose rocks to use. A veteran would have stopped in the hut a kilometre or so back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/50747387-d63c-496b-ade2-a53688e4af7b/DSCN1283.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Snow covered mountains in the Dolomites, Italy On that Dolomites hike, we didn’t immediately turn back when there was more snow than expected (we had never hiked in snow). We weren’t familiar with the weather and were soon in almost-whiteout, but had seen other hikers on a lower track. It was our first hike ever in the Dolomites and we were eager for new experiences in new places on a special (and expensive!) holiday. The list goes on: see which heuristic traps we succumbed to as you read on! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d4903c2b-ae02-47a1-a3d8-40752cc4b441/YE+LR+RESIZED.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Hikers camping next to dry creek bed in in 100 man cave, at Mt Cloudmaker Unpleasant surprises can happen when reality doesn’t match expectations. Can you think of at least three strategies that would avoid the situation described below? (Image Credit: Yvonne) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5c094b2-9cd4-4a29-923d-bd1ed41c28e6/DSCN0492.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Overland Track Tasmania On the Overland Track on Tasmania’s Central Plateau, January (midsummer). It’s hard to believe when you see an image like this that, at the exact same time of year, blizzards and hypothermia kill hikers who are certain that they can reach the next hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9159345c-623c-4ebb-9829-2b4d07c37098/Anthony+Barton.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Pelion Hut in snow Overland Track Tasmania A light sprinkling at Pelion Hut in summer, pretty and fun like this, but much more can fall (Image Credit: Anthony Barton) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f010423-8a48-4083-9495-16ac836f41d6/P8010011-ORF_DxO_DeepPRIME-2.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Lake in Iceland This spectacular and superficially benign image belies the risks on the Laugavegur Trail. Tents at the campsite on the left of the lake are regularly blown to bits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4866605-9987-44ed-ab5f-a209017f535c/P8010495.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Hraffnitussker Hut. You pass a small cairn on the Laugavegur Trail where a hiker perished within cooee of Hraffnitussker Hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ba5183b7-6f2a-4896-9ff9-7236bd79dc6f/DSCN9801-2.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Hang gliding at Byron Bay Flying at the same site on a better day. Do you have a good Expert Halo hiking example that could replace this flying story? Please contact us! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/93edb2ff-a6e5-4beb-adc1-3cf1d9ec67a9/DSCN8400.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Tour Mt Blanc In good weather, the Tour du Mont Blanc is moderately challenging for average hikers like Geoff and me. For most people it is also a bucket list hike, and booking the huts is competitive and expensive. However, the terrain means that, in bad weather, anyone who has booked a tour or accommodation may need to skip certain sections and catch a long bus diversion through the valleys instead, or take a less interesting lower route alternative. We were lucky with the weather — the above image is just mist rising from the valley floor — but I confess that it would have been extremely tempting to stick to the spectacular route elsewhere even if the weather turned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15b2f420-1ffa-4563-af20-43a57e7f2347/IMG_5930.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Approaching Frenchman’s Cap Summit Approaching Frenchman’s Cap summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d242246a-d063-458f-a748-c0b98bf43a18/IMG_5900.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Track Junction to Irenabyss Challenge is relative to your skill and ability. Although others could do this with their eyes closed, I’m glad we tackled this section with plenty of time and when I was fresh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/61e55de6-aeb6-4a7b-aa25-753021422b76/IMG_5901.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - rock scrambling on way to Frenchman’s Cap summit We had a lot of scrambling, but it was enjoyable and made safer because we didn’t have to hurry or return in the dark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f7abeac-7f64-4bdf-8791-6a2eb6144035/IMG_6563.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Approaching Cleme’s Tarn in Mt Field National Park Approaching Cleme’s Tarn in Mt Field National Park. With the correct gear we made the decision to camp at altitude but, when gear fails or is inadequate, you may need to reconsider your plans: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bd74bb33-a2c2-4d6c-b7d2-60fc16533ae3/17+the+spine.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Grampians Peaks Trail Exposed formations made famous on social media often have associated deaths because hikers fall from them. Many of these hikers have no climbing experience or skills, but nevertheless believe they won’t fall. And how many times have you seen those selfies on the very edge of waterfalls? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dcb48a64-9b1e-4d0c-997c-b34bfcb56847/screenshot+mylifeoutdoors.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - hiking in rain As MyLifeOutdoors explains, the more extreme the situation, the more important it is to think and work methodically, though of course this is easier said than done! When we are wet as are Steven and his mate in the above video, the temperature doesn’t need to be very low for hypothermia to set in. When should we set up the tent? (Image Credit: Screenshot from MyLifeOutdoors) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/51ab1b01-f175-427f-8a01-537e5b41feb9/gibber+plain+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Gammon Ranges, South Australia Gammon Ranges, South Australia. Hot and dry even in winter, with big water carries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bceebea9-e96d-4950-b02e-03fe0fbc16ef/end+of+hike+Gammon+Ranges_.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Gammon Ranges Hiking Tidemarks on Geoff’s shirt tell the sweaty story at the end of this hike! Some days we carried 9 litres between us because we weren’t confident of water sources. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c37edf63-d8b0-4701-abdb-0d51619108ac/DSCN0423.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Cradle Mountain Hike Hiking Cradle Mountain with Geoff… we’re doing it the right way (for us). Unlike my first time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d575ddd7-e8a2-4861-8a83-134511a79f22/alex+noon.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - mountain track near Queenstown New Zealand The perfect start early on Day 3 of the ultramarathon near Queenstown, New Zealand… (Image Credit Alex Noon) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8598d58-ec11-40f8-aebf-92b751bc668a/alex+noon3.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - rescue helicopter in action … not so much perfect later. Six competitors were taken out due to hypothermia. (Image Credit Alex Noon); Alex’s Strava https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/62c5b705-dc11-4ea5-9377-db22052255a8/IMG_5988-Pano.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Human Factors, Decision-Making and Hiking Safety: What You Need to Know - Make it stand out The reward of a safe and successful summit… and descent! https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing/multiday-hiking-for-seniors-part-1-practical-hacks-workarounds monthly 0.5 2025-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f93d774-fff4-497d-a912-2d59dd39b23c/DSCN0762.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out For many of us, hiking - regardless of our motivation - is also about creating memories that will last a lifetime, such as this pitch in the Tassie Highlands. It had been raining and foggy when we arrived the previous night but, in the morning, this astonishing landscape was revealed as the mist lifted. It remains a banner memory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a6d232c-986a-4060-b68b-b618c8af4ef1/hiking+with+family2.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out Hiking with family in Tuscany. It doesn’t get any better than this! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0eb948f8-a09f-4015-a8b8-082f78eb6bfa/nutrition.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out Grey and grizzled, you may no longer be shiny new, but still get to all the places you’re aiming for. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ba17469c-743b-45cf-9183-ff86665994e0/12+calaenia+arrecta-1.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out Photography, particularly of flowers and landscapes, comprises a large part of my hiking enjoyment, so we schedule our walks at a pace and in places that allow for that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67a70371-d2f6-4cec-8f88-acb4a4374468/P1202783.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out This amazing pitch in the Walls of Jerusalem was an unplanned stop… … but it was the most beautiful spot of all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/097b1ed0-be27-4ff5-9063-51d68289b076/schedule+conservatively.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out We set our own schedule for this: much further but slower, adapting it into a three day, two night loop hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5a343f7-3c98-4d78-85eb-41471e07ff11/IMG_6484.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out Loaded up on a training day hike in one of our local Adelaide Hills parks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5f804b3e-8907-47d3-8d73-c1eb11ec1e10/heavy+pack.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out Our trusty canvas Macpacs in Italy before we discovered lightweight gear - at 3.5 kg (7.7lb), they are now only used for training hikes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/848bdaa1-a89b-427f-9bb9-73cb412c179f/nutritious+meals.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out Home dehydrated Moroccan Lamb and Couscous - yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3c1d69b-1454-4f6a-aa95-2d931389dcd3/poles+downhill.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out Using trekking poles on a steep, slippery downhill with hands out of loops and over the top of poles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6205422-0b5d-4f30-b974-4b09e116ce81/poles.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out Even straightforward stream crossings are made easier with trekking poles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b4ca7cef-6dbe-4fa3-8e6e-38c4c41d22e3/hydration+needed+in+Italy.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out A mixture of sweat and a splash of water in very hot weather in Cinque Terre, Italy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1fdfd6ed-1e57-45e2-922f-c7aa7fc3949d/rest.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out A little siesta and a drink of water in the Dolomites, Italy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa46ab44-2437-4ed3-bf3a-e1c3ebd38ae4/correct+clothing.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out Synthetic pants, merino base layers, fleece jackets, plus rainshells, beanies and sun hat in our packs: layering for every temperature on the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa476626-d30b-4a06-8885-c34005c4ac06/20210922_071608+large.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out Oly and Virg at Yourdamung Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cd031d25-6d4f-47f2-b28c-1df7f5f0b1a3/oly+and+virg.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 1: Practical Hacks and Workarounds - Make it stand out Necessity is the mother of invention: Oly and Virg wearing DIY rain gear! https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing/multiday-hiking-for-seniors-part-2-managing-health-chronic-conditions monthly 0.5 2025-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06640774-d20f-4122-88fc-add87c9cfa93/DSCN1024.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out Atop the Acropolis, Tasmania, and my first multiday hike without wearing a breast prosthesis. All physical health challenges contain a psychological component and your best chance of success comes when you manage both. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f7ff194c-c41b-4a72-ac98-9ca844c64157/hydration.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out Staying well hydrated while enjoying the views on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3aa27bbe-1b75-41cd-a5fd-5adab5b96975/Recycled-PStyle-Image-ForEmail_1__92578.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out A number of P-style device designs are available. If you have trouble squatting, don’t give up if the first kind doesn’t work; try a different brand. (Image www.thepstyle.com/) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18a68882-197c-4f0d-b001-22606ec32e4a/kula.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out The Kula cloth, an excellent LNT and sustainable, convenient and surprisingly hygienic alternative to pee paper. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll never go back to pee paper. (Image credit Kula) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/972d71bb-7559-4796-ba17-271dd8e11a4e/cuppas.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out Geoff and I love our cuppas. It’s the first thing that happens when we get into camp for the night! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cf2ae888-4bf1-480a-96ab-d2382f6cc891/salt+loss.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out Geoff’s shirt showing salty tide marks after a hot three day hike in the Gammon Ranges https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5b65b45-98f5-478c-b802-d1275dd5de0a/bix+1.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out Always check with your own pharmacist or doctor if you have any chronic condition or are taking medications before adding electrolytes to your daily hiking routine (Image credit Bix Hydration). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/163455f8-7031-4aaf-90d0-1f9409ab8e07/improving+nutrition.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out Two minute noodles are the staple of hikers everywhere and are okay for a day or two, but most older folk will do much better with a bit more protein on extended multiday hikes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f1750d0-c2a3-4c00-a727-3b070b3a6ddf/better+nutrition.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out Two minute noodles with dehydrated vegetables plus chicken mince (dried tofu, jerky, bean curd sheets, miso and edamame are other terrific additions). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4bb12f48-ee95-4c86-828c-e460acf96775/lunch+stop.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out A lunch stop with a friend, tuna and Geoff’s home-made sourdough crackers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2cd16d5-261a-4011-b748-80fced298fc8/cooling+the+feet+midday+siesta.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out Cooling tired feet in an icy stream, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a855d45b-65e1-408e-9f82-8c5c313733e6/inreach+mini.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out My camera on my left shoulder, and the tiny Inreach mini on my right above the shoulder pouch. The Inreach is like a satellite phone, using text instead of voice. You can text friends and family, download weather forecasts and, of course, there’s the SOS button. Once you’ve pressed it, you have two-way comms to explain your symptoms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/443cf42c-26e5-49b1-99f4-88765b57e7d9/medical+evac.jpeg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out This hiker required a medical evacuation on the Bibbulmun track and was choppered out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0b091e22-65e7-4c84-8cad-ad4e85fc6087/medic+alert.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out Medic Alert bracelets and pendants are practical and useful if you have a life-threatening condition, or one that first aid respondents or subsequent carers need to know when you are unable to tell them. ( Image credit Medic Alert) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/17199a3f-9844-4fa0-a1d3-a08cdf514c08/DSCN7231.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out This image brings us both instantly back to an unforgettable pass in the Dolomites, Italy. We literally could hardly believe our eyes: a wonderful memory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e15d8de8-10af-4a30-92ca-8f138766f33c/pat+and+helen+2.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out We would often pass each other having ‘second breakfast’ or lunch on the track. Here are Patrick and Helen enjoying a cuppa and Western Australia’s stunning southern coastline on the Bibbulmun Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7607112b-467c-4e60-afd8-f42ff8991756/13+metatarsal+dome+modifications+using+foam+and+Fixomull.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out Helen’s quick and easy DIY metatarsal dome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/88008df7-6963-47b2-8455-d36c894b505f/pat+and+helen+albany.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Multiday Hiking for Seniors Part 2: Managing Health and Chronic Conditions - Make it stand out Patrick and Helen, all smiles at the happy completion of their Bibbulmun Track E2E. Image credit Pat and Helen https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing/how-to-stay-motivated-on-thru-hike monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5eb6ba25-f1d6-444c-a50c-f55a3a81217f/another+high+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Bibbulmun Track Bench Time for a rest and a view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b2d24b78-e31e-4aee-bbcf-9141150e9828/end+of+bibbulmun3.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Southern Terminus We made it… but of course we did! Interestingly, our mentor knew we would before we’d even started. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8af70e1c-14db-49ed-87d7-0d8951979dcc/beautiful+vistas+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Bibbulmun Track Sunset William Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa1eafc7-9a9a-4cbd-b448-ac256ff64857/checking+the+map+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Helen checking the map Checking the map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d08abf3e-7638-4f1a-9af2-f580bf9679d8/me+on+acropolis+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - On top of The Acropolis A rare conquering summit pic on the Acropolis, Tasmania, rather than our usual sitting with a view pic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/366d4a1d-5b60-4f9f-8dcf-28e96c6c0e37/breakfast+together+in+an+amazxing+spot+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Breakfast at Dixons Kingdom Campsite Breakfast together in amazing places https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5a547511-a5c5-4638-9e16-f586808cd2bb/naturalistcrawl-1.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Make time for joy Cartoon by Rosemary Mosco https://www.birdandmoon.com/comic/naturalist-hike/ Many leisurely hikers will relate! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b4be9bfa-e0a8-4161-98e1-8cd229d7a6ef/views+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Rock with a view Time to rest and reflect https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b09ac043-7d3b-4d22-9617-d6e678cd21b5/Walls+of+Jerusalem+Trek+Overview+Map.jpeg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Walls of Jerusalem Eleven day hike map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2520e66-83c0-44b5-b65a-e984472886ec/reorganising+resupply+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Sorting food on the Bibbulmun Track It’s amazing how long it takes to repack your gear and double check everything… even without needing to find and buy it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dacfbfff-ea54-47da-938d-4ca2124baa96/Product_Image_800x914px_PPP1000_BAN_V.1.01.02_2048x.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Use RADIX10 Coupon Code at checkout for a once-off discount on all Radix products that are not already discounted. Geoff and I get no kickbacks from Radix other than the same one-time Coupon; we just think their protein powders are great for hikers! (Image Credit: Radix Nutrition) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a58f66e2-a390-4813-b6cb-6e7768f027f0/Sleaford+Mere+Investigator+Trail+South+Australia.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Make training hikes fun. Make training fun. We used our six day hike on the Investigator Trail to fine-tune food and practise dune hiking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ee239a4c-fd8e-43e7-9288-93daebe68b16/wet+boots+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Wet Boots! No bother, it’s putting on the wet socks the next day that’s the challenge… so get good socks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75162a7a-a6ff-4162-9692-6d24b55cf11f/beautiful+flowers+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Amazing wildflowers on the Bibbulmun Pink and orange pea flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/085d34b7-8326-4fa7-8918-93c16886a0ee/echidnas+for+naturalists+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Lake Myrtle, Walls of Jerusalem A very muddy echidna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c70ccba6-25ab-496e-8fc4-650721b28e70/a+scare+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Controlled Burn, Bibbulmun Track We didn’t expect this delay - having to make our way around a prescribed burn! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/22a90e54-3b6f-49a3-a01f-85d622a07889/making+time+for+food+workers+club+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Northcliffe Workers Club Another unexpected and enjoyable town meal, this one at the local Northcliffe Workers Club on the Bibbulmun Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f5daba7-b3d3-4394-802d-ccdd3da87a21/after+a+rest+day+log+book+entry+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Our note in the trail log after a town rest day… a little different to the day before the town! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c377283d-6d72-4de2-b760-ccb7644875bd/card+games+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Winners are grinners! And Helen won all the games! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ccc28580-7097-47d7-bc5b-a4fba03cbe67/without+minispikes+or+ice+axwe+and+a+drtop+off+at+the+bottom+this+was+sketchy+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - The season was late and there was still a lot of snow on this Dolomites hike. Without spikes or ice axe, and a drop off below, this was more challenging than we had expected… so we just took it slow and steady and it was all okay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a8041002-c5a8-4c83-9e75-23c3a789d979/bushfire+research+don%27t+hike+the+bibbulmun+in+midsummer+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Fire warning sign on the door of a Bibbulmun Track Toilet. It’s not a good idea to hike this track mid summer! Even when we hiked in spring there were wild fires and prescribed burns that impacted our hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f751bdcf-2dfd-4bb9-abef-0d642fdd5ceb/adaptive+hiker+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Modifications to manage foot problems. Knowing your body and what it needs will help you stay on track. And Hypafix is hiker gaffer tape! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5a6b9b7-dc62-4f7b-83d3-52c4f33a829d/even+in+wild+weather+beauty+abounds+%281+of+1%29-3.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Bibbulmun Track approaching Peaceful Bay Even in wild weather beauty abounds: literally gale force winds this day, and the sea and sky were magnificent! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18276858-9512-4b14-8332-ed38dc679eef/all+day+rain+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Bibbulmun Track On the way to Pemberton It’s still raining. 23 mm rain all day was less than exciting, but we would certainly remember it! Expecting days of rain is reasonable when hiking over several months! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4fbc491f-9dba-4704-9a6a-8f17186a77dc/the+infamous+green+tunnel+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Green Tunnel in Karri Forest The Bibbulmun Track’s ‘infamous’ green tunnel… for some. However, having grown up in a treeless, arid area, Geoff loved it! And I loved it because there were still exciting new plants to see! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8cf05a8-1717-4319-ae1b-3afcac412302/little+noisy+critters+aren%27t+dangerous+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Southern Brown Bandicoot Little noisy creatures like this bandicoot aren’t dangerous! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ff93eb3-bc36-4cd8-96ea-93bdbf088d3f/snake+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Be alert but not alarmed! Some simple precautions will keep you safe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2659e8ee-a7eb-4a6a-b63f-584bf9812a8f/snake+on+the+path+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Ok mate… the track is yours! Well actually, we simply waited until this beauty realised we were there, and she fled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49650012-cdc5-4468-85b8-04f1b098f735/inreach+mini+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Which way Helen? Other than for regular weather updates, we only used our inReach Mini (on Helen’s shoulder strap) once during the hike to get bushfire information via family. Good to know that it was under control and well worth the 100 gram investment! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b7277507-052d-438e-8c90-dbd6faf83fd3/scary+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike Part One - Tour Mont Blanc Exposed Section I thought I told myself not to look down! https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing/how-to-stay-motivated-on-a-long-distance-hike-part-two monthly 0.5 2025-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/51d1d20c-a9f0-47fd-81b7-b338b65e6451/bad+weather++%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a98b4cee-8f9c-4ea2-b929-672053b122ab/amazing+landing+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c8c2b1da-7bdd-4c47-af99-adb96b1cd13b/accidents+and+medical+emergencies+can+happen+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out This hiker was airlifted from the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e25648f1-6b26-4690-bf47-eccad8c6148a/accidents+and+medical+emergencies+can+happen3+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Chopper on the Bibbulmun track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b83e0e3-26a8-4d9c-aebd-7c5c8720fac8/addressing+aches+and+pains+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Cold water, nature’s anti-inflammatory… helped along with a dab of sledgehammer chemicals! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4efe3e9c-c2a8-457c-a976-ce0ac0575643/yummy+food+makes+the+days+better+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f6645fb-8c58-4d8f-94a2-713031f6c6f8/a+bit+of+fun+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out A bit of fun on another long, rainy day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5074261-a643-48fe-87cc-3055b79965c4/make+time+for++unexpected+new+friendships+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d174be27-b569-497e-8ac8-b587fc6415cc/making+time+for+a+rest+stop+early+on+the+track+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b57b227-5cea-4a2c-95d5-8a272d3771b6/not+quite+comfortable+today+outside+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Bibbulmun Track Hmm… it rained all day but we were warm and comfortable https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/50f72bea-8197-4c64-ba59-e1a07eb530f7/reading+on+a+cold+wet+rainy+zero+day+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out In fact very comfortable https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8bf9fa7d-ba20-48f6-81ec-8fc3c0d8cb1f/the+track+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out I know there’s a track here somewhere… yep, that’s it, the pool between the bushes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/955e6669-d2ff-4977-be71-944bae0aa5ff/hiking+in+heat+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Cooling off with a mixture of sweat and water from the waterbottle whilst hiking in steep and hot Mediterranean Cinque Terra, Italy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/40b8d34a-534a-4f7a-9003-c6019d52ecda/type+3+fun+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out The season was late, and we had taken the wrong high track. We had to traverse a treacherous snow-covered boulder field to the track proper, and I still remember the relief when we reached it. Type 3 Fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f186370-9720-40ef-841b-8645320b96d6/miserable+day+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Another entire day of bucketing rain. The joy of finding a tiny, leaky shelter where we made hot soup for lunch still sticks with us both. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/110fff62-4950-45c8-a30c-707d15c36f0d/tough+day+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out A combination of endless wading plus brush and timber deadfall, often in combination, made this one of our most exhausting days on the Bibbulmun Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9d99068-3399-436c-887b-b9db5b33306b/early+sunrise+for+photograpohers+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67679ea9-1ba8-4dab-9df9-93a902472279/iceland+creek+crossing+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cab57184-8d45-4415-a706-7b607c544a87/scary+%281+of+1%29-3.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/44e51d04-7efe-42e9-b415-678a7fbd6ad2/terrifying+crossing+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2fddb1fc-695f-41c3-b4bb-68a82d439fb4/time+for+friends+around+the+campfire+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out “We made it! Good job!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/487edf40-5a66-4d5f-bd40-5b187d3ef4e6/last+day+%281+of+1%29.jpg Health, Safety and Wellbeing - How to Stay Motivated on a Long Distance Hike: Part Two - Make it stand out Our last morning on the Bibbulmun, bittersweet joy and sadness that we are nearly finished. https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing/tag/Thru-hiking monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing/tag/Motivation monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing/tag/multiday+hike monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing/tag/motivation monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing/tag/thru+hike monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/health-and-wellbeing/tag/Planning monthly 0.5 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-pemberton-to-walpole daily 0.75 2025-11-01 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-pemberton-to-walpole/pemberton-to-warren monthly 0.5 2022-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5e2a81d-379f-4275-ab22-b3f70240501a/001+cascades.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - The Cascades Beaut water views at The Cascades https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7bf406cb-46b6-4182-81bc-d2665c0972b8/Pemberto+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - Overview map Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 5 Pemberton https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6601ea78-fa4d-44e5-bde7-cae6a635fdef/Pemberton+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - Pemberton to Warren elevation map Many ups and downs along this part of the track make it a long day even when we shorten it by starting at the Gloucester Tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f30711d0-c6ad-4a99-9d3e-2c8246c03d42/02+log+bridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - Pemberton to Warren Even away from the main rivers, we’re seeing ever more water. Being from South Australia, we find this a refreshing change, although New Zealanders will laugh at the puddles! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c297ce9b-642a-4d3e-b1e6-b8b8a1526fc6/01+sitting+resting+during+walk.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - we mostly use hard copy maps for checking the route The weather is terrific. Checking the map is a convenient excuse for a rest! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74f7e309-1bec-479d-ac8e-d735a441c60b/03+deadfall.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - storms and a wet winter have cretaed much debris over the track There is an enormous amount of deadfall across the track. And we see our first snakes, two within an hour, a brown dugite and a darker tiger snake. They are both very fast and disappear too quickly to photograph, but there will be many more opportunities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bb0822b4-6ba9-455c-943d-30c6de386008/05+the+cascades.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - The Cascades Ah, that’s more like it: a genuine amount of water! The Cascades is a delightful spot for a break. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d7cade3-4716-40af-9df4-1073d8b1a92a/06+tree+ferns.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - tree ferns in forest Also along this section is a tiny patch of tree ferns, the only ones we see anywhere on the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/54fdd1ec-dd41-4d0d-b2de-2feba8be1689/07+philotheca.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - Philotheca Crowea angustifolia ssp platyphylla with a native bee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/94dcecc9-a342-4765-9a1f-5170d9a15f6e/08+tiny+plants+and+huge+trees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - Numerous small orchids to be photographed Geoff has pictures of me like this in New Zealand, Iceland, Italy, France… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c0d9821-87ee-4bfb-9d0f-af4b6a6fa0ce/11+philotheca+and+hovea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - Philotheca with blue Hovea Pink and white forms of Crowea with blue Hovea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18f49c99-a7c7-496f-aa8a-c6421cc35162/09+cowslips.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - Yellow cowslip orchid Caladenia flava ssp sylvestris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/071180a9-efbd-4cc7-9bdd-a9e206c41747/10+pink+fairies.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - Small purple orchid Caladenia latifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/457b9172-99eb-408b-9e13-cdced65cbf43/12+lunch+stop.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - lunch on the track Officially, it’s considered rude to stop right on tracks and trails for a break but, when we see no-one all day, this isn’t really relevant. On busier tracks where you’re blocking other hikers, of course it’s more appropriate to move a short distance away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ec85071-f99e-4522-8fcb-0c1261e055de/13+few+flat+areas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - possible emergency camp site There aren’t too many pictures from today because I need all my energy for the ups and downs! There is almost no flat ground anywhere; this is a rare exception… an old section of bullock trail that we cross. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86a173a6-d76e-422f-aec7-cce02f958160/14+casuarina.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - flat leafy section of trail A short bit of flat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9330b248-bdba-4def-8e0f-00142f5cbc05/15+brown+pea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - Bossiaea ornata Bossiaea ornata (Broad-leafed Brown Pea). There are so many different yellow and brown peas! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3aba4dba-1985-4810-8b84-ac6ae7322b85/19+greenery.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - flat section of track in forest Another flat bit of green track. Just delightful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/546e1e18-99ba-4c51-82ba-034f461684d6/20++morel.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - morel mushroom A native morel mushroom. Most morels are edible (but beware, there is a lookalike genus and not all native Australian morels have been evaluated!) and, unlike most fungi, they usually appear in spring rather than autumn. We often see them on hikes but they are invariably in National Parks or reserves, so we leave them to spread their spores. At home in South Australia, I gather porcini, wood blewits, blushers and other introduced mushrooms in my local neighbourhood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6b6df9b8-18e0-4968-b278-193c0ee51fea/22+warren+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - Warren hut And here we are at the hut at last, surrounded by those towering karri. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3449ef67-2e3f-4469-abe1-96b10724e50b/21+warren+campsite+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - Warren hut tent site And, once again, lovely campsites. Of all the hikes we’ve done, the Bibbulmun has the most consistently excellent pitches we’ve experienced. The sites have been chosen and constructed by people with hiking experience rather than designers sitting in city head offices, and it shows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/677329fe-b2ba-41e6-8383-1d09a5d13674/23+warren+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 45: Pemberton to Warren - Inside Warren Hut Geoff prepares dinner. Look, there’s a block splitter and another little wood shed filled with jarrah. Luuuxxxuuury! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-pemberton-to-walpole/warren-to-schafer monthly 0.5 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c58e3423-eba4-4ad2-9e2c-1d0c4e6d87e2/lead.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - Rustic bridge Rustic bridges, tall trees and beaut rivers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a170dea-8d51-4960-a80f-e993010f84ad/Warren+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - Overview Map Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 5: Pemberton https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/014df50b-8d56-4813-8f0b-e6952cee9738/Warren+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - Elevation graph Warren to Schafer Warren to Schafer is another challenge, particularly after yesterday’s hike from Pemberton. It’s in Geoff’s top ten difficulty-wise for the entire Bibbulmun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/09c704ab-230d-45f0-98c6-ab358da111a4/07a+jpeg+06+a+bit+of+flat.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - lovely forest walking In warm weather, we older folk often need to drink before we feel thirsty because that “thirst switch” gets a bit worn as we age. If you find that you become exhausted hiking in even mild heat, try drinking more frequently: dehydration saps energy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df4c76b2-7ba8-4686-a868-357d949e5908/05+huge+trees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - Massive karri trees in Pemberton forests Just look at those trees! Marvellous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6657f65b-2a08-4648-824c-1430c240129d/10+jelly+fungus.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - Tremella sp. Bright orange jelly fungus, possibly Tremella sp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8e47170-a8aa-4909-863e-ae5f3e70015a/0002+lunch.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - lunch on the track Although we eat a lot of dehydrated dips, soups and cheese with Geoff’s sourdough crackers, the first day or two out of town offers a welcome respite - indeed, a more welcome respite with every week that passes! - with cured meats and fresh hard cheeses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0674e18b-25ba-4d5a-baa4-596e1fceea16/11+plant.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - Chorilaena quercifolia Chorilaena quercifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b32e931-d748-4162-92b9-9c4335c763fc/12+flying+ants.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - flying ants on log Hmmm, flying ants are swarming. They often herald wet weather… I wonder what tomorrow will bring? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/efd34e29-9a68-449f-aac1-cb64514f9668/13a+jpeg+09bus+stop.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - Bus stop on track Very droll. I’m so tired, I don’t even notice it until Geoff bursts out laughing! If there was a bus at this stop, you can bet I would be on it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/13ee289a-855c-43fb-a147-e29d3a8e5845/16+thelymitra+vulgaris.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - Thelymitra vulgaris However, as always, there are new orchid discoveries to put a spring in my step. Orchid enthusiasts should take a wander in the cleared area when you cross under the powerlines. You’ll see many Thelymitras here; most are closed by now, later in the day, but Thelymitra vulgaris is still open. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/62c63c1a-ba4c-430a-b7b0-d2009c34db41/15+caladenia+attigens.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - spider orchid And a new spider orchid: Caladenia attigens ssp attigens (Forest Mantis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/32dc907d-35d0-4906-8ecf-f25fe7f87806/13b+jpeg+14+accommodation.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - Karri Hill Cottages Sign Well, Karri Hill Cottages know hiker priorities, that’s for sure! If we’d been aware of this lodge on the other side of the dam, we’d be there! Instead, as we’re walking along the water’s edge to the hut, we have more exciting discoveries: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83c48f31-2c4f-4321-88e1-b5266e6ce60e/18+thelymitra.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - Thelymitra cornicina Thelymitra cornicina (Lilac Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1ee6167f-0567-4e0b-8b8c-2b1dbbbd0c76/23+pterostylis+turfosa.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - Pterostylis turfosa … and a new bird orchid, Pterostylis turfosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86a9c8f3-c6b6-4a62-96a8-23232d61b592/20+schaefer.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - Schafer Hut A few moments later, we arrive at Schafer, beautifully situated on the edge of the dam with views across the water. It’s busy with track vollies (thanks, guys!) and hikers travelling north. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9bbe710-35e7-42a8-b369-aacd5b943ae7/19+scaefer.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - large farm dam next to Schafer hut Isn’t that just lovely? Dinner with a perfect view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9fdfd24b-aa82-46cd-92c2-ae3632e38e21/21+lake.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - picturesque lake view You can swim in the lake and one hiker does, but it’s too cold for us. Instead, we usually take our halved car sponge and tip warmed water over it for a pits and bits cleanse behind a nearby log or tree. A halved car sponge is great because it’s light, compresses small, and holds a lot of water, perfect for a bush wash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ba859ec7-2499-45f9-843b-0dd0f411669d/22+schaefer+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 46 Warren to Schafer - small tent site fringed by dense shrubs Campsites surrounded by flowers… but tonight we’re in the hut. Tomorrow, Northcliffe, known for its orchids! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-pemberton-to-walpole/schafer-to-northcliffe monthly 0.5 2022-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/074a8eb8-779c-4186-a849-01b4509c22d6/15+del%3Bightful+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - mostly rural hiking to Northcliffe Grassy tracks through farmland are the order of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2f07dd8-d902-4bd0-a489-d8a14b5b281f/Schafer+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - Overview Map Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Maps 5 and 6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de7f8bc5-f9c4-488f-a1de-0565acfab0f6/Schafer+Details.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - elevation graph Schafer to Northcliffe At last an “easy” mostly downhill day into Northcliffe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f86f2ce0-c521-42dd-ae3e-eb5ad2fd0854/02+swamps.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - flat terrain with swamps and waterlogged trees The landscape is much flatter, with wide swamps and open scenery… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/66f01efa-677a-4e4d-ad6e-ccd475cbdcdc/04+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - forests with multiple colours …interspersed with lovely forest. I find it particularly lovely because I’m not staring at a steep track directly in front of my feet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d1591492-f5e5-4ad7-9d26-40e70ca73a08/06caadenia+karri.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - Karri Forest Spider Orchid Another new spider orchid, the Karri spider (Caladenia karri) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9e3ff14a-c01c-4a73-a320-d195549d9714/01+caladenia+x+spectabilis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - Orchid hybrid And beautiful C. x spectabilis hybrids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/588f2662-4356-4d19-804f-ee1430da64be/08+exciting+white+sand.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - sandy track in forest The white sand coupled with more open vegetation promises plentiful orchids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0249b7a1-1c4e-45b5-aa96-fdc76594068a/09+paracaleana+nigrita.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - flying duck orchid Many flying duck orchids (Paracaleana nigrita) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/30829b42-cbf6-4534-ab41-0aedfa0f1440/10+elythranthera+brunonis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - Enamel orchid and enamel orchids (Elythranthera brunonis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4c1946e3-307c-4dc8-b90c-22caebeff7ef/13+changing+terrain.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - track passes through farmland Into the farmland, with a grassy track between the paddocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/588b2605-0f99-4e12-b226-f4b49267cc95/15+del%3Bightful+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - habitat corridor Vegetation corridors like this are essential for wildlife in rural country - you can see the native habitat and food sources for birds and animals either side of the track, while out of shot is grazing land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/58501a71-0274-455c-acad-61a142cc31e9/17+weevils.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - two bugs mating on the stem of shrub Two weevils doin’ what they’re doin’ in the habitat corridor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d12d2f66-130a-4382-81f4-61678ed74300/18+rest+sop.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - rest time Although we have navigation apps on our phone, we still find there’s nothing better for an overview than a big paper map, which provides a much larger field of view than a tiny screen. Whenever we stop, we usually pull out the map to see what’s ahead. YMMV! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7903292e-495e-43db-a28b-5557227eefa7/19+old+car.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - old farm vehicle in paddock A new spark plug will fix ‘er up, mate, no worries! Nearby, the track traverses muddy paddocks with cows and crosses over electric fencing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c926a3c-65ff-4d66-bb56-0305a4c59885/20+beautiful+watercourse.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - more beautiful creek crossings Babbling creeks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b21a52ff-e1c0-44c1-ba97-4dc4d4bf7945/22+picnic+table.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - Unexpected picnic table … and tables in the middle of nowhere! It has been a delightful walk! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/af2f3b16-77c6-4ab5-b467-af2a28ee4419/40+lunch+makings.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - home made breakfast in Northcliffe We arrive in Northcliffe and have a somewhat underwhelming dinner at the pub where we are staying. The following day neither of the much-touted cafes are open (at least one of them usually is - they take it in turns) so we buy supplies from the little supermarket and make this delicious breakfast. Then we go to the Visitor Centre for directions to local orchid hotspots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/617b3423-6e76-4fb5-9149-a31a2e90b750/28+microtis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - tall orchid We find Microtis media ssp media, as well as Forest Mantis and Flying Ducks, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d44cddb-eb80-4929-b383-030575ca9a0d/29+thelymitra+grandiflora.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - Thelymitra macrophylla the Scented Sun (Thelymitra macrophylla), https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/95fc448f-93a3-4132-9f2d-f4a8fdcc5836/30+praqsophyllum.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - Bronze Leek And not one but THREE fire-responsive species of Prasophyllum: P. giganteum (Bronze Leek), https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/556a8692-e821-41cf-aeb2-0f2566d7b260/36+prasophyllum.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - King Leek P. regium (King Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/47374b71-2465-4ea8-aaec-ecbf601e67c2/prasophyllum+fibriata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - Fringed Leek and P. fimbria, the Fringed Leek, all growing cheek by jowl. Astonishing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3104bb4f-7cee-4217-b67b-013adf49adac/38+old+cottge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - timber cottage with golf buggy under verandah That evening, we head through the back part of town, past perfectly kept cottages and this one empty one (really, Bunnings?) to the… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49526193-28cb-4ea3-ac2a-7451b2f7f6e8/39+workers+club.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 47 and 48: Schafer to Northcliffe and Rest Day, Northcliffe - Northcliffe workers club the best place to eat in Northcliffe …Northcliffe Worker’s Club, which serves basic but delicious food and generous portions in a nice setting with friendly patrons. Highly recommended. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-pemberton-to-walpole/northcliffe-to-gardner monthly 0.5 2022-12-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0298ac2-7ec4-4d2f-bdb3-fe71ba1dddfd/lead+story.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - heading out in the rain from Northcliffe Rain all day, but there are still beautiful wildflowers and scenery to enjoy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dd9d0d2a-6213-479f-9be0-841fdbec2f6f/Northcliffe+Overview+Map.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - Northcliffe to Gardner overview aerial map Overview Map. Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 6 - Northcliffe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a2ea997-ae81-4941-a8eb-1350f6081301/Northcliffe+Details.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - Elevation Gain and Loss Northcliffe to Gardner Fuelled by our dinner at the Northcliffe Workers’ Club, we enjoy today’s downhill trend… but there still seem to be many little ups and downs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7dda884d-3f4e-4fa3-9d26-c9f5875bb2f0/31+planning.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - Updated walking plan Before we set off, Geoff checks distances and elevation, comparing earlier days to upcoming ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a4dfe174-87dc-4a59-b914-beddfb3c8071/41+weatyher+on+the+way.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - rain radar image Today is going to be wet. Very wet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/73e118b8-faa4-44f5-8cdc-e2098ce490a5/leaving+northcliffe.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - pedestrian track out of Northcliffe We have already been along the track on our rest day looking for orchids, so now we follow the pavement to where the Bibbulmun crosses the road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/22952656-0494-4164-a9cb-64350919b420/43++grey+day.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - Bibbulmun Track Northcliffe to Gardner Despite the rain, we are loving the terrain and vegetation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/33178fe8-47df-49d5-9a8b-a76ecf32201a/45+stream.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - beautiful creek in forest So many creeks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa1412d5-449e-4d1d-ba45-81131d18b06e/46+bridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - rustic footbridge Picturesque wooden bridges. We just don’t have these in my home state, mainly because most creeks are small enough to step across! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eee5828f-bc61-4b2c-ad27-cb6e085900ed/50+amazing+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - many wildflowers Northcliffe to Gardner And oh, my, the flowers. Plant enthusiasts, you will LOVE this section! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f6c66c8-3926-4320-b302-24595d6541b3/scaevola.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - Scaevola calliptera. Beautiful Scaevola calliptera. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31b0038d-e20c-4ba4-ba50-be28c80f72df/51+amazing+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - thick areas of flowering bushes Just look at that variety! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf4a892f-440f-4c61-ab47-7854c7951fe9/53+pink+enamel+orchid.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - Pink Enamel Orchid A new orchid, the Pink Enamel (Elythranthera emarginata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ed8c9862-bb06-4b08-9e73-6e050b890ca8/60+enamel+orchids.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - Purple Enamel Orchids It’s larger and with a different labellum to that of the Purple Enamel orchid here. You’d think the colour would be diagnostic, but purple enamel orchids are often pink too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/301dfd27-f1b0-423b-821a-6fbdcd69c2a8/59+caladenia+ensata.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - Spider Orchid Another orchid new to me, the Stumpy Spider (Caladenia ensata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9785f88-4d15-4778-a218-0c566feb427c/58+rain+on+the+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - hiking in the rain After years of use, our DCF pack covers are no longer waterproof, but it doesn’t matter because we also have liner bags. The Visp pants and jacket are performing well in the steady but light rain. DCF is highly waterproof but not very abrasion resistant, so a pack cover is perhaps not the best application for this material. We’ll see whether we get another one. Some people don’t bother with pack covers and only use liner bags, but a nylon pack can absorb a lot of water, and we’d rather not carry more weight than we need to! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dcbca7ea-33f7-41c2-8a2e-154acd187864/Paracaleana+nigrita.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - flying duck orchids This image shows open and closed Flying Duck Orchids (Paracaleana nigrita). The flowers close at night and also if bumped. When an insect lands on them, they snap closed and the pollinator is trapped inside the ‘belly’, bumbling around and getting covered in pollen. After a while, the flower opens again to release the insect to share its pollen in another flower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b69deca-1eff-4d0b-b115-b4d5fe9a5a18/44+caladenia+karri.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - Karri spider orchid I photograph many of these Karri spiders - they are highly variable, and I’m not yet familiar enough with the species to know whether it’s a different species, or just a different example of the same species. When you compare this flower to the previous ducks, you get an inkling as to why orchid enthusiasts never get bored with the family! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c97cb120-5e14-4298-804f-b2d368249be0/61+stram.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - creek in forest Northcliffe to Gardner Mirror black creeks like this always remind me of southern Australia. In the tropics and overseas where there are fewer eucalypts with tannins, the water is a completely different colour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74b5c454-686a-4887-9823-d73140899312/62+stram.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - fast running stream in forest Rushing rivulets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/139ce27f-d963-45ac-bf70-3c1e732cdaba/62a+jpeg+64+checking+map_.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - checking the map - we’re close Another stop, another check of the map. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1f1581e4-7db8-4688-ba57-1fc443df605a/65+gardner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - Gardner Hut, Bibbulmun Track Here is Gardner Hut, one of the new rammed earth ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/837fe315-59b6-4601-a9e0-a0cd18e087cb/67+gardner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - inside Gardner Hut These huts are well-designed but surprisingly cold. We’re sharing the space with Pat and Helen; they have their tent inner, but we are sleeping in the open. Soon the mosquitoes will become too bad to do this comfortably. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/288c566e-e63f-46a9-874b-9e31cf24b010/66+gardner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - cooking dinner inside Gardner Hut Pat’s rain gear is waterproof and durable, but heavy and breathes poorly. “Waterproof, lightweight, durable: pick two,” is one rainwear truism. Another is, “Waterproof, lightweight, breathable: pick two.” Our Visps are great for this track but there is no way we’d trust them in the Tassie Highlands where you can get snow and below freezing temperatures even in midsummer; unlike northern hemisphere dry snow conditions, ours is wet and hypothermia is much more likely to happen when your gear is drenched. Our goretex jackets are each heavier than our tent, but they are bombproof! On a track like the Bibbulmun, though, lightweight jackets are fine for spring hiking, particularly if you carry a dry set of camp clothes (we always do this, with merino long bottoms and a top). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc19fc10-4b11-47eb-b9c4-b51cb0f9eb05/swimming+hole.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - swimming hole near Gardner Hut There’s a lovely swimming hole at Gardner Hut, but we have been damp most of the day already! It’s worth exploring if you’re here in drier or warmer weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/87062012-6cfa-4269-ac2f-4605e6e53784/68+campsite+gardner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - tent site Gardner Hut Good tent pitches again https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/70ac99f6-7fa9-43c6-9627-79579f1e0377/69+pea+and+ham+soup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 49: Northcliffe to Gardner - dehydrated bean and ham soup And delicious ham and bean soup for dinner. Yum! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-pemberton-to-walpole/gardner-to-lake-maringup monthly 0.5 2022-12-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f70134f-32af-4a55-beb5-8560fc155efa/wading+lead.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out Getting soaked from sky and ground! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/108cb787-f7ee-47a2-a986-17d95f3310e4/Gardner+Overview+Map.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Aerial Map Gardner to Lake Maringup Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 6 - Northcliffe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0eea7e8-a9e4-439e-bea5-bf36786770dd/Gardner+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Elevation gain loss Gardner to Lake Maringup The day’s details: it’s a relatively flat day and 17 km is a perfect distance… but the track is getting wetter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c8669db0-a4b6-498b-9985-46fbd2d2263b/01+jpeg+greenery.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out We begin through dripping greenery. Brushing through this soft vegetation is quite different to that of the spiky scoparia in Tasmania, which would rip our lightweight Visps to shreds! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/58bb5a4b-ca50-43d9-b56b-e26034fcb392/02+jpeg+puddles.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out Aaaand… here it is, our first puddle. We strip off our pants and cross in merino undies and rainpants. We have taken off our boots for this puddle but, long before we get to the tenth or twentieth splosh, realise that this is too time-consuming. We resign ourselves to wet, heavy boots for the next five days. Different hikers have different approaches to water crossings and extended wading (they are two quite different things). Some wear fast-draining, fast-drying sneakers, trail runners or mesh boots, and these are ideal. Others use sandals, aquashoes or camp shoes like the ones we’re carrying but, with so much wading over five consecutive days, they need to fit well if you are to avoid blisters or foot issues. We decided before we began this thru-hike that we’d put up with wet boots for five days if our feet would be dry the remaining 69 and, indeed, our feet have been dry up to now (and continue to be so after this wet section). Other hikers choose mesh/non-goretex for the entire hike but, in the weather we’ve had, this would have meant many days with wet feet for them, with an increased chance of blisters. Had it been a drier season, their approach could be preferable. Alternatively, you could post lightweight runners or hiking sandals to Northcliffe (SOBO) or Walpole (NOBO) and carry your boots for just this section because there are few rough, rocky sections - most is flat sand. When you reach the end of the wading, simply mail the sneakers home. Of course, carrying your boots isn’t ideal because even lightweight ones are about a kilo; this is also why we don’t carry Keen and similarly heavy hiking sandals as camp shoes: yes, you can walk in them too, but they are very heavy to be just carrying (rather than wearing) most of the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b288d862-0119-46ba-96e1-09f65a83292e/04+jpeg+creek.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out It is dank and dreary in the rain, but there are countless hammer orchids, duck orchids and king-in-his-carriage in the open sands. And other wildflowers too, their bright splashes of colour brightening the gloom: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16c5f6ec-2cfb-44c2-abe8-dfcffca9778c/03+boronia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out Pink boronia (Boronia pulchella) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a9b62c38-a8cf-4645-aead-b11f2607a30e/03+olearia+maybe.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out Wedding Bush (Ricinocarpos glauca) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a1640915-5155-413d-92ec-cb4856ca9c15/08+stylidium.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out Stylidium scandens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04bf968a-1bfa-4d5f-89d0-d6fbd0368cb5/06+acacias+and+melaleucas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out There’s the yellow of acacia, Melaleuca and peas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a37d9160-658f-40a0-93cd-75e916d17075/11+rain.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out as well as creamy melaleuca and ti-tree (Leptospermum) throughout the swamp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eb07dfac-379f-45ad-bdb8-0f21063451b2/12+jpeg+puddles.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out Wading, wading, wading! Fortunately, the Visp pants dry very quickly and are comfortable rather than clammy against the skin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76258408-cb9e-4ba9-87a1-8e196319db45/12+patersonia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out Purple flag iris, Patersonia occidentalis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a2e0f07-b871-46bd-9a33-ec839a11bfc3/13+frog.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out The motorbike frog (Littoria moorei) is named for its astonishingly realistic call. There are tens of thousands of tadpoles in all the puddles we cross. No wonder this is snake heaven! In fact, we later hear that our friend Helen steps on a snake as it’s eating a frog in the middle of the track. After a bit of a dance, Helen went one way, the frog another, and the snake a third! She was wearing gaiters, so there was no concern about bites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15643726-83bc-4d32-856f-f3cebed12982/14+pimelia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out Pimelea rosea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3e08126-1bfa-441b-8402-953d777738f7/15+flower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out Thomasia paniculata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca8d2fa2-a448-46c1-a0b4-734d6e5f27d2/16+wilflowers+along+the+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out And past more lovely flowers to the hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/abaf5548-ebdf-415f-a853-c38f8a2e0ebb/17+bed.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out We change into dry clothes and make hot soup. Because it’s been so wet (well, actually, because the rain prevented flower photography!) we have arrived early, about 1:30 pm, so can eat lunch in comfort. Eating meals in the rain isn’t much fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d5f67da8-ec75-4d0d-96e3-7a96d6e7e554/maringup+hut+pic+2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out Maringup Hut draped with drying clothes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/68f0a195-28f4-42f4-a629-c8023c9bf4ca/19+lake+maringup.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out Towards the end of the day, the sky clears somewhat. You can swim in Lake Maringup, right by the hut, but we have had enough water! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef882a7c-276c-4811-9bce-98dd5b46d51c/campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out Campsites close to shore (apologies for photo quality of the last three, I forgot to change the ISO!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b55cfddf-a7e5-4ac3-8f14-960174445093/21+dinnewr.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 50: Gardner to Lake Maringup - Make it stand out And finally a delicious dinner of chilli beans and corn chips. Dehydrated food can become a bit boring texturally, so the corn chips are yum! Not only that, but our Inreach Mini is forecasting less rain tomorrow. What more could we ask? https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-pemberton-to-walpole/lake-maringup-to-dog-pool monthly 0.5 2022-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0de4b3ba-dba2-41eb-9e2e-8a2ff03f4089/wading+lead.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - flooded Bibbulmun Track Lake Maringup Today is - you guessed it! - more wading! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a241b57-8738-496c-b05f-7238aba0699b/Lake+Maringup+Overview+Map.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Lake Maringup to Dog Pool Aerial Overview Map Overview Map.Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 6 - Northcliffe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d32c957c-63b9-48d8-8e9f-3e04dd25e3b9/Lake+Maringup+Detail.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Elevation Gain Loss for Maringup to Dog Pool Elevation and distance details for the day. At 25.7 km, this is the Bibbulmun’s longest day. However, the climbs are short and relatively gentle; if you’re an end-to-ender, you will have built up a degree of stamina by now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8af0ea72-65f1-4d7b-9fb5-f8ef1a2e5323/01+jpeg+01+the+track_.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Bibbulmun Track Lake Maringup flooded and covered by fallen trees Nevertheless, after the recent storms, the track is a little daunting. Yes, that is it right there, straight ahead over those logs! Because the track is completely obscured, we spend a few minutes casting about for it. In the end, we are guided not by what’s on the ground, but by open areas in the scrub above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ea012e4-abda-4965-a3f5-4b2781e76c99/02+more+wading.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - wadign through pools of water Lake Maringup to Dog Pool Overall, the track surface is not soft mud but firm sand, sometimes covered in a thin layer of black ooze. However, most of it isn’t slippery and it’s surprisingly easy hiking. What is tiring is the deadfall - you can see it behind Geoff - and the clambering and ducking and weaving that prevents any kind of ground-eating rhythm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a547f6b-3587-493c-9b81-8f1b0cca3d2e/03+lots+of+deadfall.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Lake Maringup to Dog Pool track inundated and obscured by fallen timber The wading is kind of fun in this warm weather, but I’m beginning to loathe the deadfall. It’s easier with two, as you can hold the branches aside for each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dd5a6030-d01a-488d-ba2b-9a2823ad6941/04+wading+the+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Lake Maringup to Dog Pool inundated track You might initially think you’ll be able to avoid the puddles by detouring around them but very quickly it becomes apparent that it’s just not worth it, not least because you’ll be damaging surrounding vegetation and you’re often hiking through a shallow lake rather than a creek. Very soon you’ll be happily splashing straight through them. In many of these areas, the track is more puddle than dirt so it is what it is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/585b2dfb-fc25-4645-8b13-6d01e25c18e6/05+puddles+and+sunshine.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - colourful section of track Lake Maringup to Dog Pool The sun breaks through the clouds and lifts our spirits still further. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/130f73b8-435a-49ad-a1ec-85493cafb144/09+boronia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Boronia stricta flowers Boronia stricta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9c8674e-54fc-45d4-9a2b-4719ec4791e3/06+more+deadflall.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - fallen trees across track The track. It’s flat but oh my, that deadfall! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3cb18efa-4eb1-48be-b6d8-35ed2ced0528/07+wading.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - very long section of inundated track For a bit of fun, we decide to count the puddles: 38 deep ones (above boot level) and 18 shallower ones is our tally for the day! Goretex boots are a pain in this kind of wading because they fill up with water and become leaden buckets at the ends of your legs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cfd72d2c-e438-440f-bd01-c88dd51a8de6/wading+lead.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - more sections of inundated track I’m not sure what number this one is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/393be60c-dbc3-40ed-9e7b-ca918fd4a315/12+wading.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - hiker in bright sunlight walking through pool of water near Dog Pool Campsite Or this one, but at least the sun is out again! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cbde7e7f-da2b-460c-b24a-7239a3d5c657/13+dry+ground.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - dry section of track with white spoils Lake Maringup to Dog Pool Dry ground! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2fdee1b2-d035-41a2-8ef9-d137e367e603/14+welcome+duckboard.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - small length of duck board as we near Dog Pool Campsite Duckboard strategically placed over one of the smallest, shortest puddles of the day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2efae554-557d-4f52-9777-ba20956b41ca/15+dugite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Dugite snake Lake Maringup to Dog Pool We’ve heard quite a few snakes in the last couple days: it’s an all-you-can-eat McFrogs for them here. This is a dugite (Pseudonaja affinis) in the process of shedding (you can tell by the opacity of the eye). Dugites are lethally venomous but they aren’t aggressive so you can generally skirt around them; they’ll either stay put or, more commonly, flee into the bushes. Unless you step on one while it’s eating a frog, as our friend Helen did yesterday, of course. This one is probably feeling a bit ordinary, as would anyone taking off their entire skin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3dfb004c-62ce-4060-a16b-9271d38c5c1b/16+stepping+logs.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - timber rounds as stepping stones Stepping logs! Luuuuxxxuuury! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/151571e5-971c-4254-8aee-211835303992/17+stylidium.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Stylidium Plenty of different Stylidiums, here S. androsaceum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7cd8a2db-c6ca-41a4-8fcf-8257fde97088/19+swamp+flower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Scaevola filifolia Cheerful bright white Scaevola filifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9e8705fd-f084-4c9c-8798-97f3f607dd7e/18+beautiful+swamps.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - view over dense swamp vegetation Some people detour to avoid the plains and swamps but they are a unique part of the Bibbulmun story, whose different chapters are what make this hike so much fun. And the wide swampland feels more remote and wild than many other parts of the track. We both think it’s beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/05a0a170-725d-45d7-a19f-ca1d9e5e07e0/21+beautiful+country.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - walking along vehicle access track nearing Dog Pool campsite Nearing Dog Pool Hut at last. Orchid enthusiasts should keep their eyes peeled on the verges of white sandy tracks like these, for they are often scattered generously with the tiny duck and hammer orchids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eff1b60e-7e3a-40d3-a97e-8bee0eddf814/22+prostranthera.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - unusual plant next to track An unusual Prostranthera. Or Eremophila. It was the only one I saw on the entire track, so it’s uncommon, I think. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8a24cddb-2b07-451e-a08a-47ea2694e36b/28+microtis+an+flies.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Green microtis orchid Microtis media https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b4d13a4b-54cb-48fc-887e-4135f445b575/24+dog+pool.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Dog Pool Hut, Bibbulmun Track Dog Pool is beautifully situated right by cascades on the river, and it’s one of the new rammed earth huts. Boots are leaned up against the wall in a futile attempt to dry them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a554675b-fcfb-4823-be1a-108e4856fe2e/25+dog+pool.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - inside Dog Pool hut It’s delightful sharing the hut with Helen and Pat. They use the classic modular Trangia for cooking, a tried and true alcohol system that has been famous for its reliability and indestructibility for almost a century. The aluminium is tough, and our caldera cone system is a modern, lightweight titanium riff on the Trangia. If you’re a classicist, want utter reliability, are hiking with kids or are rough with your gear, the Trangia is bombproof and stable, unlike tippy jetboils and most gas systems. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20821d3f-84ed-45e1-b62b-2a1a339f93dd/23+dog+pool.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Dogpool Dogpool, raging after the recent rains. In lower flows it would be fun to swim in, like a natural spa, but it looks very dangerous now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d633e84e-e161-4502-aca4-2b85264d0c70/26+campsites+dogpool.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Dog Pool tent siet with tent erected We never get tired of these fantastic tent pitches! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/155ac883-3f57-4616-bc0e-094433ef124e/27+loo+dogpool.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Rammed earth building for toilet Even the loo is picturesque! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a3eebe1d-e374-4bdb-b9ef-c79986fff9ce/29+pat+lighting+fire.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 51: Lake Maringup to Dog Pool - Fire pit at Dog Pool Campsite Pat manages to get the fire going even though the drizzle comes and goes. Today has been Type 1-2 Fun, and I can already see that it’s going to be a banner memory of a unique experience that will banish the Type 2 parts. Thank you, Bibbulmun Track! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-pemberton-to-walpole/dog-pool-to-mt-chance monthly 0.5 2022-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20b1d48e-e2b7-4a62-8efd-f3cd8df49e93/22+swamp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - Pingerup Plains Onto the amazing Pingerup Plains https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/47623abe-f0a4-4505-8875-5cf9232e635a/Dog+Pool+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - Dog Pool to Mt Chance overview map. Overview map for today. Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 6 - Northcliffe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef70b064-8617-4931-ab8a-c44051b93226/Dog+Pool.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - Elevation gain and loss Dog Pool to Mt Chance The elevation gain and loss details for today: nearly 20 kilometres but with little climbing, some road walking followed by the Pingerup Plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf4a0a12-57d7-4295-bcb3-4defe43e9aa8/01+setting+out.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - white vehicular track out of Dog Pool campsite Yes, there’s road walking, but they are delightful sandy tracks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ac1337fd-78e9-4797-a976-f68b51e1bc8f/06+flying+duck+orchids.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - flock of flying duck orchids The track verge is rich in tiny orchids. You can see just how small and difficult to spot these Flying Duck Orchids are. Most people walk straight past them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/37c42b15-4a85-4b56-8d4c-d178f22d3e5a/03+warty+hammer.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - Warty Hammer orchid Ditto for Warty Hammers (Drakaea livida) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15df8181-b194-41d3-92c9-dd0743cee174/03a+jpeg+orchids01.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - hikers photographing orchids We show Pat and Helen the orchids. Here we are, photographing them. You can see from my camera position just how low to the ground and small they are! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15f0d515-a314-4f65-8fc0-86665f8020bf/04+beautiful+tracks.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - white track through open forest vegetation near Dog Pool, Bibbulmun Track It is beautiful country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da11a0fb-7649-4adf-bbe8-ee557b02e3cb/06b+flying+ducks.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - double flying duck orchid A rare double-headed Flying duck orchid (Paracaleana nigrita). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/26ae026e-e09e-4abc-900b-6bfadfe82907/4a+beaut+tracksa.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - Dog Pool to Mt Chance track It’s also perfect hiking weather. Geoff and I wear lightweight merino tees which are great in both heat and cold. Unlike cotton, which loses all its insulating ability when wet (hence the bush saying, “Cotton Kills,”), wool retains most of it even when wet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3c406f4-dd07-4916-b825-47838096d651/05+red+ironstone+and+white+sand.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - track soils transitioning form red to white The different soils - white sands and red laterite - support completely different orchid species. As soon as you see white sand, you’ll see more orchids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a61c6bf-0419-45b4-b154-985a18fc04eb/07+mutant+warty+hammer.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - close up of mutant Warty Hammer orchid A mutant Warty Hammer (Drakaea livida) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d17051a-cc16-459f-9ad2-a5fdd7f5f5f6/09+thelymitra+flexuosa.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - pale yellow sun orchid A new sun orchid, Thelymitra flexuosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/26cc24d5-feb4-44ed-80a3-a2af1842ee4a/11+stylidium.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - Stylidium androsacum Stylidium androsacum ssp meridionale https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/38771dab-cd12-4ee1-a5b1-f52d9dbdae40/10+daviesia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - brown and yellow pea flower Davesia sp. The common name for any yellow and brown pea in SA is Bacon and Eggs, and there are myriad of them. So I’ll go with that! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/59bb128e-8b82-4c0b-a009-65a9bfa75d79/12+pea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - Chorizema rhombeum Chorizema rhombeum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/92b34a1a-8df2-4854-a286-fbb3974ca16f/08+break+on+the+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - lunch on the Pingerup plains Here we are at a late lunch stop on the Pingerup Plains. It has been delayed because we were looking for somewhere dry and shady to sit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc9b4a90-8adb-4658-98a7-631dcb798ebd/21+swamp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - Pingerup Plains, Bibbulmun Track The Plains are just so different to everything we’ve seen so far. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4137aa64-a695-4f67-a578-c3c53ea57d42/22+swamp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - Pingerup Plains Bibbulumn Track It’s an absolutely wonderful landscape worth the wet feet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e20a2100-8af9-4b48-bd7a-3681fb766011/23+wading.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - section of inundated track through Pingerup Plains Yes, more puddles! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6cffd012-5a0a-4b0b-8dde-617c0627c2ce/23a+jpeg+wading+13.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - more inundated sectios of track, Pingerup Plains And still more, but not as deep as we’ve experienced in the previous two days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/42bf3294-d8c1-43d2-af2f-7e249b4c1d90/23c+jpeg+15b+wading.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - deep pool of water koee deep this one Oh, wait, I spoke too soon! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3b70a8aa-7c69-4329-8f6e-d6e54653bd3c/24+callistemon.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - red Melaleuca flowers Melaleuca phoenicea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2005c0bc-23c2-4a4b-8126-b17a3790be9b/29+Mt+Chance+Hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - Mt Chance Hut, Bibbulmun Track After a climb out of the plain we arrive at Mt Chance Hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/89f6e9be-468f-4372-8cef-efe4184e2a5d/31+campsite+my+chance.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - Mt Chance Tent site We set up the tent… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/058bc077-9131-48b6-977f-1fe42b2f59e8/30+hut+with+mt+chance+behind.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - Mt Chance from tent site And then climb Mt Chance, the granite dome you can glimpse behind the hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cf0a1e08-c775-4052-9cf8-7fee8d4c365a/27+atop+mt+chance.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - Expansive view across the wild Pingerup Plains The views over the Plain are delightful, and orchid enthusiasts will find many species on the granite, including microtis and sun orchids that are closed by the time we arrive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0875ab3f-d942-4597-a597-10b2b420cddf/28+atop+mt+chance.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 52: Dog Pool to Mt Chance - slower hikers: helen and geoff A rare pic of the two of us. You can see the classic clothing layering system in action: merino baselayer, fleece jacket and a puffy for in camp for extra warmth. Geoff is wearing a fleece beanie, which is as warm as wool but which weighs less. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-pemberton-to-walpole/mt-chance-to-woolbales monthly 0.5 2022-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/afc60dd0-fc5f-4bfc-8b7d-0d89c543962d/17+atop+woolbales.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - View from rocjk outcrop near Woolbales Hut More glorious views, this time over Broke Inlet, from the top of Woolbales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/72106520-1b72-4803-b655-b6e09d736cb5/Mt+Chance+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - Aerial overview map Mt Chace to Woolbales Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 6 - Northcliffe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0673e57b-34bc-419f-8fe1-8d03959f516a/Mt+Chance.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - Elevation gain and loss Dog Pool to Mt Chance The elevation details for the day only tell part of the story! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ee1ed6f2-639e-4214-9443-f43b07dc1229/01+swamp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - Track near Mt Chance on the edge of the swamp From Plain to forest in two paces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06e7c203-e4fe-48f3-a023-450ad40d2736/02+stylidium.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - Trigger plant Trigger plant, possibly S. junceum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/11955837-67b6-41c4-bc26-b920d6b3a45c/04+thelymitra+flexuosa.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - sun orchid Thelymitra flexuosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3255ccbe-4e3e-4995-884e-4ff4a3bbfd13/03+sandy+path.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - track running along edge of swamp - forest interface Skirting the swamp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8695f08-6166-409c-ba1f-c36db92bd54c/05+march+flies.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - March flies March flies (in spring!). These large flies bite and they swarm the moment you stop moving. The bites sting when they happen but fortunately engender no inflammatory or histamine response in most people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b964b897-a191-446e-a5d1-ed41bb249a93/08+swamp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - More swamp areas but this time with small clumps of paper bark trees Tall melaleucas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06e75855-183c-4ad9-82cb-055798f175b7/11+yellow+scrub.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - inundated track section Mt Chance to Woolbales camps There is just so much water in southwest Western Australia; most of us picture the arid centre or northern areas when we think of this state, but the southwest is different. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2e093d1d-e29b-4a51-8744-f50b09d4fffa/sedge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - red Anarthria scabra flowers Female flowers of Anarthria scabra https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e14d450d-dd9e-4d29-9cd6-457f3f0f4dfb/13+flower+and+native+bee.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - Isotropis rotundifolium Isotropis rotundifolium with a native hoverfly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e892fb70-7298-4b56-a528-f9a92dee383c/06+slender+sun.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - purple sun orchid Blue Thelymitra graminea (Shy Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/758b2ff5-b89f-4a3e-8f3d-58d62c49a28e/07+slender+sun.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - sun orchid … and a pink version. We see thirteen different species of orchid in bloom today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/22828eb0-9ec8-4001-8e68-dc63a343e432/12+more+swamp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - more water to traverse near Woolbales Hut And, just when we think we will have no more splashing, there’s one last big puddle before the hut. But who can complain in weather like this? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83099b0c-e800-493b-91f2-8acca99dff5d/18+woolbales+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - Woolbales Hut, Bubbulmun Track Here is Geoff preparing a cuppa before I go set up the tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/53c56a80-371d-403f-8781-b74d1f57f755/20+campsite+woolbales.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - Woolbales tent site How good is that, hey? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e8443dc-3fde-4c16-9e2c-edbfd87b02b6/14+prasophyllum.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - Leek Orchid Step very carefully only on bare rock and avoid all mossy areas if you explore up here. You’ll find many orchids and wildflowers, including Prasophyllum cucullatum (Hooded Leek), https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/88b74a94-8ffd-4c82-a1a2-d8706b2c2638/16+utricularia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - Utricularia multifida, with pink flowers Utricularia multifida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6f68ae47-8482-41c7-8ab7-913591b28fad/17+atop+woolbales.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 53: Mt Chance to Woolbales - amazing view from rock outcrop near Woolbales Campsite And your reward: spectacular views. Again. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-pemberton-to-walpole/woolbales-to-long-point monthly 0.5 2022-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/375c827f-74b4-4cf3-9eb0-cef772ea8b74/lead+story.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - hiker on wide white sandy beach south western Australia You’ll reach the Southern Ocean today! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c9234f0b-e6f6-4d42-9ea4-1be4ce8ac4bb/Woolbales+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - Aerial overview map Woolbales to Long Point Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 7 - Walpole https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e3f4bb3c-9278-4398-b174-069828c52f36/Woolbales.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - Woolbales to Long Point elevation gain and loss Elevation gain and loss information for the day. I find it tough, with a seemingly endless climb towards the hut. Again, however, the rewards are worth the price… and you’ll finally reach Western Australia’s famous southern beaches with their squeaky white sand and crashing waves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3b8795c7-8b3c-48c1-b689-cbc5048d35a5/02+still+more+wading.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - Inundated track near Woolbales campsite Someone had written in the logbook last night that there was no more wading BUT THEY LIED!!! Oh well, you’re nearly at the end and this may be your last day of wet boots! Besides, just look at it: beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/89e37cbd-9c18-4257-8d88-4c55e6b7a379/03+beaut+rock+outcrops.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - granite outcrops amongst the heath You’ll traverse through that fabulous open heath, so rich in wildflowers… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01efa369-7bc0-4e5a-92a1-f49e273431b3/04a+jpeg+01+granite+outrcrop.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - large granite rock outcrop near Woolbales Campsite, Bibbulmun Track And more forest and granite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7329bb5a-6183-4fcf-967a-642552e62c70/05+pink+flowers+on+granite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - unidentified pink flowers Granite monadnocks often have plant species not present in the forest or heathland around them. I’m not sure what this one is, possibly Verticordia. If you can help, please do! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/abd2cf26-cc56-4c88-9abd-d75af41242cb/10+flower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - Bartsia trixago Bartsia trixago looks weedy, but it’s native. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fc963e94-814c-48a0-b61b-e6f585845ba3/12+caladenia+attigens.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - spider orchid Many Forest Mantis spider orchids (Caladenia attifens ssp attigens) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e3d9be4-95d4-4b2e-88a7-cad58f6e4bf2/06+sea+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - first view of the coast Tantalising glimpses of the coastline… but it never seems to get any closer! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/139f5d4a-a617-458a-8e60-48d7dcd45938/07+boardwalk.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - duck board though a wetland Woolbales to Long Point Randomly placed duckboard, but I’m not complaining! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/44477fa5-0aa5-4ec9-995b-16f8a3f627ac/08+bee+swarm+in+the+middle+of+the+path.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - swarm of bees on track If you’re hiking in spring or autumn, you’ll almost certainly have seen quite a few snakes in the last few days (we see two today), but this is probably the most dangerous encounter you can experience on the Bibbulmun. Looks innocuous, but it’s a swarm of bees on the ground in the very centre of the track, and the scrub on either side is dense and almost impenetrable. Can you imagine planting your foot in the middle of them? This little blob on the track requires a twenty minute bush-bash detour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b1c459f7-f1f7-4b62-bfb7-d6675acd6468/09b+colourful+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - many wildflowers either side of track The wildflowers are extraordinary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ba55a4a-74dd-4c5b-8f58-35dcd5967e8f/11+scented+sun.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - numerous sun orchids Woolbales to Long Point Granite sun orchid (Thelymitra ‘Southern Granites’) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8bcef571-59cc-4420-80bb-beac582611b2/15+lobelia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - many different types and colours of flowers Slender lobelia (Lobelia tenuior) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6cb991ce-366a-4d79-96fa-2be4ec246f35/13+dunsborough+donkey.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - Make it stand out A new donkey orchid, the Dunsborough Donkey (Diuris jonesii) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b10ab74a-b83f-48a9-b89f-0b57b8f48062/17+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - sandy track with coastal shrubbery either side The terrain has a distinct coastal ambience now, yet another change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/970d0d5a-39c0-466b-b307-1c4ea255dc2d/18+pimelia+ferruginea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - bright pink flowers we are beginning to see more pink and less yellow colours as we approach the coast Fields of pink Pimelea rosea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3763a5e-f8de-4804-bc9e-2335654d4a12/19+cynicula+gertrudiae.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - cyanicula orchid And another new orchid, Cyanicula gertrudiae. Thank goodness because my legs need more spring in them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/771fa01d-8196-4c53-98c8-071525ae4f4b/20+the+coast+at+last.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - lunch sitting on bench looking over vegetated sand dune at near shores islands What a spot for lunch! We have been able to see the coast on and off for hours now, but are finally almost there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/45ab676e-da54-4430-9350-3d28f8834b5f/21+pink+daisy.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - bright daisy flowers This fabulous bright purple daisy is, sadly, purple groundsel (Senecio elegans), an invasive weed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6038331b-a460-47a9-96b0-127c3898c2c7/22+boronia+rosifolia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - boronia flowers But this is not: a boronia right on the foredunes, B. alata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c96bc466-e3be-432d-8fcb-01d0e387b78f/24+beach+walking.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - walking on beautiful beach At last, we’re on the beach! I generally don’t enjoy beach walking but, as part of a much longer track, it’s such a welcome change and the sand is relatively firm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/14a4c7fa-4fef-4f94-8e1e-de2c6ca21340/25+daisy.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - Senecio sp Back into the dunes. Yellow Senecio sp. growing in bare, deep sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb6c28a9-d777-45ac-a236-0c139c8118d9/26+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - masses of pink flowers Oh my. A short, steep soft sand dune will test your legs but, before that, you get to experience THIS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d31fe219-98b3-4610-8dab-6422f89fad24/27+sea+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - more cliff top views A little breather before descending again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/858aed4f-2c66-46b8-bf4a-b5551c515ccd/28+tobacco+plant.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - Anthocercis littorea, or Yellow Tailflower, near Long Point Campsite, Bibbulmun Track This extraordinary flowering shrub in the Solanaceae (potato family) is Anthocercis littorea, or Yellow Tailflower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9956be02-f699-4b12-b1a1-790a2afe8514/29+sea+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - more coastal views The coastal views are a fabulous change from the forest, farmland and swampland of the past fortnight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18466730-354c-47e8-a6d7-d570e5baeb6f/30+great+seats.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - bench near Long Point Hut And there are these fabulous hiker seats, with a little raised shelf on which to rest your backpack! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7bb7b81b-6906-4ccd-b54d-c5907228ff00/31+long+point+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - Approaching Long Point Hut A final descent to the hut at last! I’m exhausted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1b45acf-3413-45e4-b83e-8c2ea875926d/32+dring+boots.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - time to dry out the boots Boots and insoles drying. Have we finished the wading? I think so! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/62dc414c-05b6-4e96-a6b2-ed599b693c63/33+long+point+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - Long Point Hut The hut is beautifully situated. As with all Bibbulmun huts, it’s also perfectly oriented with its back to the wind. You’d think this would be an obvious design consideration, but anyone who has stayed in many Australian huts will realise it is less common than you might imagine. Non-hiker Designers will often orient them to take advantage of a view, thereby also ensuring rain and wind blow straight inside to drench sleeping platforms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5e1ab78-99af-41d6-a9cd-4fec2ade51ce/34+campsite+long+point.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 54: Woolbales to Long Point - Long Point tent site But we camp on one of the tent pitches instead. The ones around Long Point are amongst the smallest and most sloping options out of all the pitches we’ve seen thus far; larger tents like the XMid 2p would probably need to be pitched on the track into the hut. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-pemberton-to-walpole/long-point-to-mt-clare monthly 0.5 2022-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b3cc64ca-3abb-42df-859a-3acdfdb341b7/08+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - expansive view across lowland from ridge mixture of pink flowers and green/grey vegetation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f7bb079-0327-426e-806a-46b983b056d6/Long+Point+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - Aerial overview map Long Point to Mt Clare Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 7 - Walpole https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f5af5e3-42a0-4003-be5a-4bdc59a2cce2/Long+Point.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - Elevation gain and loss Long Point to Mt Clare The standard day from Long Point to Mt Clare is still a good day’s walk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c0497bf-d5a6-4641-8dd9-d781a2555d45/01+rainy+start.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - track out from Long Point Campsite We all hesitate to head out in the bucketing rain but there’s nothing for it: we have to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0d770686-8df6-4a44-b260-ca9f209796fe/02+little+laughing+leek.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - leek orchid And, like a tiny sparkly gift in the drizzle, a new orchid, not in peak condition, but thrilling: the Little Laughing Leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a6926b07-7e48-414e-a48e-72d0f9f0ed37/03+wwet+walking.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - wet weather hiking It rains and rains and rains... I wonder what (who) the orchid was laughing at! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/96cee88f-6e44-47f0-9053-a57c2386d8c5/04b+wildflower+gardens.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - numerous flowers … but oh my, even in the grey, the flowers pop with colour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02b6150b-bec8-4994-bbc0-aa85039d9b97/05+flower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - Pineapple Bush Dasypogon bromeliifolius (Pineapple Bush) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06181911-0f7c-46ff-a8b5-4969ffab7338/06+wading+in+rain.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - more wading through pools Unbelievably, we encounter more wading. Oh well, our boots have not yet had a chance to dry… but oooh, the water is cold! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/348825a1-dbab-40c4-b864-4ec80420e6f5/07+forest+path.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - leafy forest tracks We’re ducking into and out of forest, and into and out of rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d6fc7c1e-ad06-4393-9b32-40fd378dcc4d/08+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - expansive but wet views When the skies clear, the views open up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d39530c4-eb79-4f70-8fdd-fa49b9ab3e11/09+sea+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - meandering track through low shrubs Looking back the way we’ve come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d663c9fc-1a01-4e3b-a300-5e88e0777769/12+raining.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - numerous rain squalls More rain comes and goes in sweeping squalls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0aa7fd07-740b-4e1c-aee8-d942b27317ad/13+mauve+stylidium.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - Triggerplant The Lovely Triggerplant (Stylidium amoenum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/38a11a5f-3d12-491a-a61d-22eda68662e8/14+spider+orchid.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - spider orchid This is another karri spider (Caladenia brownii) but it is huge, almost twice the size of any I’ve seen thus far. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65be9d6f-0246-4a51-9cc2-40d3a7d14ba1/13+tall+kangaroo+paws.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - kangaroo paw plants Walking amongst the kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos flavidus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad0f1827-c187-475c-b0db-ea6d89057a62/15+drakaea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - thin lipped hammer orchid Many orchids right through this section, including Drakaea thynniphila https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/22254a8b-4516-424f-9990-fd83ed7d41ce/16+king+in+his+carriage.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - King in his Carriage orchid … and King in his Carriage (Drakaea glyptodon). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c54361b-c66a-4db3-9b76-429795fa8872/18+wooded+path.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - leafy forest track Beautiful paths winding through the forest… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bb694469-27c5-47a4-b8db-7f29cf860d7a/19+mossy+path.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - mossy logs next to track in forest … with bright lime-green moss. It’s delightful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/57929d85-5410-4427-945b-42915649eafd/19a+jpeg+20+signage.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - interpretative signage on track We are still heading inland. The sign above describes the different vegetation types we will soon see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/745f9622-6630-4526-bfd2-419357b69493/19b+jpeg+10+swing+bridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - wire rope swing bridge Crossing the river… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e915c145-47c0-48f6-804f-b939ab6e238c/19c+jpeg+11+fallen+tree.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - climbing to Mt Clare …followed by a knee-buckling climb up to Mt Clare. There are few photos because it’s just so wet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31c0c598-67c8-48ac-873e-805d94f2d4ca/21+mt+clare+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - Mt Clare Hut We arrive at Mt Clare and, although there are still rain showers, the hut is not inviting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/70698a24-8811-473f-a927-303a9b251e2d/22+mt+clare+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Day 55: Long Point to Mt Clare - Mt Clare tent site Again, the campsites would be terrific in clear weather, but everything is dripping. We continue onwards! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-pemberton-to-walpole/mt-clare-to-walpole monthly 0.5 2022-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4384aa06-6d58-45d5-b9c9-747ba5000daf/01+tingle+tree.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - Tingle Tree near Mt Clare The first Red Tingle Trees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/59f6118a-99f4-474a-b9c0-61152324a718/Mt+Clare+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - Overview map Mt Clare to Walpole Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 7 - Walpole https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3559a0ac-a1f2-40d1-b2b0-d70dd941d7e3/Mt+Clare.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - Elevation gain and loss Mt Clare to Walpole A mostly downhill trek into Walpole for some well earned R&R… not to mention eating! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8a0b8051-f535-49b3-978f-fb2bc871b06e/02a+jpeg+17+red+tingle.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - hiker inside tingle tree These Red Tingle trees (Eucalyptus jacksonii) are extraordinary: they are not particularly tall, but they are shallow rooted and have developed a wide base and buttressing to maintain their stability. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/192e83c3-d294-4f2b-aa9c-0254ca0377f7/03+prasophyllum.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - Prasophyllum regium In a nearby burned area, we see black forms of King Leek (Prasophyllum regium) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9915136e-9fc3-438f-ba6f-765b747a6ff7/04+prasophyllum.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - Prasophyllum regium with green flowers and green forms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5f07275c-2ce9-4d0a-96ae-5d322a785277/05bview.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - Nornalup Inlet through the forest First glimpses of Walpole; here, Nornalup Inlet, all of which (and its surrounds) is Marine Reserve and National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0ef8a7e3-e510-4099-84dd-15bec265088f/06+sandy+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - narrow track through thick vegetation Down, down, down and onto the flat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/39f6e17d-7e80-4399-a137-b16faadd141a/07+wet+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - nearing Walpole, Bibbulmun Track It’s raining again, but we are nearly there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02bae3bc-7e39-452a-a258-57b20b11f088/08+closer+to+the+sea+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - Walpole Inlet The sun has come out and views make those last steps easier. Pub Food here we come! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75094c37-a94e-4a10-98b2-e960e2546f82/11+giant+block+of+chocolate.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - happy hiker Did you know that chocolate blocks come in these sizes? No, neither did I, and I’m sure it’s no coincidence they can be found in a thru-hiker town supermarket! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/893f59ee-3665-4bd2-bf12-c541004cfb32/10+lollies.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - stocking up on sweets Today is all about resupply, and we have our priorities: 1: Chocolate 2. Pub Food (Hunks of MEAT). 3. Chocolate. 4. Lollies. 5. Chocolate. In fact, both Geoff and I have lost weight (around 8 kg each) even while cramming in as much food as possible. Most people lose a lot of weight on a thru-hike, many of them a lot more than we have (often up to 20 kg). Don’t think that as a leisurely hiker you won’t lose weight. If you are aiming to lose weight, a thru-hike is an excellent way to do so and it will happen no matter how much you eat. More importantly, you will be much healthier on the inside: cholesterol will be down, and cardiovascular fitness up. Of course you shouldn’t exist entirely on chocolate and lollies, but high calorie treats while hiking where the energy is used up immediately won’t cause the same problems as consuming them in a more sedentary lifestyle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f31fe4c-1330-4b27-980c-1b5ab79202f2/09+scratch+lunch+with+few+ingredients.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - scrambled eggs, toast and spinach perfect rest day breakfast A scratch brekky in the motel room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0922e36-d5d5-4e0d-8920-3b8f1e90d83c/12+boat+trip.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - Gazza Muir The next day, it’s time for the famous tour of Nornalup Inlet, run by polymath guide Gazza Muir, whose family settled here with the first European colonists. The tour is exceptional, with a potted geographical, botanical, environmental and European cultural history of the region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/649f03e6-9d03-4ea5-a806-698011f9978c/13+new+views+near+walpole.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - Inlet at Walpole You’ll see unique and beautiful areas of the inlet, hear about its history and how an early environmentalist held sway to preserve it against grazing and developmental pressures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71001357-0248-4f05-9029-7a73ad1afcef/14+more+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - coastal heath at Walpole It’s stunning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/220537f5-278b-4478-a8c0-408bd8e7976e/15+instruction.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - gazza muir drawing in the sand A potted geography lesson in the sand detailing the separation of Gondwana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/511d948d-f27e-4b77-b355-4da912321dab/17+planning.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - recalculating and checking distances compete with comparisons from early sections of the hike As always, Geoff rejigs our itinerary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/61cc9001-b80c-4c7d-a25a-3a42eaa4c255/18+walk.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - sign to the three poles After double-hutting, we have an extra day in Walpole so what better to do than another walk? We cover some of the Bibbulmun straight out of town, past Coalmine Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f38d893b-188f-41c2-898d-2e676c9ece1d/20+beautiful+paths.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - Bibbulmun Track at Coleman Beach The track along the coast is a complete delight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f7a9e2bf-d68b-4322-9ddd-f31e5d1e0e05/19+knoll+drive+walk.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - track map of local day hike Knoll Drive loop is famous for its vegetation and orchids, though it’s getting a little late for many of the latter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0fbfccd2-f001-47e8-b40b-f52abe7c90aa/21+pea+fl%3Bower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - Mirbelia dilatata Mirbelia dilatata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36056537-e4ef-43d1-b0fd-3bdeb9e28710/22+pea+flower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - orange pea flower Gastrolobium bilobum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a70e039-f2a1-4a90-95f9-9207ebe1e84a/23+spider.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - spider orchid Another Karri Spider (Caladenia karri) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cfe9d08c-67e8-4006-8b79-1f25151200da/24+pretostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Pemberton to Walpole - Days 55 to 58: Mt Clare to Walpole and Rest Days in Walpole - green hooded orchid And Pterostylis turfosa https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-walpole-to-denmark daily 0.75 2025-11-01 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-walpole-to-denmark/days-58-to-59-walpole-to-frankland-river monthly 0.5 2023-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1688c3ff-84e9-4d5e-9804-e28b4acb1f5a/03b+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - Seat with a view Today comprises forests, views, rivers and treetops; here, Hilltop Lookout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3b2061db-e8e3-402b-91a3-8dd395f8785f/Walpole+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - Overview map Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 7: Walpole https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b163b1a3-0c9a-4f85-aacc-ba223721fc68/Walpole+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - Elevation Graph Today has an elevation gain of 400 metres over 18.4 km. The first 4.8 km is very flat and made a nice return walk into Walpole yesterday after being dropped off at the South Coast Highway track crossing point. The section from Walpole to Denmark is many hikers’ favourite. It really has everything: sandy beaches, rocky headlands and rockpools, high cliffs, towering karri, massive tingle trees, coastal heath ablaze with colour, a treetop walk amongst the forest canopy and even fun estuary crossings on foot and by canoe. The scenery changes hourly, with fabulous views every day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb52a62e-c52e-4a2b-b838-1664ee6a38da/00001+outside+walpole.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - tunnel of green just out of Walpole The track is initially flat around the inlet; we hiked this bit yesterday on our second ‘rest’ day (see here for more) but thought we’d share some images here to give you the flavour of the conventional day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f1d4f4f-a8ad-4973-af8a-8d13642736bb/0001+outside+walpole.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - grassy shoreline at Walpole Glimpses across the water as you leave town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab2348c4-ad1a-48c9-8487-469c1c6af893/001+swamp.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - Timber Bridge, Bibbulum Track Walpole This part of the track comprises a section of a day walk loop, and is more manicured than much of the track. You’ll likely set a good pace! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/591423f7-0e7b-4044-a3ea-3eb198299639/01+leaving+Walpole.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - Jarrah forest Walpole Very quickly you’ll enter forest: jarrah at first… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3b9eed9b-52a1-4b82-bf71-4f86f179c911/04b+karri.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - Karri forest near Walpole … before a long steady climb to higher elevations and into the karri. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4b7d1d18-9c4e-4922-948c-c0bae8cb2786/03+Views+over+Walpole.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - coastal views from range near Walpole On top of the range you have marvellous views back towards the coast from Hilltop Lookout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9e431c4a-cbef-4ece-b868-9a16d54096a0/04+Lovely+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - track through forest near Walpole Now that you’ve climbed to the top of the range, the land is undulating - there’s little more gain today. The dense shrub understorey means that you’ll see fewer flowers than in more open country, but you’ll pass through sunlit glades and of course the trees are awe-inspiring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6ce98847-f5e1-4aec-8f96-4d2f27d9fa85/05+Huge+fallen+trees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - tingle tree stump, Walpole Just look at the size of the bole of that fallen tingle tree! It’s enormous! Every time we think we’ve seen what must surely be the biggest tree, a larger one appears. Astonishing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5df60fa3-58b6-4fc3-8564-4192480e383f/06+Huge+standing+trees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - Tingle Tree, Bibbulmun Track Apologies for the image quality, but you’ll get an idea of the Tingle tree’s size. Tingles were once much more widespread, but they now exist only in a tiny 6,000ha area around Walpole. They survived here because of the stabilising climatic influence of the Southern Ocean, ensuring an annual rainfall of about 1200mm (48 inches) that has, alas, already declined by 20% since the 1970s, and forecast to decline even further due to human-induced climate change. The prognosis is grim for these trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52252105-f690-40f1-b428-cd37297e22d4/1631496888686_GRM3F7M7N.1-0.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - combi van parked inside hollow of tingle tree In the past, it was a thing to drive your horse and cart/truck/van or car through one of the largest of the tingle trees. This practice eventually stopped because, even though the trees are enormous, they are shallow-rooted rainforest species and compaction was killing specimens hundreds of year old. Even foot compaction kills these trees, and platforms have been erected around the most visited ones to prevent further damage. Image Credit: State Library of Western Australia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90a261b1-3408-4467-ae18-0d3e25d82e70/08+more+lovely+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - Tingle tree forest The forest continues to delight. We keep stopping to marvel at individual trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e303c3f9-323f-430a-9aa9-105236bb346f/09Lots+of+deadfall.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - fallen timber through Tingle Tree forest Because of a particularly stormy season, there is a huge amount of deadfall that has not yet been cleared by DPaW and volunteers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef8c580f-a82e-49b0-9262-15d5da8405df/13b+frankland+river.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - Frankland River After a long, steady descent and two road crossings, we reach the dark waters of the Frankland River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9c5104f2-dc5b-444d-956a-57c717a5ffe5/13++Frankland+River+near+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - Franklin River swimming spot You’ll find many spots for a swim here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d5bdf47b-74a3-48ae-854c-be858cba0a02/10-b+frankland+river.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - rapids along Frankland River Plus rock slabs on which to sit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e5200dc-8a5d-4dec-a0d8-57a11219b892/12+Frankland+Hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - Frankland River Hut, Bibbulmun Track The hut is beautifully situated right on the river bank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/60aa74c5-c944-4611-800a-aaa29a2a3e06/11+Frankland+Hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - room with a view, Frankland River Hut Pat and Helen on the verandah. Pat is reading the visitor logbook and it’s something we all do because it’s fun seeing others’ perceptions of the day. It’s also nice to see how our faster friends are travelling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1f99a33-c4d3-4f93-aa68-c62d9aa91d25/14+Frankland+Campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - tent site at Frankland River Hut, Bibbulmun Track A lovely spot to pitch the tent. Again. Knowing there is water, a hut or campsite plus a covered area for cooking in inclement weather makes a huge difference because you simply don’t need to worry about them during the day. And tonight, there is the sound of the river to soothe you to sleep! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/340033df-a0dd-415e-bd0d-8af0fc53540f/100+dinner+best+frankland.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - Frankland River Hut But first, dinner! When we prepare meals, we rehydrate by pouring boiling water into the vac seal bag, and popping it into a cosy for 25 minutes (YMMV, but shorter times are not conducive to a happy experience in our tent later!). When it’s ready, we decant half into the pot that was used to boil the water. Geoff pops the bag into a plastic screw-top container that we use to soak porridge, and eats straight out of the bag. It’s a good system for two people because you don’t need to carry plates or bowls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bab44e18-d9ff-4902-8a98-9f04ee23cd8c/dinner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 58 to 59: Walpole to Frankland River - Dehydrated Carrot, Coconut and Lentil Curry This Carrot, coconut and lentil curry is one of our lightest meals, but very filling. A splash of olive oil from a little 200ml bottle adds calories and mouthfeel. It’s a yummy end to a spectacular day. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-walpole-to-denmark/frankland-river-to-giants-campsite monthly 0.5 2023-02-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e01606d8-ea88-48df-91a6-72a15c79bcd7/giant+trees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 60: Frankland River to Giants - Giant Tingle trees More of those amazing Tingle trees today! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/969b380e-da1d-48ed-9347-6f255b4b2baa/Frankland+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 60: Frankland River to Giants - Overview Map. Overview Map. Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 7: Walpole https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00fda265-bc73-4f52-91b9-1e390b9b30ce/Frankland+River+Details+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 60: Frankland River to Giants - Frankland to Giants Elevation profile A long general trend upwards but with many ups and downs that make the day a challenging one https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41d435c2-677d-4d6d-bb2c-e25cd3ee0de5/001.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 60: Frankland River to Giants - Forest between Frankland River to Giants Although the nights remain cool, temperatures are warming earlier in the day. The pink cloth draped on my pack is a travel towel. We use a similar but much smaller microfibre cloth to dry the inside of our single wall DCF Triplex in the morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5edfaf4a-d951-4481-9a91-cae5990ee468/01+boronia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 60: Frankland River to Giants - Pink Boronia flowers Western Australia has numerous boronia species, here B. gracilipes. Many have beautifully scented foliage as well as flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/292e38b6-42d1-4593-a90e-30954e4a2b51/jpeg+01+after+frankland.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 60: Frankland River to Giants - Franklin River, Bibbulmun Track You leave the Frankland River to continue heading east. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3377a5c5-3a3d-4143-91d3-d78b46d9723b/02+dampiera.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 60: Frankland River to Giants - Karri Dampiera Lovely blue Karri Dampiera (D. hederacea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/956468dd-1329-40d2-b620-e3865551238d/03b+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 60: Frankland River to Giants - Thick Karri forest Once again, the vegetation is quite dense. There will be more wildflowers near the coast tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c83e278d-65e8-4fd1-b421-a9e55362e3c9/03+brainy+short+cut.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 60: Frankland River to Giants - sign to “Brainy Cut Off” Typically quirky Australian road names. Placenames can be equally original, and much older. In Western Australia, you’ll notice that many towns have names ending in ‘-up’. ‘Up’ as a suffix is a Noongar language way of saying ‘place’, or ‘place of’. The first part of the name may be referring to trees, or rocks, water, sea, snakes or gathering… anything, really. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/05eef622-c7d8-4040-8634-5d669b1623b7/jpeg+04+giant+sky+walk.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 60: Frankland River to Giants - Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk But then we reach the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk. A coffee van is parked outside - yay! After cake and drinks, we pay for tickets at the visitor centre - you can leave your pack under the watchful eye of the ticket staff - and head up. If you weren’t comfortable climbing rungs 60 metres vertically up the Gloucester (Karri) Tree in Pemberton, the Treetop Walk is a great alternative. You’ll gradually ascend to 40m above ground level, wire fencing either side and non-slip footing underneath. The tops of the Red Tingle trees (Eucalyptus jacksonii) are still another 30 metres above you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bdadf2de-5420-4151-b2ee-31859559fa3f/skywalk+repairs.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 60: Frankland River to Giants - Maintenance on Treetop Walk Somewhat disconcertingly, climbers and engineers were taking measurements of the poles and wires supporting the walkway. A few weeks afterwards, the Walk was closed for repairs! Just as well we didn’t know this at the time! (It reopened not long afterwards). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab8f2ff1-0c43-4d8b-953f-0492ffcadbe8/07+Giants.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 60: Frankland River to Giants - Giants Hut After the Tree Top Walk, it’s only a short distance to the hut. I stood on a high fallen log to take this picture and, as I was clambering up, my shadow disturbed a large black tiger snake on the other side. It is the second snake we’ve seen today; the first was a dugite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6509205a-51d1-4111-828e-31079882405f/08+Giants+campground.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 60: Frankland River to Giants - Giants campsite tent site Many of the tent pitches are slightly domed, with a shallow gutter on the uphill side to prevent water sheeting under your tent floor. Last century, many of us were taught to ‘trench’ the tent by digging a shallow drain under the edge of the fly, but nowadays this violates LNT principles. Besides, the waterproof, relatively high bucket floors in modern tents are a far cry from floorless ones of old - if you have pitched your tent correctly, you should never need to trench it. We’ve had our Duplex in a running stream and stayed perfectly dry inside. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-walpole-to-denmark/giants-to-rame-head-campsite monthly 0.5 2023-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/370cd373-7090-47bc-a7b6-26b7374d52bc/32+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Coastal view near Rame Head One of the greatest joys of the Bibbulmun is the variety of terrain: on many other tracks, you have to walk for a week to experience what the Bibbulmun offers in 8 hours. And even for the Bibbulmun, today is a highlight with karri, tingle, myrtle, coastal heath, and beaches with terrific views. For orchid and wildflower enthusiasts, it’s a cracker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7097ef3e-9cf0-47d8-913d-fdc65dfdbcb7/Giants+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Aerial overview map Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 7: Walpole https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d4fc9e71-1ee8-4f6b-ae70-4bcda1f4064f/Giants+Details+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Elevation details map A 17.2 kilometre long day with 530 metre elevation gain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca7be47e-5f8e-4335-97c7-659cd969eead/02+different+forest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - mixed tingle and karri forest After starting in tingle and karri forest, we descend into casuarina and myrtle. It’s another perfect hiking day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa2d12d5-badc-45bd-ab81-34b482fd5f0a/01+giant+trees.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Tinble tree Every now and then, we climb a little and back into Tingle territory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f233d3a1-e267-48f4-9bc1-e7ae8cfdf7d3/06+dampiera.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Goodenia eatoniana As the tree canopy thins, the wildflowers increase. Here vivid blue Goodenia eatoniana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c47e231-0383-4c73-9074-2b7cf01113e8/04+inviting+sunny+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - narrow vehicle track Although most of the Bibbulmun is single track, I don’t at all mind small vehicle tracks where we can walk side-by-side. The wildflowers are fabulous! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6639e719-11e5-44d2-851d-774c16e48abd/08+rural+and+sea+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Farmland on way to Rame Head, Bibbulmun Track A kilometre or so along the park boundary with lush farmland to the east as we near the coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/749da692-794b-4405-8be8-644bc9db905b/09+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Hiking bench seat near Rame Head, Bibbulmun Track How I love these hiker seats, with raised rests for backpacks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e039801-1242-406c-a498-523f56e310ef/11+poison+pea.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Gompholobium conferta. Oh my, the wildflowers are marvellous! Gompholobium conferta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c6c2746-06ef-4c8e-9aa4-82f0b54dd511/14+pterostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Pterostylis turfosa Plenty of orchids, such as the Bird Orchid, Pterostylis turfosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d676199-bdf5-4d22-b307-6b433c240aea/13+flower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - small bush with pink flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff0a7440-2612-45cb-bc87-27aa607f47c6/jpeg+03+rest.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - shady spot under tree Time for a little rest! My Trail Legs haven’t really eventuated even though I’m the fittest I’ve been in years. A great joy of thru-hiking is that you can eat as much as you want and you’ll still lose weight, even when you hike as slowly as we do! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5a58e2e5-c2d7-4a2f-9745-77988c418dbd/12+extraordinary+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - wildflowers bibbulmun track Just look at those wildflowers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c870c5c4-c000-49d1-8a26-983330a8735f/22+shy+sun+maybe.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Secented Sun Orchid, Thelymitra macrophylla The Secented Sun Orchid, Thelymitra macrophylla. We’ve had so few warm days on this hike that this is the first time we’ve actually seen dozens and dozens open https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ead6db6c-021a-4ddb-9392-c49f1fcb6bfb/21+zebra+orchid.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Zebra Orchids And plenty of these tiny Zebra Orchids (Caladenia carnsiana). They are incredibly cryptic, their stripes allowing them to blend into the dappled shade where they are growing here under bushes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fc35612a-a88d-47dc-89eb-f98002fe0d62/23+coastal+heath.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Approaching coast Getting ever closer to the sea, through Western Australia’s classic coastal heath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9af2207e-0ec5-417f-9df7-7d36af974c48/24+thelymitra.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Plain Sun Orchid And a new sun orchid, the Plain Sun Orchid (Thelymitra paludosa) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d82904c-3c21-4fda-9e97-33d31717fc3d/31+microtis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Mignonette orchids And plenty of Mignonette orchids (Microtis media) scattered throughout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3b268790-d097-46dc-be77-b173cfa6672d/26+beach.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Conspicuous Beach A corner of Conspicuous Beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d58f122f-7f38-4927-989b-9200bd946d69/27+lunch.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Conspicuous Beach But first, lunch at a nice little lookout. There’s also a covered gazebo nearby, where Pat and Helen are stopping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eed2a059-0883-4dfa-87e0-6c695167a2f8/16+beach.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - sand dunes Conspicuous Beach Down onto the beach, and back up again! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9e0c0f1-2e03-42ac-88d9-ea813d439b4a/30+freshwater+soak.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Freshwater soak behind the foredune. Freshwater soaks and drainage lines collect behind the foredune. These would have been, and still are, invaluable to the Nyoongar People, and no doubt still equally important to wildlife today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36383c7e-009f-4471-a71d-229b12e6fd99/33+snake.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Dugite snake So many snakes! Pretty sure this is a dark-coloured dugite rather than a tiger snake. Dugites eat other snakes! But they aren’t aggressive and won’t attack us unless cornered or trodden on: we are far too big to swallow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2b7d92f3-43bc-4842-bcde-022fab1f3377/35+rame+head.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Rame Head Hut And finally at the stunningly situated Rame Head Hut with Pat and Helen. When you do a thru-hike, you will make firm friends. It’s one of the things we expected least, and value most. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0768158c-c52b-4815-b32e-2bbb168fa304/34+campsite+rame+head.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - Rame Head tent site Our Triplex tent tucked amongst the heath. Have we said just how fantastic these campsites are? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/37788458-99ff-47d6-9a8f-790d9e1e2e06/36+sunset.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 61: Giants to Rame Head - sunset at Rame Head Evening light, Rame Head Hut. This is turning out to be one of our favourite sections of track, and we’re only halfway through! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-walpole-to-denmark/rame-head-to-peaceful-bay monthly 0.5 2023-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eb2ec190-a203-4882-ae5b-5dc900668831/14+strong+winds.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - View back towards Rame Head A wild and windy, squally day with spectacular seascapes against dark skies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0b0b497-2266-4c9f-9268-be216827b7cb/Rame+Head+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - Overview map Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 7: Walpole https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/87dcd777-a8bb-4af0-a5b1-fee339a27660/Rame+Head+Details+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - Rame Head to Peaceful Bay Elevation Profile Map Gale force winds and exposed sections along the coast made this a tougher day than the numbers suggest! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/23daef0f-3ac5-4979-8487-bfc966425368/02+ominous+weather.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - Rainbow Today’s hike is relatively short at just 12km but, with gusts knocking us off the track on the most exposed sections, we found it surprisingly challenging. Already when we head out from the hut, a rainbow indicates the weather to come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df97a521-d955-41b7-9eef-ff6228e1af5b/04+moose+orchid.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - Cryptostylis ovata) Almost immediately I’m thrilled to find a new orchid. The Slipper Orchid (Cryptostylis ovata) is unique in southern Australia in that its leaves are evergreen. I’ve been seeing them almost since Perth. This species doesn’t officially flower till much later but there are always outliers who don’t listen to the rules, and you find them a month early or later than texts suggest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/10209b57-937b-4990-b399-1213212984b5/06+cyanicula+gertrudiae.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - Cyanicula gertrudiae And another one! This time, the pale-lipped China orchid (Cyanicula gertrudiae) is a late specimen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/236da801-74ec-44aa-9562-aa56febca782/05+flowers+in+the+rain.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - pale green Banksia flowers Banksias (B.grandis). Botanists and wildflower enthusiasts will relish this section: I hardly noticed the rain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb3206bc-d455-43e0-a8b9-05169a99e00a/01+trinervis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - bright yellow flowers of Goodenia trinervis Goodenia trinervis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e64b121-01df-43ea-a321-6d59066fba50/07+nearing+beach.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - thick coastal heath with many wildflowers Nearing the beach, with Pat and Helen just ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/171e523c-5980-49b6-8f01-773b7d8cbdbe/08+windy+portrait.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - slower hikers Helen and Geoff Onto the beach! We rarely take selfies because it’s about us in the landscape, not us in the landscape, but here we swap cameras with Pat and Helen for snaps. Usually, my photography is to remember the hike, which is why there are so many of Geoff’s back on the track! It’s also fascinating to see how others record the same hike that you do: others notice completely different things, such as birds or insects, or different views strike them as photogenic. I follow a Swedish vlogger who is a hiker and sound technician - his videos have no music or incessant blather, just the sounds of nature with marvellously atmospheric soundscapes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/700c2b55-94b9-4a31-b0a9-a680d65d53b8/10+inlet+crossing.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - small tidal inlet to cross A small inlet to cross. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a9e75833-cd65-44b1-8410-c4a86fe1fcd0/11+wild+seas+and+sky.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - Bad weather Fabulous skies and wild seas. The Visp rain gear is perfect for showery hikes. The jacket and pants are so breathable that you don’t overheat, and they dry within ten minutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/296686b6-3394-4238-8af6-bd921265810e/11b+wild+seas+and+sky.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - surf crashing against off shore rocks Wow. The advantage of this weather is the views you get! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1c7efe22-b2dc-4102-8166-16ac40038520/12+rocky+beach.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - boulders on beach Boulder hopping a rocky shoreline https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/448964a9-3a27-4086-b297-ff7f791172d1/113+cliffs+and+seas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - Point Irwin Rounding Point Irwin. It is insanely windy, literally gale force winds today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76f27a0f-6216-42a3-b87a-90101a638c10/14+strong+winds.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - view back towards Rame Head Looking west from Point Irwin. We are being buffeted by the gusts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/938be768-796e-42f0-9a68-973a43e10766/15+dodging+the+rain.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - Peaceful Bay Around the Point and now heading north towards Peaceful Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c975fab8-2782-4a3d-ba63-2c9ac77d05ac/16+nearing+peaceful+bay.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - wild sky Fantastic skyscapes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90fead30-ccb3-43da-a64b-5bf25c4e7920/17+freshwater+pools.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - freshwater pools alone rocky coastline Freshwater pools right next to the sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/68644c62-1aaf-4dc7-bf32-1b3bab661eb6/18+rocky+beaches.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - dramatic sea and sky from beach Back onto the beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b4ddc1c-ae9b-4a84-bc55-13283cae708e/20+campsite+peaceful+bay.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - Peaceful Bay campsite And we arrive at Peaceful Bay Campground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31705dcd-2e6a-4d4e-9eea-640942b1aab1/21+free+hikers+shelter.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - disused brick hut at Peaceful Bay The hikers shelter is pretty uninviting and it’s filled with debris while the amenity blocks are being renovated. We much prefer our tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bbdea83d-03d4-48eb-b555-0f16c19659db/19+peaceful+bay+camp+kitchen.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay - Peaceful Bay Camp Kitchen Or I guess you could quietly drop your gear in the corner of the camp kitchen late in the evening. Despite - or perhaps because of! - the weather, today has been grand. We have had HOT SHOWERS and we are all smiling! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-walpole-to-denmark/peaceful-bay-to-boat-harbour-campsite monthly 0.5 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/03359b90-fe64-4004-9781-36e9401e091f/18+dugite.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - dugite snake Today comprises coastal scrub, inland views, a fun paddle across an inlet and plenty of snakes, like this very chilled dugite! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9c6e139a-d7fb-42c3-a344-206ebecf6a78/Peaceful+Bay+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour Overview Map Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 7: Walpole https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6af30f12-fe2b-462c-b569-c2604d3fcd83/Peaceful+Bay+Details+24km.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour elevation map Official route in the solid red line is 23 km; the deviations that we took from this are shown as a dashed red line. The first deviation avoided an inundated section of track as recommended by a south to north hiker we met at Peaceful Bay, and the second (an official Bibbulmun Track alternate route) avoided an exposed section of beach in gale force winds. Overall, our alternate route was longer, 24 km. The elevation profile is for the route we took. Many people rate this as one of the hardest of the entire track; it ranked in Geoff’s top five. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6cac2874-fb2c-48bd-b3a8-87418b957249/02+shack.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Rustic shack in Peaceful Bay We head out of town at sparrowfart. Gale force winds are again forecast for today and there is a 300m estuary crossing in a canoe. We want to reach the estuary very early, before the stronger wind at altitude mixes down to ground level and we recommend that you do the same if strong winds are forecast. A highly experienced paddling guide we meet later tells us that, even with his skill level, he struggled to make it across on a windy day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/96d458f8-6478-48d9-af38-25b95aae4b02/01+weedy+pelargonium.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Pelargonium Lots of this pretty but weedy Pelargonium along the roadsides and inland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e38bdd3-b327-4fbb-b45b-c378f1d8b2fb/03+grassy+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - grassy track out o Peaceful Bay It’s delightful walking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b57e258c-8706-41c9-a22c-319fba2a7d2c/06+prasophyllum.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Fragrant Leek (Prasophyllum odoratissimum) A new orchid, the Fragrant Leek (Prasophyllum odoratissimum)! It’s always worth taking a sniff of unidentified orchids, because scent can be diagnostic in some species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/486e9241-2189-41b8-b5e0-dd9456b140a3/04+glimpse+of+inlet.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Irwin Inlet First glimpses of Irwin Inlet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5a0e4f04-5c59-48c3-b8bd-db332f38328c/07+inlet+mouth.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Irwin Inlet The mouth of Irwin Inlet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ceddbbdf-dd80-45e8-bbac-d971c64d6105/08+inlet+snaking+inland.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Irwin Inlet You cross at that narrow section in the distance, just this side of the spit before the inlet opens out again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/568b4131-03a8-4888-9615-5af98cdff41b/09+unknown+plant.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Lamiaceae Many wildflowers. I haven’t been able to identify this one yet, other than it’s in the mint or Lamiaceae family (the square stems are a giveaway). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fe625d35-facb-4986-a7df-d48329c3801a/10+stylidium.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Stylidium adnatum Stylidium adnatum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f79a6fd1-33c8-4aa8-bc73-6c0eee4ee89d/10a+irwin+inlet.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Boat shed at Irwin Inlet crossing At the boat shed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/92976dab-4806-4989-a399-99f10924c8d4/10b+boat+shed.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - boat life vest and paddles inside shed Paddles, life vests and just one canoe in the shed. We will need to make at least two trips so we can tow back an extra canoe. Some people tow back several at a time but in breezy conditions this won’t work. Fortunately, it’s still calm at the moment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c10cfb5d-01c7-428e-b26d-e08dc1ad6e05/jpeg+01.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - instructions for crossing Irwin Inlet Here is the procedure. If you think conditions will be too bad for you to tow back a canoe, and there is only one in the shed, then you musn’t cross in the first place because you will strand following hikers on that side. We both got into one canoe because our packs are lightweight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/92137931-28bd-4188-94ab-042f5f8a54d1/jpeg+03+crossing.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Crossing Irwin Inlet Look how flat the water still is! Joy! Because paddling in wind is like riding a bike in wind: not much fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6dbe8ed8-9f96-46f6-9f11-774a72aabea5/jpeg+02+crossing.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - happy paddler crossing Irwin Inlet See, it’s fun! Canoes chosen for crossings like this are very stable but therefore not particularly streamlined or fast. We cross and tow back a canoe. Then another one. The wind is just starting to pick up when we tow back a third: we knew Pat, Helen and an inexperienced solo hiker were following. The latter had been apprehensive about the crossing and, this way, she would not need to tow a canoe back. Besides, we were having a great time! Pat and Helen arrive back at the western shore just as we set off inland from the eastern side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2cd88a88-3f4d-4860-9d25-2e2712796671/10d+microtis+alba.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Orchid: White Mignonette A new orchid, the White Mignonette (Microtis alba). This is a fire responsive orchid and it is scattered through a recently burned area, the white flowers stark against the blackened landscape. Orchid enthusiasts need never be disappointed when hiking through areas that depress others, because burns so often create environments that produce flowering specimens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d42467e3-14f7-4779-8450-d617d4a9f680/11+lobelia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Slender Lobelia Due to their asymmetric shape, lobelias (here, the Slender Lobelia, L. tenuior) are often mistaken for orchids, but they lack the distinctive modified petal known as a labellum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20072f04-14cb-4929-8780-f5ac3158cbdd/10c+inland+route.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Quarram Nature Reserve The hinterland of Quarram Nature Reserve looks as if it has been cleared and grazed; we see huge mobs of kangaroos that appreciate open country like this. The populations of red and grey kangaroos throughout Australia are two of few species that have increased since the arrival of European pastoralists and the installation of numerous watering points throughout the country. This detour is not only longer than the beach option but has a lot more elevation gain and loss. Nevertheless, it’s delightful walking and botanists will likely prefer this detour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/742f6d17-f691-47b0-a29c-9ca6c5318743/10f+inland+route.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Quarram Nature Reserve View back west. You can see the wildflowers sprinkled around Geoff’s feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/93a31149-c92c-4585-b9b9-cbe6387393aa/10g+inland+route.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Quarram Nature Reserve A snack break. Every time we stop, we automatically check the map. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1ed72ab5-32c3-42ad-9873-ae485ced7410/12+beach.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Quarram beach Onto little Quarram beach for a short distance before ducking inland again. Sand firmness varies greatly between beaches but these haven’t been too bad. On long stretches, I generally walk in Geoff’s footsteps to be kind to tendon souvenirs from previous hikes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3aec888b-4846-4eb2-aa82-fdb99ed43033/15+snake.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - tiger snake A very sick, sad, skinny tiger snake. It’s still alive but not, I expect, for long. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dcd3d671-690d-4afe-a8eb-6c7a2f1ce770/16+native+rat.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - native rat This native bush rat (Rattus fuscipes) in the middle of the path may well have died from snakebite, with the snake disturbed before being able to eat it. You can distinguish native rats from introduced black rats (R. rattus) by the length of their tails: native rats have tails that are shorter than their bodies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb991a3b-4082-49e2-99d0-9027063a0c5e/jpeg+10h+steps+inland+route.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - steps up sand dune A big climb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a07648be-547d-4d54-93b2-ff88a891650c/17+coastal+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - coastal track nearing Boat Harbour campsite A last push to the point - nearly there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be21d68a-9ee6-42e0-a5d2-c8cfa2010be6/jpeg+11v+easterly+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - viiwe along coast nearign Boat Harbour Boat Harbour Hut will be just the other side of that point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/45514b11-bfff-40b1-9fcd-d3bfc701e8a4/jpeg+13+boat+harbor.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Firts view of Boat Harbour Hut from track There’s the hut, tucked amongst the heath. It looks sheltered, doesn’t it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fb439a15-ea4f-4740-b758-2e2d876db385/20+boat+harbour.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - tent site at Boat Harbour campsite But the campsites are not. This is the windiest pitch we experience on the Bibbulmun. We need to double peg the windward side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16928784-400c-4dbe-8761-2dfeba4c67ed/21+boat+harbour.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - Boat Harbour Hut And you can tell the hut is actually windy by the screened annexe left back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/98192251-5789-4012-88ec-d37c0fad3055/22+boat+harbour.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Day 63: Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour - hiker under fly net in hut, Boat Harbour We meet young Rusty, an 18 year old lad hiking E2E. He is an impressive young man, not least because he is carrying a hardback Tim Winton novel! His bugnet is a twin Sea To Summit one; there’s also an ultralight twin nano version at just 137g. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-walpole-to-denmark/boat-harbour-parry-beach-william-bay monthly 0.5 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86641f1d-1cc1-4ee0-a77e-5a74b86a3155/07+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - wildflowers near Boat Harbour Today’s hike is extraordinary for wildflowers with drifts of colour sweeping across entire dune systems. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d74d98ee-8494-4490-9d77-03e93f7e98e7/Boat+Harbour+and+Parry+Beach++Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Overview Map of Boat Harbour to William Bay with overnight stay in Parry Beach Campsite Use Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 7: Walpole https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d4f03899-01b4-4a8b-8949-7d3dd489879a/Boat+Harbour+Details+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Elevation profile Boat Harbour to Parry Beach The track and elevation profile from Boat Harbour to Parry Beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/427336e7-6bed-4e75-9c45-02770f941f51/Parry+Beach+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - elevation profile from Parry Beach to William Bay The track and elevation profile for the 10.9 kilometres from Parry Beach to William Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e793635a-ce53-440a-9f16-ac1cac3d3af7/02+rocky+headland.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Boat Harbour, Western Australia Sheltered little Boat Harbour Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b843c28-0ddb-4a11-b633-9d7ba9224f21/03+climbing.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Boat Harbour Beach Views back over Boat Harbour Beach from the clifftops. The weather is perfect for hiking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/37f990eb-52f0-4814-9456-baf8d6821fe7/04+views+inland.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - inland lakes near Boat Harbour Views inland are wonderful as well, with freshwater lakes providing critical waterbird habitat. There is a surprising amount of standing water in the southwest of WA and, unlike much of the rest of Australia, a lot of the surrounding native vegetation remains pristine thanks to the native poison peas that killed livestock, precluding grazing. Presumably this area was also too wet for cropping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a33164dc-8f03-40ad-b18d-32c83c2f1b79/05+cliffs.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Coaatal views between Boat Hrabout and Parry Beach Just look at that coastline! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/506eee9a-6403-4b5a-a41f-392411dbc117/06+microtis+densiflora.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Orchid, Mictotis densiflora. A new Mignonette Orchid, Mictotis densiflora. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b71a89fd-4edf-491c-86a1-1264f847cc0d/11+stylidium.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Stylidium adnatum Stylidium adnatum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3baadbcb-59b8-4d33-a941-48923d733c51/08+flowery+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - wildflowers nearing Parry’s Beach Oh. My. God. The pink is Pimelea rosea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c34ef91b-40ad-4b86-9772-a8dfb9ba8670/10+flowery+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - wildflowers near Parry’s Beach Can it get even more amazing? Yes, it can! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/992d6f65-b1d7-42b4-9520-355085091c8b/15+like+a+garden.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - multiple colours of wildflowers near Parry’s Beach It’s like a garden! Pimelea, daisies and yellow Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthus flavidus). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/335b7295-5c20-495f-9a12-0348a55dd30b/13+banksia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Banksia plant Banksia. It’s wonderful to see so many healthy specimens when phyptopthera is killing them throughout Western Auatralia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a3e6971c-8446-48e2-a081-632d08835746/14+extraordinary+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - wildflowers near Parry’s Beach I run out of superlatives. This 11 km section will be very slow for any photographer or botanist hiking in spring. You will use up the whole day, I guarantee it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d29b7c5-e826-4649-9be2-affcf6c87904/16+blue+lily.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Blue Grass Lily, (Argrostocrinum scabrum) Blue Grass Lily, (Argrostocrinum scabrum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/046f12ae-8310-47db-9714-6c6ec7e4f3fc/17+diuris.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Dunsborough Donkey Orchid And the Dunsborough Donkey Orchid, Diuris jonesii https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/88383a2c-8673-4082-bd94-eb1893328e12/20+parrys+beach.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Parry’s Beach campground Office At the volunteer-managed, council-owned Parry’s Beach Campground. The caretaker is very friendly towards Bibbulmun Track hikers, and the shop has excellent sugary snacks - please help keep this unique little place going by purchasing a few things! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0bf291c-03c6-4453-87df-fa613001c6d7/18+parry%27s+beach+inlet.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Parry’s Beach Campsite Nice grassy campsites, close to the… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db719020-306a-4460-b254-9c6e2dfa0fdb/21+parry%27s+beach+inlet.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - three sided shelter, Parry’s Beach … basic but functional covered cooking area. There are hot showers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c9d6435-ec53-4414-b0cc-d37fc0ea098e/19+parrys+beach-2.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - snake sign And snakes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/592f8b38-55af-4d19-96e5-a611a6480eaa/22+parrys+beach.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Parry’s Beach Beach Heading up Parry’s Beach the next morning. We’d shared the cooking area with Pat and Helen the previous night and both of us Helens were apprehensive about the inlet crossing today. We have left early to catch low tide because we have read and heard about this crossing being potentially extremely difficult. I’m so nervous that butterflies are cavorting in my stomach; I’ve slept poorly too. My mind is full of what ifs. Pat and Geoff are reassuring and seem inexplicably (and somewhat annoyingly) unconcerned. A similar thing happened in Iceland when we were confronted by a wade through a fast-flowing stream. Of course Geoff and I managed just fine, linking up in correct form and using poles for extra support, but this inlet could be deeper. Or faster flowing. Or wider. What if we can’t cross? What if all our gear gets drenched? What if one of us is swept out to sea? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/05aba1a3-96bf-49d7-be79-f7a03a94ff20/23+parrys+beach+inlet.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - inlet crossing at Parry’s Beach Here is Geoff crossing that terrifying inlet! We have timed it perfectly, of course, but my goodness, all that unnecessary worry and catastrophising! It is a good lesson and, although some of us will always worry more than others, it is a message that I take to heart. Since then, I’m proud to say that I’m much better at facing similar situations, reminding myself of The (not so) Terrifying Crossing whenever thoughts begin to spiral into ‘What If’ Doom. We discuss practical approaches further in our Staying Motivated on Long Distance Hikes, and this pyschologist hiker has excellent additional techniques to help those who suffer from anxiety or panic attacks while on the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cbad2564-ec49-4640-ac80-6c070dbd7843/28+pat+and+helen.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Parry’s Beach exit point Our friends Pat and Helen having lunch on Mazzoletti Beach with their trusty Trangia cook set; we have a laugh about the crossing. They walk at a similar pace to us, but we don’t hike as a group. Often we leapfrog each other, stopping at different times during the day. We spend different numbers of days in towns so some sections we are in synch, other times not. They are ‘Tramily’, or Trail Family. To the right of them, the Bibbulmun Track climbs steeply up the foredune and ducks inland directly to William Bay hut but, at low tide, there is a longer alternate route around the headland, taking in Green’s Pool and Elephant Rock. The tide is coming in but we have time so decide on this route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16261484-795a-48c2-846a-66e868611d7a/28+rocks.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - granite boulders on Greens Beach The detour is worthwhile, weaving between fabulous granite boulders https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6065cdad-3c0c-4e13-b3fd-6682136fe455/29+rocks+PIN.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - rocks at Greens Pool Geologists will love this section https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06383252-7d8b-491a-a2e7-08639359d936/33+stylidium.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Stylidium Stylidium https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d61929ce-09b9-4538-b2aa-5f753c04ee2f/jpeg+25+elephant+rock+area.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Greens Pool Greens Pool is busy with holidaymakers and children splashing in the sheltered shallows. It’s one of those local secrets, with people returning annually for generations, as the Nyoongar no doubt did for millenia. Several locals stop to share their love of the place when we brew a cuppa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/152ae5a2-5c0a-47bd-99ef-8d6de3eaa993/jpeg+26+elephant+rock+area.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Rocks and coastal vegetation near Greens Pool Photographing flowers. Beautifully shiny black King Skinks (Egernia kingii) sun themselves on the warm rock but duck into crevices as soon as you approach. It’s at times like these I wish I carried a long lens, but I already have 2kg of camera gear! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/46ad6785-c4c7-4538-a784-28185b18c9c4/30+star+flower.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Sticky Tailflower (Anthocercis viscosa) with ant inside Sticky Tailflower (Anthocercis viscosa) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c510a558-4aed-4e80-a801-e4909f396ff4/jpeg+26+last+climb.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Nearing Willima Bay Hut A last steep trudge to the hut. I am hot, tired, and ready to stop. You can also see that I’m not carrying my camera - it’s clipped to Geoff’s shoulder strap - which is why an additional camera lens is unlikely to happen on long hikes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c8073bd-6b95-4f8c-ac17-fd4bcc28000a/36+william+bay.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - William Bay Hut William Bay Hut. The resident dugite slithered across the gravel to let us have the space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c508abb4-d8b9-4592-ae33-8a82b709e979/campsite+william+bay.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - William Bay tent site Fantastic cosy campsites nestled amongst dense shrubs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c12ec35d-dcb4-4165-af44-8f9244eaa54e/31+last+map.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - Last map for the trek We’re on the last map! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8900d21f-77b3-4ee1-8395-8873f9e6737e/36+william+bay+hutsunset.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 64 and 65: Boat Harbour to William Bay via Parry’s Beach Campground - picturesque sunset over William Bay https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-walpole-to-denmark/william-bay-to-denmark monthly 0.5 2023-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/40ce06a4-e5ce-4b8b-83a7-d2e18144767c/10a+stormy+seas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - wild weather and seas on the Bibbulmun Track near Denmark Western Australia Another wonderfully varied day with wild seascapes, swamps and mountain views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a576b07-cacd-43fa-a2ee-76ba91b8062c/Wiiliam+Bay+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - Overview map Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 8: Denmark/Albany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/175fc4f8-32fa-41da-be11-4c35e61a257b/William+Bay+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - Elevation Profile William Bay to Denmark Yay, we’re on the next map! And the Denmark Tavern is beckoning! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ccde4cd5-a1f8-45d5-bf49-2b1162fabdd4/02+coastal+heath.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - Rain squalls on way to Denmark, Western Australia The day dawns grey and cloudy - it’s going to be another wet one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1790db64-fb65-4bde-af7c-16e1c95e9c4b/03+threatening+skies.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - small beach near Denmark, Western Australia Last views of the coastline for a while before we head inland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dbc55c69-27d9-47bc-962e-52f57e43c3e3/04+monadenia.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - Monadenia bracteata A relatively long diversion is in place. Some of it is weedy. Ths orchid, Monadenia bracteata, is an invasive species from South Africa, whose similar climate means many of our worst weeds originate there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/013644a0-7db4-4558-b11d-d34029e3238a/05+calochilus+paludosis.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - Swamp Beard Orchid But this exciting orchid discovery is most certainly not a weed: Calochilus uliginosus, the Swamp Beard Orchid. It’s an apt common name, isn’t it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be772397-3ae2-48ba-8bb4-94e803d285ba/06+anigozanthos.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - Albany Cat’s Paw And a beaut splash of colour in the sandy lowlands, the Albany Cat’s Paw, Anigozanthos preissii https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/12e2df9d-be73-4466-aa5f-c87909008195/07+beaut+plain.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - Track out from William Bay hut Absolutely fantastic country, entirely different to anything we’ve seen before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cfe17c56-bef1-483c-aec5-bc7d37119ff6/08+dam+in+dunes.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - tall shrubs with masses of white flowers It’s incredibly lush and green and the myrtle (Agonis flexuosa) is in full bloom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e22937a-2aa2-417b-9b03-b5d72c2dc34d/09+green+country.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - Bibbulmun Track near William Bay So many contrasts today! And so much fun! The rain truly doesn’t bother us at all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/19125657-5ac9-41b2-b3fe-a21cfe6efea0/10+stormy+seas.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - wild seas and surf, Bibbulmun Track Western Australia Zigging out briefly to the coast near Light’s Beach with more crashing waves and dark skies, before zagging inland again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dbe46a31-dba0-40da-bc24-ca140b9de3e7/starting+my+hallowell.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - ladder over fence below Monky Rocks Over the stile near the foot of Mt Hallowell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8cdf86b2-9a67-457a-8a62-b7cb8ae25e21/15+karri.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - Caladenia brownii. Numerous orchids on the slopes under the karri. Here the Karri spider, Caladenia brownii. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec084376-11ec-4a52-9f03-8a4a96cf1efc/16+karri.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - karri spider The karri spider is hugely variable and also hybridises readily. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell whether it’s just species variation, or whether it’s hybridisation. This one had particularly long sepals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/17ca4060-95c7-47fa-8db6-b44b44020631/14+harri.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - karri spider This one was held stiffly… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7360edc2-c560-4202-b0cf-0d27bc65e0e7/12+karri+spider.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - Karri Spider Orchid … and this one is very pale. But I had better stop taking pictures, or we will never get over the mountain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b4325b03-db92-43e8-87a9-b282890bf533/13+diuris.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - purple pansy orchid, Diuris longifolia. Wait, still time to photograph this beautiful purple pansy orchid, Diuris longifolia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0df601ce-07f5-4603-b2d0-5c8fe522672c/21+thelymitra+grantitorum.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - Thelymitra ‘Southern Granites’ And, on granite, Thelymitra ‘Southern Granites’ opens in fleeting sunshine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6fac57f9-1a59-460e-badf-276bd5dc7841/18+view+monkey+rock.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - View from Monkey Rocks Don’t miss climbing the monadnocks. The views over the mouth of Wilson Inlet, Nullaki Point and Nullaki Peninsula are fantastic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/969cd4bd-01e1-4e7f-9b1a-322724d41968/20+dense+scrub.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - track through thick vegetation on way down from Monkey Rocks Onwards with dense vegetation; it’s rocky underfoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/489e1633-d47c-4e76-b542-2a079b88e536/23+mt+hallowell.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - granite outcrops and boulders Slower hikers will want to take their time over this section. Keep a sharp eye out for the yellow Wauguls on the trees and boulders because there are so many little side tracks where people have taken the wrong path, and it’s so rocky that you often can’t see the track itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5636894e-e199-4025-8d73-e982fbdee9cb/jpeg+11+lunch.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - lunch near Monkey Rocks, Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia Further up, we take the side spur to Mt Hallowell Peak, but, unless we missed an extra fork, the vegetation has grown to obscure all views. Oh well, it’s a lovely clearing for a stop and our favourite lunch of dehydrated feta with Geoff’s sourdough crackers. Yum! Geoff made a huge batch and vac-sealed them into portions. And they last and last when vac-packed: extras opened six months after this hike were still as crunchy and delicious as those freshly made. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e091bcf-d45a-4a95-a99f-d8f7032ac9b5/19+boulders+mt+hallowell.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - Make it stand out The boulders are spectacular! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01b26899-c94c-44e7-98e9-4da5caa36e4f/22+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - vast views out to sea from opening in the forest Back we go and, on the way down, there is a better place to relax with excellent views. So, if you’re planning a lunch stop on Mt Hallowell, stop at the other monadnocks or the rock slabs on the northeastern spine on the way down rather than the official peak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81a0ff24-4729-4afd-9b6f-1df3d86a3390/24+steep+descent.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - granite outcrops scattered through the forest The hike down is steep, rocky, beautiful and fun if you don’t need to rush. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5c947da-d9ab-42b3-a71a-5cc1814575ca/25+outskirts+of+denmark.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - Inlet at Denmark At last we reach the suburbs of Denmark along Wilson Inlet. We still have nearly six kilometres to go before our accommodation, but it’s flat walking now. Denmark has no Visitor Centre (some dispute between volunteers and staff, we gather, highlighting that you always pay volunteers in the currency of respect) and so weeks ago we left our resupply box - plus thank you beer! - with a Trail Angel who lives on the outskirts. We had planned to get a taxi to pick it up today, but he demurs and kindly drops it at our hotel. This is particularly fantastic as there is no taxi service in Denmark at the time we are there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/88c94306-d52b-4502-b4b1-9e84d53d180c/26+dinner.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - good food in Denmark The next few days are taken up with FOOD and trying to reorganise transport across Wilson Inlet because the kayak trip fell through at the last minute. Be warned. But here I am with another Huge Hunk of Meat. The protein cravings are incredible - our bodies certainly tell us what we need. Hence also fresh greens. I’ve ordered more hunks of red meat in pubs in the last two months than I have in the last two decades. And yes, we both entirely clear those huge plates. Astonishing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca8454f4-1f94-48db-a8a1-3dc766d2b532/27+lunch.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - fresh greens and salad in Denmark Lunch the next day. Surely it’s ridiculous to order another hunk of red meat. So this delicious poke bowl with miso dressing, quinoa, edamame, chickpeas and other Healthy Things. But what’s that on the side of Geoff’s plate? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0554fe1d-fe65-422e-a801-c617bd01ce09/28+lunch.jpg Bibbulmun Track Walpole to Denmark - Days 66, 67 &amp; 68: William Bay to Denmark and Rest Days in Denmark - greens and fat that is what every thru hiker craves in towns https://slowerhiking.com/porongurup-and-stirling-ranges-western-australia daily 0.75 2023-07-28 https://slowerhiking.com/porongurup-and-stirling-ranges-western-australia/granite-sky-walk monthly 0.5 2023-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06f95c5e-bf43-4573-96ae-1a878658dfdb/jpeg+09+rocks+L.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - passing through granite boulders A fun climb through boulders and gaps to a fantastic final view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ed0b3e4b-04e3-4e41-a963-58df8c0f1b91/Granite+Skywalk+Location+Map.jpeg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Park Location Plan Porongurup Locality Plan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a435831e-80e2-4728-a63e-48bc6c82d061/Granite+Skywalk+Potrait.jpeg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Satellite map and hike elevation gain and loss graph Hike elevation and distance details https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de8d0a92-fa3b-4124-94e6-0ec326dc6bd3/001+signage3.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Granite Skywalk Locality Plan Porongurup National Park Plan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b171775d-42b2-49ab-81af-9ee1f61e6c2a/jpeg+01.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - shallow gradients and long distance between steps The path starts easily enough from the carpark, with shallow gradients and steps. The bush is ablaze with yellow Acacia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/886fd9ee-37ce-40fe-bfdd-11f0e6d2b905/02+flower.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Hovea elliptica Plenty of purple Hovea elliptica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/55ac0a8a-4f19-4244-a5e3-546a07961d69/06+hovea.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Bossiae linophylla And Bossiae linophylla https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6985c65e-f388-4653-a919-f8fcf4624c74/jpeg+05+cut+log.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Track cut through large fallen tree You climb through — literally through, here! — some glorious karri eucalypts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20ed1f2f-f734-4986-b3b9-6f90f6105abc/jpeg+04+tall+karri.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - walking through mixed karri and marri forest Still an easy gradient with karri and marri, plus a dense understorey of Acacias and Fabaceae https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2b6c52f1-336e-459f-9806-4022184b334d/03b+path.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - continuing the climb Gradually, the path becomes steeper. It’s one of those somewhat relentless climbs, without any false flats. However, it’s beautifully constructed with perfectly placed steps that will soon blend into the surroundings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9171c338-4197-46ba-bf85-456bd88f4e9d/04+scaevola.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Scaevola auriculata There are often fewer wildflowers in dense understorey vegetation, but in spring, even late spring as now, you’ll see pops of colour everywhere. Here, Scaevola auriculata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a536c981-0a7c-4164-8ec9-348178a20f58/jpeg+06+rocky+path.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - steps onto large flat granite slab Now and then, the path emerges onto rock slabs that you traverse, often with a glimpse of the views to come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b26f340b-ef9d-485f-8867-242217571f94/01+flower.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Holly-leaved Mirbelia Holly-leaved Mirbelia, M. dilatata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5669e672-b17b-49a7-99a0-dede1bc46bf9/hibbertia.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Hibbertia amplexicaulis Hibbertia amplexicaulis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/adeda936-00c0-4632-97fd-ac26ad623008/jpeg+09+rocks.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - hiker passing between massive granite boulders At last you approach the top. You’ll pass between boulders gradually increasing in number and size, with extraordinarily well-built steps. We prefer more natural tracks, and have seen too many where poorly constructed steps cause additional erosion, are ugly, or fail but, on highly trafficked routes like this, erosion would otherwise damage not only the track but surrounding bush. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/975d12bb-dd37-4ee9-a2f3-50ac220d7bba/jpeg+10+balancing+rock.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - balancing rock The obligatory balancing rock shot. These form when water enters cracks in the granite, eroding it away over eons until there is more crack than rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc36fc8d-98b5-4607-a5d5-2bdec7053989/jpeg+11+climbing.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Monadnocks The track is a delight, wending past these enormous monadnocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5d6a2fa-8f1b-48b3-81d1-dde69fcdcfd7/sign.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Granite Skywalk Sign At last you reach a sign and here you can choose to scramble to the Granite Skywalk, or skirt around the base of the rock to Karri Lookout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4b4c1dbf-ddc9-433b-97d6-6f9d9bad23d4/jpeg+12+climbing.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - start of the scramble to Granite Sky Walk Here is Geoff at the start of the scramble. We thought the first few metres reaching the metal handholds was the most difficult part; we suspect holds have deliberately been omitted from the start as a winnowing strategy: if hikers can’t reach these ones a few metres up, they will probably struggle further on. Conversely, if you can reach these first handholds, and are not daunted by heights, you will be fine the rest of the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e3a37c2-9dbb-40a1-9cf7-85057ded1dcf/jpeg+13+climbing.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - climbing through the slot So much fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4cd6ba28-bb5e-4a06-942e-aa1e6da3d394/jpeg+14+stairs.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - ladder to top of skywalk The ladder is straightforward, no different to any other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2645f93f-a87b-4f78-81f5-622526b96eb5/jpeg16+looking+down.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Skywalk ladder Yes it grants access, but are we the only ones to dislike infrastructure like this in nature? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c03d0ff1-f541-42b4-8e00-4ed69ce6cc95/jpeg+top+of+skywalk.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Hiker on skywalk platform The Skywalk itself is a stainless steel… well, eyesore, bolted onto a magnificent monadnock, but you have to admit it does indeed grant marvellous views and a unique experience to non-climbers. Although it was initiated and supported by the local community I wonder how the Minang people felt about it, and whether there was any opposition to its construction, which was a logistical nightmare with everything helicoptered in; there is more work being done when we are there, with sections roped off and materials and buckets scattered about. But perhaps I am being curmudgeonly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/48f4609b-de4c-457a-8da5-bd4581b5e667/08+views.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - views to the sea from Granite Skywalk Because oh my, the views are indeed marvellous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/290d4ff8-04de-49e6-bf4e-db513f9bf040/jpeg+15+views.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Views from Castle Rock The rocky terrain immediately around Castle Rock is steep and impenetrable, protecting it from much of the damage that occurs at other busy tourist sites like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a61e310e-58e1-4782-a9c6-7b71ab6241f2/jpeg17+coming+down.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - climbing down from the Granite Skywalk through the slot Coming back down is always trickier than going up. If in any doubt, face the climb rather than descending as Geoff is doing (easily) here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/492bc699-64f3-498f-ac62-372539550766/09+pterostylis.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Pterostylis ‘Southern Granites’ We divert to Karri Lookout before retracing our steps back down and there is a marvellous gathering of Pterostylis ‘Southern Granites’ sheltering under a bush. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fbfada12-d201-4a2b-bd93-33b7abfa115e/07+views.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Granite Skywalk, Porongurup Range, Western Australia - View from Karri Lookout An alternative more easy to get to lookout - we did both https://slowerhiking.com/porongurup-and-stirling-ranges-western-australia/mount-toolbrunup monthly 0.5 2023-03-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/96b15e4e-0809-47a5-a701-dc277a959fac/08+view+view+PIN.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Lunch on Mount Toolbrunup Peak Lunch atop Toolbrunup with expansive views; here, eastward towards Mt Trio with Bluff Knoll and the eastern Stirling Range stretching to the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3da8052a-5969-45a4-b920-21f5f057ed22/Stirling+Ranges+Location+Map+cropped.jpeg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Stirling Ranges Location Map Stirling Range and Mount Toolbrunup Hike Location Maps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa3eb20e-8931-4834-9901-d6c2676db6fc/Stirling+Range+Hike+Locations+Toolbrunup+cropped.jpeg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Mt Toolbrunup hike location map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb21f92d-26ba-4d2a-9ad4-bb05b6651eb0/Mt+Toolbrunup+Hike+Map.jpeg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Mt Toolbrunup hike map The Trail Head is at the end of 2WD Toolbrunup Road (you turn off the main bitumen highway, Chester Pass Road) and is a straightforward 15 minute drive from the Stirling Range Retreat or 20 minutes from Mt Trio Bush Camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6cabcb3-9d20-4e13-b071-03c3964f1b8c/0001+info.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - sensitive vegetation warning sign It’s really important to stay on the trail here to prevent the spread of phytophthera and trampling the endangered species. The sign is inspiring and I hope I get to see at least one of the endangered species in bloom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ee59e674-a769-40f5-bc75-cb2815884e80/02+pterostylis.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Pterostylis ‘Ravensthorpe’ Almost immediately there are orchids alongside the track. Here Pterostylis, probably P. ‘Ravensthorpe’ or P. crispula. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/87cc7db5-9b90-4991-892f-b259793f50ba/01+diuris.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Diuris longifolia And Purple Pansy Orchid, Diuris longifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52ca7dfb-9cee-4c18-a4cb-3f32c8353fb9/09+path.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - track at start of Toolbrunup day hike The trail begins through woodland and the banks of a small creek. Toolbrunup is not promoted as particularly rich in wildflowers, but a great deal depends on the recent fire regime. Toolbrunup was burnt after a lightning strike in the summer of 2019, and the fire-responsive wildflowers are prolific. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de0deceb-98c0-410c-999c-bdb86faab738/08+chorizema.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Kennedia coccinea Coral vine, Kennedia coccinea, is often prolific after wildfires, draping bushes in dense orange capes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b56d1017-0390-4243-a225-f58308db1f35/04+caladenia.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Caladenia heberleana Heberle’s Spider Orchid, Caladenia heberleana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b108f8a3-765a-448a-bfe3-f1683ff904da/09+nastive+bee.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Xanthosia rotundifolia Xanthosia rotundifolia with a native bee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b334e5b6-e957-4d7e-bceb-a946f460278f/03+diuris.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Diuris brachyscapa And yet more donkey orchids right beside the track. Here, another Purple Pansy Orchid with more subtle coloration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/62fdb4f1-34c5-4d3d-8ac6-fdce738b0610/09+scree.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - scree slope on way to Toolbrunup peak Crossing the first scree slope. The track follows the contour and the rock is compacted, so it’s not difficult. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d5f66c2-8d80-4c6f-9ee4-3c0c75603372/05+tetratheca.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Platytheca galioides. Interesting plants growing in the scree, here Platytheca galioides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ad838bc-6e36-4a74-98a8-5ee430b2ddda/11+rare+hibbertia.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - critically endangered Hibbertia barrettiae …And an exciting find, critically endangered Hibbertia barrettiae with its silvery foliage and bright yellow flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b2d1e4f-a2c9-431f-b670-b270ba6024cf/10+scree.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - first glimpses of Toolbrunup peak The peak nears. This is the lower end of the ridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d585a90e-539c-4020-af7f-f200d7ad29d3/11+steeper+scree.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - boulder field with warning sign Into the boulder field. You climb directly up rather than contouring this time. The boulders are uneven, different-sized and many are loose underfoot. Take your time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/43333f30-4c61-4eef-bbc4-cba918b9461c/14+view+back.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - expansive view down steep gully slope of loose boulders Make sure to look back and enjoy the view whenever you stop for a breather! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bea5ed35-5933-4dca-86dd-e33223f83593/25b+native+rat.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Yellow-Footed Antechinus This cheeky Yellow-Footed Antechinus, (A. flavipes) greeted us in the boulderfield. His beady little eyes peeped out at us from under a rock on the scree slope, then he popped up for a closer look when we froze in place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06a9ed39-f848-4bab-81be-835956a47a88/16b+route+up.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - scrambling up steep section way to Toolbrunup peak The climb gets steeper and more scrambly the higher you go, but it’s very doable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/afb97da7-700d-4332-9eca-68ea7dfa8af3/17+view+west.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - views nearing Mount Toolbrunup peak Views to the west are equally fabulous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/34a1b6f5-aeae-47b2-be23-cdb8a2c9b9fd/rock+chute.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - chute nearing Mount Toolbrunup peak The penultimate climb through a narrow chute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91abfc87-77e4-4f64-af6e-f307454ae582/near+top.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Make it stand out Skirting along the contour, this is perhaps the most exposed section of the entire hike. However, you can see the path isn’t too narrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ea4684c-6edf-4244-ba10-eb014d3ecf5e/13+gastrolobium+vesititum.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Gastrolobium vestitum Oh, wow! Right beside the track, the critically endangered Gastrolobium vestitum in full bloom! It’s spectacular! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76efbcbf-83fb-45d4-9e0f-607bc23f7aef/18+rock+skink.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Southwestern Crevice Skink (Egernia napoleana) These guys, the Southwestern Crevice Skink (Egernia napoleana) are everywhere on the top. They look fat, healthy and somewhat unconcerned by us - I put a hand on one whilst climbing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d4a4192-0249-41a1-a10e-2629dfa7397a/20+top.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - Mount Toolbrunup Peak Right at the very top with gobsmacking 360 degree views, this one to the east. Wow. The air is alive with insects of every size and shape - those reading on computer screens or ipads will see the large black and white butterfly centre top. There are so many bugs considering the paucity of plants on the rocky peak; we are reasonably confident that they have been carried aloft to this point by strong thermals wicking up the mountain. No wonder the skinks are so relaxed and fat! And the peak is small: I’m at one end, Geoff at the other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/89acdf59-8364-401d-84e1-5e98532d616b/07+view.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Toolbrunup - Stirling Range - views from Mount Toolbrunup Enjoying lunch seasoned with an unforgettably glorious vista (and a little flying protein!). https://slowerhiking.com/porongurup-and-stirling-ranges-western-australia/mount-magog-hike monthly 0.5 2023-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/af9eafba-b23a-48f6-a3bd-e42e97ab9234/20+magog+best_.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - View from Mt Magog Peak Atop Mt Magog with glorious views to Mt Talyuberlup and beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3da8052a-5969-45a4-b920-21f5f057ed22/Stirling+Ranges+Location+Map+cropped.jpeg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Stirling Ranges Location Map Stirling Range and Mt Magog Hike Location Maps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f4693bb9-d1e7-4332-a510-cb2bbcb3839d/Stirling+Range+Hike+Locations+Magog+Cropped.jpeg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/51ba3b15-79cc-4c0e-84f7-9be26860ac39/Mt+Magog+Hike+Map.jpeg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Mt Magog hike map Mt Magog hike details https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83789f95-304a-4a63-b60a-0453c3236d83/06+start+of+hike.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - start of Mt Magog hike You begin through tall wandoo woodland and, in spring, the wildflowers are immediately fantastic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/937cd615-9678-4a68-9609-d8aca355522b/01+caladenia+magniclavata.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Caladenia longiclavata Caladenia longiclavata in the understorey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a7bb0b5-657a-489e-80cd-106fd6274491/09+talyberup.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - view towards range from Mt Magog trail head Then you meander northeast through beautiful scrub. The peak directly ahead for some time is actually Mt Talyuberlup; Mt Magog is far left in this picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/454947dd-2f81-4526-a0f1-e6ff9bdeef37/02+stylidium.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Stylidium scandens So many wildflowers! Here, pink Stylidium scandens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/428b8dc7-cd05-4516-9169-65be36a5f341/03+pea.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - more pink flowers in Mt Magog understorey … and, in almost the same shade, Gompholobium scabrum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4a91046-a6f3-4d2c-9cab-45e64563d105/10+flowers+along+track.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - mountain peaks in cloud from Mt Magog trail On many days, timing is important with these peaks. All the tops had been in low mist on the drive here but, just a little later in the morning, cloud is coming and going and beginning to lift. It will likely drop again late afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f93ba80c-f786-4f82-a7af-8ed39449fd6a/05+pea.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - stunning burgundy and yellow flowers Botanists will travel slowly even though the terrain is initially flat: there is just so much to see! Here, Pultenaea ericifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c63bf6a-2e68-4107-b29f-612f4d819430/07+blue+smokebush.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Conospermum caeruleum … and the stunning blue Conospermum caeruleum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dee34f47-0e4d-4d53-92fb-5bd6e065c3b3/11+flowers+along+track.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - many different wildflowers along Mt Magog trail Sandy sections host different wildflowers. It’s easy walking so far. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20805024-1ec1-4bc6-900f-c1f8892aea7c/34+zebra+orchid.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Caladenia cairnsiana Zebra orchid, Caladenia cairnsiana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/adb7bad9-3adf-43c3-a180-304115ab807d/drakeae.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Drakaea glyptodon And King in his Carriage, Drakaea glyptodon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b667ca7e-e635-4f94-a988-beb694c66f09/wildflowers.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - wildflowers along Mt Magog trail In other places, the track is gravelly and stony underfoot as here, with entirely different wildflowers. So much variety! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c64e0a5b-53e1-4d1c-b695-d29450473ba4/31+thelymitra.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Thelymitra cornicina A partly open Thelymitra cornicina that we catch on the way back https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa1de2cc-b10c-464f-8319-5414742b99d0/32+dropsera.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Drosera glanduligera And the tiny orange Drosera glanduligera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a4275449-5bcf-4288-b5c3-1767859269c2/mist.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - view of Mt Magog peak That’s Magog on the left; the peak is actually the rounded bit, just left of the rocky outcrop. Talyuberlup is again shrouded in mist far right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dd83fbab-f58d-4e82-9d2f-a1c7b949d80a/12+nearing+climb.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Mt Talyuberlup As the track meanders, at times it seems as if you’re heading right for Talyuberlup instead of Magog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/076ad7f2-d528-4c92-9586-7d5e255a88dd/18+steep+climb.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Sphenotoma dracophylloide It’s getting ever steeper but there are flowers like this Sphenotoma dracophylloides to entertain you all the way. If you are climbing this peak, the incline continues to increase so, if you find the terrain challenging, don’t expect it to get easier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bc0331f3-2c41-425e-b377-83b4474406dc/08+coneflower.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Isopogon cuneatus Beautiful Isopogon cuneatus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/833dcb1a-a7f5-4760-b771-8b096f6fc554/19+talyberup.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - views across Stirling range from Mt Magog trail Out of the dense trees fringing the foot of the mountain for a moment, and there is Mt Talyuberlup peeping over the ridge with views further along the Stirling Range. Talyuberlup is close enough that you can hear sounds of hikers and climbers there echoing on the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff4f6c6e-9c16-4130-bcb3-d2ffb32f3eba/20+dryandra.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - yellow flowers Golden Banksia formosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/25869668-e9bd-4955-8349-7310727f4ba9/15b+pterostylis.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Pterostylis orchid Pterostylis crispula tucked amongst the rocks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8817e77-40e6-4b66-96bd-0b91eba449e8/17+white+myrtle.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Hypocalymma myrtifolia And this beautiful Hypocalymma myrtifolia. The vegetation changes quickly as you climb because it’s so steep you rapidly pass through different microclimates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bc67241e-98ff-49e2-9adf-07ad709d8fac/23+toolbrunup.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - views to Mt Toolbrunup from Mt Magog Fantastic views across the plain to Mt Toolbrunup https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97bd55c2-89d5-4555-9e72-019a04499f0a/24+clambering.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - scrambling up steep section of Mt Magog track And steeper still! It’s worth tucking your poles into the side pocket of your pack when scrambling like this because they just get in the way when you’re using both hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/28bc0f53-e36e-4f1b-a265-f48d5dbbb652/25+acacia.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Acacia drummondii Acacia drummondii https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f4a74f4-b638-4147-a792-39e8056bd71e/28+scrambling.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - climbing rock section of Mt Magog track A bit more scrambling here and there, but it’s not exposed or difficult. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e900a2a-c8cc-491c-afb8-839d9b140cd2/27+views.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - view of Mt Talyuberlup from near Mt Magog peak Wow. You’ll soon climb higher than Mt Talyuberlup (783m) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e854dbd4-f440-4cf1-a5d6-f497b0f6454a/29+spine.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - nearing Mt Magog peak When you reach the outcrop, there’s just a bit further to go along a narrow, rocky ridge. It’s scrambly but yet again not excessively exposed. Take your time to pick your way along the ridge, staying close to the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/498b11d3-155b-40c2-9bbd-fcad98d4a974/30+portrait.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Magog - Stirling Range - Mt Magog peak The top is a great place to stop for lunch and also get a rare portrait shot, thanks to the group that followed us up. You can see the first rocky outcrop behind us and, behind that, Talyuberlup. It has been a fantastic hike. Faster hikers will combine Magog and Talyuberlup in one day, but we are content to spend longer at this peak to enjoy the views from here rather than rushing back down to complete a second climb. After all, why not save a few peaks for the next time you return to Western Australia! https://slowerhiking.com/porongurup-and-stirling-ranges-western-australia/nancy-peak-devils-slide-porongurup-range-western-australia monthly 0.5 2023-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/392e2450-ee4f-46f3-b390-eff3301c98dc/lead+05.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Devil’s Slide, Porongurup Range, Western Australia This extraordinary day walk in the Porongurup National Park has incredible views in every direction. You’ll climb along a spine before crossing a saddle and ascending again to the highest peak for ever more spectacular scenery, from the Stirling Range in the north to the coast in the south. Botanists will also spot many rare and endemic plant species that occur nowhere else. It is one of our favourite hikes in Western Australia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3be7672a-260e-486c-8ba7-9cab31abd9b8/Nancy+Peak+Location+Map.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Porongurup Range National Park location Locality Map: The Porongurups are 35km north of Albany, and the Porongurup Range Tourist Park is conveniently situated to access both the Castle Rock Sky Walk to the east, and the Nancy Peak loop to the west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bfb4ae8d-dfe3-4c94-bfdc-99078ece8b5e/Nancy+Peak+and+Devil%27s+Slide.jpeg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - elevation graph and track route Nancy Peak and Devil’s Slide Elevation gain and loss is 550 metres over 6.9 kilometres, including the spur trail to Devil’s Slide which is 1.2 km return. You’ll pass Tree in the Rock, the spot where the vast majority of hikers turn back. Ignore them: there is more and better to see! Don’t underestimate the effort required to complete these seemingly short distances: there is a lot of elevation gain and loss, with some rough and rocky sections and potentially slippery rock faces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0dcae3cf-b00a-40a1-8a90-631e341adf62/02_04+trail+begins+flat.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - easy graded track to start The track starts innocuously enough through karri forest with a dense understorey, but begins to climb very soon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/11eb49d4-f8d1-46b2-95da-c00ed9dfdbe8/05_05b+tree+in+the+rock.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - tree growing out from rock The Tree in the Rock is somewhat underwhelming and it is Not Happy, not one bit. If you want to see it alive, visit soon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f8cda1d-8cd6-4e45-b760-49e75ed90fdd/06_06+steps.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - well crafted rock steps up the natural soil path Many people dislike steps on hiking trails. We are ambivalent: as long as the entire trail isn’t a staircase, well-built ones have their place in reducing erosion and improving access. These ones are exceptionally well-built, in places incorporating adjacent stone that has been left in place so carefully that it retains all its mosses and lichen; we chat to the masons who are working as we pass. Steps will certainly change the ambience of this hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3ba1c02-f8de-4684-b8fc-fe466dfff052/06c_14+path.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - clear path through moss covered rock As you climb, you’ll pass moss-covered granite slabs offering marvellous views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a1140f8-e5d6-457f-88ee-dec10757515d/08_07a+02+lunch.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Lunch with expansive view We stop for lunch on one of them; if you haven’t hiked Castle Rock that morning, you’ll likely find Morgan’s View a more timely spot. You can see the Stirling Range in the background, including the famous and distinctive Bluff Knoll. Although we’ll visit that Range tomorrow and stay a few days, we’ll probably choose less busy peaks. But today, only one couple pass us as we’re eating lunch, and we see no-one else. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/093591f4-dd31-46e1-90c6-077aaeb2ecac/10a_17+granite+slab+crossing.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - clear path across the granite The flowers are hanging on; it has been a particularly cool start to the season. The park has a rich diversity of plants with more than 700 native and 10 endemic species within its 2,621 hectares. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5ec9d8f0-8ee5-4b71-a2cd-c92d266a2409/21b_21b+utricularia.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Utricularia sp Fairy Petticoats or Utricularia sp grow in damp places; they are carnivorous and have tiny below-ground bladders that trap even tinier insects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd47bf96-5332-47d1-bfab-c1a1240d1275/14_13+pimelia.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Pimelia rosea Pink Pimelia rosea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0417457b-fe85-4d15-9e85-51174692a1b1/27.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - View near Nancy Peak We emerge onto another granite slab with wonderful views to Marmabup Rock on the Devils Slide spur. And there is the Stirling Range in the hazy distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6da53526-f8c1-4850-964f-a26e30e7ba57/16_15+pterostylis.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Pterostylis Pterostylis are still in flower under trees… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f24598e5-79b6-45c8-9a7c-8afb16fcd7f0/18_15c+pterostylis+ID+only.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - cluster of Pterostylis …And entire families around the edges of granite slabs. Probably P. ‘southern granites’. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7bffad59-447e-4c60-a1c0-8c44b78fd0ae/24_24+hibbertia.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - A rare Hibbertia This Hibbertia looked distinctive and, indeed, it’s rather special. H. bracteosa occurs only in the higher granite outcrops in the Porongurup Range and nowhere else in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1f05264c-87ab-480a-9994-bb4b1f0f7f7b/23_23+helichrysum.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Make it stand out Helichrysum sp and Scaevola. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eacb7511-2f53-4a8e-b210-fc19c993088b/25_25+window+views.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Make it stand out A rock windowframe offers a glimpse north to the Stirling Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f680bfa4-05af-4225-989e-46154cec142e/27_27+tight+squeeze.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - track passes through tight rock hallway It’s a tight squeeze! This walk is a LOT of fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f1eb009-3fdc-4d7d-920c-f9a218c485c0/29c_28+pea.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Goodenia Goodenia sp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/555bf997-ab27-45be-9a99-396980fd1845/29b_19+devils+slide+from+nancy+peak.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - views of Marmabup Rock The views of Marmabup Rock grow ever more spectacular as we reach and pass Nancy Peak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/625f46ef-dd2c-4282-98f1-1fd0eb61e8cf/30_30+down+Nanvy+Peak.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Morgan’s view vista And, just past Morgan’s glorious vista over the flatlands surrounding the range, the track descends, gently at first… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6ff205d5-f45b-49b1-9c7b-aac64ceaa349/32_34+descending+nncy+peak+towards+devils+slide.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - steep decent from Morgans View …and then ever more steeply into mixed karri and jarrah… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a411617-cc2b-413b-a4a5-9bfff0bf5a2d/35_34d++descending+nncy+peak+towards+devils+slide.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - track flattens out as we cross the saddle … before it flattens out briefly on the saddle. We will take a fire track to the right back to the carpark later but, first, Devil’s Slide awaits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9d7dfba3-1533-4239-b954-959745b3da2f/36_35+ascending+devils+slide.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - footbridge across the granite slope A bridge provides a brief respite from the climb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/87ecc103-15be-4a81-b1fc-955051163c7f/37_37+golden+moss.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - golden moss on rock slope Just look at that moss! Wow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d25f33e-a6ba-4184-a4c8-2978215e854a/38_38+muddy+climb.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Ornduffia calthifolia Rare Ornduffia calthifolia lines the track where it follows the creek. It’s slippery, even without recent rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e32ac027-6c9e-4399-9b76-eb323045803c/39_39b.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - steep granite crossing Crossing more granite. This part would not be fun in wet weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/10958104-597e-4dc7-a7fc-c303785e1432/views+in+every+direction.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - Make it stand out And finally at the top! Wow! It’s very windy so we find shelter for a snack and to soak in those views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f685e20c-7bd9-4af6-8a9d-57504537f6cc/42_42+views+devils+slide.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - View from Devil’s Slide View north with the Stirling Range just in view from our sheltered spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ced37aef-60b6-45b1-bb15-f6748e1cbfa0/44_44+descending+devils+slide.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - steep return down from Devil’s Slide We head back down again. The trail is well marked: if you’re not sure where to go next, just stop for a moment and search for the posts with their markers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b4810cd-4fb2-4591-9d73-51c89cafbcb4/46_46+fern.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - ferns and mosses are plentiful Ferns and mosses thrive amongst the damp granite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a31fd4ba-8460-4787-9655-5d96f0fde8e2/49_48+plant.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - white star shaped Ricinocarpus glaucus (Wedding Bush) Ricinocarpus glaucus (Wedding Bush) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a534c0f4-79c3-46b8-8d98-e93db896dd3b/48_47b+descending+devils+slide.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - large boulders either side of rugged track This section would be treacherous in rain but it’s fine today. We take our time because, as always, we have plenty of it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31f33e43-c821-44e2-b2c7-35917a6853d2/51_50+descending.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - last section of steep granite to traverse Nearly back to the bottom https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f0e7a71-31a3-4e66-a38e-1563653b686f/21_18+skink.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - skink These skinks are everywhere. At the first sign of warmth, they are out basking on rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b60709b2-f383-4fbf-8ce5-497d341e47b2/52_51+track+down_.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Nancy Peak Circuit and Devil’s Slide: Porongurup Range, Western Australia - easy return along firetrack We take the firetrack back to the carpark to complete the loop. It has been a fantastic walk with a huge variety of terrain and views. Highly recommended! https://slowerhiking.com/porongurup-and-stirling-ranges-western-australia/mount-trio monthly 0.5 2023-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/23f6adea-515a-47b9-9072-59927fc766b6/18+peak.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out Spectacular views east along the Stirling Range towards Bluff Knoll and Ellen Peak from Mt Trio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3da8052a-5969-45a4-b920-21f5f057ed22/Stirling+Ranges+Location+Map+cropped.jpeg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Stirling Ranges Location Map Location Map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5ab43bb1-19fa-4f57-bbd2-2751a5356055/Stirling+Range+Hike+Locations+cropped.jpeg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out Stirling Range hike locations map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c7b6915-b33b-4dad-8e94-deb368c352b8/Mt+Trio+Hike+Map.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - hike location map Mount Trio hike elevation and distance details https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a8509791-6e87-4083-9718-2623b5ff167a/07+gentle+start.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out Geoff heads off up rather ugly steps edged with beautiful wildflowers. You can see the effects of the 2019 bushfire; in another year or two the eucalypt regrowth will be impenetrable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/408193b8-8f7c-4334-a59d-ce79e595898e/one+car.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out Only our car in the carpark… and a great view already! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7ec949b-141e-4401-8777-417e2ad73d4a/12+climbing.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out It’s steep and the track gets rougher as we ascend. Rocky tracks like this are tougher to climb, but more natural than constructed steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e57e521-68e1-46c1-8098-97a1d2c2b238/24+view.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out The view continues to expand and we take a breather; once the eucalypts regrow, some of the views will be obscured. The pale boulder at the base of the mountain is beside the carpark, which is around the corner out of sight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/810b0834-a155-4731-b55f-cae2a1b9820c/08+scaevola.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out And oh my, the wildflowers are extraordinary, here Goodenia scapigera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/45515b4c-6ef1-4b03-b8ad-9f069b97b12a/03.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out and Mountain Pea, Gastrolobium rubrum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dfa17ca0-ddae-455c-90b2-9c454e8a845b/23b+way+down.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out Pausing for another rest. The climb has been slow not only because of its steepness, but because there are so many wildflowers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/291f518a-7d2f-467f-877b-a5a695c1fc14/02.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out Bell-Fruited Mallee (Eucalyptus preissiana) is resprouting on the slopes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a1e5c36-4f63-4ef0-98e6-c353ca884319/01+dampiera+eriocephala.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out Woolly-headed Dampiera (Dampiera eriocephala). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3b54ee0-4583-489d-aa40-ef52e51cbe14/13+dampiera.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out And another Dampiera. The colour is almost as iridescent as Leschenaultia! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dc3ac04f-05c9-4be3-9397-7360217abdeb/14+views.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out The vegetation is gradually changing as we ascend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c56848b-d7e8-4cf1-b32a-c9dd628ff4a5/06+bell.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out And, excitingly, the rare Mountain Bell Darwinia lejostyla found only on this peak and a few others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ef85fab-1ba7-455f-883a-1c8a761ba8d9/25+Pimelia+suavolens.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out Pimelea suavolens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/869d16c9-c08b-402f-9888-a0358040cd04/04+boronia.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out And Boronia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5c0b52f-0354-4983-b49f-f567a3826921/15+peak.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out Views eastwards over the lower peak begin to reveal the range. It is absolutely spectacular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e80849c9-4264-4460-a657-111f09eed333/kingias+on+saddle.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out The vegetation has definitely changed, too. Here on the saddle, we are nearly high enough to be in the region’s montane heath and thicket ecological community that normally occurs above approximately 900 m asl. You can see the skeletal soil and patches of quartzite, and there are kingias but no eucalypts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31308df9-f02c-4bcf-87d9-c222c45a4ff1/peak.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out And here we are at the top, with a marvellous view southwest across sunlit Mt Hassell to cloud-wreathed Mt Toolbrunup. The weather is approaching fast from the coast; we can see scattered squalls developing as they reach the range. Bluff Knoll is famous for its ‘cloud waterfalls’, orographic cloud that forms due to topography and sinking air. It is late afternoon and this time we suspect it is the cool sea breeze reaching the range, rising upwards and condensing as it is deflected by the higher terrain. There is no cloud waterfall caused by katabatic airflow over terrain today; this phenomenon is more often seen in the Range in light wind. Because now the wind has picked up significantly and the temperature has dropped a good ten degrees in ten minutes: the peaks in the range are infamous for sudden and severe weather changes, including whiteout and, incredibly, snow! We head back down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f150756d-a81e-4be0-91f7-0457d221b0d2/cloud+and+rain.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out Rainbows and drifts of rain in the adjacent valley paint a very different picture to the one on our ascent! You can see cloud beginning to swallow the eastern peak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a392796-ad29-4bda-b537-1481b22e55bc/20+way+down.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out Cloud sweeps across the saddle, obscuring the eastern peak that, time permitting, we had planned to climb. There is little point now; we have lightweight rain gear in our pack, but you can understand why so many people are caught out. Even though the Stirling Range is not particularly high by world standards, it’s sufficiently prominent above the surrounding plains to create its own weather. The extra rainfall and cooler temperatures on the peaks create relict biological islands with unique vegetation, and this is why it’s worth exploring more than just Bluff Knoll. Carry appropriate clothing in your pack, and even the weather will be fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1cfb76fe-22e2-4361-aa7a-fa5d28ed00c2/22+orographic.jpg Porongurup and Stirling Ranges - Mount Trio - Stirling Range - Make it stand out As we drive out of the car park, the higher peaks of the entire Stirling Range are obscured by cloud, so timing is important if you’re to catch the views from them! This cloud develpment often happens at certain times of day; it may dissipate mid morning as cloud base lifts before reforming again. However, check with your nearby accommodation provider (eg Mt Trio Bush Camp or Stirling Range Retreat), because locals will know exactly when best to see the views, or the clouds! This walk has been a lot of fun, with terrific variety and vistas over a short distance that’s achievable as a day walk for any leisurely hiker. You’ll be inspired to climb the other unique peaks (stay tuned for Mt Magog and Mt Toolbrunup) in this amazingly biodiverse National Park: Mt Trio is highly recommended for slower hikers! https://slowerhiking.com/fitzgerald-river-national-park-western-australia daily 0.75 2025-10-31 https://slowerhiking.com/fitzgerald-river-national-park-western-australia/mamang-trail-planning monthly 0.5 2023-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e5ee1f1-cc8a-44d3-8751-8f0853a20e47/whales.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - Whales near Point Ann Mamang means whale in the Noongar language and, if you are hiking between July and October, you are very likely to see them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e87abfc-0dd7-46ec-b37b-bdc55d87e8e0/path2.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - Wildflowers near Point Ann Wildflowers all the way to the beach… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0be9af78-9cbf-47f8-b924-19b7c4df300a/11+oystercatcher.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - Pied oystercatcher Pied oystercatcher and other shorebirds on the beach, numerous waterfowl in the welands and inlets, parrots and malleefowl in the mallee, and honeyeaters in the coastal heath. Ornithologists will love this hike. Photographers: bring your long lens or you will get shots like this! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d1ab2088-618d-4301-8882-c84168ca9d99/31+sandbar.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - warning sign for fast flowing tidal water When the sandbar has gone, or recently opened with a high volume of water passing through a narrow gap, Fitzgerald River Inlet can be dangerous. Check with the ranger as to the current state of the crossing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/33131c65-c39a-40a4-aac1-01842b8599f0/32+crossing.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - sand bar at Fitzgerald Inlet outlet to sea Dry feet all the way across the inlet when we hike in early October. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/210b1109-ba97-4186-b890-438562a36b27/map.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - Mamamg Trail map You can see the various route options: the red dotted line is a car track that you could use at high tide, or you could take the centre track to Lake Nameless lookout. Keep your eyes peeled for the orange trail marker posts on the dunes so as not to miss them - this is trickier than you might expect, as you will likely be gazing at whales out to sea! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5648ad62-398f-465c-ab72-04b409c0a62c/12+dieback+area.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - boot cleaning station Boot Cleaning Station before Fitzgerald Inlet. Why am I looking glum? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c076e266-6162-40b7-bb68-b638b62e3774/brush.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - Worn out scrubbing brush This is why. A token effort at best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e428624e-26d1-44b8-8471-82939b4e9815/Fitzgerald+River+National+Park+Location.jpeg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - Locality Map Locality map for the Fitzgerald River National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/348cd920-d793-4020-836a-481794632590/01.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - campsite at Mt Mary’s campground There is a pretty camping area (St Mary Inlet Campground) with toilets about 1.5 km from the trail head. The camping area is set up for car campers and caravans. It has designated sites (about 12) but you can’t book them, so they are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most users are car campers and it can apparently get very busy, but we had no trouble getting one of the smaller sites even in school holidays. YMMV. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ba1dc853-b218-4ce8-9d42-0776a89688a9/shelter.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - BBQ at St Marys Inlet campsite Barbecue and shelter designed for sun rather than rain at St Mary Inlet Campground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dbc0a086-1e28-439b-a4d2-87a908fc817f/fr+cg.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - Facilities at Fitzgerald Inlet Campsite The Fitzgerald Inlet Campground is somewhat basic. It has fallen into disrepair and the toilet is horrendous; it had not been cleaned in many months, if not years, and was full of sand, spiders and debris when we visited. Pee elsewhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5854fa7-3331-459d-b757-2fe50422bbe7/fr+cg2.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - Tent setup at Fitzgerald Inlet Campground Still, don’t let this deter you. The actual campground is sheltered and pleasant if not pretty, and every step to it and from it will more than make up for it in beauty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e014159-d1a3-4e29-ab50-2d30258dabc7/Mamang+Hike+Details+Full.jpeg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Hike Planning - Mamang Hike Map with elevation details Hike details for the route we took. Doing this over one day would be a push for slower hikers, and would allow little time to enjoy the whales and wildlife. https://slowerhiking.com/fitzgerald-river-national-park-western-australia/mamang-trail-day-1-point-ann-to-fitzgerald-inlet monthly 0.5 2023-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b1f97532-e49b-42b5-af2a-4730537ac412/bay+best.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - View over bay from Point Charles Spectacular views from Point Charles over Gnangmeip (Fitzgerald) Beach and Inlet, with cloud-capped Narpulungup, Woolburnup and Quyne-dillun-up Peaks beyond https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/35096fce-ddae-48f3-bcf6-b3846c125711/Mamang+Hike+Details_Day+1.jpeg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - elevation gain details and hike map Map of the day with elevation details over the 15.9 kilometres - today we take you along the inland route to Fitzgerald Inlet, returning tomorrow along the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0254b34e-ffeb-47cc-ac1c-e330ae84edea/07L+approaching+bay.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - track out from Point Ann Descending through heath to Pt Charles beach. Everything is in bloom, and we are eager to get closer to the whales we have spotted from the lookout behind us at Pt Ann. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c168e60-2532-4b2a-8156-972156a7d98a/roo.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Kanagaroo A few friendly roos are about - they have become accustomed to people at St Mary Campground nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1c75aa30-5ca2-4e60-9923-2f991235c9f7/07.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - easy walking out of Point Ann Easy walking initially along a well-maintained path... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aebea747-5733-4cd0-8f43-4f3a0ead63cb/path2.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - pink yellow and white wildflowers …With a palette of colour either side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4c74b11a-1357-43f4-a2b8-842c7a60ccfd/10+beach.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - easy beach walking And finally onto the beach with views to Narpulungup, Woolburnup and Quyne-dillun-up Peaks beyond. We are in short sleeves but have come prepared for the showers that we can see in the distance, and which threaten closer to us inland. Not that we are looking inland: there are four whales, two of them close to shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e68d1389-6c62-45ac-b63c-b90654cd5705/whales.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - whales near Point Ann Here they are! These are Southern Right Whales; migrating humpback, minke and orca whales are also often seen. ‘Mamang’ means whale in the local dialect. Don’t be surprised if it takes you an hour to traverse 1km of beach! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd3f6fb4-9abc-4ac2-801f-49e586011cb2/14+track.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - inland track from St Marys campground beach After a VERY slow hike along the beach, taking numerous whale shots - photographers, bring your long lens! - you’ll duck inland. Keep your eyes peeled for the trail marker on the dune; don’t worry if you miss the first one about one third of the way up the beach as there is a second halfway along (but don’t mistake it for the high water car track, see Mamang Hike Planning and Tips). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91828ad0-0155-40db-827c-8f0e80549d7d/13+e+macrocarpa.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Eucalyptus tetraptera Amazing flowers of Four-Winged Mallee (Eucalyptus tetraptera). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a4e25fe6-a148-42dd-b854-fb34f14e400a/15+nuytsia.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Nuytsia floribunda (moodjar) grove A rest under a Nuytsia floribunda (moodjar) grove. It’s completely understandable that these trees are of cultural significance to our First Nations people. Nuytsias are a kind of mistletoe and are the largest hemi-parasitic plant in the world, meaning they parasitise the roots of other plants, but can also photosynthesise to sustain themselves. You’ll often see them growing in suckering groves, looking for all the world like a group of people gathered for a chat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f79b1590-ca59-41c3-9489-15baaf73d798/16+pea.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - pea flowers A huge variety of pea flowers are in full bloom. Colours range from orange and yellow, to purples and even blue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/99d58dad-55e4-484e-adc1-92b81690b8f6/08+gompholobium.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - purple legume flowers Painted Lady Legume (Gompholobium scabrum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7f48cfda-8153-4460-89b6-12d64aff6288/18+thrreatening+skies.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - views north to of Narpulungup, Woolburnup and Quyne-dillun-up Peaks Gentle undulations through the heath, with views north to Narpulungup, Woolburnup and Quyne-dillun-up Peaks growing ever closer. We make it a habit of attaching our pack covers when rain threatens, rather than waiting until it rains. This is somewhat anal, because there are pack liners inside as well, but nylon packs soak up a fair bit of moisture. My new Zpacks ArcHaul Ultra - an outstanding pack for weights under about 15kg - may be made of waterproof material, but we don’t trust any seam-sealing when carrying down sleeping gear! Due to their construction with myriad seams, packs are notoriously difficult to waterproof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02da7067-d718-4ac5-a651-685e3da4b9c5/23+spur.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - track signage is clear The trail spurs are much better marked on the inland side. We will return along the northernmost one to the beach tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e405d42-3235-47ae-ac33-417ad2db324e/23+hakea+victoriae.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Hakea victoriae Spectacular Hakea victoriae: the flowers themselves are insignificant compared to the leaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a4821ce3-506a-4c5a-b577-5d8c01696539/21+lookout.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Nameless Lake lookout Time for a snack at the lookout over the oxymoronic Lake Nameless. Who thinks up these monikers? Cartographers or rangers having a bit of a giggle, we reckon! The vegetation has grown since the lookout was built: you’ll need to stand on the seat for this view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b7bfef6-d6ce-4540-ad29-b2d34c56ab2e/20+lookout.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Lake Nameless Lake Not Nameless https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77b990f9-6ceb-4c39-959e-39057dc30923/22+caladenia.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Cyanicula aperta Orchid enthusiasts with their eyes peeled will find a surprising number of treasures due to the variety of habitats. Here, growing under Melaleuca, the more aptly named Western Tiny Blue Orchid (Cyanicula aperta) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff3d7f91-8934-4331-bc65-3be4df9c494a/21+pterostyli2.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Pterostylis erubescens? And also in shade under dense tea-tree, this unusual Pterostylis, possibly P. erubescens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/879283e3-f80b-473d-a7d1-c9c7b1dcfc2a/24+acacia.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Acacia flowers This gives you an idea of the variety of vegetation. You’ll pass through coastal heath, Melaleuca and here, Acacia and mallee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de0742dc-5ae2-4ec2-80c4-b439e7646323/22+pterostyli2.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Pterostylis timothyi Plenty of interesting orchids, here, Pterostylis timothyi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/214b5ed1-560b-4d28-b5d0-b8b38e54d1b9/19b+caladeniab.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Grass-Leaved Spider Orchid And a not quite open Grass-Leaved Spider Orchid (Caladenia graminifolia) in a moist, sheltered area. These flowers are self-fertile and often open for only one or two days, so seeing even this is a stroke of luck. I’m thrilled! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ba4b2e2e-9b43-4ed5-a4c2-91b33c1031d2/view-2.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - View over Fitzgerald Inlet Fitzgerald Inlet Lookout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f09b3c30-6f33-4b85-9c35-45b22885d2d9/25+malle+fowl.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - mallee fowl (Leipoa ocellata) mound A mallee fowl (Leipoa ocellata) mound! For overseas readers, mallee fowl are a fascinating bird (there are three species) where the male builds a nest of leaf litter and sand that he scratches together from the forest floor. The hen lays her eggs in the middle where the composting leaf litter keeps the eggs warm enough to hatch. Dad even regulates the temperature, which he measures with his beak, by adding and removing the insulating sand from the heap. Fortunately for him, and unlike human parents, Mum and Dad are both off the hook after the chicks hatch. The chicks (up to 25 of them!) are on their own from the moment they crack their shells: they have to dig their way out by themselves, and are completely self sufficient. As you might guess when nature dictates such a large clutch, the odds are against them, more so with the advent of feral cats and foxes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0bd38bf1-dfbd-42af-8c90-2ee13a967bea/24d+bay+best2PIN.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - vista from Port Charles lookout Onwards to Pt Charles Lookout. There is Fitzgerald Bay, with the sandbar closing the inlet far left. You’ll cross it and follow the inlet inland to the campsite. Make time to soak up the views and the whales in the bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/785384b9-431e-4e70-8a3c-188863bae60a/terns.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - flock of Great Crested Tern From the lookout, you climb steeply down and onto the beach and sandbar. Twitchers should schedule another pause because the inlet is teeming with birdlife (here, a flock of Great Crested Tern, Thalasseus bergii). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c3ba25c-9140-4987-8dc8-b50e8f8fafd9/34+inland.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Fitzgerald Inlet sand dunes Delightful views as you head inland along the bank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1f70f646-1840-4c1c-b434-d7da80ba87fd/03b+camp.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Fitzgerald Inlet Campground Although the campground is sheltered and perfectly adequate, it’s not, we have to admit, the highlight of the hike. Full of sand, paper, spiders and debris, the toilet is horrendous, the picnic table and barbecue dilapidated, and piles of gathered beach rubbish are waiting for collection at the entry track. Various broken bits and structures dot the area; we wonder whether this is a deliberate strategy to discourage hikers. If so, this is a shame and you shouldn’t be put off because every step to and from the campsite itself is so extraordinarily excellent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f451fc2b-a301-4b04-844d-c884fde8790b/37+dinner.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 1 - Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet - Picinic at Fitzgerald River campground Dinner in Fitzgerald Inlet Campground. You can see our cook system: Caldera Cone Tri-Ti with 1300ml Evernew pot and Toaks stove (Geoff tested stoves with this system and the Starlyte burner is more efficient for two: stay tuned for our Cook System for Two article). You can also see our little bottle of olive oil with the blue cap, a great way to add calories. Today’s hike has been exceptional in both variety and views; tomorrow will be primarily along the beach, with more whales! https://slowerhiking.com/fitzgerald-river-national-park-western-australia/mamang-trail-fitzgerald-inlet-return-to-point-ann monthly 0.5 2023-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/590600be-6cfa-42f2-bef9-ffa4069a1244/15+view.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - sand dunes near Fitzgerald Inlet Spectacular seascapes, threatening skies and Western Australia’s famously white sand are the order of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce6129e9-235d-41fc-9283-c9cd40d185e6/Mamang+Hike+Details_Day+2.jpeg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - map of hike along beach from Fitzgerald Inlet to Ann Point Camp Ground Map details for today. We return along the beach to St Mary Inlet campsite. It’s a surprisingly long 7 kilometres of beach walking - the sand and tides are not too bad but we face a howling headwind created by an approaching storm. The return hike is a little shorter than the inland route, but check tide times before you start because it would not be fun with the sea at the base of the dunes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/92563874-8b1c-4537-9e0a-f38b31ee510e/06+inlet.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Fitzgerald River Inlet Early morning views across Fitzgerald River Inlet. Twitchers will have arisen before dawn for the birdlife; we are content with a black swan on its nest just out of shot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e1ff0134-179f-401c-bdc5-5a1e3a9f526f/35+nearing+camp.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Swamp Paperbarks Through the Swamp Paperbarks (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla) edging the inlet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a3f1cc0-a865-4b59-8ac6-48e5c33c9f9d/05+caladenia+latifolia.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - MPink Fairies (Caladenia latifolia) Plenty of interesting orchids throughout, here Pink Fairies (Caladenia latifolia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16aee0c2-9281-41d0-a68a-358cff64b658/04+pterostylis.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Pterostylis sp. ‘Coastal Snail’ and Pterostylis sp. ‘Coastal Snail’. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8fb3e61a-f559-4482-a2be-ece2790dad99/mallee.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - track through mallee Through more mallee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3255ec2a-6caf-4594-8b85-2b3e8fdee0e1/10+photography.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - photographing orchids But wait, what’s this? Orchid enthusiasts will understand! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e02c603-3890-45c2-8650-e939d052063b/08+oligochaetochilus.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Rufoushood, Oligochaetochilus A Rufoushood, Oligochaetochilus in bud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/425d5e44-2a8a-4dde-be22-2d5a2eb86d5a/11+inlet+views.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Fitzgerald Inlet views One last view back over the inlet, and our climbing is (almost) done for the day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a3aefe36-0b2d-4bc1-97e8-8d51b6bf8316/23+caladenia.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Western Wispy Spider Orchid Western Wispy Spider Orchid, Caladenia microchila https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fe821c55-14a4-44bc-9e7a-0d8945e138fc/24+pterostylis+mutica.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Midget Greenhood And the tiny Midget Greenhood, Pterostylis mutica. Each flower is only 5mm tall and they are green, so difficult to spot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52208a33-30ef-463e-b91a-b33242f7bb1e/path.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Track near Point Charles The pretty side track to the beach. It’s low tide but a storm is brewing to the south where we are headed, so we hope to make it back to St Mary Inlet Campground before it arrives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9e7ab0f9-f02c-4842-a8d8-f3f465bc61af/11+smokebush.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Smokebush Conospermum distichum i The beautiful Smokebush Conospermum distichum in full bloom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ab3c7b1-d4f2-465c-b0ff-f7c0c061fab3/13+dune.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Sand dunes near Fitzgerald Inlet This northernmost trail is delightfully overgrown. A marker post has been almost swallowed by a dune. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef295de5-425f-4ed4-aca2-23f09eb7c3f4/14+dune.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Trail through the dunes Straight up the sand dune. Keep your eyes peeled because the route to the beach is counterintuitive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d695aba-8250-4421-97f5-1c87571a4fbf/12+patersonia.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Purple Flag (Patersonia occidentalis). Purple Flag (Patersonia occidentalis). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c4583c7-ed6e-4918-a88c-9726cbaca962/16+spring.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Freshwater soaks Freshwater soaks often occur behind foredunes and were a crucial resource for First Nations people, and remain of great cultural significance today. Treat all such water sources with utmost respect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8dddb494-38c6-4fe5-9f04-e6a0e5894669/17+threatening+skies.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Trail on beach And finally onto the beach. The storm ahead is generating howling headwinds and the tide is coming in: time to push on faster than we normally hike. The sand is relatively soft and it is hard going. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ffbc6d6-0094-4d4c-b3fe-affb9343d89d/18+bay.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Point Charles Beach transition to St Mary Beach Point Charles Beach transitions to St Mary Beach via a series of several small rocky spurs (too tiny to be called headlands) that would be tricky at high tide. Alternate routes exist; see the map in Planning and Tips. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8efc4565-44ee-4ff1-8660-6d34941d2dbd/20+rock.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - Natural rock scultures Rocks sculpted by wind and wave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/def43a2a-73b9-4973-9747-ddf9d1f10a12/seaaweed.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - snack on the beach Seaweed snacks amongst the seaweed! These are around 570 kJ per 100g and the serving size is only about 4.5g, so the nutrition is negligible, but these snacks are high in salts, iodine and other minerals. Don’t try to repackage them into alternative, less bulky wrapping as the oil leaches out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1fa51f2f-e76b-4652-b7ff-7f0e1d2fda6a/22+rock.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - rock at Point Charles - St Marys headland More rock. Not much further to go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9683b07c-1996-4111-8c4b-f78ae6ae0897/23+rock.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - natural rock sculptures on beach Wild weather on beaches can be tricky because you are so exposed but the seascapes and lighting are usually glorious. However, at the moment you would be hurrying to beat the storm as we are! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/55860b08-1895-4ff4-a09f-f37e0a922133/04+St+Marys+campground.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Mamang Trail Day 2 - Return to Point Ann - X Mid Pro 2 tent setup at St Marys campground Fitzgerald River National Park Back just in time! We get a few drops but the outstanding XMid 2 Pro is up in a flash and soon we are cosy inside. It has been a terrific hike, one perfectly suited to slower hikers and with views, wildlife and wildflowers galore. 10/10. https://slowerhiking.com/fitzgerald-river-national-park-western-australia/hakea-trail-planning monthly 0.5 2023-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d66d1d5b-698b-4e0c-a49e-ac9b86abf6e5/45+lookout.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - Hakea Hike Fitzgerald River National Park Spectacular sea views, plus a seat from which to enjoy them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e55cfe7-a099-43ad-94c4-15c8da79e6fa/quaalup+bell.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - Qualup Bell The region’s famous - and famously rare - Qualup Bell (Pimelea physoides) occurs nowhere else. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e1a76688-3547-48fd-bf7b-cd604a9a6390/22+spectacular+coastline.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - rugged coastline in Fitzgerald River National Park We experienced perfect albeit windy hiking weather; in summer, the track will be exposed and hot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec035471-f697-4bcb-b8e5-46bca84ba7f5/20+beach.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - Rock exposed on beach near Hamersley Inlet Fitzgerald River National Park The most recent high tide reached the foot of the foredune, but we are hiking at a better time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/732ddead-86ca-4d90-921a-83c2c0f71917/11+boot+clean+station.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - Boot cleaning station at Hemersley Inlet Boot Cleaning Station at Hamersley Inlet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e428624e-26d1-44b8-8471-82939b4e9815/Fitzgerald+River+National+Park+Location.jpeg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - Fitzgerald River National Park is mid way between Esperance and Albany on south coast of Western Australia Locality map for the Fitzgerald River National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b890d7cf-d4f5-45c2-9929-4939c83b994a/13+hamersley+inlet.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - Hamersley Inlet, Fitzgerald River National Park View over Hamersley Inlet from the spur trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9eb58ac7-885e-464c-97d7-a12a45be5bdc/29+whalebone+hut.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - Whalebone Beach Hut Whalebone Beach Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/12f28ca1-d99f-483e-a102-b479da563d30/Hakea+Hike+Key+Locations.jpeg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - elevation and distance details for Hakea Trail Hakea hike distances and elevation summary: one direction only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/87b52c52-6632-4bc4-aff1-93d269efc9aa/28+rain+tank.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - Water quality warning sign Sign on the rainwater tank at Whalebone Beach Hut; we recommend sterilisation tablets or a water filtration system rather than boiling, which uses extra fuel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/88d1c7e7-97a6-45a7-ad2f-ec7d75d248d5/evening+view.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - beach near Cave Point in late afternoon light Beautiful sandy beaches - this one near Cave Point https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a687242-933d-47af-90f5-78573bfbfcee/quoin+head.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - Quoin Head, Fitzgerald River National park Rugged coastal views - Quoin Head https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0212d529-5c83-4d31-b1e8-9aa50bb02063/01+sharp+rocks.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - Rocks on beach near Hamersley Inet Stunning rock formations through which you’ll have to weave https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b287f313-3865-44ff-a71b-03ee7cfaf05e/30+views+quoin+head.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Planning and Tips - Hakea Trail Fitzgerald River National Park Coastal views near Quoin Head https://slowerhiking.com/fitzgerald-river-national-park-western-australia/hakea-trail-cave-point-to-hamersley-inlet monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f52f3101-4e2c-4a16-b50e-ab36849eacfc/lead+day+1-4.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - beach in late afternoon light near Cave Point, Fitzgerald River National Park Pounding surf, clifftop views and deserted beaches on the Hakea Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e428624e-26d1-44b8-8471-82939b4e9815/Fitzgerald+River+National+Park+Location.jpeg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Fitzgerald River Nation Park Location Plan Fitzgerald River National Park location plan. The Hakea Hike Cave Point Trail Head is located near the eastern boundary of the park. Hopetoun is the closest town to Cave Point, approximately 15 km away, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da366294-69dd-4582-93ae-30140f2e078c/Hamersley+Inlet+to+Cave+Point.jpeg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Elevation profile Hamersley Inlet to Cave Point And here are the elevation profile and details for hiking from Hamersley Inlet to Cave Point (one way). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1998157d-b190-4474-a710-80fd771a3a01/12+steps.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Trail head at Hamersley Inlet Almost straight out of Hamersley Inlet camp you’ll brush your boots at the boot cleaning station before heading up steps into the consolidated dunes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b890d7cf-d4f5-45c2-9929-4939c83b994a/13+hamersley+inlet.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Hamersley Inlet And it’s not long before you have your first expansive views over Hamersley Inlet. If you own a kayak, you can launch from a boat ramp at the campground - a day spent paddling would be a lot of fun if you add it to your itinerary, with access to interesting vegetation on the opposite shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8302fd1e-25b9-4dfd-9c8b-05685e870f61/14+through+mallee.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - dune system along Hamersley Inlet Supur Trail The campsite is on a spur trail about 1.8 km off the Hakea Trail, but it’s a lovely walk through mallee and melaleuca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/183e4aa1-cba2-4356-8415-098169606202/35+diuris.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Donkey Orchid Keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers, here the Green Range Donkey Orchid, Diuris littoralis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6f96991-8715-4148-aaea-fa9814493b64/16+hamersley+inlet.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Hamersley Inlet lake More fabulous views westwards across Hamersley Inlet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ac21fa2-c415-4bee-9bab-d15f54a63d25/17+hamersley+inlet+mouth.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Hamersley Inlet sea outlet A sandbar has closed the mouth of Hamersley inlet at low tide in mid September when we hike, so no wading to be done: it could be very different in winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/32bc1c62-7a1c-4e0b-903b-75b05162b69f/19+girst+beach.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Beach near Hamersley Inlet Heading east along the first beach. The rain squalls out to sea will hopefully remain there: the weather is unpredictable so pack your raingear. Geoff has donned his lightweight Visp rain jacket as much for the wind as any potential rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9e19c971-5b6b-4ee0-80f1-894837aae9b4/21+beach.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - rock shelf near Hamersley Inlet Check tide times when planning your walk. You can see from this picture that it’s worth hiking at low tide, because high tide comes right up to the foot of the dune. You could hike along or behind the dune but it would not only be hard work, but you’d be contributing to erosion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/239e1301-4b9d-41f5-a27f-88bba88eafaa/23+view+from+end+of+beach.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Scenic view over beach from headland Fabulous views west, back along the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/557a6a47-d82d-4db7-b3e1-a204f2c3601b/24+climbing+up+beach+head.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - rock scrambling You’ll have a tiny scramble at the end of the beach, but nothing difficult. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aaaef206-9b00-4d19-86af-2aa59ae5f952/25+track+marker.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - thick vegetation on headland Watch for trail markers like this pile of stones. Enough people have gone the wrong way to create false tracks, so following footprints isn’t always helpful. However, you’ll see plenty of trail markers if you look for them, especially from vantage points. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/96bc2362-6ac9-4079-a0e0-6defff5e723b/21a+15+end+of+first+beach.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - good signage on the Hakea Trail Plenty of way markers mean navigation isn’t difficult, but we have the route on Alltrails on both our phones as well as Avenza Fitzgerald River NP Maps, plus paper maps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f4747d4-cdf0-4d02-864c-a0d4c897a01c/27+beachside.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Hakea Trail, Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet The trail alternates between beaches or near sea-level walking and higher ground such as the headland in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0143d32f-b27b-4049-b685-46ff0698b9de/29+foam.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - sea foam in rocky section of beach Highly varied terrain makes this section a lot of fun. That’s brown sea foam from water rushing up a little gullet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/747c8afb-3293-4800-9b07-d2e8ebd24770/30+old+melaleuca.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - hiker sitting amongst gnarly tree roots Weathered and gnarled textures. The trees and rocks aren’t bad either! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/868c2054-7549-454e-8f82-89470dfcd138/28+stony+beach.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - contrasting beaches this one rocky Beaches comprise the region’s stunning white sand, as well as rocky ones like this. Either way, none of them are long stretches such as you might find on other walks: there is a change in terrain coming soon, wherever you are! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4501bf66-05e3-4a7f-bd04-9c4aa8810036/32+sea+views.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - beautifully lonely beach A seat with a view! And so remote and isolated. We haven’t seen anyone all day, and this continues until we meet two women at the end near Cave Point. If you enjoy solitude, the Hakea Trail is fantastic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/375926e1-5bf4-4b6d-9594-62df669d98e2/33+inlet.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Wild sea and head interface Spectacular inlets and rock formations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3d774449-899a-4c01-a1c7-e9de68d50688/48+wispy+spiders+best.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - spider orchid We duck inland and find more orchids, here, Western Wispy Spider orchid (Caladenia microchila). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/807acb24-0344-425f-80f1-0493a63e09b8/26+hymenocallis.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Pterostylis mutica Pterostylis mutica are tiny, usually no more than 8-10cm tall, with each individual flower millimetres across: you have to be very careful to look before kneeling down to photograph them because it’s so easy to squash ones nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7cec231a-7935-4b23-ae87-b19344beecf2/09+chicken+and+vegetable+soup.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - sheltering behind bush to cook at lunch time Lunch Stop (Homemade Instant Chicken and Corn Cup-a-Soup) with Geoff cooking in the lee of a bush. The Caldena Cone Tri-Ti alcohol stove system is, however, very wind resistant; we team it with a Toaks titanium siphon stove which blooms better than the standard cat can stove with the volumes we boil for our meals. After numerous hikes we find it suits our leisurely style perfectly, and works in extreme cold as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a844c46-5802-4eb5-8acf-e2e0848c27d1/40+grevillea.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Grevillea tripartita Around our lunch spot is Grevillea tripartita subsp. tripartita https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00a1f19d-e97c-451a-8a0b-094e7f4a0f7a/32+calothamnus.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Calothamnus validus And the Barrens Clawflower, Calothamnus validus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5942d3d4-2fd7-4889-b710-c2da18dcef48/37+spider+orchid.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Southern White Spider Orchid And, a little further on, the Southern White Spider Orchid (Caladenia longicauda ssp australora) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d21148f4-2824-4f64-b3d4-d49abe1f3b3a/41+wide+views.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Coastal Heath, Fitzgerald River National Park Onwards through fantastic coastal heath. We are just a week or two early for peak wildflower season: many plants are still in bud. Nevertheless, other than on the beach, not a step goes by without seeing something in flower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/740bc1be-9f29-421e-a758-c2e6969ef77e/44+diuris.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - donkey orchids A fabulous clump of Donkey Orchids (D. littoralis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a23bf6a5-caee-4e12-ab37-fbd20758dff3/elyanthrera.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Purple enamel orchid Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1fe1fa04-ac4e-456d-a070-2db0d16e98c5/50+approaching+cave+point.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Trail markers on the Hakea Trail We are nearing Cave Point. Note the trail marker… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c098ec07-e4ad-4875-946d-0df1e71e26bd/51+hakea+victoriae.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Hakea bush The famous Hakea victoriae, for which the track is named. Its leaves are extraordinary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/efc9059a-89f6-4ef3-afb9-754e98525f14/46+pterostylis.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Pterostylis Unidentified Pterostylis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c84b214-0b61-4e58-b3f7-d1100990f23d/52+cave+point+view.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Approaching Cave Point Drifts of pink Melaleuca papillosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c705bbd8-f4b1-42d9-93ed-0b90776f8d49/quail.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - quail chick We flush mum and two siblings from the undergrowth beside the track as we pass, but one little quail chick is left behind, frozen in place. Isn’t its camouflage incredible? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ec73455-e912-428e-985b-36221e21eb4c/54a+evening+view.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - beach near Cave Point Lovely late afternoon light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2638e98-201c-4c71-a5d5-412221811510/54+rocks.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - rocky beach with lots of driftwood One last view of the rocky beach before climbing to the carpark and heading back to Hamersley Inlet. It has been a spectacular day of hiking with some of the best seascapes we’ve seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/835770a2-f0d7-43f3-9786-c544e15de9c6/08.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - XMid Pro tent Back in Hamersley camp, with the Durston XMid Pro pitched for strong wind with all guys deployed. There’s Geoff’s mountain bike, which he rode back from Cave Point after dropping off the car there this morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/355ebe23-1eca-4055-8962-9f956f3901c5/02+bed.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Inside XMid Pro tent Inside the XMid Pro 2, with our cosy twin quilt. It is an amazingly spacious tent for its weight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab7c446f-1330-4af0-9e79-add1056670d9/54+hamersl%3Bey+inlet.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet - Hamersley Inlet Shelter The campsite has toilets and a large undercover cooking area - luxury! Today’s walk has been marvellous. It is wild and relatively remote, without any roads or car parks and almost no people - amazing considering we are in school holidays and the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Festival is on. We’ve had spectacular views and a rich diversity of wildflowers: I can’t wait for tomorrow! https://slowerhiking.com/fitzgerald-river-national-park-western-australia/hakea-trail-hamersley-inlet-to-whalebone-beach-hut monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/140526ba-04b6-48f9-bf51-cc2b56d90aed/49+rocks+PIN.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - rocks on beach near Hamersley Inlet Spectacular rocks on the beach followed by clifftop views are the order of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65c1da2b-3aad-4fe3-838b-a805b3526835/Hamersley+Inlet+to+Whalebone+Hut.jpeg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - Hakea Hike Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Hut Elevation and distance details - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Hut (one way). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e855d4f-07a2-4d50-bfc4-fa27b7546aa3/lead+day+1.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - interesting rock formations near Hamersley Inlet It’s only a short distance along the beach to the rocks and you wind your way around and between them: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e1dd9ec0-c1e1-40c3-80cd-f993a53635a6/09+rock.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - more spectacular rock formations Schist and Quartzite in all kinds of extraordinary shapes. We could have been on Mars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/85045440-cf94-48dc-8e27-07aa7ef731e7/48+rocks.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - Schist and Quartzite outcrops on beach Just fabulous! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f4141f32-5f33-4c94-99c0-1faa64b47ea4/08+narrow+track.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - slab rocks pointing up near vertically Geoff squeezes between these two slabs; hiking at low tide is recommended https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78a4ac16-ec71-45f3-ae9c-d07fce85b087/38+beaches.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - browny golden rock reef on beach Delightful colours https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fdc225ae-3207-453a-8ef8-bc70f56fcc1d/03+sea+views.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - headland west of Hamersley Inet Past the rocky headland and nearing the end of the second little beach. Fortunately, the sand is firm, though the beach is so small that soft sand would not be a problem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9b4f23cd-c0f7-489f-8e52-5c9dcb137afb/11+leaving+the+beach.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - track up off of beach A short steep climb gets you onto the cliffs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6eccd4f4-08c2-4d5b-a654-8d5daed21337/46+beach+views.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - beach views … with lovely views east. Hamersley Inlet is around the corner past the rocky point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc717bc6-6c56-4aaf-b7e4-c8184f16d44d/15+blowhole.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - blow hole If you hear a strange sound at the top, it is a tiny blowhole that might be a lot louder at high tide. Geoff’s recording is somewhat underwhelming so we haven’t included it here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e8621f9-14bd-42f0-904e-e88649c04a53/04+stylidium.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - Stylidium albomontis The heath is different to that of yesterday, perhaps an earlier or later burn regime, with different flowers in bloom. Here, Stylidium albomontis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9bba8b2e-9df4-4d17-b174-fbf093db49a0/12+hibbertia.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - yellow Hibbertia Hibbertia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d66d1d5b-698b-4e0c-a49e-ac9b86abf6e5/45+lookout.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - Tamala Karst Lookout Tamala Karst Lookout with views west. It’s national park as far as the eye can see: at 329,882 hectares (about 3,300sq.km. or 1,275sq.mi), Fitzgerald River NP really is huge, one of the biggest in Australia. It also has relatively few roads, especially now many of them are closed for much of the year or permanently. I bet there are undiscovered new plant species hidden in remote areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a83c5834-48dc-4c65-b3fb-a2e3cddef48d/10+beaut+coastal+heath.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - healthy vegetation in Fitzgerald River National Park It’s also relatively flat, easy walking, alternating between sand and limestone, with views every step of the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e3fbf0bc-6b29-4d60-8273-43231450433a/17+philotheca.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - Halgania lavandulacea Halgania lavandulacea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0ef43263-04e1-42cc-ab0b-c262df77fdc0/40+views.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - views across heath to coast Coastal heath like this is so much fun because you get the views AND the wildflowers. If you’re a botanist, and your partner is not, you’ll still both have plenty to enjoy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e924d3da-332d-49fe-bc62-f3ca8b0501ec/gompholobium+cyaninum.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - Gompholobium cyaninum Gompholobium cyaninum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7396e7e8-9aef-4ce0-9427-6d796cf0813a/16+pea+flower.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - Fabaceae family And Something elseium in the Fabaceae family! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d4a20a54-82b5-4f8e-b29b-5723486a922e/22+spectacular+coastline.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - many spectacular views of rugged coastline Views westwards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/56527460-6279-47e8-b5dd-f751f7071f3d/day+two+sunlit.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - spectacular views of rugged coastline We have this entire coastline to ourselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8439dfb5-1099-4e16-aab6-e79e061119b3/28+coastline.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - rugged steep cliffs near Whalebone Beach There are apparently whales about but it’s quite windy so they would be hard to spot, and they are most commonly seen in more sheltered bays further west. We expect to see many whales on the Manang Trail later this week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f70ebe92-883f-41ae-82aa-6b79f949f3e7/21+near+whalebone+hut.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - flower display approaching whalebone hut Approaching Whalebone Hut, tucked out of sight deep in the valley in front of the drift of pink Melaleuca. You’ll be following the track in the centre mid ground to Quoin Head tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e909a3c-2a05-44a3-86ca-da87637be13f/quaalup+bell.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - Qualup Bell Qualup Bell (Pimelea physoides) is one of the wildflower species that occurs either primarily or solely in Fitzgerald River National Park. With such a restricted range, any sighting is a thrill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/43c04fb5-2293-4565-865c-44d110bec077/28+whallebone+creek.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - Creek flowing out to sea at Whalebone Beach Following Whalebone Creek upstream to Whalebone Hut; you can also follow it downstream to the beach. You could do this now, tomorrow, or on the way back; the same applies to the Whalebone Coast Lookout on a short spur trail that you passed a short distance back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a27d6bf8-33d5-46a7-90ce-8e89c9440940/29+whalebone+hut.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - Whalebone Beach Hut The area around the new hut has been cleared and is ablaze with wildflowers. A full tank of rainwater (there are two) is not guaranteed as they are not replenished by Parks; we have unnecessarily carried in several extra litres. The tanks are likely to be full in spring but may not be later in the season or in autumn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b726cc73-1f89-48ff-9ba8-09cadbd73cc8/32+whalebone+hut.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - Inside Whalebone Beach Hut Sleeping space for at least a dozen hikers - the interior is very nice indeed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/89e1e3c0-8e4c-4286-b631-ce69769f994b/33+whalebone+hut.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - Whalebone Beach Hut Tables on the deck on the western side have steel plates for camp stoves. The outlook is beautiful but, as so often seems to happen in architect-designed hiker huts, the orientation is impractical because the southerlies funnel up the gully; our caldera cone slides across the steel plate and it is too windy to cook there. The only sheltered spot is inside the hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0d538083-f502-41b3-a4a3-7841f97b05a3/34+whalebone+hut.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - sleeping platform in Whalebone Beach Hut We set up our bedding - no need to squash up because we have the entire hut to ourselves. And we cook in a tiny sheltered corner on the floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/57bcf154-ec68-4edd-85b8-55a5f160c223/35+dinner+whalebone+hut.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Hamersley Inlet to Whalebone Beach Hut - feta and pearl barely risotto A delicious new dinner: Pea, feta and pearl barley risotto (recipe coming soon!). I take the shot here but we then escape the gale to eat inside. Botanists will find plenty to delight them around the hut, but there is more to see tomorrow! https://slowerhiking.com/fitzgerald-river-national-park-western-australia/hakea-trail-whalebone-beach-hut-to-quoin-head monthly 0.5 2023-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b287f313-3865-44ff-a71b-03ee7cfaf05e/30+views+quoin+head.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - coastal views looking east from near Quoin Head More glorious, isolated coastal views today with new wildflowers to discover! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7228559d-245b-4d5a-b2ec-20eb2502a2d5/Whalebone+Hut+to+Quoin+Head.jpeg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - Whalebone Hut to Quoin Head elevation graph The elevation and distance details for the section from Whalebone Hut to Quoin Head and return if you’re following our recommended itinerary. If you do so, leisurely hikers will have time to walk down to the beach for lunch and explore the area, as well as ducking down to Whalebone Beach after returning to the hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d6cfc5df-60ac-4d0d-bc78-7b0b36b8173f/Caladenia+doutchii.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - Purple-Veined Ant Orchid An exciting find not far out of camp: the tiny Purple-Veined Ant Orchid, Caladenia doutchii https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d8780a3c-1520-4c46-9541-43660f7f7d05/02+whalebone+hut.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - Whalebone Hut Looking back at the hut from the western slope. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8713cb13-1b5a-43da-878a-7d1a155f8132/05+leptospermum.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - Anticoryne ovalifolia Lovely Anticoryne ovalifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/96cd1783-62df-4662-8408-599d577333a6/5+steep+climb.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - track out of Whalebone Beach It’s a steep climb out of camp but the wildflowers are fantastic and, once you reach the top, most of the elevation is done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d586e571-ef15-420b-b0d9-cb31a9cc184c/6+bearded+skink.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - Spotted Military Dragon Lizard Fitzgerald River National Park is renowned for its wildlife, more richly diverse than in any other Western Australian National Park. There are 41 reptile species, here a male Spotted Military Dragon (Ctenophorus maculatus) in his dapper uniform. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2e668df-e259-4cc8-8641-ef679ed3d227/31+snake.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - legless lizard Common Scalyfoot Spot the Not-Stick… and Not-Snake! The Common Scalyfoot is a legless lizard (Pygopus lepidopus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce56ed48-6200-4c25-b3fe-b60c536b1bb7/20+cockroach.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - Native Cockroach Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach (Polyzosteria mitchelli) wearing snazzy blue leggings and stripey jacket for an outing on the track, hopefully not to meet Misters Military Dragon or Scalyfoot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5cffdb1d-bbc1-4b54-83d1-815ab78767d7/07+regelia+velutina.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - Barrens Regelia (Melaleuca velutina). We pass through a single patch of these spectacular Barrens Regelia (Melaleuca velutina). It’s strange how they grow in scattered patches - this is the only one population we seen on the entire hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/68614f81-7497-444e-a216-864237c9a72d/24+stackhousia.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - Birthday candles (Stackhousia monogyna) Birthday candles (Stackhousia monogyna) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/33328287-843a-4bb5-bf4b-60812d63d4bf/27+stylidium.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - Stylidium breviscapum Another trigger plant, probably Stylidium breviscapum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9493238e-e3f7-43ec-a7c9-e01fc9d389a2/29+views+quoin+head.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - southern coastline along Fitzgerald River National Park near Quoin Head A quick sit on the seat to enjoy the view but we don’t linger: it is insanely windy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0d8eada9-c938-4106-a4b0-91e2586726fa/30+calectasia.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - Calytrix leschenaultii Fabulously vivid Calytrix leschenaultii https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9f3a7ea-06b2-4042-ae35-7ce20a1118f8/25+melaleuca.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - Melaleuca papillosa And more pink Melaleuca papillosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e9eefef-7d52-4385-b8fb-356f3e3cea91/deep+valley.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - gully before Quoin Head A steep descent to a narrow valley… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/19a1aad6-02d8-4011-b3ef-8b3584ed3b50/22a.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - rockpools along creek in steep sided gully approaching Quion Head … with a chain of rockpools. We stopped in this sheltered spot for a snack - it was just too windy on top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ffc111eb-2c98-4d12-becc-a6f49e2ba1cb/28+quoin+hed.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - Quoin Head And finally a glorious view over Quoin Head and beyond, still parkland to the horizon. Because we hiked this differently to our recommended itinerary (and the way we’ve structured the story), we didn’t have time or puff to go down to the beach itself. However, if leisurely hikers do this section as an out and return from Whalebone Hut, or stay at Quoin Head Beach as described in our Planning and Tips for alternative itineraries, you’ll have a much more relaxed day with time for a beach picnic. What has been most surprising is the difference in the vegetation over the three sections of the hike. Although today has involved short sections of 4WD track, there has still been plenty to see, climaxing at the Quoin Head formation. Even more astonishing is that we are here in peak wildflower season during the Flower Festival, yet we have seen just two other couples on the track over the entire three days. Solitude, scenery, spectacle and species… the Hakea Trail delivers on all! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a687242-933d-47af-90f5-78573bfbfcee/quoin+head.jpg Fitzgerald River National Park - Hakea Trail - Whalebone Beach Hut to Quoin Head - Quoin Head and beach Quoin Head with the beach just visible. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-denmark-to-albany daily 0.75 2023-07-14 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-denmark-to-albany/denmark-to-west-cape-howe monthly 0.5 2023-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0fc4f90f-5007-4ef3-9755-45d19a3a024e/10+inland+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Magnificent views over inland lakes Today is filled with stunning coastal scenery but there are also the last of those magnificent inland views to enjoy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/836a373a-82c8-4044-b79e-9a97bd91054d/Denmark+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Overview map Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 8: Denmark/Albany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86fd71db-a46a-4a11-ba14-26970ac7e300/Denmark+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Elevation Profile Denmark to West Cape Howe The day’s details: the track transfer is not included in the elevation graph figures. The new track along the southwesterly part of the Inlet is not yet finalised — it is now — and hikers were asked not to hike the contested western end, so we have arranged a fun paddle across to the jetty instead. At the last minute, this falls through (you have been warned!); the boat transfer is not available either so we are faced with a long road hike alongside busy highway traffic around the northern part of the inlet. The highway shoulder is narrow so avoid this option if at all possible. Fortunately, our kind Track Angel comes to the rescue and drops us near the southeastern end of the inlet rather than at the jetty; he tells us this is the usual drop-off spot. This significantly shortens the distance to Nullaki so we re-evaluate; we may continue on past Nullaki Hut to West Cape Howe depending on how the day unfolds. We (especially Helen!) are much more comfortable altering plans than we were at the beginning of our thru-hike: you too will likely find this happens as you deal with the inevitable delays and glitches without any skies falling. You trust your gear and that you have spare food; hotel bookings can be altered, or there’s always a caravan park to pitch the tent. It will be okay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e35903ae-b169-4d39-b22e-807ad2d936b0/01+kangaroo+paw.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Kangaroo Paw plants in Western Australia Almost immediately there is a field of spectacular kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos flavidus). These are pollinated by honeyeaters rather than insects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49ecb830-f0ff-456d-9b3d-b4b2aef681c1/03+caladenia.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Caladenia attigens We see plenty of orchids, too. Here, Caladenia attigens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f416e3ca-7af4-4db9-9269-872fe9073034/02+tiny+falcata.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Spider Orchid And another tiny unknown species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/95a35bef-4b02-4a10-a95d-ad95fde71f3d/04+nullaki+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Nullaki Hut Bibbulmun Track It is extremely wet with heavy showers interspersed with bursts of bright sunshine. Here we are at Nullaki. It is a lovely hut but it is too early to stop for the day. Time for a snack and a poke around - you’ll find more orchids around the hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d496ac60-26e0-44db-9930-c629b9e5a591/04a+campsite+nullaki.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Nullaki camp site Lovely sandy campsites, but we are not staying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e76683c-f101-4b9f-9e8c-185606985e48/05+thelymitra.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Thelymitras Despite the rain, there is enough warmth and scattered sun to partially open Thelymitras, here T. macrophylla https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c57931b-6da6-44a3-8e3d-b7dd44aa2bbb/08+diuris+jonesii.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Dunsborough Donkey Orchid And plenty of Dunsborough Donkeys (Diuris jonesii). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d02b1660-d22f-4e7a-89af-74328199b87d/07+rain+squall.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - heading out from Nukkai campsite into the rain Another shower but the terrain is delightful. The Visp rain gear has lost a little of its waterproofness after numerous days of use without being washed with techwash to restore the DWR, but they are still performing remarkably well. They have survived brushing through soft shrubs (don’t try this in Tassie’s scoparia!); the only repair is a Tenacious Tape patch on the knee of my pants where I came a cropper on gravel near the start of our E2E. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d4d6bd11-b574-43c6-b470-cfded4c1e6b0/09+snack+stop.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Snack on a hiker’s seat And off with the jacket again as the sun comes out. Another snack on a hiker’s seat. We have both increased our protein intake considerably: Geoff to slow muscle loss (we later learn he has lost 6kg and, as a relatively lean man, much of it has been muscle), and me to build it: I’ve lost fat but not gained muscle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0fc4f90f-5007-4ef3-9755-45d19a3a024e/10+inland+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Expansive views from the tops of dunes across small inland lakes Views inland. There is a remarkable amount of fresh standing water in the SW of WA; it is noticeably different from SA. You’ll often hear the birdlife when the wind is in the right direction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d1a8243a-8526-4233-bde1-71dcad3af744/12+snake.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Dugites, snakes on the Bibbulmun Track More snakes today. Dugites are highly venomous but not aggressive. This big mama takes her time to meander off the track and we are not about to hurry her along! We highly recommend long loose pants and closed shoes, or gaiters if you’re wearing shorts, if you’re hiking the southern sections of the Bibbulmun. You’ll have zero stress about bites if your legs and feet are covered, and will be able to enjoy the snakes you’ll inevitably encounter. It is not uncommon for hikers to see a dozen snakes a day on the track: there are far more than in many other parts of Australia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/faf46549-73e8-4535-855b-c93da4167015/13+Microtis+densiflora.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Microtis media ssp. densiflora A new orchid, Microtis media ssp. densiflora, growing behind the dunes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f71aa3a4-7c47-4abf-8908-cd0a2f3b3253/11+amazing+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Nearing the coast along a snady track through masses of different coloured wildflowers Nearing the sea. Just look at those flowers, blue Scaevola and pink Pimelea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e2183bb-40a0-429c-b0dd-a80f460534a7/15+therlymitra+bewnthamiana.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Thelymitra benthamiana More new orchids, with the temperature just warm enough to open them: Thelymitra benthamiana… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ebb965d2-9165-4116-92e7-db392927f629/21+thelymitra+benthmiana.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Thelymitra benthamiana … and its leucistic form, a whole patch of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90685de7-52ae-4a09-8bdf-460e4efa2b88/16+beautiful+scrub.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - healthy mallee and banksia Back into marvellously healthy mallee and banksia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/038f2f6e-2706-4635-a3a5-20eb61bd7cfd/17+banksia.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Banksia verticillata Banksia verticillata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b23f9866-529a-4c83-be68-b2102de3ddde/18+stylidium.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Stylidium violaceum And the violet triggerplant, Stylidium violaceum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/10af1b2b-075d-4947-a011-7bb53fb1ed64/23+daisy.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - white paper daisies Crispy crinkly pure white paper daisies (Rhodanthe sp.) brighten up the already colourful track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dc04ea08-c48d-4959-9067-048bc0e2ab73/06+caladenia.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Caladenia attigens More Caladenia attigens, huge specimens much more brightly coloured than we have seen further west.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d345a00d-c371-4566-aa19-118f7ee6a1e7/22+coast+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - seat on track with lip to rest pack on without need to remove the pack Another nicely placed seat from which to enjoy the view. It’s thoughtful little touches like this that really make a track, not just excellent contouring, routing or surfaces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/815f784f-0239-4780-b6e0-2534cb5a1c8e/jpeg+02.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Photographing Orchids Requires Commitment And of course there are many varied views and vantage points to enjoy… another tiny find! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/437467f0-70a7-4493-ba3c-2c6921cfe523/24+rainy+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - expansive views over coastal heathland More showers so I take few pictures, here during a little break between the squalls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1615251a-7f84-45a4-964b-0d995e91845c/25+west+cape+howe.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - West Cape Howe Hut, Bubbulmun Track And finally at West Cape Howe hut, in a spot sheltered from the southerlies and tucked amongst the vegetation. I take a few quick snaps, then go to pitch our tent… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b927b766-6125-4417-a491-6c44af34a2ca/26+west+cape+howe+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - West Cape Howe campsite … in an equally sheltered little spot. A lot of mosquitoes frequent the huts and in any case we prefer our tent unless it’s actually bucketing down when we are about to pitch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5ad5efba-4008-4656-a30d-bd277223746d/27+sunset.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 69: Denmark to West Cape Howe via Nullaki - Early evening views over the sea from West Cape Howe Pastel evening sunset views to finish the day. So few evenings left! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-denmark-to-albany/west-cape-howe-to-torbay monthly 0.5 2023-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aa512e41-ae85-40cf-a6e5-06ee3f09036e/12+inland+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Skirting the ridge behind Shelley Beach Today comprises a delightful walk through a burn, along clifftops, coastal heath and forest in cool, cloudy weather with only a few showers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e3a56e5a-e457-4476-bb08-228e28077738/West+Cape+Howe+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Overview Map Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 8: Denmark/Albany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4e96eb15-f7f4-442f-b83a-bb305e9037bc/West+Cape+Howe+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Elevation Profile West Cape Howe to Torbay Elevation profile for today. We follow the coast, then cut across coastal heath at the base of West Cape Howe with expansive views, before descending into forested terrain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e33c1b6d-4e73-41dd-9154-02b8e837292b/02+beaut+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Bibbulmun Track through myrtrle scrub Once again we begin through beautiful myrtle scrub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c0213b4-1dab-4b80-b469-5a1eebc5bd3a/04+caladenia+latifolia.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Caladenia latifolia Caladenia latifolia with a Mini-Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6199092-28d5-4a4a-99f8-9ab9774f809a/04+glimpses+of+west+cape+howe.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - West Cape Howe A glimpse of West Cape Howe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1764890-bb2c-445d-ab23-9a5548c409ab/jpeg02+burn+area.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Majestic sea views from fire scar Then into the burnt area. It is too recent for much to be up but it’s always worth keeping an eye out for fire responsive orchids like the Fire Orchid (Pyrorchis nigricans) which flowers in ash beds with red, white and black blooms that resemble meat; as soon as they are pollinated the entire plant blackens to camouflage it from grazing. I’ve seen them elsewhere on this hike but none have emerged yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71418be0-2596-481b-8303-070513930f53/jpeg03+burn+area.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - view of sea from burnt area Still great seascapes to enjoy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b06f9066-2720-40e9-9e77-fa40d12f5c20/05+regrowth.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - regenerated scrub after fire You can see here how well the bush recovers when (and only when) fires are timed well for intensity and time of year. There is a whole art to firestick farming that we recent arrivals have ignored for a few centuries, only now realising that just maybe the people with 60,000 years of experience might have more appropriate management techniques. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f327d9a8-e04f-45ad-afee-c7326ab17437/jpeg04+view+back+to+burn+area.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Make it stand out View back towards West Cape Howe Camp and Bornholm Beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/72189473-3f80-427d-893d-3d803441ff78/06+rest+on+the+side+of+the+track+with+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - majestic sea views from the Bibbulmun Track Morning snack on the side of the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e67c20b3-c3cd-43b2-9c4e-27e86057eb88/07+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - colourful coastal scrub near West Cape Howe A kaleidosope of colour as West Cape Howe nears. Pink Pimelea, blue Scaevola, yellow banksia and daisies, silvery Adenanthos and many orchids tucked amongst them. Delightful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0b92f7bb-3e2b-4ea4-9852-93b3f99e268d/08+albany.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Track signage Like that last mile marker on a road trip, here is our first to the destination rather than a waypoint enroute. But we are in no hurry to finish: as we have maintained since Day 1, it is about journey for us, not destination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3dc211c-b034-448f-9fb9-26e205ff3fd8/09+old+roo.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Kangaroo amongst patch of wildflowers An old, old man greets us from amongst the flowers. “Enjoy,” he says. “Enjoy my beautiful part of the world.” Indeed we are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0090412-68bb-4e1b-8978-013b422dd847/10+beautiful+track.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - pink wildflowers along the Bibbulmun Track near West Cape Howe Looking at these images makes me want to walk these sections again, perhaps in early spring with an entirely different cast of actors in bloom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aa512e41-ae85-40cf-a6e5-06ee3f09036e/12+inland+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Ridge behind Shelley Beach Skirting the ridge behind Shelley Beach. There is a famous hang gliding site around the corner on the seaward side but our packs are heavy enough! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c078f63-fe36-4b72-a2f1-7172baa3ff7f/11poison+isotoma.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Isotoma hypocrateriformis Woodbridge Poison (Isotoma hypocrateriformis). Just one of several toxic plants that have kept so much of Western Australia’s areas free from grazing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/543ba6ee-8f85-41c0-b2ed-5cbe90208645/13+tunnel+of+green.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - tea tree forest track And down into tea tree forest, soft and muffled underfoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9b109200-d254-4fe6-ac91-82c6ccbac0e6/16+more+monadnocks.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - granite slabs and monadnocks near Shelley Beach Up again onto spectacular granite slabs and monadnocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8890d103-1d51-4629-a3b1-4091d39d6531/14+paracaleana.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Paracaleana brockmanii From a little earlier in the day, we are still finding duck orchids in bloom, here Paracaleana brockmanii. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/12b424d1-6abc-46d3-ad51-b3c3146454ae/15+rock.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Sticky tailflower growing between gaps in granite Still climbing! Sticky tailflower (Anthocercis viscosa) exploiting the hollows in the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6f2cfe3c-ba63-47ee-85ef-19955c2986a5/18+anthocercis.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Anthocercis viscosa Sticky Tailflower, Anthocercis viscosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0efc289c-c429-4743-8c9f-0097e591877d/17+first+peoples+artefacts.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - raised rock slabs to attract lizards Plants aren’t the only ones to exploit these open sunny granite outcrops. You’ll see aboriginal peoples’ artifacts in many places if you know what to look for. Here, slabs have been raised and supported with smaller rocks to provide shelter for reptiles and other potential foods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/637a9176-2842-482d-b4cd-31f7a3bb7e3b/19+spectacular+coastline.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Dingo Beach Heading down towards Dingo Beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/44041789-c975-4110-8206-ec9ceef1745d/20+cryptostylis.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Slipper orchid (Cryptostylis ovata) Slipper orchid (Cryptostylis ovata) grows in a huge range of habitats, here on the edge of the granite slab. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ba5f2992-bb6e-4083-bfa0-657e9718b09f/21+paperbarks.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Paperbark forest Between the paperbarks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/daf82ddc-4529-49d0-af89-b857555458ba/22+camouflage.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Shingleback / Stumpy Tailed lizard Shingleback or Stumpy Tailed lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) are common throughout the southern half of mainland Australia. They eat insects and snails, crushing them with their strong jaws, but they also love flowers and strawberries - they were the bane of my grandmother’s berry patch! Although they look fierce when they open their mouths in a threat display, they’re not venomous or dangerous, although if you pick them up and they bite you, your finger will have a bruise. Look at how fantastic that camouflage is, blending exactly with the leaf litter and ground. You’ll often only notice them if they move: immobile they’re almost indetectable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9c2c92b4-cb3a-409c-b745-096f1c17c7b2/24+torbay.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Torbay Hut. Here we are at Torbay Hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ea29414d-9aa6-48ad-aff7-913780ff9fb4/27+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Torbay Hut tent site The campsites: two are small and very sloping… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b0100c1-9d72-415b-a0da-9c1a893fe5a6/26+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - tent pitched near access track at Torbay Hut … while those in a clearing are also in a drainage hollow, no good if expecting rain. The sites are the worst of any we’ve seen on the track. We find a spot on the very edge, set up the tent and return to the hut for dinner and a chat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/55a14ac5-6aab-4153-924e-b13b633d04f3/23+quenda+very+tame.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 70: West Cape Howe to Torbay - Isoodon obesulus But wait, we have a visitor! Back in the hut, a very tame quenda or bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) is scurrying about. She is looking for food, no doubt because she is carrying her hungry kids in her pouch, but it’s really important not to feed any of our native animals. In South Australia, many Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies have died because of a disease directly attributed to tourists feeding them. How lucky we are to interact with native animals like this! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-denmark-to-albany/torbay-to-mutton-bird monthly 0.5 2023-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f15ad215-72e3-4766-ad60-1851f9edb14c/13+stream.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Small Inlet along Perkins Beach Creeks, forest, headlands and beaches, all squeezed into one delightful short day of just 12.4km. Many trail fit hikers will double hut to Sandpatch but others, like us, will instead savour every last moment on the Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a9958ca-3c07-4dc0-827e-84f091837946/Torbay+Overviw+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Overview Map Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 8: Denmark/Albany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/920d60c3-976c-4800-8e8e-d51f80c76894/Torbay+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Elevation profile Torbay to Mutton Bird A short but scenic day with a lovely sheltered campsite at the end. After an initial descent to Cosy Corner, you have a short hike along Perkins beach; we diverted inland over a bridge and behind Kennedy Camping Centre to avoid rocks, soft sand and high tide. Back down to the beach to cross Torbay Inlet, then inland again with a long steady climb to Muttonbird Hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/50334fe5-d68c-4e49-b36c-04e299ee87e8/03+breakfast.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Breakfast with a view at Torbay Campsite But first, breakfast with a view. We have had a relatively late start, rising at 6:30am. When you thru-hike, other than for things like tidal crossings, a clock becomes irrelevant and your body adjusts to its natural circadian rhythms. You (or at least old farts like us who don’t party late!) go to bed when it gets dark and get up when it gets light. There is no trouble sleeping at this stage of a thru-hike: your tent has become as familiar as your bed at home, and the physical exertion of the day ensures a good night of shut-eye. You will likely never sleep as well and soundly as you do on a thru-hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7eaf0d44-847f-4bde-9ed1-bbd920898449/02+breakfast.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Ramen for breakfast Our breakfasts vary between porridge, poha and today’s instant noodles with dehydrated vegetables and (since this hike) lots of dry protein as well. Here we’ve added a few sugarsnap peas leftover from town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/89b513f3-c2d2-44dc-8977-e4e0d4ad43ba/heath+and+buttongrass.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Hiking through sedges and heath near Mutton Bird Campsite Delightful walking a little way inland initially, through sedges and heath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ea59147-529d-48e3-ac44-0e3ee3fd5b71/06+casuarina.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Casuarina forest. Casuarina forest. These are always lovely underfoot, and often host interesting orchids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/943e16f7-120e-4746-8007-a6ba5117ce60/27+pea+flower.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Twining Gompholobium Twining Gompholobium (G. polymorphum) adds a bright splash of colour. It is another of those native plants toxic to stock and I am grateful to every one of them for preserving the southwest’s marvellous vegetation at settlement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4cd6f40e-a907-4dbb-add1-0857b5083c81/07+descending+to+beach.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Approaching Cosy Corner Descending to the beach and Cosy Corner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/049c98df-4b8c-46dc-882e-84a8a8db9e87/05+possible+campground.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Cosy Corner Campsites The aptly named Cosy Corner campsite is accessible by vehicle and is an option for hikers if they want flexibility for shortening or lengthening days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a070464-193f-45ec-832a-3c77eb6073e0/08+pinic+area.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Cosy Corner Cosy Corner Campsite with barbecue and picnic table is also open to cars and caravans and is a short hop to the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5d4dc96-4604-4462-81f2-c5786d487ad2/09+picnic+area.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Nice campsite at Cosy Corner Nice campsites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9a367192-ecdf-42f4-81bb-c4f33e861c80/10+sign.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Torbay Inlet Crossing Warning Sign Timing is important but we should arrive when the tide is, if not low, at least not high either. However, such a long distance of soft sand walking is murder on tetchy Achilles tendons; Oly and Virg have suggested a short alternate inland route that also avoids rocks, but we still will need to cross Torbay Inlet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6564a1d7-b4ce-421a-ad5a-d788f9ff86c3/bridge.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Small bridge over inlet to Cosy Corner Beach If you divert inland along this alternate route behind Kennedy Camp, you cross a delightful stream surrounded by grass and wildflowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9e6dd5a2-f162-4186-bb61-ec0c4c81d763/04+stream.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - small inlet along Cosy Corner beach The burbling stream makes its way to the sea. Lush grass like this looks inviting but it is almost always weedy when you’re in Oz! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9135cfb8-e61b-430e-95ea-31d411a1812d/jpeg+12+beach.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Mutton Bird Beach Back onto the sand, heading towards Torbay inlet with Hanging Rock and Shelter island beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/79210669-ff13-4970-9d56-538a4c0b44db/11+crossing.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Torbay Inlet Crossing Torbay Inlet looks perfectly doable. Nevertheless we stop for a cup of tea so we can observe the behaviour of the crossing and waves. We then link with a third solo hiker who is uncertain about crossing on her own, so there are no pictures. As recommended, the best place to cross is often near where the sea meets the outflow; it is wider and the water isn’t flowing quite as fast. The narrowest spot of any watercourse is usually the worst place to cross because it is deeper. The water is only knee deep today but it is very strong; we can see how hikers can get into trouble. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/af9d383a-8fc0-40c1-91c6-8d5f4e3b961f/14+bluebottle+jellyfish+Physalia+utriculus.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - bluebottle on beach Surprisingly little flotsam on these white beaches, but here’s a bluebottle (Man o’War, Physalia physalis). These are not jellyfish but siphonophores, a fascinating colony of separate organisms that are genetically identical but arranged in different ways so that each unit fulfils a unique function, allowing the organism to operate as a whole. Their sting is pretty nasty; first aid involves removing remaining tentacles, rinsing in seawater (not fresh water) but then immersing the area or showering in hot water for 20 minutes to denature the protein toxins, or a cold pack, neither of which is feasible when you’re backpacking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/40b9780c-c663-49d1-a786-3866f3868301/15+lookout+lunch.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Hanging Rock Lookout Lunch at Hanging Rock Lookout, with expansive views along the white sweep of Perkins Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad4de605-5315-4ea4-9f63-a73db783c829/16+stylidium.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Stylidium hirsutum Hairy Triggerplant (Stylidium hirsutum). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a030b6cd-4008-4ac9-b416-5ef66cb3be51/17+magnificent+banksias.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - magnificent ancient banksias The track passes under these absolutely magnificent ancient banksias. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/059c3d80-5108-48dd-82d1-582870ef35d1/18+purple+pansy+orchid.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Purple Pansy Orchids Purple Pansy Orchids (Diuris longifolia) still popping up, though they will finish soon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7ff528a-66ab-4769-911b-f6152b311ba3/21+wildflowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - coastal heath approaching Mutton Bird Campsite The coastal heath is extraordinary. Even past peak flowering as now, it still holds so much colour and variety. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/627b9ae4-8878-43d2-8601-5a772dc66773/20+winsfarm+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Wind Farm near Albany The Albany wind farm is an impressive sight, but you won’t get up close today. You’ll walk past dozens of turbines along the cliff tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e018c2ae-c54c-4991-af41-d94076c317d6/24+muttonbird+hut.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Mutton Bird Hut, Bibbulmun Track But for now, there is Muttonbird Hut. The huts are similar enough in design to feel familiar and like home. And yet, each is in its own unique setting too. That first glimpse of green roof at the end of the day is always welcome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c34312a4-16ef-4a4b-a570-b5511a4618e7/25+sheltered+campsite.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - tent site at Mutton Bird Camp Yet another wonderfully sheltered campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ed6b91ef-4140-4db2-9d49-bd9fb19b527a/22+sunset.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 71: Torbay to Mutton Bird - Sunset at Mutton Bird Campsite It is our second last night on the track and our second last sunset. How strange to think we are nearly finished! Amazingly — to me, at least! — all my doubts have proven baseless. Our ageing bodies, with so many of life’s souvenirs, have nevertheless carried us all this way. How well they have done! How lucky we are to be here! https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-denmark-to-albany/mutton-bird-to-sandpatch monthly 0.5 2023-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e37ec195-95f3-4f49-aa13-bca96903037f/05+windfarm+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Albany Windfarm A day along clifftops, with turbines to our left and spectacular ocean views to the right. Sunny blue skies initially followed by horizontal rain for variety! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc96e0a0-787b-4e94-a6b9-b398b8d8a2f9/Mutton+Bird+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Overview map for today Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 8: Denmark/Albany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc3926e6-f2a2-4c85-8abc-24985e12255c/Mutton+Bird+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Elevation profile Mutton Bird to Sandpatch Elevation profile for our penultimate day. You can see from the map that we follow the cliffs almost the entire distance of just 12.1km. The Bibbulmun huts are cleverly structured along the route to be more closely spaced at either end, so that hikers have a chance to develop their trail legs: yet another reason this thru-hike is exceptional. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bbd80d49-6560-4b79-a7cb-7bc715dde9a4/01+path.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Coastal Heath near Snadpatch Warm sunny blue skies at last! It has been an unusually wet spring, or at least unusual in recent times; SW Western Australia’s climate has changed significantly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0abade0-78d9-48e6-870b-c6675591cfb3/02+sea+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - West Cape Howe and Perkins Beach. Views west to West Cape Howe and Perkins Beach. You have walked all that in the last few days, and beyond! It is really difficult to stay in the moment: your mind is racing ahead. With decades of daily meditation under his hat, Geoff is much better at taming his mind than am I. But every thru-hiker grows in the process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/339fac0e-ea9f-4e22-b747-b958f0105f21/02+sea+03+windfarm.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Albany Windfarm and Stunning Coastal Views We make a point of stopping and sitting on every seat to reflect. I can understand why a small number of hikers reach the end of the Track and immediately turn around to head back the other way. Your thinking changes on a thru-hike. Life simplifies and the challenges — and your response to them — are very much within your control. It is much easier to understand this without a myriad of irrelevant distractions. In everyday life, you are bombarded by stimuli and demands, but this is a good lesson to take from the track. You have practised it daily for several months: plenty of time for new habits and patterns of thinking to form and to stick. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/725632fc-2979-4452-838b-64a7b2617913/jpeg08+launch.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Sandpatch Hangliding Launch Another place to stop. The windfarm is a famous hang gliding and paragliding site and this is one of the launches. The wind is crossing from the right — you can see the windlines on the water, one of the things you learn to read as a pilot — but alas we have no wings with us. We note many squalls brewing out to sea (another useful observational skill both pilots and thru-hikers develop), so we’re unsure how long the sun will last. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78c370c3-dc76-45b5-bc2f-0c34b614426e/pth+windfarm.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Albany Windfarm Track For a short distance, the Bibbulmun follows part of the Albany Windfarm Loop Trail, a nice option for those who’d like a little taste of this section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fdd727e5-92c0-49bd-90f5-22e35b5e70ba/06+thely+1.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Sun orchid Sun orchids (Thelymitra spp) require a certain amount of warmth and humidity to open the flowers, and we have had only a handful of days on this entire hike with these conditions. We have passed countless closed blooms but, today, we are in luck. Flowers normally open between 11am-3pm, a small window! Here, the Coastal Sun Orchid, T. granitora. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a593093-dba0-450a-a90c-0e28069582c9/07+thely2.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Scented Sun Orchid, And everywhere spikes of the the Scented Sun Orchid, T. macrophylla. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eafc87cc-78ee-4680-ac2e-a0e4a40aca0c/14+turbines.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Windfarm 18 turbines in total; we are not yet halfway. Albany is just around the corner beyond that headland. But wait, I’m getting ahead of myself again! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb614cf5-e117-490c-a033-1cb897902e4b/10+thelymitra.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Thelymitras Thelymitras have incredible variation in colour and form, and also hybridise. I think this is T. graminea, but sometimes all you can do is say, “ It’s one of the blue thelys!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04d2dca0-4ff6-4a87-9079-4f8c5c10c67e/17+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Views along coast adjacent Albany Windfarm Another seat from which to contemplate the building squalls to the east. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca1a7ac9-3b6b-473a-961b-2f03a7f1152e/18+windfarm+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Albany Windfarm looking west Still clear behind us to the west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c05cae92-0e6c-48ae-bf32-ccf209a58e52/12+t+benthamiana.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Leopard Orchid Two more Leopard Orchids, T. benthamiana. I have never seen as many as in the past few days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e1572271-a589-4a04-aa8e-dcea0a2e5e71/13+t+benthamiana.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Leopard Orchid hybrid And again the yellow form - a genetic quirk uncommon elsewhere but appearing in regular patches here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/400a1981-3839-4275-b0a9-afa63888dbf0/15+banksiasL.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Healthy Banksia Trees Wonderfully healthy banksias. They are an essential food source for numerous native birds and animals. We have walked through many areas where the banksias have all but disappeared so it is great to see them here. In wet weather, hiker’s boots transport the phytophthera fungal spores that kill banksias, which is why it’s so important to stay on or close to the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/30033537-576f-44ed-8f3e-877c5ca80895/16+thelymitra.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Blue sun orchid One of the blue Thelys! Orchid enthusiasts can view our gallery of the 80+ species we have seen on the Bibbulmun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b17a5552-332b-4fd2-bec8-d43284135be7/20+clolour.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Meandering path through colourful wildflowers Just look at that path! Wow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a4d087a0-03aa-4379-89f7-1f78c48ed1bd/19+storm.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Stormy clouds and rain approaching But the rain and wind are coming, fast. We don our waterproofs at the last moment — it has been warm — and then, wham!, it goes from short sleeves weather to icy and hammering sideways rain. The last section to Sandpatch Hut has no more pictures because it buckets down the entire way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ba93d299-cf6f-422d-8d99-d30eae59322f/sandpatch3.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Sandpatch Hut, Bibbulmun Track A welcome respite from the wet when we reach Sandpatch. Time for a late lunch (it was too wet on the track) and a hot cuppa! The area around the new hut has been cleared — the old one burnt down in a bushfire — but now the wind howls around the space. This photo was taken the next morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0fea7c81-e7fe-4fe3-9d82-4917e2fd1a19/campsite2.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Typical Sandpatch tent site The campsites around the edge of the clearing are quite small — some are too small for out Triplex tent — and two are very sloping, but it’s nice that they’re a distance from the hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fc93db3a-7cf7-4f5c-bbad-b0834c3a0ef8/sandpatch2.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Triplex tent pitched at Sandpatch When there’s a break in the rain, we quickly squeeze our tent into a spot. It is our last night on the track and we don’t want to spend it in a hut! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74946ee1-0aff-420d-9b87-4735a3d2cef5/21.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Extra from hikers diary My last ‘Slower Hikers’ blah into the hut log book… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/acf16067-3e5b-4c54-b43c-9ad05d92fa18/22.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Page from hikers diary … and still going (there’s another half page as well)! I’ll mention some of these comments in our last post, tomorrow, but here is a taste: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c51ffd65-1404-4b80-8c86-bf2adcb77ce3/24+last+sunset.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 72: Mutton Bird to Sandpatch - Sunset at Sandpatch Later that day, as a parting gift, the rain clears. A ten minute walk from the hut takes us up onto the clifftop to a windy platform for one last sunset on the track. Our eyes are moist, but it’s not the wind. https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-track-denmark-to-albany/sandpatch-to-albany monthly 0.5 2023-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a5499c6-b584-4fcf-9a5d-de0e9a4a363a/06+albany+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - Princess Royal Harbour A cruisy final day through lovely Torndirrup National Park, before following the western shore of Princess Royal Boat Harbour into the heart of Albany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d9b84ca6-4195-4d6a-b8ff-a2488c94435b/Sandpatch+Overview+Map.jpeg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - Overview Map Use Bibbulmun Track Map… wait there’s no need… if you can’t see Albany you’re going the wrong way! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c1daaed9-0ee1-4a64-8bbb-5b73365b063c/Sandpatch+Details.jpeg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - Sandpatch to Albany Elevtaion profile Little elevation gain today, and just 12.5km. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9aa2bfc0-a1f7-487c-8052-4c234bf63ebe/01+last+morning.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - slower hikers geoff and helen You’ll have noticed we rarely take selfies. That’s because we know what we look like! But here is one with us packed up and about to leave Sandpatch as a memory of our last day. I’ve made a conscious effort to remember the things I’ve been missing, family and home and friends. We will see them all soon! First, though, we will enjoy these final hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d01921a-0ddf-465c-9f45-968d87fd88a6/02+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - wildflowers out of Sandpatch camp The flowers remain gobsmacking. Even people who aren’t interested in plants will be amazed at the swathes of colour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ac9e6df-d144-4a2e-b18d-7a52529bc45f/04+sea+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - wildflowers out from Sandpatch camp Back out to the sea, our companion for much of this journey. We have seen so many of her moods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/745d55a5-9d5e-4240-b7e6-1de26564d7b7/thelymitra+crinita.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - Blue Lady Orchid And a new Thelymitra, the Blue Lady Orchid (T. crinita) that we saw open yesterday (only closed buds today). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d2745a77-3f77-449b-a6af-f824c81da1fb/20+caladenia.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - Make it stand out Here is Caladenia applanata ssp erubescens (Rose Spider Orchid), seen on preceding days. What a thrill! They are variable in colour, ranging from pale pink to deep red, and darkening as they age. During our first few weeks on the track near Perth, a northbound hiker told us about the fields of red spider orchids he’d seen between Denmark and Albany. I had almost given up, figuring that they would all have finished but hooray, there are just a few slackers still remaining! You won’t need to look hard for these as they are anything but cryptic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a5499c6-b584-4fcf-9a5d-de0e9a4a363a/06+albany+views.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - views across Princess Royal Harbour to Possession Point and Quarantine Hill Heading down with views across Princess Royal Harbour to Possession Point and Quarantine Hill. There is a grand hike on this long spit. Albany township is tucked just to the left out of shot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16ddd34c-2e1f-4eb9-830b-880fd101bce6/05+moth.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - Bag-Shelter Moth A Bag-Shelter Moth (Ochrogaster lunifer) with its fox-fur stole. This is the adult form of a processionary caterpillar that you sometimes see marching nose to tail in long lines across the ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/476e4500-bc83-4f18-bd26-95587c2e3904/07+nearing+albany.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - Easy walking along this one vehicle wide sandy track It is easy walking, with plenty of opportunities to reflect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f03ecf84-d78a-4497-b47a-aa28575cfbb8/08+albany+township.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - Last views from the track Albany and a sit on another seat in a control burn area. We sit for at least ten minutes. Neither of us are talking much, both lost in our own thoughts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be355662-9c53-46e6-bb80-4ea1b979e726/09+pink+coneflower.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - Purple Coneflower (Isopogon formosus) Purple Coneflower (Isopogon formosus). We’ve seen so many of these, but I find myself trying to notice everything about this last day. It’s impossible, of course, not least because my memory isn’t great (so thank you, Diary!) but because there is just too much to take in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/12d4e294-3c19-4fbf-bd5e-09bdf9e27583/10+last+flowers.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - track through scrub near Albany Still plenty of beautiful forest. When we first started the Track, the plants were all unfamiliar. Now they are old friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cde28593-4b5f-4576-a5bf-ac310b513cb0/11+boardwalk.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - board walk across a small wetland Boardwalk along the edge of the Harbour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/591f05e0-855b-48f6-99a3-a5e7528029ec/15+inviting+path.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - Track into Albany You can’t hear it, but there’s a lot of traffic noise. Albany is a large town of 40,000 souls, about ten times bigger than any settlement we’ve passed through since we left Kalamunda in Perth. But the Track gently eases us back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fed929d0-405b-4933-89b6-fb61ad7f51dd/12+nearly+there.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - Shared path The cycle/walk track runs parallel to a road. Cars are rushing past. Soon we will be in town! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e0b82482-ea50-4b9a-8406-589c4de24ad2/13+esplanade.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - track along the shores on inlet But not quite yet. We are right at the water’s edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bbeb23ba-6460-4dd6-b872-a91b8b796cb4/14+birdlife.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - water birds and waders in shallow waters of inlet Birds in the Harbour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fafd402e-7a1b-42e9-92b2-d1b7d77eb161/into+albany.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - kangaroo paws A nice echo of the wild kangaroo paws we hiked through just out of Denmark. We are almost at the Visitor Centre! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d322a514-0d56-4254-be1d-18cc51ecc4ae/we+made+it.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - Bibbulmun Track Southern Terminus Here we are. Since then, we have hiked many more multiday hikes. It is another gift from the Track: 10-30 day hikes all seem perfectly achievable, even short, when done in our own way at our own slower pace. The Cape to Cape Track was straightforward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0a35556-70bb-4034-aef4-496f123cfbf4/ringing+the+bell.jpg Bibbulmun Track: Denmark to Albany - Day 73: Sandpatch to Albany - ringing the Bibbulmun Track Bell Ringing the Traditional Bell in the Visitor Centre. Or, as Geoff would say, “We Made It! Good Job!” https://slowerhiking.com/italy-dolomites daily 0.75 2025-10-29 https://slowerhiking.com/italy-dolomites/monte-pelmo-dolomites-rifugio-staulanza monthly 0.5 2023-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0bf5d71-8f13-421b-a9eb-0f23997b9505/08b+scree.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Monte Pelmo scree slope Spectacular scree slopes feature on the Pelmo Tour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dfed9af9-3788-4983-a188-00391a34737b/Giro+Pelmo.jpeg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - map of cicuit hike arond Monte Pelmo We start from Pecol, intending to hike to Rif. Staulanza, but a friendly B&B host drops us off there instead. You can also catch a Dolomiti bus. Walking from Pecol adds 5.8km and 350m elevation to your first day. If you catch the lifts from Alleghe, you’ll walk around 4km in the alpine meadows, plus a further 5km to get to Rif. Staulanza, so we suggest slower hikers stay there overnight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e95666ba-b15f-4e4f-a743-6439cab39a2f/01+rif+staulunza.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Rif. Staulanza Starting from Rif Staulanza makes for the shortest, most direct circuit. Longer circuits would start from Rif. Pala Favera and Rif Monte Pelmo or Pecol. These ski destinations are very busy in winter, but are often much easier to book in the summer hiking season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fe957f30-78a6-4e91-a283-3080d20b7fd7/05+pecol+maybe.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - View of Civetta from Pelmo The climb through alpine wildflower meadows and forest is a complete delight, with views appearing early. As well as distant mountains vistas, you’ll glimpse villages nestled in the valleys below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77d15986-bf5e-4001-85f0-a564350a29b4/06+dianthus.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Dianthus Dianthus in the early morning light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5ad09104-e570-4cd1-848b-b81de2904fea/20+armeria.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Armeria alpina Armeria alpina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2084bec6-8492-40e1-aa4c-bb9c2cfdc9ee/07+rest.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Monte Pelmo track Views northwest to Spiz de Mondeval and La Rocheta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8778d9e8-bd58-4db2-a1ef-4e1b04b9765e/09+boulders.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - boulders next to grassy meadow Monte Pelmo Fabulous boulderfields, with numerous interesting plants tucked amongst them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18ce824e-d42e-477b-803a-ef5c164bdb6f/daisy.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Buphthalmum salicifolium Yellow oxeye Daisy (Buphthalmum salicifolium) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6cb3e316-62f9-421a-8770-561f7c4e298e/12+more+views.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - view to Mount Civtta from Pelmo track Another view, another pause to drink it all in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/224b750e-6a33-445d-b453-51cc214ad969/17+lunch.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - lunch on lower slopes of Monte Pelmo Lunch amongst the wildflowers and yet more views… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/508fbf3b-a330-41ad-aac5-05b6f19a0b70/18+lunch+views.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - expansive views to Civetta … into sun-dappled valleys. The scale of these mountains is difficult to grasp until you see the tiny toy house for scale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c4c0db6-4037-4c87-a031-460e15604e2e/19+climbing.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Monte Pelmo rock face Still climbing. Wildflower enthusiasts will love the gradually changing palette of species as you gain altitude. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0d93a14e-3fc6-421d-bf35-ee90b3633ceb/08+scree.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Scree slope Onto the scree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/460868f5-896d-40fc-b6f3-9b32a6cce0fd/23+scree+path.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - track across scree slopes Ascending on the right hand side of the pass, but there is another track closer to the looming cliffs on the left hand side. You’ll join that track soon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/44266772-1ace-4e39-b45c-7b92a4b25a2a/21+path.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Spurs of Monte Pelmo There’s that LHS track and the beginning of Pelmo’s magnificent crowning cliffs. For scale, you can see two tiny black dots at the very bottom right. Those dots are a pair of hikers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/03e9de7f-f042-44f3-bb5b-cb1da85a8e24/24+scree+path.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Monte Pelmo scree slopes And here are hikers descending the track you have just climbed. The scree is quite loose and the track is steep, so take your time. You are nearly at the top, and then it’s all downhill through more scree to Rif. Venezia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/007ef14c-aa24-483e-9722-e30f65f24c05/14+hebe.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Purple flowers Paederota bonarota grows only in the Alps on dolomite. Here it is clinging to a crack in the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4c404c68-9b6e-4e2e-b81f-93a3ced7273f/26+along+cliff.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - view near top of saddle Nearly at the top! Disconcerting arrows point the way but, don’t worry, there is a path! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e185bb8-2891-4c73-a9b6-76a272dbe102/geoff+02.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - steep aided section along fabulous cliffs One last steep aided section along fabulous cliffs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5eb7edfd-843f-4b15-b8e3-e4136448db24/28top.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Forc. val de Arcia Geoff at the top of the pass, Forc. val de Arcia. It is not as exposed as it looks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d7269295-1d25-45f3-a1ac-60a9bddb4c1b/geoff+03.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - alpine flowers on rock face But even here you’ll find little alpine plants determined to hold on: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b18711a8-1d8e-49c4-b2d4-c8a89e3448cd/31+flower.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Dolomites cinquefoil, Potentilla nitida Dolomites cinquefoil, Potentilla nitida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b884897-c9e8-4e67-84ae-55a631aa6fc8/32+down+other+side.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - steep slopes on way down Down at last! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/514dc1ff-8036-4890-a7f0-d501c36bbfa5/27+other+side+scree.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Monte Pelmo circuit tracl With a line of hot, sweaty hikers coming up the opposite way. The blindingly white scree is scorching on warm sunny days: bring sunglasses and a hat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ea00677-3e7e-485f-b81a-eeb9586aba4d/35+rif+venezia.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 1, Dolomites - Rifugio Venezia At last we arrive at Rif. Venezia for a delicious and well-deserved dinner. It has been a grand day, with terrain and views surprisingly different to those next door at Civetta. And of course every Rifugio has its own ambience and style. Tomorrow will be an easy saunter back to Pecol in the valley or, for those continuing on to Civetta, a walk through alpine meadows to another Rifugio. https://slowerhiking.com/italy-dolomites/monte-pelmo-dolomites-rifugio-venezia monthly 0.5 2023-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f65f7153-c09e-4baf-b82e-06ef92da2bc1/05+distant+mountains.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - mountain views Glorious layered mountain views and wildflowers are the order of the day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90362a08-7522-4804-ac19-e03834fbe024/food.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - Rifugio Venezia breakfast Each Rifugio has its own character but you are guaranteed a good dinner and breakfast… and coffee like Geoff’s heart-starter ristretto! - at all of them! It is Italy, after all! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/17d0f03a-5c0a-4abc-85c0-217020ea46bf/venezia+from+rif+website.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - Rifugio Venezia accomodation Bunk beds at Rifugio Venezia (Image Credit: Rif. Venezia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8799de8a-8656-49fc-857f-e7c84182ff47/01+green+meadows+and+gorest.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - alpine forest Lush alpine forest and meadows https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5329d59d-5c6e-4969-9ecd-1bb6e4e1623b/16+campanula.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - Campanula cochleariifolia Alpine bellflower (Campanula cochleariifolia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/93f3c7bb-6361-4770-a8ab-5a79973d19c8/02+green+meadows+and+gorest.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - Monte Pelmo circuit track Here and there, the track skirts towering rock faces https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6f9633a2-cc05-46c6-860e-9f3be862b3e8/03+platanthera.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - Platanthera chlorantha Wildflowers are everywhere; it is one of the most rich areas we’ve seen. Here, the Greater Butterfly Orchid, Platanthera chlorantha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c947f614-7462-4eca-ba53-ce8959695c18/08+cinquefoil.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - Helianthemum alpinut Alpine rock-rose (Helianthemum alpinum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6c9be0f-391b-4b10-a269-e3108bf9c22f/07+gentian.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - Helianthemum alpinu Blue gentian (G. verna) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c54dbd8a-89bd-4a94-8ad2-294809edb2f7/06+aquilegias.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - Aquilegia alpin Blue columbine (Aquilegia alpina) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1f9bebae-5776-414b-94b6-0fefed9f7bdb/09+pelmo.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - Monte Pelmo Pelmo still looms overhead. The southern face is spectacular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f770a97f-b010-4042-b8d5-69ec60ff7972/12+scabiosa.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - Cirsium rivulare Brook Thistle (Cirsium rivulare) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f034a3ba-5251-417e-8f19-ab92c38d73ce/13+gentian.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - germanica And yet another gentian, G. germanica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0f3eba2-da1e-4b7e-a5c7-47ddbc84f1e5/14+cottongrass.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - Eriophorum latifoliu A little further down, cotton grass (Eriophorum latifolium), and you won’t be surprised to hear that it was once used in lamps for wicking and lighting. To see a field of these in the wind fills the heart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/657c77e5-44cf-4139-83a6-15f2d1dd13b5/33+dinosaur+foot+prints.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - dinosaur footprints A short detour brings you to these astonishing dinosaur footprints. Not just one species but several ran across a muddy flat which then silted over. Aeons later, they’ve been lifted and exposed for us to marvel at this story of ancient life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20aebd8e-0873-45bc-b6d2-cde69ea3a012/22+martagnon.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - Lilium martagon And a final treat, this magnificent pale pink Martagon Lily (Lilium martagon). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/421a4e0a-84ed-41c2-ac25-4bc24a276ccc/20+mountain+views.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Pelmo Tour Day 2, Dolomites - Civetta from Pelmo It has been an amazing circuit and, even near its end, more marvellous views remain. For those who plan to go straight on to the Civetta Hike, you’ll continue to Rifugias Monte Pelmo/Pala Favera or further on to Rif. Coldai, while those who are ready to explore other regions of the Dolomites will catch the bus to these areas from Rif. Staulanza or from Pecol. Alone, the Pelmo Tour is an outstanding circuit but, when combined with Civetta (see here for how), covers some of the most spectacular country in the entire Dolomites in just a few days for slower hikers. Highly recommended! https://slowerhiking.com/italy-dolomites/dolomites-hike-planning-and-tips monthly 0.5 2023-09-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/959faecb-51a3-4493-94da-6b10ddeb1b62/towers.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Civetta Peaks Mist-shrouded tors, Dolomites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2cbb90b6-85f8-4b4d-8bb7-7ce7a95fffa6/village+puez+odle+hike.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - small village in green valley in the Dolomites northern Italy Villages tucked into valleys and rifugios at elevation provide numerous accommodation options for hikers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/55747ab9-d171-4514-8af2-fd812aec968d/cable+car.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Lake Alleghe A cruisy start to a hike from Alleghe! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/25ab0c25-8de7-4820-9e4f-ab198b39de1f/1063942_10151598010823052_1182096785_o.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Rifugio Tissi Invitingly cosy and comfortable Rifugio Tissi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d876b971-290c-48e4-9e5b-66b28de15678/08+room.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Rifugio Vazzoler accommodation Typical rifugio accommodation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c73b5da6-291e-4a51-9a0b-1b11b59a87ef/food.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Typical Rifugio beakfast My breakfast cuppa with dunking bickies and Geoff’s ristretto - yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a053f63-1b19-43f2-a993-ba066d72e929/tre+cime.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Tre Cime Still plenty of snow this year in mid-July at Tre Cime https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a2a76758-19f1-42ed-aa39-e23f672a1ecf/alpine+meaDOW.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - wildflowers in alpine meadow Dolomites Italy Alpine meadows filled with spring flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/21b2769f-5aeb-4831-8332-5042ab6be667/edelweiss.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Edelweiss Edelweiss! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/496df2cd-ae4e-4a18-8d70-a0ecaaead8e0/torre.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Torre Trieste Torre Trieste with expansive views beyond https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7172b09a-0a70-411a-99bd-8dbe92023aac/Pecol+to+Pecol+Details.jpeg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Civetta Loop Hike map Here are the elevation details for the full loop, nearly 2600 metres (8510 feet) gain and loss over 29.5 kilometres (18.3 miles) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c85a7732-4902-4d61-b69b-9582b2b68aa2/view+of+tracks.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Valley below Rifugio Coldai Resting enroute to Rif Coldai, looking back to where track 564 meets 556. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6f21d04e-05f1-46a7-8382-e9b33db9caa5/20a+view+down+to+alleghe.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Alleghe from the lookout at Rifugia Tissi View to Alleghe from the lookout at Rifugia Tissi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b663eecf-9d26-4472-8cfb-4040ccdf21f4/15+lake+ddolomites+hike+%281+of+1%29.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Lake Coldai The lower flanks of Civetta are manageable for folk with little snow experience like us, but we weren’t prepared to cross the high steep pass this particular year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4b6105e-0e7b-4be4-acef-aa90796e5c7a/Alleghe+to+Listolade.jpeg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Map for Monte Civetta hike from Allgehe to Listolade This alternate route is very doable at a leisurely pace over two days if weather or time limit your options. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a3b42cb-6ad6-4979-9990-32dbd78e4b6f/08b+scree.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Pelmo Scree slope Because the walks are so close together, it is easy to link them and we highly recommend that you do so if in the region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3f9f03b-cd95-4f62-ae8a-f10801a54833/Civetta+and+Pelmo.jpeg Italy - Dolomites - Dolomites Hike Planning and Tips - Hike map Refer to the individual hike pages for guidance on the daily elevation details. When the tracks are combined, the Alleghe option involves a not inconsiderable total elevation gain of 2,250m (7,400 ft), the Pecol option 3,650m (12,000ft). https://slowerhiking.com/italy-dolomites/dolomites-alleghe-pecol-coldai-tissi monthly 0.5 2023-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d6c03226-032f-4e07-8d77-975771047fc8/11a+lake.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Lake Coldai, Dolomites, Italy Spectacular Lake Coldai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eace49b7-0fe2-4b84-9e6a-e26997c2be84/Pecol_Tissi_Details.jpeg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Route map Pecol to Rifugio Tissi with elevation details Pecol to Rif. Tissi Elevation and Distance Details https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/013e2679-5eb0-441e-a051-cb8453813d52/02a+flats.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Monte Civetta Whether you begin in Pecol or Alleghe, you’ll approach Civetta through beautiful meadows and forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36b0b637-1c0a-488b-a148-8f49679dc837/09d+aconite.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Monkshood, Aconitum napellus The wildflowers are extraordinary in spring. Here, Monkshood, Aconitum napellus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4c0d5420-4709-4b62-a191-a88444b9a036/09e+geranium.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - cranesbill, Geranium pratense And cranesbill, Geranium pratense https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/654bb243-42e2-46d4-a066-71734023687b/09a+climbing.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Mountain track approaching Rifugio Coldai Climbing more steeply now as you approach Rif. Coldai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41aede57-5c54-4d0e-98e5-b21f7a48269e/17c+wildflowers.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria Even here, edging the path, there is a plethora of perennials such as Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4db3cb1-7909-498a-8aa7-47e53d1ca48b/17d+wildflowers.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Alpine Milk Vetch Astragalus alpinus …and Alpine Milk Vetch (Astragalus alpinus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b26e592-9a11-4532-915f-2a41d4ee9137/09c+rifugia.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Rifugio Coldai The fantastically situated Rif. Coldai with its inviting sunny patio, delicious cake and excellent coffee. The most leisurely of hikers could even stop here overnight, then at Tissi and again at Vazzoler. Others will continue onwards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c57e0336-bb93-4755-b99c-fbaaa0143f11/11+lake+ddolomites+hike+%281+of+1%29.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Lake Coldai Ten minutes after Rif. Coldai you’ll reach the eponymous Lake. It is spectacular. We hiked both times here in early July just two days apart on the calendar; you can see the difference a late season makes. This first time, the view is breathtaking… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c7a8a3ca-7b1c-419b-a984-2bfcefde004f/16+lake+ddolomites+hike+%281+of+1%29.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Lake Coldai … but swimming amongst the ice would be breathtaking in an altogether different way! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/907e339d-dac7-4c38-b8db-6d2abfc41501/11c+lake.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Lake Coldai However, when we revisited two years later, the lake was brisk but perfect for swimming and people were happily splashing in the shallows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b744fc8e-cb55-4848-9073-59456935177a/16b.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Monte Civetta from Col Negro di Colda As you pass around the lake and over Col Negro di Coldai, you’ll get your first glimpses of Civetta’s majestic face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ea7f4fee-f0be-47d7-a9d9-28bafb18bbeb/18a+nearing+tissi.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Track from Col Negro di Colda to Rifugio Tissi Wow. Avoid the higher track: you can see the lower one bottom right. Be guided by conditions: we Aussies felt comfortable in this amount of snow without the minispikes we were carrying, but would be daunted had there been much more. The drop offs to the right are considerable! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4fff98ff-633a-42cc-8f31-e1d370782702/17b.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Snow cover scree slope below Monte Civetta Take your time - the snow can be slippery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e950ce2-e625-41f5-9750-762a5c4ad9f1/18c+nearing+tissi.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Monte Civetta And stop often to gaze up: Civetta’s looming walls are marvellous! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90da5e7c-055f-42d7-abe7-6bf22f9db0c6/17aa+tissi+view.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Monte Civetta hike nearing Rifugio Tissi Another season, at the exact same time of year, there is hardly any snow left and the trail is straightforward. You can see Rif. Tissi top right, silhouetted just left of Cima di Col Rean. It looks quite close, doesn’t it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c1a30b8-171b-429b-b175-94ef4ca14dbc/20+flower.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Leucanthemopsis alpina Wonderful alpine species such as Leucanthemopsis alpina even though we are not quite above the treeline: a few stubborn larch dot the base of Civetta’s face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5b5ad5c-2162-4fe6-b0b7-db7b76f5a0b5/soldanella+alpina.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Soldanella alpina Soldanella alpina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a14c79ac-c18c-4c04-ac10-38c8c0530b73/alpenrose.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Pink Potentilla nitida Pink Potentilla nitida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6c8ead6-a548-440c-9b4a-559041881d7a/pea.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Linaria alpina Spectacular Linaria alpina, a blaze of brightness amongst the scree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ec9fb0d-3fa0-4c68-9c1d-19316bad5d3d/19+view+to+alleghe.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Lake Alleghe To your right, intriguing glimpses of Lago di Alleghe far below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c8c3da6f-e50e-4e35-baa0-629f7089fdeb/18e+rest.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Scree slope below Monte Civetta Time for a drink and a rest! This is looking northeast, back the way we’ve come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ae73884d-379b-45f4-9379-48d66a632fb7/18f+ridge.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - The Wall, Monte Civetta Rif. Tissi is one of those mirage huts. It appears near, but never seems to get any closer as you hike! But at last you’ll reach the turnoff with the last 250m a steep push up a rough track. Gather your breath and glance back at The Wall. Nearly at the hut! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/873290ae-5793-47a2-b12d-a1090876542a/19b+tissi.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Rifugio Tissi And oh my, what a comfortable hut it is. Absolutely delightful. European Rifugios are not like Australian Mountain Huts where you need to carry all your food and water and bedding. No, these huts may require a YHA Approved inner sleeping bag (some don’t), but that’s it. You will have a bed, a warm fire and a delicious hot dinner. It will be delicious because we are in Italy, who, bless her, does not know how to do bad food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8d3071d-5019-4e5a-a5d5-e7f84a18b2bb/19a.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Monte Civetta from Rifugio Tissi You will have THIS view from the balcony! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a8761c8-6108-43db-94dd-41958fa1f695/20+tissi.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Junk food Geoff finds Twisties! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a3efb51-2d8a-49e2-b589-4dfd566de053/around+tissi.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - wildflowers near Rifugio Tissi And then we hike up behind the hut to the lookout. The slope is covered in wildflowers; at 2,200m, Rif.Tissi is truly alpine, though there’s another of those hardy larches! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f1bd961-f675-46e1-bd9e-8a4be0836783/20a+view+down+to+alleghe.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Alleghe from Rifugio Tissi Lookout Vertiginous views to Alleghe from the lookout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a61f39c-0550-4266-a93e-accf78400144/20+near+tissi-2.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 1: To Lake Coldai and Rifugio Tissi - Rifugio Tissi and Monte Civetta And then retire back to the hut for a glass of wine on the balcony to soak in the scenery. Every now and then, you’ll hear a loud crack echoing off the wall as a bit of ice breaks off and crashes down. And if you’re lucky with clear weather, late afternoon sun will light up the walls for an unforgettably glowing spectacle. It has been a fantastic day and there is more to look forward to tomorrow! https://slowerhiking.com/italy-dolomites/dolomites-rif-tissi-rif-vazzoler monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/72584169-5377-467c-978a-767f92b774d4/19+rif+tissi.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - Rifugio Tissi below Monte Civetta Rif. Tissi facing the Wall of Walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa1e7d39-d9ba-4b1d-8275-a94bb1552eb6/Tissi_Vazzoler+Details.jpeg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - Rifigio Tissi to Rifugio Vazzoler route map and elevation details Elevation details Rifugio Tissi to Rifugio Vazzoler - mostly downhill and only 5.6km! For more information on accommodation, transport and hiking the Dolomites in general, see here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6fe64290-61ce-4c76-8fc7-d5bb48f4f10e/001b.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - track 560 Weaving between large boulders, path 560 follows the base of the wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2b645333-5d39-422f-8ebf-d78929c617e0/warning+cloud.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - wild sky building at start of day Even at this early hour, cloud is already beginning to build. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/23cae5b0-507b-46e3-b801-c7967715a800/001a+down+valley.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - track lined by snow and large boulders The boulders grow, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b16f0431-0e13-493c-87bf-bff23c4894a4/15+alpenrose.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - Rhododendron ferrugineum Alpenrose, Rhododendron ferrugineum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/760d4a9e-6c84-467e-9011-3714e551b398/001b+ready+for+rain.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - wet weather approaching below Monte Civetta Time to don the rain gear! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/63aac4c7-17b4-415c-ba33-7eef69c46a30/03+descending.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - Monte Civetta enshroud in cloud On our first time, the weather is fine but today the cloud swallows the top of Civetta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e12534da-0879-4133-90ca-8b95dcd46457/04+orchid.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - Epipactis atrorubens But there are still orchids! Dark Red Helleborine (Epipactis atrorubens) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/62abdffd-815d-4726-a387-3f756bd0297d/04b+orchid.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - Gymnadenia conopsea And Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97b4b4c3-aba9-479b-b3bf-c16ad0de2c50/03+gate.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - farm gate with track signage Once you reach the lower slopes, cows (with bells!) will glance placidly at you as you pass by. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a1662c54-dfb5-4b78-a345-21ccffc059a5/poppy.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - Rhaetian Poppy, Papaver rhaeticum Wildflowers are everywhere. Plant enthusiasts will take dozens and dozens of pictures. Here, the rare Rhaetian Poppy, Papaver rhaeticum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/14e76cf5-e245-405d-a00c-f416a4015f6c/02+desxcending.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - track along base of Monte Civetta The scale of Civetta’s western wall is extraordinary, but we are nearing the end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01cb9866-f0e3-434f-828c-03c578814f71/04+big+rock.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - scattered boulders either of track along valley below Monte Civetta Gigantic fallen boulders, with yellow violets growing around them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15c42d34-bac2-4b13-9e9a-bbfed7dd63a2/04a.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - partially vegetated boulder next to track Just look at it! Wow, that was stuck to the side of Civetta a while ago! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c74d965-655d-47e1-864b-74c7a7dc92f4/05+nearing+vazzoler.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - approaching Rifugio Vazzoler And into the forest, with entirely different flowers. And more cows with bells! The following images continue to be a mixture from both walks, sunny the first time, rainy the second. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5082fbff-0f47-45d1-8e1f-ca03ca502e53/06+vazzoler.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - entrance to alpine garden at Rifugio Vazzoler We reach Rif. Vazzoler. I have looked through my albums and, although there is not a single image of the Rifugio facade, I find plenty in the ‘Giardino Alpino’, which is typical but slightly annoying. Sorry! Here is a picture of the Rifugio in case you wanted to see it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/974c2924-37dd-463a-849b-5c11209ae09f/12+aquilegia.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - Aquilegia atrata Aquilegia atrata scattered throughout the forest and in the Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a6776376-1304-44ad-9ee2-c006a12b7782/06+vazzoler+garden.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - misty track in alpine garden of Rifugio Vazzoler In the Alpine Garden https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/156566e5-6503-4655-a578-b63523d428e4/slipper+orchid.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - Cypripedium calceolus I’d seen these in bud in the forest but, thrillingly, this Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) is open here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/469797cb-e61d-48a7-b0da-6b754b211765/towers.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - craggy spires of Monte Civetta If this is your second and last day and you are exiting to Listolade, you will continue on past Rif. Vazzoler with views like this before swinging downhill on Path 555. But don’t think this will be just a boring road walk: once again, the verge is chockers with wildflowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9778e54-c481-4948-94f9-ee447df1c8b1/downhill.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - road to Listolade Road walking, yes, but it is quiet - we don’t see a single car - and just look at those wildflowers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76733234-8d94-4986-b41e-6924f04c2772/roadside.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - wildflowers alongside of road Salvias, daisies and orchids, so many orchids! I’m in heaven! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c8bb0ffa-84ce-4b28-ae2d-fed93e595141/lilium.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - Fire lily And a Fire lily (L. bulbiferum) in full bloom! The 8.4km distance from Rif. Vazzoler to Listolade will pass quickly, we guarantee it, and once there you will be able to sit down in the little cafe with a hot ham and cheese toastie and a glass of wine to wait for the bus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41f143f7-ed56-4d1e-bb65-8074327d0dae/08+room.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - bunk in private room Rifugio Vazzoler But perhaps you are spending the afternoon and night in Rif. Vazzoler. Although some reviewers have complaints, we found the hosts friendly and hospitable; they may have changed since we went. This sleeping accommodation is typical of rifugios: blankets and pillows but no top sheet, hence the need for a YHA Travel sleeping bag liner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/396574ec-67b7-4f4a-86be-15e7caf959dc/07+vazzoler.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 2: Rif. Tissi - Rif. Vazzoler or Listolade/Alleghe - plant identification book for Itay Look what is on the bookshelf! As the rain buckets down outside, we play cards and then use the books to identify some of the plants of the day. We are also looking forward to tomorrow: the forecast is similar but not quite as bad, so we are confident that, from here, we will have plenty of time to cross the pass before the storm builds, as would other slower hikers. https://slowerhiking.com/italy-dolomites/dolomites-vazzoler-forcella-della-sasse-pecol monthly 0.5 2023-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4700de38-0bb4-4210-8f25-41cd22a5ac7a/26+cliff.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Civatta rock face Spectacular limestone near the pass but, slower hikers, don’t be daunted: despite the appearance and unlike other options on Civetta, there is zero climbing or via ferrata on our route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9c34834-a038-48ac-b30d-967131688e16/Vazzoler+Pecol+Details.jpeg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - map details for Rifugio Vazzoler to Pecol Our route details for the day - it’s still a big day for us leisurely hikers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6a2a05d-0543-49d4-87fe-3b376f7d4e48/01+down+valley.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - typical signage of well marked track in the Dolomites Signposting throughout the Dolomites is generally excellent. Not only are rifugios and terrain features named, but so are the Paths themselves. This makes navigation relatively straightforward if you have maps (paper or digital). For more information on accommodation, transport and hiking the Dolomites in general, see here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8cd88b67-b046-448b-a37c-8546efce3039/03+climbing.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Forest at base of Monte Civetta Spectacular forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81ccbdf5-ca8a-4015-aa6c-4cc64c38f7bb/04+spires.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Torre Trieste Torre Trieste is popular with climbers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18b3a281-1d12-400b-ad9b-a056b8f697f7/listeria.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Platanthera bifolia Keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers, here the Lesser Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera bifolia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a7ffc944-1adb-4c04-8221-bf86991f1d41/10+rose.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - R. canina The beautiful dog rose, R. canina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/496df2cd-ae4e-4a18-8d70-a0ecaaead8e0/torre.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Torre Trieste You’ll keep climbing and here is Torre Trieste closer up, with marvellous views beyond. You can see why it’s worth doing this hike before the cloud rolls in! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/743b67bd-527a-4d50-b380-e433f4b11e76/19+orchid.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Pseudorchis albida More orchids, here, the Small White Orchid, Pseudorchis albida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c9970286-25e5-4a8b-a882-7db7700e30fa/09+orchid.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Short-Spurred Fragrant Orchid, Gymnadenia odoratissima … and the Short-Spurred Fragrant Orchid, Gymnadenia odoratissima https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e4a14a0-6044-4e60-8193-e7f25cde65b3/15+rest.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - expansive views towards Rifugio Vazzoler It’s a big climb. Stop often to turn around and enjoy the views behind you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1e63f2e-d489-4dbf-bc55-421d4f3eb37b/18+climbing.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - impressive rock wall As you ascend, there are several points where you are faced with what appear to be walls of rock. My heart sank when I first saw them but don’t be misled: there are paths that zigzag up and although some bits are rough, steep and rocky, there is no significant scrambling or climbing here at all. For scale, there is Geoff in the very bottom left corner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cdee9152-27b2-4b37-8db2-ab4664c74879/20+collecting+water.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - collecting fresh water along the track Geoff topping up at a little water point. The dolomitic rock is highly porous so some parts of the mountains are surprisingly dry. You can also see this is before our ultralight days: just look at the size of that pack! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a709088f-d435-4d35-a593-620860df2eeb/16+aquilegia.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - purple flowers of Aquilegia alpina Aquilegia alpina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d05027a5-de7f-42cc-ba48-23185ff9f72f/21+nearing+top.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - rocky walls around perched meadow on Monte Civatte And again here, with Geoff bottom left, it seems we are to scramble up a vertical face. But no. The path is much less exposed than these images might suggest. Keep reading for pictures of what it is actually like. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b76bd247-d548-426d-93e2-e9037c7848e8/24+forget+me+not.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Myosotis alpestris So many alpine wildflowers, with plenty of sunlight! Here, the Alpine Forget-Me-Not, Myosotis alpestris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/34bbbdf1-ddfe-4d4a-a214-803bd69a707a/22+nearing+top.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - tock wall Monte Civetta Surely we will need to climb here? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e549b7e-31b7-4f65-b4a0-36e979652bb2/26a+path.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - track along rock face No. You can see that the path is plenty wide and well-formed. It is more or less like this all the way up and, although some sections are a little narrower and/or much steeper than others, the switchbacks largely moderate anything too extreme! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8e02c41-4241-4ee5-91df-da04048c4937/30+anemone.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Alpine Crowfoot (Ranunculus alpestris) You’ll see countless rock plants, such as Alpine Crowfoot (Ranunculus alpestris) tucked into crevices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df7dab34-b923-4adc-be1f-2f00d76a0741/26b+path.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - mountain path Here is another view back down that wonderful path. You need to be fit, but this is NOT mountaineering. No ice axes, crampons or ropes required, at least for this moment and season! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2315918b-ecfc-4762-8815-09623d39326e/29+armeria+alpina.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Armeria alpina Armeria alpina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a4951ab-4d4c-4a74-8ff1-6c982fdad73c/28+flower.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Potentilla crantzii Cinquefoil, possibly Potentilla crantzii https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/47f4c483-2c4a-4e6c-9e75-3c7aefd4929c/27+still+climbing.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - track up rock face The path reveals itself as you climb. It’s wonderfully exciting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2e0cd55-0d0c-4110-9f54-792eda824bda/31+cirque.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - sheer rock wall at end of perched meadow Oh my. A beautiful alpine meadow, followed by… surely, we aren’t going up that?!? Geoff reminds me again of the words in Gillian Price’s ‘Walking in the Dolomites: 28 Multiday Routes’ : “A seemingly impassable barrier”. Okay then. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0157dd69-c753-4078-a330-6757b82d610e/31b.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - perched meadow But first, this beautiful wildflower meadow. I spend a good 45 minutes photographing the extraordinary floral diversity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a1175b24-3589-40d4-b599-437644480094/17+saxifraga.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Encrusted Saxifrage Encrusted Saxifrage (S. crustata). The name and silvery edges to the leaves refer to this plant’s fascinating ability to excrete excess calcium in the form of calcite - not a bad move in this environment! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9e5cae46-5e26-4b78-8920-0f963d9a7cee/32+gentian.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Trumpet Gentian (G. acaulis) Trumpet Gentian (G. acaulis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec3c2730-4b19-45e6-a9bd-2e5aee20de48/alpine+meaDOW.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - wildflowers in perched Meadow Monte Civetta Fantastic. Geoff eventually drags me away because the clouds are starting to build and we’re not sure how much more they will develop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7874fdf6-0cc4-439b-888c-0f35eef90f3e/33L+wildflower+meadow.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Alyssum saxatilis in perched meadow Monte Civetta Sigh. Goodbye Alyssum saxatilis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/827dd640-ff87-429e-be64-834b2563e71f/34+top.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - mountain wall at end of perched meadow So here is that “impassable” wall. The path zigzags up and, although parts are steep, it is not too difficult at all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9c2f5fe8-2f04-4674-8503-31a31425cf91/36+top+of+snow.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Force della Sasse Here is a better view: you can see its width. And look at the cloud building in the background! It often doesn’t take long once it begins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2bd226a7-93a5-4e60-b6ce-f47196e3ff3b/44a.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - small Cirque on way up Force della Sasse One last view back down into the Cirque. This hike is right up there with the very best we have done, anywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6b13605d-2ebf-4b88-b4a8-fedefdca564a/37+start+of+down.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Val di Zoldo And our first view down from the Force della Sasse into the green Val di Zoldo and a glimpse of Pecol, where we are headed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/330490fb-d96c-4c5b-8a46-810068040412/41+flowers.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Alpine Mouse-ear (Cerastium alpinum) Plenty more wildflowers tucked amongst the scree and rocks. Here, Alpine Mouse-ear (Cerastium alpinum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69576d09-92dd-46a6-8e8d-d5d4410a0138/48+flower.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Alpine Catchfly … and Alpine Catchfly (Heliosperma pusillum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff93447b-df7e-4220-8f8a-46f2b42e705b/38+scree.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Scree slow down to the valley Geoff starts down the scree. You have plenty of time and it is relatively short: no need to rush. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f4c5e69-22bc-4235-9413-6af92cb5d430/39+valley.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - steepening track In fact, the path is sufficiently well-trodden to follow for the most part, but red and white markers are painted on rocks to help. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/82a636ae-8ae8-4c67-a537-005bc948fd34/45+descent.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - short exposed section of track down Monte Civetta So this is the one section of ten metres or so that might challenge those who dislike exposure (like me, but it was perfectly doable). It’s still more of a path than a scramble, and is not particularly narrow nor steep nor high. You will be fine! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/287edd70-d883-4607-a342-b2c839f8f2ee/49+daisy.jpg Italy - Dolomites - Civetta Day 3: Rif. Vazzoler to Pecol - Jacobaea abrotanifolia And finally back down into the valley vegetation, with yet more wildflowers (such as this Pinnate-leaved Ragwort, Jacobaea abrotanifolia) to enjoy on our way to the village. I have taken hundreds of photos every day, and there must be hundreds of flowers that I missed! Writing this now, some years later, I want to do this hike for a third time! Out of all the fantastic hikes in the Dolomites, this is one of her jewels. Highly recommended! https://slowerhiking.com/kitchen daily 0.75 2025-10-29 https://slowerhiking.com/kitchen/how-to-choose-the-right-backpacking-stove-for-you monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/baf45d6b-9c4d-46c6-9fc5-9c17f85a7f9e/gptstoveslead.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Alcohol stove coooking on the beach A relaxing cuppa with lunch, South Coast Track, Tasmania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c2a3878-6bbf-4aa6-b079-27799e85de58/gptstovessct.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Vigorous rolling boil from alcohol stove We usually snuff the stove when the water starts to boil but, on the final night of this hike, Geoff is distracted! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74f83304-a010-4e8d-9f45-b1f184ee63cb/Li+Sa+family+sized+Primus.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Primus Heat-Exchanger Pot A family-sized Primus Heat-Exchanger Pot on the go over a remote liquid fuel stove (image credit: Li Sa) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/456d57a0-a34d-497b-bfb2-9ef8076f5d7d/signage.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Fuel Stove Sign Tasmania South Coast Track, Tasmania. No solid fuel of any kind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8c723681-b1b8-4447-a08a-37f77022c8e6/sign+stoves.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - flying restrictions for fuel Sign at the little airport before we flew to the start of the South Coast Track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81f725b3-ec81-4768-a7c7-be9e3a5814fb/29+pat+lighting+fire.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Damp campfire on the Bibbulmun Track A rare fire for us on Western Australia’s Bibbulmun Track. Our friend Pat has done a marvellous albeit time-consuming job of starting a campfire with drenched materials during a break in the rain. A squirt of ethanol helped! Cooking over a twig stove in the open would have been impossible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fff19859-8c53-492e-873e-2e2865ace782/gerard+blacklock.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - MSR Windburner in snow MSR Windburner. The Australian Alps commonly have winter temperatures around 0C, +/-5C, so integrated canister stoves with a suitable fuel blend perform well. (Image Credit: Gerard Blacklock) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4112eca1-33a2-4a51-8e8d-e7f98f5f8848/Dave+Rees+Sunshine+Coast+Hinterland+Great+Walk.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - upright canister stove A silicone pot paired with an upright canister stove on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk (Image Credit: Dave Rees) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/93c01f14-4e55-40d4-b8f5-2af291c4b49f/gptstoves4.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - 3 different cook systems on same hike Three couples on the Grampians Peaks Trail. We all had different kinds of alcohol stove and different sized pots! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b1d44ff3-05d4-44de-b29c-b36cb9b9f639/rehydrtion.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - rehydrating food With our generously sized meals for two, we rehydrate in a larger sousvide bag rather than in the pot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a8a741d-ffd6-41fc-816d-0c2320a9eaa6/espresso.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Making an espresso coffee on multiday hike On this short trip where weight is less critical, Geoff has brought his portable espresso CoffeeJack for a morning brew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d2aec74-2861-4988-adf0-483089110cc3/goashawk.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Goshawk 1L and 1.4L pots Goshawk 1L and 1.4L pots (Image Credit:Goshawk). The 1.4L pot is just 150g/5.3oz including frypan lid and pot lifter: pretty good for a pot of that size! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18b9e4ea-f45a-4a52-97b5-6c4499873b24/Erdei+Mihaly+MYOG+alcohol+stove+lid+and+windscreen+from+1mm+ti+sheet+from+AliExpress-2.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - MYOG Alcohol stove MYOG Alcohol stove, windscreen (titanium sheet from AliExpress) and ultralight 66g/2.3oz lid. (Image Credit: Erdei Maholy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8ac03ea-d6bf-423a-8a22-9179ac71423c/James+Camera-On++Trangia+Dinner+Plain.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Trangia and kettle Trangia and kettle on Dinner Plain, Australia. Image Credit: James Camera-On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/96d81887-9c79-4fea-bcc1-10c8259587de/Clive+Powsey+Optimus+pot+with+flux+ring+Pocket+Rocket+Deluxe+simmer+allows+bannock+bread-2.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Optimus Pot with flux ring Optimus Pot with flux ring and an impressive damper bread. Image Credit: Clive Powsey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/806c5413-db75-4057-8879-1298cc550919/Screenshot+2024-03-01+103401.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - MSR Heat Exchanger MSR Heat Exchanger (Image Credit: MSR) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc0b0386-ce10-4322-9b06-bba9e8cc6e92/primus+ozbackcountry.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Primus 1.3L HX Pot Primus 1.3L HX Pot on a liquid fuel stove. Image Credit: Ozbackcountry.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/87ecb50f-85a0-4ce1-9050-1bc2ec38f270/gptstoves.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Lunch under rocky ledge Grampians Peaks Trail It’s raining but we will be having a hot lunch, this time Homemade Cup-a-Soup on the Grampians Peaks Trail with the Caldera Cone and Starlyte. As relaxed hikers, Geoff and I find that this stove system suits us perfectly. Those in more of a hurry would be frustrated by the boil speed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a8f2eee-7a5b-4193-91ab-0c77f1b7812d/Decision+Matrix+v1.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Decision matrix This decision matrix will help you arrive at the stove that suits YOU best. If you’d like a copy of our spreadsheet template Subscribe and we’ll send you a link to download it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a1205968-4699-4ef6-8fe0-cf0146b7cb12/Kristy+Jane+Lake+Will+Jetboil.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Jetboil Jetboil at Lake Will on the Overland Track, Tasmania. Integrated Stoves like this are undeniably fast and convenient. Image Credit: Kristy Jane https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/26a89c6a-015d-496f-99bc-54ea31174c15/Dean+Thomson+2.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Boiling a kettle on a liquid fuel stove. Boiling a kettle on a liquid fuel stove. Image Credit: David Thomson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/666fc10e-5f30-437f-9ee4-3e7110993f57/otstoves.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - hiker cooking in Walls of Jerusalem Wind and ambient temperatures, windscreens and more affect fuel use. We’ve used our own as well as manufacturers’ data; the latter is done under perfect conditions so YMMV IRL! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a9f3921-bd8e-4498-8c62-a35ef178fd7b/Cameron+SEmple+Firemaple+Shadow+Lake+Tasmania+on+coldest+night+on+record-2.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Firemaple upright remote canister stove Firemaple upright remote canister stove at Shadow Lake, Tasmania, on the coldest night on record. (Image Credit: Cameron Semple). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710135403454-SLQLUYDUU9F92U4ZB4RD/Start%2BWeights%2B3L%2Bper%2Bday%2BFuels%2BComparison.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710135341907-WGFRDH5M2VSCNPOQGF7O/Total+Hike+Weights+3L+per+day+Fuels+Comparison.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710135364266-2MKAR0F0OB0C7M4S70IM/Ten+Day+Hike+Weights+3L+per+day+Fuels+Comparison.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710138192705-HEB8ARFZACJS53E5VGU6/Start+Weights+Two+Litre+per+day+Fuels+Comparison.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710138090974-JHKA1L7NFZBWWVKEZ85C/Total+Hike+Weights+Two+Litre+per+day+Fuels+Comparison.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710137907367-C5CG07Y8DBRX9MTXUSO3/Ten+Day+Hike+Weights+Two+Litre+per+day+Fuels+Comparison.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710218354074-37PK6JD9KO9DO91MX0KI/Start+Weights+3x0.5+litre+fuels+comparison.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710218356601-YXWSF4Y317WJ66R6PMBA/Total+Hike+Weights+3x0.5+Litre+Fuels+Comparison.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710300005020-GHX2G8KP0P4VDGCQ7RL7/Ten+Day+Hike+Weights+3x0.5+Litre+Fuels+Comparison.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710218562446-MV7MAIHF1LUEC99IG250/Start+Weights+2x0.5+litre+fuels+comparison.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710218565067-ZZQCF2TRENVAZ60P29YT/Total+Hike+Weights+2x0.5+Litre+Fuels+Comparison.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710218562851-3QHYFYOEQ27QF6Q16E11/Ten+Day+Hike+Weights+2x0.5+Litre+Fuels+Comparison.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710136595959-HVHF25R4YX72MK34XUQU/Total+Hike+Weights+for+different+gas+stoves+3L+Boils.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1710136753335-XD8N5SAFKPBKI7Y3IUU9/Start+Weights+for+differnt+gas+stoves+3L+Boils.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e6e937b-7b3f-4ed1-979a-5f0241526034/Core+weights+information+table+V2.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - table of popular backpacking stoves heating rates and weights We chose these simply because, with the exception of the Jetboil, they are some of the stoves we have in the shed. We added the Jetboil because it is the integrated canister brand that we see many hikers using in Australia. The Goshawk Pioneer* has extraordinarily fast boil time at 7:15 for 1L, faster than the Kovea gas stove, due to its secondary gasification burn. It is by far the fastest of all the alcohol stoves we’ve tested, using a little more fuel that the Toaks siphon and also burns wood. The flame splash is very wide, travelling upp the sides of our 1300ml pot, so a wider pot would almost certainly yield better fuel efficiency. However, the stove is quite heavy, so you will need to do your own tests to see whether it will be more efficient with your system. *Disclaimer: Slowerhiking were sent the Goshawk Pioneer Eddy 200 for testing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/573dad49-bebf-4d73-b93a-1ba57374c409/Canister+weights+table.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - standard canister weights Gas canister weights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0d37b5e4-9ac2-49c5-af8e-9432da0561ca/sct+stoves.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - breakfast noodles South Coast Track Tasmania Geoff in no hurry with brekky noodles on the muddy South Coast Track, Tasmania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5d88737-fba4-4525-855d-35be069f80c9/Alcohol+Stove+Comparison+V2.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Selected alcohol stove performances Significant differences between just these four alcohol stoves in boil speed and fuel use when we tested them at home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/337e7ec5-d6f7-4046-9846-a92bac85e86a/gptstoves5.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - various sized silicon pots Silicone XPot, bowl and mug. Check parameters before buying these: they may save neither weight nor significant space! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab7f86cc-88cc-4ad3-b0d8-268fb3ff7df7/kitchen.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Cooking gear packed up within one 1.3 litre pot We love our food on so it’s no surprise our alcohol kitchen is bigger (but not necessarily heavier!) than most. In here is everything for 10-11 days on the track. It fits neatly into an ultrasil bag. This kitchen for two (fuel bottles, stove, cosy, windbreak/potstand, sporks, 3 cups, 1.3L pot and lid, pot cosy, matches, mini firesteel, dishcloth) total 560g/19.8oz without consumables. On shorter trips with a single fuel bottle and without the larger mug the weight drops to 467g/16.5oz, or 233.5g/8.24oz per person. Solo hikers with smaller pots can have extremely light alcohol kitchens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d0c0991-dbcc-4b24-a232-bc53d1122269/Dave+Rees+Sunshine+Coast+Hinterland+Great+Walk2.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - beans and eggs for breakfast A grand brekky fry-up on the Gold Coast Hinterland. Image Credit: Dave Rees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/732b2abd-7a1a-4de0-983c-487f37cee6de/Palle+Nielsen+Firebox+Nano+Stove-2.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - sausages for breakfast on the track Another impressive fry-up. Image Credit: Palle Nielsen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a798b0f1-a4b6-48c1-b910-48d15489e8ae/kmart+campmaster.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - KMart CampMaster. The budget-friendly KMart CampMaster. Image Credit: KMart https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b7cb027b-d05f-49eb-985d-77a035784be9/coleman+dual+fuel+image+credit+coleman.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Coleman Liquid Fuel Stove Coleman Liquid Fuel Stove (Image Credit: Coleman) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6b40d9fb-c321-4311-9329-4ec157c22e84/David+Salter+Esbit+stove+Dartmoor+UK-2.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Esbit stove Esbit stove, Dartmoor UK. Image Credit: Dave Salter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a96339cd-9db8-47e5-9d55-2f9960561114/ally+anderson.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Soto Amicus The famous Soto Amicus in North Wales: fast and reliable provided you know where to use it and with what fuel blend so it operates within its design parameters! Image Credit: Ally Anderson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/40fd9500-9355-4a9d-bc49-84f381930ef1/Daina+Byrne+Twig+Stove-2.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - Twig Stove Twig Stove. Image Credit: Daina Byrne https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1c541e04-f604-460a-8110-19509112d6cc/lake+vera+hut.jpg Kitchen - How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove for YOU - alcohol cooking gear spread out on table Last morning in Lake Vera Hut, Frenchman’s Cap hike, Tasmania. Whatever your criteria, don’t be afraid to vary them for different hikes. And also accept that it may take time to arrive at your favourite system, and then more time to get get the most from it. On every hike of 5 days or less, we carry several kilos less food than on 10 day hikes, so there is capacity for a little flask of tipple or, as here, Geoff’s espresso press. Or both! https://slowerhiking.com/kitchen/backpacking-stoves-fuel-what-you-need-to-know monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/563b4c43-8f94-4eba-9492-74f43eac503a/lake+elysia.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Lake Elysia, Tasmania Breakfast, Lake Elysia, Tasmania: no campfires permitted here, but your morning cuppas will taste just as good on a stove… at least any stove that will burn! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d85e9146-5645-439c-896b-afebea3c1567/Brian+Driscoll+Jetboil+Stash.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Jetboil Stash Jetboil Stash on top of the world (Image Credit: Brian Driscoll) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/edee06d1-b3af-48fb-9b3f-d51c8c48645d/caldera.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Coldera Cone cook system Breakfast with the Caldera cone alcohol system on Hinchinbrook Island, Queensland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b63a4cad-78aa-4202-837d-3bc9a9fdf604/Fuel+emperature+info.png Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Fuel physical properties comparison table None of the fuels hikers use will ignite unless an external heat source or flame is applied, and the temperature of an external source of a lit match (600 degrees Celsius) is well above their standardised recorded flash and autoignition points. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/80bd97f0-b267-47ca-86b2-d373dc411484/Michael+Erder+Soo+Amicus+toaks+pot+GSI+Javadrip+and+cup.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Soto Amicus and Java Drip Cup systems Soto Amicus and Java Drip Cup (Image Credit: MIchael Erder) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e1e4b5c2-8cbf-4460-b518-743f697b2d58/aa+omnifuel.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Primus Omnifuel Our Primus Omnifuel, bought at a bargain price on Massdrop and never used because we haven’t yet camped in places cold enough to need it, burns not only liquid fuels such as kerosene and petrol, but also white gas and gas. But beware: it has three tiny interchangeable jet nozzles for each fuel; you can see two of them on the fire mat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d5067818-50d2-43a1-a53b-3481063d77d0/msr+expedition.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - MSR XGK-EX Stove “Mike Libecki starting the daily boil on the MSR XGK-EX Stove; their stoves worked for at least two to three hours a day to hydrate and cook for four people in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica for 50 days.” (Words, Image Credit: Keith Ladzinski, MSR website). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce613dfa-9cca-4e8d-ad20-d01915a81f9a/Rachel+James-Seviour+GOW.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Trangia stove and cook system Trangias and various fuel bottles on the Great Ocean Walk, Victoria, (Image Credit: Rachel James-Seviour) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a6f53382-cbaf-40e8-b9f8-c91d40ca49c4/aaesbit.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - ESBIT fuel tablets ESBIT fuel tablets store forever and are incredibly light: think firelighters, but smellier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65eda30b-0650-4308-9793-59213bb3ad8e/aa+primer+gel.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - liquid fuel priming gel The liquid fuel priming gel that came with our 4 decades old Optimus. The stove was fine but sadly not the gel! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f04e9437-41c8-484f-b094-62095b0ec7d4/Alan+Heskith.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - pot heating over campfire It’s well and good heating water over a large flame but tiny twig stoves put out a fraction of the heat. (Image Credit: Alan Heskith) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bbcc1e7f-aeda-4268-ba30-5592087e40b6/Rod+Wallace+Trangia+Mars+Bluff.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Trangia Stove Trangia and its brass alcohol stove, Mars Bluff (Image Credit: Rod Wallace) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d5ce712-a480-43ac-93d5-d83d9dcf6b3f/Rod+Wallace+Lake+St+Clair+Trangia+and+upright+canister.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Alcohol fuelled Trangia on canoe trip Lake St Clair Tasmania Alcohol fuelled Trangia (it can also be powered by gas) foreground with upright gas canister stove behind, Lake St Clair, Tasmania (Image Credit: Rod Wallace) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e906275-d890-4771-aca1-764aba934a41/Sarah+Cee+Kepler+MSR+Mini.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - MSR Mini on the Kepler Track, New Zealand MSR Mini on the Kepler Track, New Zealand (Image Credit: Sarah Cee) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c84f2c2-8519-429d-9326-da119808ccbe/Gil+Bear+MSR+Pocket+Rocket+Thark+Ridge.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Pocket Rocket cook system Pocket Rocket in the cold on Thark Ridge, Tasmania (Image Credit: Gil Bear) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c4410c3-204a-4074-bfe8-625d0ad0d125/aacampingaz2.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - MCampingaz Bleuet MicroPlus canister stove Campingaz Bleuet MicroPlus canister stove with Ezy Clic connector rather than a Lindal valve (Image Credit: Campingaz). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/153904bc-0868-4a18-b67f-11053bf6a430/aa+butane+canister.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - gas canisters come on a few standard sizes Different size canisters mean the right choice is more efficient for different length trips. You also have to deal with partially filled canisters and disposing of empty ones; we’ll cover this in Part Two. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b67dffc6-0d2b-4ed2-8d7c-39dd93869242/Sara+Ivy+Pocket+Rockets+Floe+Lake+Canadian+Rockies.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - two Pocket Rockets setup in the Rockies Canada Pocket Rockets at Floe Lake, Canadian Rockies (Image Credit: Sara Ivy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8174cad-7a73-413b-9f33-922b57517ef5/aa+upright+canister+stoves.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - selection of canister stove burners Upright canister stoves left to right: MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe, Primus (for ETA express) and Kovea titanium. Note the differences in burner size and shape, as well as the supporting arms, all folded for storage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5af7a7d6-1328-4c82-9a5d-695014489297/Chris+Flower+original+MSR+Pocket+Rocket+THousand+Island+Lake+breakfast.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Pocket Rocket cook system Original Pocket Rocket providing breakfast at Thousand Island Lake, California. Note the canister stand providing extra stability. (Image Credit Chris Flower) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d5f45fb-e53c-49fb-8be3-ffb1436d54e9/Hollie+Kolabinski+Collins+Cap+Kmart+Campmaster.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - CampMaster Ultrajet Stove For those on a budget, the CampMaster Ultrajet Stove seen here at Collins Cap, Tasmania, is a fraction of the price of a Jetboil (Image Credit: Hollie Kolabinski) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/083f44b2-4d33-4769-a4a8-f3d41d2357cb/Dianne+Perkins+Gunbower+Creek+Victoria.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Jetboil cooker The tall, narrow shape of these stoves make many of them tippy so, unless you plan to use them only on picnic tables, the minor additional weight of the canister stand is worth non-gritty meals, here at Gunbower Creek, Victoria (Image Credit: Diane Perkins) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81fd1356-841f-43b2-8f07-ed01ed63b666/Suz+Madsuz+Trangia+metho+and+gas+Gariwed+Grampians.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Trangias using different fuel sources Two Trangias in Gariwerd (Grampians), Victoria. The one in the foreground is running on alcohol, whereas the one in the background has an upright remote canister stove. (Image Credit Suz MadSuz) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5263a789-283f-4bd8-a8d1-b83f2af42411/aa+mike+waite3.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Alpkit Koro Inverted Canister stove The Alpkit Koro Inverted Canister stove with adaptor (Image Credit: Mike Waite) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ac7e3e3f-1080-40eb-8531-5cbef6d82e7e/Mike+Waite+3.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Alpkit Koro Inverted Canister stove burner The Alpkit Koro has a low, stable, broad burner with a remote gas cylinder. It has a vapourising pre-heater tube. ( Image Credit: Mike Waite). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27e154bc-a216-4dbc-89bc-60983a46b42d/v6.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - V6 Vortex Burner stove Here’s Roger Caffin on his V6 Vortex Burner stove: “The prime aim was to reduce the weight. Some Western remote canister stoves are ridiculously heavy. The V6 is 90g complete and it has dual controls: one on the canister for safety (on/off) and one at the burner for fine control. “Another 'thing' that I wanted to eliminate was the tube over the flames. It is needed for sure with kero (BP ~200C), but it is NOT needed for propane/butane.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c701c67-b2e9-4261-a577-e6561d11b681/ot.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Coldera cone cooking Geoff preparing dinner with our Caldera Cone, Evernew 1300ml wide pot and Toaks siphon combo, Overland Track, Tasmania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ddfdab9c-c41b-464c-a197-4939c488bdcc/goshawk.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Make it stand out The Goshawk’s secondary gasification burn creates an extremely hot, clean flame with alcohol as well as wood as described here. *Disclaimer: slowerhiking were sent this stove for testing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/58144fa7-c9d2-4e00-bbd9-44840b488e22/foiil+base.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Coldera Cone Pot, Cone (pot support and windscreen) with toaks siphon stove on the foil mat. We replaced the small square with a disc to fit the cone after this trip to further minimise scorching and increase reflected heat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fb4f62ad-0aa0-4121-8d8e-a892c7c1e0e0/aa+fuel+bottles.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Fuel bottles for backpacking Fuel bottles L to R: 150ml (5.1oz) plastic ethanol fuel bottle 12g (42oz), red Primus 350ml (12oz) liquid fuel bottle 119g (4.2oz), 400ml (13.5oz) plastic ethanol fuel bottle 38g (1.34oz). The pump in the foreground goes into the liquid fuel bottle when using the stove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/24e43d15-51ff-4b4d-8e46-93901dc50c1e/aa+starlyte3.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Starlyte stove Our old Starlyte with batting under the mesh; the Kojin is similar. Note the lid that allows the stove to be sealed — other stoves have screwtop lids — and the inner ring that we had removed to boil our larger pot; https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e22cb057-60e1-4047-9a6b-9e01c91993e6/aa+toaks+siophon2.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Toaks Siphon Stove Teeny tiny jets on the inner lip of the Toaks Siphon stove https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9a4135d1-5685-4f2f-aeb1-35f2fef999af/aa+12+10+simmer+ring.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - 12-10 stove, Here is an old 12-10 stove, slightly the worse for wear, with a simmer ring that we think belongs to it (there have been a number of 12-10s over the years!). The ring restricts the air inflow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/820ce488-9b90-4bfc-934a-393e83031fe7/aa+alcohol+stoves.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Alcohol stoves 12-10, Evernew, Starlyte. Alcohol stoves L to R: 12-10 (much the worse for wear; it may have been stepped on), Evernew, Starlyte. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c32a1de9-e406-4748-8b6a-55bd0437881f/Stove_1.png Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - diagram of alcohol stove These are basically a container into which you pour your fuel, such as the cat can. Some, such as our (discontinued) Starlyte and the Kojin and Zelph are filled with carbon/graphite felt, fibreglass batting or wicking that help mix air with the alcohol, allowing them to work better at lower temperatures, and reducing or even eliminating the volume of spills. These can also be sealed with a lid, handy for transport. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9bafa811-2ff5-4624-87db-97d69de9dc00/aa+12+10.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - 12-10 burner Open stoves generally don’t jet so are particularly vulnerable to wind, but the stove above (aka 12-10) has a clever chimney effect with holes around the outer layer to create an updraft or rather indraft to increase air mixing. The flames don’t exit the outer holes; they are for air intake and the flames jet inward from a second set of holes. They are great for narrow pots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf581bb7-aad0-44ec-9ee5-51a14dfea3fd/Stove_2.png Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Others, such as the Supercat are low pressure sideburners, open containers with largish holes in the side, not top. Others, such as the Supercat are low pressure sideburners, open containers with largish holes in the side, not top. The number, arrangement and density of holes and rows varies: designs are countless. You light the fuel in the container, then sit your pot on the stove, sealing the opening, pressurising the vapour slightly and eliminating the need for a pot stand. This time, the flame does exit through the holes in the side. Stoves with jets at the side are less effective on small pots as the flame travels up the side of the pot, and of course they are completely ineffective in wind without a screen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c43af890-9f56-456b-b10f-0cdc2145bff2/Stove_3b.png Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - fancy feet burner diagram Some models like the Fancy Feest (just 10g!) have flames at the top in the outer ring fed by capillary action and vaporisation. The centre ring is taller so you sit the pot on the stove, and the fuel in the centre does not burn because the pot seals it from oxygen. Antigravity Gear’s Tin Man and Evernew’s Blue Note, have jets on the side (high pressure sideburner or hybrid stoves). Here, as for low pressure sideburners, your pot sits on top of the stove so no pot stand is needed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2fea198c-680b-4c9f-a29b-c752ed83c9ae/Stove_4.png Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Toaks burner diagram Some open stoves have jets at the top (Toaks siphon) and require a pot stand. The fuel in the centre burns too, but the jets are angled and create a slight vortex, drawing in air and burning hotter than an open flame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/793119d9-9e21-46ae-9c91-05ec4e869117/wikipedia.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - alcohol priming process diagram The priming process (Image Credit: Wikipedia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/440cc359-6c17-485b-94a4-c563a5d3f60b/Ellie+Nor+end+of+OT+25+year+old+Trangia.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Trangia stove Overland Track Tasmania A 25 year old Trangia, still going strong to celebrate the end of the Overland Track (Image Credit: Ellie Nor) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/08973ded-ca10-432f-9a10-1801813e4cd5/MoleJCole+TD+Caldera+Sidewinder+900ml+Evernew+Pot+Kojin+PHR.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Caldera Sidewinder Cone Trail Designs Caldera Sidewinder Cone on the Pyrenean Haute Route (Image Credit: MoleJCole) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41c489c6-edf4-4968-8873-ce15560caa63/Erdei+Mihaly.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - MYOG Alcohol stove and windscreen MYOG Alcohol stove and windscreen in action (Erdei Mihaly) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5133292-99c4-4a7c-9790-533d85c7e79b/aa+optimus2.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Optimus kerosene stove My 40 year old kerosene Optimus (previously Primus) 96 Hiker. Parts are still available today here and on EBay! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/583f1084-dcaa-40d8-9a6e-7f193d0d85c6/Dean+Thomson+Dragonfly+in+Grampians.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - MSR Dragonfly cook system MSR Dragonfly and lunch with a view in the Grampians, Victoria (Image Credit: Dean Thomson) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5cda37dd-7971-4e99-ae7d-d27a1215e5ed/soto+muca.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - burner and fuel line The 333g/11.7oz (including pump) Soto Muka (aka Stormbreaker), running on petrol, outputs an astonishing 4,000 kcal / h 4,650 W 15,800 BTU (Image Credit Soto). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8996206-02d8-4f2a-a553-4c8690aabb3c/svea.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Optimus Svea The Optimus Svea (about 500g compared to, say, the Jetboil Flash at 371g plus canister weight) is an integrated system with stove, pot and fuel container. It is a version of our little Optimus 96 and has been around for as long as the Trangia; it burns Shellite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9215a68d-aea9-48b1-8a8d-2514d609a5f5/David+G+Tomlinson+Heinikin+Pot+titanium+stand.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Heineken Pot and Titanium twig stove Heineken Pot and Titanium twig stove (Image Credit: David G Tomlinson) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0faf6a6-266f-42a1-9b53-9b055af4ac12/aa+emberlit+fireant.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Emberlit Fire Ant, The titanium Emberlit Fire Ant, bought at half price on MassDrop before I realised I rarely camped in places where fires are allowed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/205c7931-75b4-4765-85ea-10b81d896c13/aa+emberlit+fireant4.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - unpacked Emberlit Fire Ant burn box These little twig stoves flatpack to a size that would make Ikea proud, and there aren’t even any screws to lose! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/60cf2adf-82b8-4c9e-8c36-c5212777614a/aa+gram+cracker2.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Esbit tablet holder The gram cracker stove is reportedly more efficient with two sides enclosed and the flame directed upwards towards the pot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fbb60224-460d-4ab6-96ec-01f01def6f1a/aa+gram+cracker.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - gram cracker stove However, many hikers believe that an esbit stove in combination with the Caldera Cone windscreen/pot stand is the Goldilocks system for minimal weight and maximum efficiency. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a544570e-18f2-4464-b2b4-afdea13c58f2/Linda+May+Pill+bottle+alcohol+stove.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - pill bottle stove The Pill Bottle Stove (Image Credit: Linda May). See more of Linda’s eclectic stove collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/765fcdd9-a21b-45cc-ba74-1d6cdf636891/sa.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - Wirrabbra Range South Australia Geoff cooking after a day of rain, Flinders Ranges, South Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff1fea20-420a-4c34-8b2c-52b36cccbd00/Helen+Humphrey+GOW+Kathmandu+gear.jpg Kitchen - Backpacking Stoves and Fuel: What You Need to Know - cooking at sunset Kathmandu gear on the Great Ocean Walk, Victoria (Image Credit: Helen Humphries) https://slowerhiking.com/grampians-peaks-trail daily 0.75 2025-10-29 https://slowerhiking.com/grampians-peaks-trail/grampians-peaks-trail-guide-and-planning monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/74c01dd5-5cf6-4234-a96c-73e6a2188896/lead+pic.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - expansive views between Gar and Werdug https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db2dc857-bad9-40d5-bd43-a51937b9ffa1/waterfall2.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - waterfalls approaching Gar Waterfalls in winter and after rain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1c04671-570e-4c2b-ae1a-c7b4e0bf1a8b/rock+formations-2.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - crazy rock formations of granite outcrops Grampians Peaks Trail Amazing rock formations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7632e9f4-ae00-4976-95f4-4fb6c056a515/gardens.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - plateau approach to Gar campsite Because such varied geology and topography provide so many different environmental niches, wildlife and wildflower diversity are equally extraordinary. The Grampians boasts an astonishing seven different vegetation types and is host to almost 1,000 vascular plants, more than one third of all the plants in Victoria; many of them are found nowhere but in the park. The spring wildflower display here is as famous as those in Western Australia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a56be0cb-a22c-466f-b004-b36cb4e5bc75/P.+maclenta.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - Pterostylis planulata. Orchid enthusiasts are in for a treat as well: here, Pterostylis macilenta. Make time to explore surrounding reserves while you’re in the region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6aaa9e3b-7602-4468-8ebc-d03c86ede896/grampians+spider.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - Grampians Spider Orchids White Spider Orchid (Caladenia venusta) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8aea735-b675-4e4c-bba7-2e060c95b21c/roos.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - kangaroos in Halls Gap View from our motel in the heart of Hall’s Gap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3454eb8-9658-4040-a477-2cd1ea3bc92a/cocky.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - cockatoo in Halls Gap Cheeky sulphur-crested cockatoo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f2735a5-b62b-4b3e-910d-e937c96cad11/pet+sheep.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - sheep in street of Dunkeld Someone walking down a Dunkeld side street with a pet or Judas sheep. Supermarket far right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1701418239789-PNXUOA3QTPOJ0X7RAI98/GPT+Sectioin+Map+metric.jpeg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1701418040482-E5BMYT9K9SIH2YBPM6OO/GPT+Sectioin+Map+imperial.jpeg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6cfbd6e0-3f57-404b-a972-0f49291c4b2b/Section+Summary+Table.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - Distances and elevation gains and losses for Grampians Peaks Trail End to end section statistics Grampians Peaks Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9714b7d0-35c1-4113-ac2b-0354861cdbfe/steps-3.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - Steps up steep incline Grampians Peaks Trail Beautifully constructed rustic steps. We generally prefer more natural tracks but boy, were we grateful for these! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8967530c-f283-417e-9e18-daea95df9dfb/rock2.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - tunnel through rock bolders The trail is fabulously fun and varied. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bd47ba6f-f931-408a-a51e-19ebde3960c7/lunch+views-2.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - lunch under ledge Lunch with a view. Another one! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/170934fd-d679-4dff-b367-610a5841239f/Whole+of+Hike+Elevation+Profile+from+Alltrails.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - Grampians Peak Trail Elevation Profile Elevation profile, Grampians Peaks Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1754642678684-FZ8NGWDAANH14WKP47BH/Summary+table+for+whole+Hike+with+times.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1754643067644-WOK602Z35GJ8EWI8V552/Summary+table+for+whole+Hike+Imperial+with+times.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce2e7b85-aa20-40f4-a1c2-ad15eef6a72e/scramble+red.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - clambering down rock boulders Plenty of fun scrambly bits… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90fb8fac-0b91-4229-abd4-122f95744825/scramble+2.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - squeezing through gaps in rock More scrambles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e769431e-8b68-468b-a72f-81b842ae209b/scrambling+4.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - track around rocky ledge This looks exposed but it is never climbing and there is more room between you and the edge than it appears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7d3516b5-511a-4089-ba01-fa66421b1ebf/scree-3.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - boulder scree Sometimes the track is identifiable only because no bushes are growing on that part of the hill! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/294e23b4-dd0c-491a-a20e-43ca3801bae1/scree-2.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - track through boulder scree on way the Yarram campsite More ‘track’. Young folk will skip across these, but older folk are likely to be slower both going up and going down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0ddc2c88-3026-4876-a50b-8cb243ce2475/orographic.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - hiking in the and out of clouds A fabulously squally day with orographic and low cloud sporadically obscuring the peaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d744dec-106a-45a2-9725-3229663f0ef4/rainfall+comparison.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - average rainfall statistics Monthly Mean Rainfall Mt William vs Stawell (Image Credit: Australian Bureau of Meteorology) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0247c815-5995-45b7-9549-8d6d2c90f1a7/number+days+rain+.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - number of rain days for each month Monthly Mean Number of Days of Rain (Image Credit: Australian Bureau of Meteorology) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e8a2a4b-78e8-4031-8f10-52272b1c89e7/mean+minimum+temp.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - temperature graph for Stawell and Mt William Monthly Mean Minimum Temperature (Image Credit: Australian Bureau of Meteorology) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3dd9d083-ee07-4876-947e-0efd9b87c095/temperature.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - maximum daily temperature graph for Stawell and Mt William Monthly Mean Maximum Temperature (Image Credit: Australian Bureau of Meteorology) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/26d4f102-2ddd-49bd-9764-700fdb5faf49/garden.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - wildflowers in spring Spring For botanists and wildflower enthusiasts, early- to mid-spring is a no-brainer. Some parts resemble gardens, with breathtaking sweeps of colour. However, spring weather is highly changeable so you can expect anything from rainy cold days to clear, sunny 30C+ days — we experienced both and everything in between. Nights can be extremely cold so don’t underestimate them: tent platforms provide little insulation and we strongly recommend a warm sleeping bag (0C comfort level, warmer for cold sleepers) and mat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec77ea23-3dc0-4280-b88e-41e77d2b632a/lunch+with+views.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - view over Halls Gap near Mt Rosa Pleasant today in October, but still relatively warm on the open rock that you are traversing much of the time. On sunny days, you can feel the heat radiating back up at you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3405c6c-773c-4adb-a295-19d6eaa55962/Rob+Margono+GPT.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - two tents on tent platform Two small Lanshans squeezed onto a platform (Image Credit: Rob Morgono) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1dff1dd2-cede-44e9-bff0-53622f2aa9f7/GPT+Vic+locality+map.jpeg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - Grampians locality map A short drive along the Western Highway from Melbourne https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/82943a02-a2fa-4159-83f9-0f9451fbda49/wet+lunch.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - lunch in the clouds Geoff bundled up with hot soup and merino baselayer, fleece midlayer, hat, 3 layer goretex windshell and rainpants against bitter wind, rain and cold… in mid October. We put gloves back on after lunch: wind chill was significant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/085131fd-f377-4087-bad2-a685cab6348a/passing+packs.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - handing up packs through a narrow gap Passing packs up through a narrow scramble. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2dc25884-ae0b-4e03-9d49-2fdfacf06a49/marker.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - trail marker on rock can be hard to spot Spot the trail marker! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eb23008e-16be-4b70-973c-58c159da13eb/hut-2.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - campsite hut Large enclosed huts with seating, tables and a steel bench for cooking at seven of the eleven campgrounds. Strangely, one hut has no doors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b4ff2f8-b7d2-47e1-bb9e-906dd0976786/gathering+area.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - gatherign site at campground One of the ‘Communal Gathering Places’ that replace huts in four of the campgrounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c1bfb68e-1949-4aa4-a913-f354e37af189/bugiga_.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - X Mid Pro 2 tent on round platform Pretty platforms but no significant gaps. Really? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e3275097-1a9b-4e2a-b175-99de369734da/toilets-2.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - rainwater tank at tiolet Toilets at all GPT campgrounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/30af50b1-8dc7-49d8-9f2a-db091a890e88/charging+facilities+p.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - phone charging stations USB charging stations inside huts or, as here, on a little shelf under the veranda of toilets at campgrounds without huts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/14379874-db2c-467d-816a-9797be52d5f5/tank.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - serviced water tanks Fortunately, you have reliable water points at specific road crossings between campgrounds. As you can see above, these tanks are small but they are kept topped up with trucked town water. We’ll provide more information about these water points in the northern, southern and sectional daily blogs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e132d459-eb81-4659-8f65-32ea1c270db8/food+drop-3.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - Resupply box at Jimmy Creek Road crossing A food drop can contain not only food, but medications, fuel, clean undies, socks and even tees so you can refresh. Leave the dirty clothes in the box and retrieve them later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a2313b7b-32a1-4ac3-a024-5a4c9cfe047e/jimmy+creek+campground.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - Jimmy Creek campsite Pleasant campsites at Jimmy Creek Campground https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27e20832-895b-494b-89be-8efce98fbf26/first+wannon1.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - first Wannon campsite sign First Wannon has a toilet, small and larger campsites https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d23c6c0-a167-40bd-bbb6-28176f3e45b6/first+wannon2.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - campsite at first wannon One of the larger campsites at First Wannon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6014e6f6-2829-43eb-8e54-68c56189706e/griffin+trailhead.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - Griffin Head trail head Griffin Trailhead has a water tank and 4WD access for a food drop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b67d19e4-d4c7-4775-989f-bc76bb6cd789/foot+station.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - boot cleaning station Boot cleaning stations: please use them! We very much hope one is soon installed at Griffin Trail Head so the disease in the picture below isn’t spread into the Serra Range, which appears clear thus far. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2d8b1b6-15cb-4bcc-b1e6-4c4a034b7b28/phyophthera.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - Xanthorrheas Grass Trees (Xanthorrheas) are highly vulnerable to cinnamon fungus that is being spread along this section of the GPT. Grass trees and banksias are essential habitat for all kinds of small creatures such as pygmy possums. When grass trees and banksias disappear, so do all the animals and birds that live and/or feed on them. The yellowed plants in the background have succumbed; the ones left foreground will be dead soon too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7cd8f93d-029c-432e-a529-817de55141b3/views.jpg Grampians Peaks Trail - Grampians Peaks Trail Guide and Planning - vast views Grampians Peaks Trail Well then, what are you waiting for? Our Section Blogs are below. They include pictures of the track and campsites as well as elevation profiles so you know what to expect, plus suggestions for each day aimed at making the track more achievable. Reading the daily blogs in each section will give you a good idea of whether the GPT is for you; this hike is in Geoff and my Top Ten and we think it will be in yours too! We’re sure you’ll love it as much as we did, and you’ll feel proud of completing the more challenging parts. It is a truly fantastic hike and the memories you make will last a lifetime. https://slowerhiking.com/grampians-peaks-trail/northern-section-mt-zero-to-halls-gap monthly 0.5 2024-07-28 https://slowerhiking.com/grampians-peaks-trail/central-section-halls-gap-to-yarram monthly 0.5 2024-07-28 https://slowerhiking.com/grampians-peaks-trail/southern-section-yarram-to-dunkeld monthly 0.5 2024-06-28 https://slowerhiking.com/grampians-peaks-trail-northern-section daily 0.75 2024-04-12 https://slowerhiking.com/grampians-peaks-trail-northern-section/northern-section-planning-tips monthly 0.5 2024-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f59f9c96-e37b-4691-b66a-fc26acf141ed/view+of+mt+staylton.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - GPT Northern Section Planning Tips - Mt Stapylton View back to Mt Stapylton on Day 1. The spur trail ascends through the crack in the centre, then sidles up the face on left. Don’t worry, it is less steep and exposed than it looks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b243e78d-5d34-47aa-87df-5f8ed5b06c97/Northern+Section+Summary+Map.jpeg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - GPT Northern Section Planning Tips - Grampians Peaks Northern Section Map Northern Section Summary Map and Elevation Details https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ced3055c-80dc-41f9-a42c-4e83dbc6ef8d/intermediate+campsites.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - GPT Northern Section Planning Tips - Grampians Peak Trail signage to campsites Coppermine Campsite is one intermediate option. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27822cea-eb57-43e4-84f9-4b755f56c8ec/water.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - GPT Northern Section Planning Tips - reading map on side of track Time for a rest and a drink. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f8714bd-cae4-4d31-9a0a-52f881269c6a/side+trip+to+Gar.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - GPT Northern Section Planning Tips - granite slab ridge to Gar Spur Trail to Gar: this was highly worthwhile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a80ae4aa-c2a6-4850-b765-2506b1b08271/chataqua+peak.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - GPT Northern Section Planning Tips - mountain ridge in mist Chataqua Peak mid left. The sun was trying to break through but cloud was low and, although it was only a 600m detour, recalcitrant body parts were fed up. Don’t stress if you can’t manage or need to skip one side trip for any reason: on this walk, there will always be another grand view until you finish in Dunkeld. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e9b5c79-e962-444b-aaa5-620c87db77df/26+rocky+track.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - GPT Northern Section Planning Tips - Expansive views all day on Grampians Peaks Trail Daily blogs have many images of the track so you can get a real sense of the level of difficulty. But remember that inclement weather, be it very hot, cold, wet, windy or in whiteout, makes everything trickier! Stay flexible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ddbc6ce2-880c-4b72-a65c-d693f9b75222/08+infamous+steps.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - GPT Northern Section Planning Tips - Rock steps Plenty of well-constructed steps in this section… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/29b6e559-cd10-4d1a-be64-c388df1133bb/40+flowerts.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - GPT Northern Section Planning Tips - wildflowers on Grampians Peaks Trail … and of course it’s not all rock and steps! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b780d2d2-701d-4f60-83ea-0f8c57acd7bc/halls+gap.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - GPT Northern Section Planning Tips - View towards Halls Gap We may have missed misty Chataqua Peak, but this is the view that greeted us as we dropped below the cloud. Actually, this fantastic hike is pretty much all view. Enjoy whatever bits you do, in whatever way you do them! https://slowerhiking.com/grampians-peaks-trail-northern-section/trail-head-to-barringar monthly 0.5 2024-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65087370-22c0-4b0b-b1c9-bfc898159aa9/03+approaching+taipan+wall.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Taipan Wall Approaching the magnificent Taipan Wall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0385d7a3-da2f-46fc-bc84-e164d21aa2f0/Trail+Head+to+Barigar.jpeg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - map of route between Mount Zero carpark and Barigar camp with elevation gain details Elevation gain and loss details https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c0cd1f2-a71c-4b3c-af2c-9739b98371da/01+cleaning+station.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Boot cleaning station Mount Zero But first, please use the boot cleaning station, and don’t forget to spray your trekking poles too, to prevent the spread of the introduced cinnamon fungus that kills so many of our favourite Australian plants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91b561f9-1fc2-4b78-8011-2806e0258b9f/02+flat+rock.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Flat Rock Almost immediately, you’ll climb Flat Rock, which in laconic Aussie idiom means not the slightest bit flat. You’ll become very familiar with this type of sloping rock because the trail takes advantage of the open hard-wearing surfaces that are so prevalent on the western slopes. Remember to look back northwards to Mt Zero that you can see above in the background; we highly recommend doing the Mt Zero day walk beforehand to greet the Grampians (this daywalk coming soon on our website) and to hike from the northernmost peak to the southernmost one. Very fast hikers could do Mt Zero first up before starting the GPT, but average and slower hikers will find that the day before will be more relaxed and enjoyable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/743c7a57-d8ea-4767-a318-9edc53876fe6/04+approaching+taipan+wall.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Taipan Wall Grampians Peaks Trail After the initial climb, you’ll be walking towards and then climbing along the base of the spectacular Taipan Wall. If you’re early, the Wall will be in shade and backlit by the rising sun, tricky for photography! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb9680c0-6498-43de-ad22-1587e3881536/05+goodenia.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Goodenia ovata Grampians Peaks Trail The wildflowers are quite different on the exposed and sunny open rock faces and in the shadier southerly aspects. Here, Goodenia ovata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/893750ce-bd40-4a98-8705-8e88ad8f3f3b/06+nearer+taipan.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Rustic steps Rustic steps throughout much of the Northern Section make for much easier walking, but there are a lot of them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0eb8eb03-d198-49fa-a3ba-f70ad4888983/08+nearer+taipan.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Taipan Wall The view of the Wall is glorious, and the cool shade is welcome. Once you reach the top on clear days, you’ll be in sun most of the time, so enjoy it while it lasts! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ba58af7-04c1-4116-b9c0-22a04d213866/09+nearing+top.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - bizarre rock formation Grampians Peaks Trail By the time you reach this bizarre rock formation, you will soon be at the top of Taipan Wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78e78e73-9255-4e83-a732-0f20b783a699/rare+orchids.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Pterostylis planulata Pterostylis planulata grows amongst rocky peaks in the Northern Grampians, often in tiny cracks and pockets of soil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7bb6abda-61af-4f38-9345-2f220c929bc8/10+steps.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - beautifully built naturally looking rock steps Hooray say achilles tendons to steps after steep rock! The steps are beautifully built and welcome after a long climb on rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d73f718f-7ef6-4829-bb37-40a44ab0f819/14+mt+staplyton.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Mt Stapylton Don’t miss Gunigalg/Mt Stapylton: it’s a fun short spur trail with a marvellous reveal at the end; some people climb beyond the signposted finish. This area is heavily frequented by day walkers and, although we usually leave our packs in the open at the start of spur trails, a more discreet spot behind a boulder felt more appropriate here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1bb8795f-07a3-4941-bc38-7dbe8eba2a11/15+mt+staplyton+view.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Mt Stapylton view Wonderful views north and northeast; Hollow Rock is just out of sight. And more steeply sloping rock: you can also see how this track can get slippery after prolonged rain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7bf7d153-096d-4b04-b846-408fea823a3f/11++tewtratheca.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Tetratheca ciliata Tetratheca ciliata adds vivid splashes of colour in shadier areas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5c43f5b-2e71-42b5-9f5d-c10771f4ae90/18+tunnel+P.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Rock tunnel between boulders This trail is incredibly varied: it makes hiking so much fun. Here, the track is routed under a giant boulder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18e94cd5-b811-4177-bcdf-bb327de747fe/19+caladenia.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Pink Fingers (Caladenia carnea) Pink Fingers (Caladenia carnea) is one of the more common orchids you’ll see https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/445d6775-2236-4276-af0e-188206ab1a7e/20+flowers.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Hakea rostrata White Hakea rostrata and yellow peaflowers crowded along the track. It is wonderful for those who love plants and there are views for those who don’t! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ba0b31e-8072-4c85-9b0a-8c23323a9ffd/24+calytrix.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Grampians Fringe Myrtle (Calytrix sullivanii) Grampians Fringe Myrtle (Calytrix sullivanii) comes in shades of dark pink to white and is another common wildflower on the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/719890a8-0abd-4d1b-9fff-152dc4aa25de/21+snack.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - morning tea in shade under rock ledge Pausing for second breakfast in a cool rocky corner https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bbd1c437-5b31-4899-97a1-64e3bcfa04fe/23+views+south.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Grampians Peaks Trail - Mt Zero to Barigar Glorious views south with the Grampians stretching to the horizon. It’s a long way but slower hikers have plenty of days, unlike those running the track! You can also see how Geoff is using his trekking poles on this rocky descent: it’s not steep, but slips are easy because it is so uneven. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1aaca640-f6ad-423d-b639-65f9bd38d028/25+grevillea.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Holly leaf Grevillea Holly leaf Grevillea (G. aquifolium) is spectacular… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff4bf748-eb9e-4a76-b022-c6b27e1bd927/30+pusillus.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Pterostylis pusillus …but many of Australia’s terrestrial orchids are highly cryptic: they are small and in tones of green and brown. It’s only when you get up close to them that you see their extraordinary form: here, Pterostylis pusillus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/386ab558-3f95-42fa-8b03-bb7ef85f1cb2/25+flowers.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Wild flowers A lovely sandy section of track: don’t worry, it’s not all rocks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b68f1463-fdda-4308-9d3f-d645f4eb1258/27+crest.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - hiker on ledge This trail has been so beautifully routed. The ledge is plenty wide and of course provides yet more views. You can see how the track has already worn to a different colour to surrounding rock. If you’re unsure of the track, look for this wear as well as those yellow markers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/119ec012-d6f8-46dc-8feb-2ebce63fbf2f/28+bronze+cap.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Caladenia iridescens) Another cryptic orchid, the little Bronze Cap (Caladenia iridescens). Most of us enthusiasts usually scan for orchids, but all the ones I’ve spotted today are right beside the path because you really have to watch where you put your feet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5a0d74b7-4d7a-4a4e-aa1e-03e93f24514e/31+lunch.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Lunch on the track Lunch with a view in a tiny patch of shade: it’s hot! Although we dehydrate homemade Cup-a-Soups, crackers and other lightweight yummy backpacking lunches, hard cheese and salami from the Halls Gap supermarket are convenient for the first day and make for more variety. We tend not to carry these for more lunches because although they are nutrient dense they are also quite heavy (jerky and freeze dried cheese are good alternatives). Crackers are lighter than wraps and mountain bread. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad0c8703-cc10-4a55-8581-e2cae4df1449/33+rockpool.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - rock pool A small waterhole atop a rock ledge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c7661109-d2bd-4e71-a973-8750be047ae9/39+blue+grass+lily.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Stypandra glauca Blue grass lily, Stypandra glauca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76ac7327-a223-4f5c-807c-a0e58e117dcf/37+nearing+camp.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - rock track with massive views You can see how the the track is routed along edges for much of the time and this is what makes the GPT so great for views. Marvellous stuff! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/939aaebf-b047-4f5f-8839-a1b57f56249c/40+creek+crossing.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - creek crossing One last tiny creek crossing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ac8f00a-e063-4272-a6b6-737613d98e65/acacia_.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - wattles in flower A sea of wattle and lovely underfoot. You are nearly there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a2584977-d6dc-467c-bfae-883146fc1604/43+layout.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Barigar campground map Here is the layout of Barigar campground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/005328eb-ce32-4696-9d34-06e70a209d0a/41+barigar+hutP.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - Shelter at Barigar camp And here is one of those marvellous huts. We weren’t convinced about them from the images because the high ceilings seemed impractical. They are certainly cool with those mesh screens at the top! A heavy sliding door allows you to close up the hut completely. Unlike the tent platforms, the floor has been constructed with gaps between the planks. Go figure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2590f3b7-178c-42c2-9350-44d3ea7fe041/42+platform.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - X Mid Pro 2 setup on tent platform Here is the XMid Pro2 set up on a platform. We chose a platform in the sunniest spot where the wood had dried enough to create a few gaps wide enough for our stainless deck hooks. The red aluminium fishbone style ones are less likely to fit most platforms, at least for some years yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2179913-07da-4127-b5c2-80e90934e6c1/44+dinner.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar - dinner at Barigar Home dehydrated beef vindaloo on the rock above the hut (right). It has been an exhilarating day, even better than we had imagined it would be. We can’t wait for tomorrow — surely it can’t be as good? (Spoiler alert: it is even more spectacular!). https://slowerhiking.com/grampians-peaks-trail-northern-section/barringar-to-gar monthly 0.5 2024-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c379a296-21aa-4853-8076-93eabca2cee2/34+to+gar.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Gar, Grampians Peaks Trail Stunning spring wildflowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77a70783-b103-44c5-bfe2-9c7610ead403/Barigar+to+Gar.jpeg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - elevation and map route details The elevation profile promises a long and steady climb but, don’t worry, the trail is beautifully constructed with breathtaking views almost the entire way to take your mind off tired legs. This might also be a favourite day for wildflower enthusiasts, with subalpine plateaus awash with colour. And you finish at gobsmackingly spectacular campsites with views to the distant horizon. A cracker of a day, and one of the most memorable of the entire trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77344e1a-1600-4762-a9ca-513c5345119a/01+bridge.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - pedestrian bridge over Brigg’s Creek Nearly all of the GPT is single track but here you’ll follow and zigzag across a dirt access track for a few hundred metres before crossing a pedestrian bridge over Brigg’s Creek. Today, the weather threatens rain: will it lift or clear? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bd91fe3d-3c4e-44ec-a4c1-86020b0a846b/02+rooL.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Eastern Grey Kangaroos This area appears to have been cleared and grazed in the past but now there are only roos. These are Eastern Grey Kangaroos, larger, less stocky and less flighty than the Swamp and Red-Necked wallabies you may see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bfba1712-c4ce-4e0c-9e1f-ab8a55d5d935/04+misty+morning.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - hiker on track in light rain It’s jackets on-jackets off weather: not cold but drizzly; the sun is trying to reach through. We have chosen robust 3-layer goretex jackets teamed with lightweight Visp rainpants for this section. There is a big difference between hiking in mild wet weather and cold wet weather, especially with wind. Robust rain jackets are important for keeping your core warm, not just dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e6b3f4c-b961-463d-8edb-1b2fd2dd3132/06+microtis.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Microtis biloba The tiny Notched Onion Orchid, Microtis biloba https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/56e45b67-4658-4df2-9eff-03722dce0440/caladenia.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Caladenia tentaculata And the Eastern Spider Orchid, Caladenia tentaculata. There were quite a few along here but it was raining when we passed so this is one I prepared earlier at Mt Zero. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36f18fdf-2b29-41cd-b00b-787d578845ce/05+jackets+on+jackets+off.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - hiking in the mist Once again you’re following a narrow spine, so you have alternating and sometimes simultaneous views into the valleys on either side. The rising mist is delightful and the gradient gentle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d98853c1-58ed-4ee3-8b47-5acd6ae5d848/07+flowers+and+red+rock.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - rocks and wildflowers You still have rocky sections and little ups and downs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b21d6d4-3c79-4824-94db-670c7e1214cb/12+leptospermumP.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Leptospermum continentale The track is festooned with wildflowers. You’ll see a lot of this tea tree, Leptospermum continentale… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5cf7a158-93e1-4328-952c-e8a8d7ab1e54/09+dodonea.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Dodonea viscosa ssp cuneata …and red-fruiting hop bush, Dodonea viscosa ssp cuneata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a680e172-41c8-4736-b9cd-ce3818b8e143/10+beaut+views.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - flat rock slab makes for easy walking It’s absolutely fantastic walking and pleasant underfoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3b22f0da-6084-49a2-8b74-31b39a35f847/13+thryptomene.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - sandy track through wildflowers As you descend towards Troopers Creek and Roses Gap Road, the vegetation changes. The track becomes sandy through Yellow Box forest, with swathes of Grampians thryptomene (T. calycina) below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c7e73c77-a3be-46a4-999f-68cc516d2801/14+creek.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Troopers Creek crossing Crossing Troopers Creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3fbaf88b-3a7b-4c55-99a5-f1b2c809b960/15+tank.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Roses Gap Road serviced water tank And here just after crossing Roses Gap Road is the serviced tank, with a car park behind. If you’re doing a food drop here, we suggest hiding it somewhere discreet in the bushes nearby because day walkers frequent the area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d2640795-667a-4195-b75a-ba431b241a99/16+pterosylisd.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Pterostylis concinna Different orchids are found in the shady, moist areas alongside creeks. Here, Trim Greenhood (Pterostylis concinna), recognisable by its forked labellum, grows below Melaleucas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c29eaf40-a892-457f-aa03-dc4d2372fb3a/17+caladenia+ornata.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Caladenia ornata Caladenia ornata occurs on the southerly aspects as you climb out from Troopers Creek. You can distinguish this pink finger orchid from similar species because of its dark pink side lobes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/32107f0d-76ab-4b98-8812-a9b2c72f32fe/18+falls.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - ephemeral waterfalls on way to Gar The trail passes several small but very pretty ephemeral waterfalls. If there has been rain overnight or recently, as happened with us, they will be flowing, especially in winter and early spring when the soil is still wet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e09bf079-7f72-451e-835d-aea00f000bcd/18a+falls.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - stepping stones across small river Crossing below the waterfall: this could get tricky after heavy rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ea8a430d-d26f-42ac-a112-18141d0c47f5/19+climbing.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - more steps and wildflowers on way to Gar More steps. The day is now a series of climbs stepping up to the higher escarpments of the Mt Difficult range. You follow the base of cliffs before ascending them, cross a flatter area to the next escarpment, rinse and repeat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ef1c577-8029-45d9-ae26-ffbd5179eb8d/20b+falls.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - misty waterfall on track to Gar Another marvellous waterfall. You’ll pass a 4km return spur trail to Beehive falls but these falls on the track are equally good; faster hikers may detour but slower ones will likely prefer not to. Instead we’ll ascend along the base of this cliff, climb up and then walk back along its edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/345d74d9-a91b-4c9e-a3e7-e1364a931fba/21+viola+hederacea.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Maiola hederacea Native violet (Viola hederacea) growing in the wettest areas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab481660-a292-4cfd-8726-808829a98d0d/21+views.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Views west along the top of the Grampians escarpment. Views west all the way along the top of the escarpment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b2b9cee4-e310-4b07-981b-903cfb1bf14e/22+diuris+orientis.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Donkey orchid Diuris orientis Donkey orchid (Diuris orientis). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f08bd5f6-a2bc-4116-ac8f-21c020e4cfcb/23+nearing+cliff.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - escarpment view Approaching the next escarpment. You will climb this, and another couple more. They look daunting, but don’t be: the steep bits comprise steps that sidle and zigzag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dc7b703e-26e8-4243-b85f-5aebd13949ab/25lunch.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - rock ledge shelter Hot homemade cup-a-soup and homemade crackers for lunch under an overhang. That’s the track directly in front of Geoff. It doesn’t look much from this angle but it’s relatively sheltered from the southerly wind and it’s great for another reason: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a29f000b-7bed-4b82-9da9-8b4aac716494/24+lunch.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - expansive views along Grampians Peaks Trail on way to Gar …The view! Perhaps you can begin to understand why this walk is so amazing: you’re nowhere near the highest escarpment yet still the views are there, not now and then but most of the time. Just wonderful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/25d64690-3330-44bd-8eab-29a3f92b9eed/26+still+not+on+top.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Briggs Bluff, Another shelf. You’re still heading northeast towards Briggs Bluff, top centre, the opposite direction from Gar campsite. But the escarpment below the campsite is too precipitous to approach directly, so you detour around and then head south in a big U-shape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9d1ce1dd-9b63-47cc-9579-16fe801fae23/27+flower+garden.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - subalpine plateau below Briggs Bluff But first, below Briggs Bluff you cross this fantastic subalpine plateau, ablaze with wildflowers in spring. This little section will forever be one of our banner memories. The light was dull but the colours and rich diversity were astonishing. The path is easy here, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8d5a34d5-2c79-492b-92cb-e3af74621ea0/28+utricularia+grampiana.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Grampians Bladderwort Grampians Bladderwort (Utricularia grampiana) thrives in wet open areas. They are carnivorous plants with tiny subsurface bladders that trap microfauna to digest. Another common name is Fairy Aprons! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bddcbab0-5053-49ae-b635-a6ea1e6a64ba/29+view+to+gar.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - View towards Gar from plateau Looking back along the little plateau you’ve just passed; you are in the process of stepping up to the next level. You can see the track snaking through it. And that’s Gar in the middle distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d2ce3da-7ae5-4a03-9a4f-eecb535dc88e/38+boronia.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Grampians Boronia Grampians Boronia, B. latipinna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e027689a-2793-4d90-8118-a0d3115ad734/30+steps+to+the+top.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - rock steps up escarpment on way to Gar And here are the steps, lots of them, up the next escarpment. Is this the last one? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/09b670e2-2f0e-4fd3-bd8e-6d553ea1a209/30b+steps+to+the+top.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - view toward Gar Looking back towards Gar. You are still heading away from it, but not for much longer! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cfdb425d-ba3b-4ba6-97cb-15ef26867da3/31+tarn.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - tarn at side of track Another plateau is at the top. You pass a beautiful tarn, and you are still heading away from Gar. Yes, there is another escarpment to ascend! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65b40374-3c71-4b7d-8111-1d4e92fe4b9b/33+pea.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Dillwynia sericea Showy Parrot Pea (Dillwynia sericea) and Violet Kunzea (K. parvifolia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/21410a45-e3da-4dea-8454-0e3c9a349eec/39+caladenia.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Caladenia pusilla Tiny Fingers (Caladenia pusilla), ditinguished from other Pink fingers by well, their tininess! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/13d6b768-400f-45de-aef8-4f07813f9ea1/32+more+garden.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - track through wildflowers The escarpment is not steep at this end. And oh my, the wildflowers will lift your steps; this section will fly by! Unless you are like me, when these sections are especially slow with so many plants to photograph! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/46f5d901-ea75-479b-880b-eefca2c56bb5/flower+garden+p.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - plateau with yellow wildflowers At last you swing southwest towards Gar across yet another plateau awash with wildflowers. Isn’t it fabulous? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e30667cb-8f86-4b0a-be0f-6a9eb3b8da82/35+morew+rock.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - steps to rock tunnel One last little climb through rock… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97fbf6f2-d922-4ab0-a6c0-3f1944d0b72e/36+more+rock.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - rock tunnel on way to Gar … and out the other side. You are nearly there and nearly all the climbing is also done! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90724278-6a27-44dd-891f-cd4736411907/41+views.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - veiws south nearing Gar campsite Fantastic views south. The day has been spectacular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e0d8648f-ca3e-4da4-a475-07a6a585ce62/42+last+climb.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Steep section of rock just before Gar camp Your absolute last push up sloping rock… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9b9265a7-12ba-464f-a5b4-836e8a4763e6/49+plan.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Gar campsite map And you’re there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a91536ec-667b-4c86-acc4-4b7cf0c9de90/44+campsiote+L.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - X Mid Pro 2 tent on tent platform The campsites are amazing. You will see why shortly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3fb3bdcc-e7f0-458e-acff-bc54be73dfb4/45+hook.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - innovative fastening technique for non free standing tent on tent platform But first, those with trekking pole/non-freestanding tents should bring line extensions and a few deck hooks to speed pitching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5030d9d3-5dd9-4f85-9730-7c6685a5f284/46+using+rocks+P.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Rocks on extension rope to hold down tent You can see black guyline joining yellow line extension. Rocks are piled on the extension rather than the guyline so abrasion won’t damage the guy. The rocks are on the line because, with the Pro 2, lengthening the corner guylines a lot means the tent can lift: it’s held stronger laterally, but less strongly vertically. In strong winds, the trekking pole can pop out of alignment if the fly lifts when you haven’t deployed apex lines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6fb3e69e-31bf-4d41-85fe-25030edf0e61/47+view+from+campsite.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - expansive view across valley from tent platform Any this is why the campsites are so wonderful: they are just a few metres from the edge of the escarpment you have been approaching all day; this is the view from our platform. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8890e8b-4b77-44fe-aece-209b34f44ebd/48+glamping+huts.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - glamping huts at Gar Campsite For some reason I took no photos of the outside of the hut but did take one of the glamping huts for those using the private tour company. These huts are smaller versions of your larger one, but with a few bunks inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6acb3631-bcba-4066-8545-79a7024430b4/50+hut.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - Grampians Peaks Trail Communal shelter with steel bench for cooking and four charging points Inside the communal hut showing the stainless steel bench for cooking and the charging station. There are hooks to hang packs but you are not meant to leave them overnight. When Geoff and I hang our ultrasil food bags in huts such as on the Bibbulmun Track, we take them out of packs and suspend them from cross beams with a 1.2m long thin spectra line and mini carabiner. Keeping your food in packs like this overnight invites critters to chew through them to get at whatever you’ve left inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0a7f777-15ab-4054-8163-eebe91ab2f01/51+sunset.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Barigar to Gar - view from Gar campsite at sunset Before bed, one last view from the escarpment on a stormy evening with squalls blowing through the valley. The day has been incredible. So many views, so many wildflowers, so many waterfalls. Just… wow. https://slowerhiking.com/grampians-peaks-trail-northern-section/gar-to-werdug monthly 0.5 2024-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b200e591-e7d0-4bf9-807b-37eccd32eabb/29a+fabulous+views.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Lake Wartook Views southwest over Lake Wartook here, but you’ll also have them to the north, east and west for most of the day. In country that largely comprises forested terrain, this is extraordinary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eeb9f818-7927-4f59-a710-3142b16584db/Gar+to+Werdug.jpeg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Map of the day from Gar to Werdug You can see from the elevation graph that today’s hike is longer than yesterday’s but with similar elevation gain, so grades are less steep. After leaving Gar Hut, you’ll divert at the Mt Gar spur trail for splendid 360 degree views from the highest peak in this section. Next is a steep climb up numerous well-built steps, followed by a wonderful walk along spines for yet more views, culminating at another marvellously elevated campsite with — yes, you guessed it! — more views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8484bcad-c185-4bae-8338-be82fcea4e49/06+early+track.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - track out from Gar campsite Start the day with a gentle climb up steps and along sloping rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ec14a52-5c81-40ea-8ea5-76d6b84b4fba/01+caladenia.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Caladenia moschata Keep your eyes peeled for new orchids: these are the first Scented Caps (Caladenia moschata) I’ve seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da9499cf-7a62-4ebc-a398-7756d70b0ce3/01+philotheca.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Philotheca verrucosa This Fairy Waxflower (Philotheca verrucosa) is also delightfully scented. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eca0212b-b08a-4f5f-941b-d7a98e49f3f6/02a+near+gar.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - jagged rocks on way to Gar peak Leave your pack at the spur trail to Mt Gar; no day hikers are likely to be around this early or at all so drop it somewhere obvious and easy to find. We each have a tiny Ultrasil day pack weighing just 30g (1 oz): enough for a camera, first aid kit, water, lightweight rainwear, and navigation. Unclip your PLB and Inreach from your main pack and you’re set. Geoff is carrying his ultrasil pack for our gear; I’m super ultralight without anything but the clothes on my back! When diverting on spur trails, it’s tempting to leave everything behind in your pack, but even on short out-and-returns you want to have your comms and medical patch kit at hand should something happen, especially if you’re solo. Murphy dictates that something will go wrong at the least convenient and expected location! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0b7b9cae-5081-4759-8ef2-c73814026b82/gar.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - View from Gar peak Rain was threatening and the light was dull when we hiked here the previous afternoon but the views from the top — here south over Lake Wartook — were wonderfully atmospheric. It was cold and windy so we didn’t linger, aiming to race an approaching rain squall back. Although navigation to the peak wasn’t difficult in the sense of getting lost, fewer markers meant that at one point we found ourselves on an adjacent line of rocks a few metres to the side of the official route. Returning in the dark might be a lot trickier! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a5b292c-4e7e-456d-8e9c-01a1b904def9/gar.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - view from Gar peak A tiny patch of sunlight breaks through cloud to the northwest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5db97661-faae-4452-a868-22d0b3bc8a10/07+infamous+steps.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - steps out of Gar Once back on the GPT, you’ll face the famous steps ascending 300m. Fortunately, they are all like this rather than loose boulders or scree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e44e5932-1412-4d52-b238-207808ec5b8f/11+p+nutans.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Pterostylis nutans More orchids and wildflowers to be enjoyed, here Nodding Greenhood (Pterostylis nutans) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e7e7083-1599-47d3-940b-096eba264411/09+views.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - sunlit valley out of Gar Don’t forget to turn around whenever you have a breather to take in the views opening up behind you. You can just make out Mt Stapylton in the centre distance and, behind it, Mt Zero. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e668673a-e95a-4d65-9a53-cc72704692c8/09+10+debris.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - branches blocking track In some places you’ll see branches or debris laid down to indicate that this is not track. A branch laid across a side track is another universal indicator that it is not the route you should take. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4acc4ca2-5852-4e07-8c27-c8a17d9aaa80/14+views.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - expansive view through scrub to distant valley You’ll have views on and off right through this section. It’s rocky but not loose underfoot. Moderately fit hikers will be fine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c67a19b-2430-4b3d-9d7d-29b1fce961f4/15+grevillea.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Grampians Grevillea Grampians Grevillea (G. confertifolia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97a04a36-77bf-4622-847a-a00fc9f70a8f/16+rock.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - track across rock Here the rock has been worn by many feet to highlight the track. If you’re ever unsure, stop beside a trail marker and scan for the next one in a line indicated by the marker. Remember to look for markers on flat surfaces as well as vertical ones. Also look for small navigational cairns — sometimes just two stacked rocks — that have been placed in confusing spots. Please don’t build ornamental rock stacks in parks — they destroy habitat and confound navigational cairns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9139a63b-c2f6-48a1-bdc5-65acbf962d6e/17+flowers.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - wildflowers Grampians Peaks Trail As on previous days it’s not all rock, with pleasant smooth track between the rougher bits. The wildflowers are still prolific; botanists and ecologists will have begun to recognise patterns, such as which plants grow with which, and in what conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da7445c1-a5ec-4cb5-a619-7dc99ce6b1de/19+lovely+walking.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - rocky spine Following a spine… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c09ace2e-f7b4-4bfe-8244-cad17425f2cb/21+steps.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - well crafted rock steps … with a few ups and downs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/785be468-a689-4477-ac1b-590b1c7c3c35/23+track.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Mossy rocky track Mossy rocky track through teatree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31d7a81d-73c4-4924-91ce-912016646f84/22+rest+stop.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - map reading in shade Rest break. Geoff and I stop for 5 minutes every hour for a drink (10-15 minutes at morning and afternoon tea). The main reason we do this is to ensure we drink plenty of water; before we initiated this practice one or both of us would forget to drink enough. The switch regulating thirst gets a bit sticky in older folk, so if you find you are often dehydrated, this might work for you too. It’s also a good opportunity to pull out the map to see what’s ahead, especially if you’re handrailing as a navigation technique. This isn’t as important on the GPT, which is mostly well marked, but helpful if you can’t see a marker on rock, but know you are following the spine for another few hundred metres. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7796fcdb-0bbb-4b8b-9213-40a7117bf8dc/02+near+gar.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - fantastical rock formations Passing by more fantastical rock formations. When dry this granite is very secure underfoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f065c1f3-a442-44aa-8fd6-3a61089f036f/27+descent.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - steps through forest Descending. I take my hands out of trekking pole loops on most descents after once faceplanting and splitting open my brow while tethered; Geoff is more confident and only takes his hands out on very slippery or rough descents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02133e87-29be-4a34-b23b-39b7bc553bfb/29+path.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - track up steep granite rock slope And up again. You’ll have a fair bit of this today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/35b2b53b-b526-44dc-82a1-38ac7e524a5c/30+views.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - hiker near edge of escarpment The track follows the edge of this escarpment for much of the day, with easterly views nearly all the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d775725-709a-44b6-a65f-8a2229c0492d/31+rocky+path.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - track down rock spine Where you have no easterly views, there are southerly ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b31762d1-66da-4e3d-a463-3e3d71da57df/32+wartook+views.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Lake Wartook from the GPT Last views of Wartook until you reach camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cac87bf4-bf98-4695-8279-ba9b18df0167/34+cliffs.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - track lined by rock one side forest the other Descending to Long Gully Creek https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/632d83fb-e774-44f3-b464-2dea45786a9f/36+narrow+path.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Track through rock boulders A few boulders to squeeze between. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6b7222da-785f-4f0e-bcf9-172f0cc1ccb3/40+baby+painted+dragon.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Rankinia diemensis If you’re lucky, you’ll see a Mountain Dragon, Rankinia diemensis. This not so painted tiny juvenile sunning itself on rock is less than 8cm long. It lacks the brilliant colouration seen in its older brethren, and is regrowing its tail after an encounter with a predator. The camouflage is exceptional; this one was invisible against the mottled granite until it moved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c5cc983d-e978-4f28-bbeb-410bfd0be698/37+caladenia.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Caladenia oenochila) Wine-lipped Spider Orchid (Caladenia oenochila). Much excitement, I can tell you! I saw only this one clump of plants along the entire track: orchid enthusiasts, don’t hesitate to photograph new flowers thinking you will see more later because you may not! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/892784f2-5618-4cad-a070-eb5f1295d5d4/41+caladenia.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Scented Caps A lovely constellation of Scented Caps. Like many plant enthusiasts, I’m a slow hiker partly because I shoot hundreds of images each day: botanists and landscape photographers will no doubt understand! In areas with few flowers, or in bucketing rain when it’s difficult to shoot views, we’re a lot faster, aren’t we? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de164394-e0ad-4721-979c-0d4de00f3e4b/39+clifftop+views.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - another escarpment view More of those views. Fantastic, just fantastic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cf233750-dcef-4607-8f36-aad2f5581210/42+nearly+at+werdug.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - track on way to Mt Difficult Down to Mt Difficult Road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/21b0fc0c-c0a4-44ed-b123-4170a04472a4/43+forest.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - track through forest Through taller yellow box… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6b9b4c7b-e116-4d8d-8cdc-1932e647f279/44+last+creek.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Long Gully Creek … and across Long Gully Creek. One last climb to camp! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb6e9ba4-c847-4993-9856-9892cd3a5124/45+hut+in+background.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Werdug camp And here we are at Werdug. The hut blends perfectly with the landscape and will do so even more when the timber weathers to grey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77f9e2bf-fb21-45e3-b9b5-c22b95266b32/49+hut.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - Werdug Hut Werdug Hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c5b0afe-758a-4de9-9409-af8c73173dc1/48+seats.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - wooden recliner chairs Werdug Campsite Make your way up from camp along the track past the toilets for two recliners from which to enjoy the view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aace655c-9f35-43f4-9676-b92c788b5476/47+spectacular+sunset.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Gar to Werdug - sunset at Werdug camp Climb the rock beside the hut for wonderful sunset views over Lake Wartook. It has been another marvellous day of hiking, so much variety in such a short distance. Will tomorrow be any different? https://slowerhiking.com/grampians-peaks-trail-northern-section/werdug-to-halls-gap monthly 0.5 2024-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/73df354b-6a9e-41f4-96c3-54168f359310/03+views.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Lake Lonsdale view from GPT Fabulous views east over shining Lake Lonsdale, forest and farmland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2197599b-c620-45d4-861b-1e2707cc7250/Werdug+to+Halls+Gap.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - map with elevation details Werdug to Halls Gap Just look at that elevation profile! Happy Days! The last day of the northerly section has only a couple hundred metres elevation gain, followed by a long descent into Halls Gap. This day will be easy for anyone with good knees — go you! Those with dodgy knees will look at the profile and shudder but, don’t worry, it’s doable! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e673a198-4c03-4fab-ab40-7e6e3c3839e3/01wartook.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - view of Lake Wartook from Grampians Peaks Trail You begin with lovely views west over Lake Wartook. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d76636c-6d59-404a-88e4-d31a0425f402/02+wildlife.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Eastern Grey kangaroo with joey in pouch Still plenty of wildlife, here Mum and bub. As we saw previously, many of the Eastern Greys along the track are accustomed to hikers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/761b6aef-fa6d-42dd-bf2c-cbf68f9223ee/04+canary+worm.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Fletchamia sugdeni You’ll see these Canary Worms (Fletchamia sugdeni) on the track after rain. Unlike garden worms, these are active predators, hunting out slugs and small insects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/53bc2852-74bd-471b-b37b-0ea8c58c1c4f/05+amazing+rock+formations.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - interesting rock formation Grampians Peaks Trail You pass spectacular rock formations. Enjoy your last views of Lake Wartook (far right). The weather is threatening: we expect rain soon, but we’re hoping to reach the eastern escarpment before cloud and squalls obscure views: sometimes it’s worth checking forecasts to plan your departure time to get the most out of the day. Conversely, other times a delay gives mist time to lift. An Inreach is not just an emergency communicator, but also allows you to access forecasts for your location without mobile phone coverage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/10207e26-e69f-4cc5-ab41-20a2c88190a2/06+weather.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - views from escarpment And you’ll have your first views of Lake Bellfield and the ranges you’ll be hiking in the Central Section. Halls Gap is tucked below the ridge, nestled at the foot of the Mt Difficult Range you’re traversing now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86bbb4d4-33df-4859-a17c-a30e61f74652/07+rocks.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - bizarre rock formation Wow, so much fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/267179f9-4b5c-46f3-b4af-01b761c981f3/08+small+bunochilus.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Pterostylis diminuta Something terrible happened this morning: I dropped the camera on the tent platform and broke the lens. There is a macro lens at our accommodation but the phone will have to do for today. Here is a new orchid, the Dainty Greenhood (Pterostylis diminuta) on the Iphone. Later today I find a different new orchid but they are too small and it is too dark to get good shots. Fortunately similar country and aspects are coming up in the Central Section, so hopefully more will be there. Fingers crossed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/47eeed3e-55a1-4e4a-85f3-773c0f4169fd/09+view.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Views from escarpment on way to Halls Gap For a delightful few kilometres, the GPT follows the very edge of the escarpment, with views all the way along. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd504448-7857-4942-b0df-44b7a356cfd7/10+second+breakfast+view.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - more amazing views from escarpment Grampians Peaks Trail Second breakfast with a view, but cloud is fast approaching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff0dac4f-c4b4-4cbe-bae1-83d90d8cb0bc/11+views+with+walking.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - light forest near edge of escarpment Here it comes! Another few glimpses through and under the mist… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8918a2d8-6bde-4ee7-925a-2e409bf77393/12+mist+coming.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - approaching misty clouds … and this is our last vista until much later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/10d0a2ec-1645-4b87-9451-8d64d6ea872f/14+overhang.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - rock formations Grampians Peaks Trail No views but plenty of interesting rocks. It’s almost raining, but not yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b1e1edd-a8fd-425e-b579-5734b494db12/15+inviting+trail.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - sandy track The track becomes increasingly sandy but is still firm underfoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/39e20938-15cd-4536-aff8-354ed3bfe641/16+rain+arrives.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - yellow wildflowers and moss covered rocks And it’s drizzling. Dry bracken and acacia below yellow box. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c682e75f-85b8-4295-8447-5cdadc87696a/17+mist.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - sheltering under rock overhang If you need a break, several convenient rock overhangs provide shelter. Never use these in thunderstorms at elevation. When sitting towards the front, your body becomes the best connecting route through which the lightning will jump, just like a spark plug. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5f5a8d20-75af-484c-8e13-f870bafe9a3c/19+no+views.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - misty track And here we are in the mist. You have views to the left, just not right now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/808046de-61db-451e-8e93-f54062d2f421/20+red+callitris.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - vivid red lichen growing on Calitris The callitris have vivid red lichen growing on them. No, not just on one side, like moss it is a myth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/faa9c274-6c3f-42de-be0c-ab3d1d1cd7f6/18+epacris.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Epacris impressa Pink Heath, Epacris impressa. Keep your eyes peeled for the larger, rosy-red-flowering form with greyish leaves found only in the Grampians. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/21715e2f-af2b-4c6e-88ca-8ce40d7af1a2/21+steps+down.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - rock steps to Halls Gap And here are those steps. I was silly enough to go at them like a bull at a gate, but then there were more, and more, and more. Take your time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ac8b4500-1b56-49d6-b7dd-6679c07747e3/22+still+in+mist.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - misty descent into Halls Gap through Bracken You have breaks of beautifully contouring path between the steps, increasing in length as you descend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77fe5239-c766-44a6-a4d1-4fd2f97eba58/23+descending+patches+of+mist.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - wildflowers in forest Delightful walking despite the drizzle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/296670fb-358b-4ba6-95e1-d33d3d0143e6/24+hot+soup.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - hiker sitting on large log having soup There’s really nowhere to leave the path so we take advantage of a log for another hot soup lunch: soup is always nice when it’s cold and wet. We have a delicious spare cold soak bean salad (recipe coming soon!) but it is relegated to the bottom of the pack on days like this. Our little alcohol stove is pretty quick, around 5 minutes to boil two cups of water, plenty fast enough for slower hikers like us. If you’re a leisurely hiker too, consider alcohol stoves like the Caldera Cone system: they are slower but much lighter than Jetboils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0da98b21-6273-4c05-9fe6-05e68153c92e/25+sea+of+mist+and+calytrix.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - misty views surrounded by wildflowers Still misty as we approach Chataqua Peak. My knee is very cross with me and views obscured by the mist so we don’t detour but head straight down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ccd613f5-44c3-4417-8a44-c8af636894fb/27+halls+gap.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Halls Gap Finally we are below the cloud and Halls Gap opens us before us, with Peverill and Boronia Peaks behind it and Lake Bellfield in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c02cc3d-832a-4dfc-8b6c-2dbb8df262b6/28+nearly+there.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - easy gradient track through forest Last push into Halls Gap, with gentle gradients and smooth paths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5ef02aab-9943-4d7f-b7e2-e051c8ddc1b2/29+rest+day+halls+gap.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - duck and kangaroos in paddock The view from our motel room: the wood ducks are enjoying the rain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dcf5e8d6-c275-40f9-8d10-fbf5b0a7bb60/martin+mebold.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Halls Gap Main Street Halls Gap Main Drag (Image Credit: Martin Mebolds) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04f6dd85-9bda-424b-a089-a531fde9573e/34+cheeky+cockatoo.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - tame and cheeky parrots in Halls Gap Halls Gap is in itself a somewhat touristy drawcard; I remember visiting here as a child with my grandparents, and later as a teen with my parents. The most bold and cheeky cockies Geoff and I have ever met live in Halls Gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e6c3fa9-e77e-4939-9ae7-4c7cb8ef4960/30+kookaburra.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - kookaburra The wildlife in town is incredible. Here is a Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) on a post behind the post office. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a279e430-e179-48df-8f8c-0a31af19732e/33+cheeky+cockatoo.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - parrot closeup looking in camera This cocky came right up, eyeing off my icecream (there is an icecreamery and fudge shop in town, neither of which you should miss!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6756f0ee-b729-4d49-8e32-b4596270e280/35+rosella.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Platycercus elegans Even normally shy birds are emboldened here. One of these Crimson Rosellas (Platycercus elegans) landed on Geoff’s arm as he was eating an icecream. How cute, we thought, as it walked down his forearm to his wrist. Then it snatched a bite out of his icecream and flew away! Cheeky little bugger! Of course, never feed wildlife deliberately, it causes all kinds of nutritional imbalances in them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9b71bf4a-7b70-4857-84c1-676047ef34fe/36+cocky.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - parrot looking at person’s ice cream Nope, not for you, mate! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/861f1f32-8267-43f3-a34d-142dc06bfa6f/blue+caladenia.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Caladenia caerulea Eastern Blue Fairies (Caladenia caerulea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8cadd15e-6832-47e9-86df-58c72a1d9acb/red+wispy2.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Caladenia filamentosa Red Wispy Spider Orchid (Caladenia filamentosa) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/887ff4c5-6133-453b-ac8c-c8a579867735/caladenia+fulva.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Caladenia fulva Tawny Spider Orchid (Caladenia fulva) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5907a405-d431-422b-8c70-44352385bb6c/candy+orchid.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Caladenia versicolor) Candy Spider Orchid (Caladenia versicolor) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/058b4da1-2cd7-48ff-ae4f-a3119dfe4bc5/golden+moths.jpg GPT Northern Section: Mt Zero to Halls Gap - Werdug to Halls Gap and Rest Day - Diuris behrii Golden Moths (Diuris behrii) https://slowerhiking.com/gpt-central-section-halls-gap-to-yarram daily 0.75 2024-03-30 https://slowerhiking.com/gpt-central-section-halls-gap-to-yarram/central-section-grampians-peaks-trail-planning-and-tips monthly 0.5 2024-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/82be5fcf-1b78-435f-9502-35a9651c98ae/12d+still+climbing.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out Geoff taking a breather on the climb out of Boundary Gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/63d7f87b-9620-4d88-a9ef-1184e1194361/20+plateau.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out Exposed plateau around Durd-Durd https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/05f91668-5c1a-49b2-9181-74f191f4140a/Central+Section+Overview+Map.jpeg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Grampians Peak Trail Central Section Map Central Section Summary Map and Elevation Profile Details https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a0bcc9a-7372-4fa1-93bb-df0ce417ab3b/mt+rosea2.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out View of Lake Bellfield from Mt Rosea. Instead of continuing to the right/south along the Range on the next day, you can hike left/north into Halls Gap along the far edge of the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7f571afd-739c-4c47-845f-75a11de79f5f/10b+near+top.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out Enroute to The Pinnacle out of Halls Gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b63c2242-d323-48f4-b818-214c80dcc83e/12+more+steps.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out By hiking north instead of south, you’ll be descending rather than climbing on the first day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/08f0014b-ab1e-4cdc-b7b9-4396753c5554/01+more+rock.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out Rocky track between Duwul and the Mt William Car Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ebbdfc8-8aab-49dc-a323-97cccff3626b/26+bridge.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out Bridge over Fyan’s Creek just before Borough Huts Campground https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c20ad31f-bd58-4866-9b8c-e3286245526a/16b+wannon+first.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out First Wannon Campsite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/46d673a8-b35f-4710-b21b-ba20c785985b/jimmy+creek+campground.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out Jimmy Creek is perfectly situated halfway between Durd-Durd and Yarram on your last day of the Central Section. You will likely have a food drop there for the Southern Section, but the Campground is lovely and the perfect place to split the day, or even for a Rest Day before the southern section. There are toilets, picnic tables and with extra food in your resupply box you need only carry it 200m to the campground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/98fc13a4-3a3f-44c2-915f-bf4d3c843596/food+drop-2.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out Food (and fresh clothes!) drop at Jimmy Creek Water tank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e444044-723b-408b-a2a3-d57c2ee99cc7/27+crystal+creek.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out Creeks like Fyans, here, may or may not be running. Remember to treat water collected from creeks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/668c12dd-cafb-4fcb-9a87-6c3a4f8ede1e/03+toilet.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out Barri Yalug, Duwul and Durd Durd have gathering areas and no large water tank, only small ones by toilets as shown here. At dry times of year, especially after events or large school groups have been through, these can empty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a5ccfda-579a-45aa-85d2-19e972cf02a5/35+yarram+hutyarram.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out Yarram has a large roof area and tank associated with it. Bugiga has a serviced tank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f81c1ca9-cc37-4605-8cdc-5129f9009a38/15+passing+bags.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out Passing a pack through a narrow gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/43d45874-8785-4c04-888f-3514e2251c74/02+early+morning+start.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out An early start from Barri-Yalug https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0d1f89c3-f018-4b92-bc91-c6881f771016/26+more+scrambling.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - GPT Central Section Planning and Tips - Make it stand out Because we started early we had plenty of time, even though we were very slow in the scrambly sections. If we can, you probably can too! https://slowerhiking.com/gpt-central-section-halls-gap-to-yarram/halls-gap-to-bugiga monthly 0.5 2024-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cd086360-c15a-40a3-a51a-7a43023fd86a/001+lead.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - View from near Pinnacle Lookout Expansive lunchtime views over Halls Gap and beyond from the escarpment beside Pinnacle Lookout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0a15dfc-a68d-4059-b87b-587169720814/Halls+Gap+to+Buggia+Overview+Map.jpeg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - GPT Central Section overview map Overview map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e60a23c0-4eef-430b-9875-2de039b877e2/Halls+Gap+to+Bugiga+Map.jpeg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - map of Halls Gap to Bugiga with elevation profile Elevation profile and route map with drop off locations and key points of interest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4b88ae0c-be7a-469c-b140-ca9bbf098cc2/01setting+off.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - track between boulders Halls Gap to Bugiga You begin in the heart of Halls Gap but within minutes the town is hidden as you climb the valley between boulders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eba28435-b4b4-453d-abd1-16e37d61d2a0/02+creek.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - rocky pools and riffles You’ll follow Stony Creek, serene now but with churning white wildwater after rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c316b5d4-3f66-4320-a414-c51751cf8367/03+many+steps.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - steel walkway and steps along track from Halls Gap to Bugiga This famous section of track is good underfoot: you’re climbing, but you have stone steps and even handrails in places. Start early to beat the crowds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/beb626d5-f611-4202-ba25-4a623a4dc4ff/04+pools.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Venus Baths Inviting rock pools all along the track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1609033d-cc72-4e87-b221-03260935c8f8/venus+baths.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Venus Baths Grampians Peaks Trail Venus Baths, perfect for a dip on a hot day. No one is here at this early hour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9a7bda6-6f84-40e2-962b-c6a760ae715e/05+waterfalls.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Splitter’s Falls Off a short spur trail is Splitter’s Falls, flowing today and spectacular after rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01b971ba-b73d-40f2-a56e-6a14c78036a1/glossodia.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Purple Cockatoo, Glossodia major Scattered orchids about, here the Purple Cockatoo, Glossodia major https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3618ec11-8f3c-4b0c-8b0d-ff7ad16cb3df/07+following+creek.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - majestic track along creek heading to Bugiga campsite Just look at that track, so delightful underfoot as it follows the creek. Enjoy it while it lasts: tomorrow will not be the same! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3d71971b-4879-4550-a071-602143a5fb97/08+pool.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - bridge crossing A small bridge takes you over the creek and past cascades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/616e0ef9-9277-421c-875b-51eb29c976f1/9b+bypass.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Track sigange The hatched area in red and the no-go pictogram indicate a broken steel staircase that has been out of action since 2017. It was being repaired when we visited and should be open mid-2024, when the GPT will be re-routed through the Grand Canyon, for an even more stunning first day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/517c2131-f7b1-46a0-b0c2-84ecd1a3be8f/09+pea.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Dillwynia oreodoxa The beautiful Grampians Parrot Pea (Dillwynia oreodoxa) is one of many species that occur only here. Botanists will love the Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0fcce5ce-8316-409f-bde5-2779e6ed4b25/10b+near+top.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - rock features such as The Lady in the Hat! You emerge into the open and think, “Nearly there!” No, you are not, so take your time and enjoy the fissured tors and rock formations, many of them cutely named such as ‘The Lady in the Hat!’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e61f2419-bdde-4e51-b92a-998ec9b599f5/10+top.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Natural rock sculptures It’s already glorious, and just when you think it can’t get any more spectacular, it does! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27eadd02-f1ff-4674-a663-e1df9ce6094a/12+more+steps2.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Steps though forest lined by wildflowers Halls Gap to Bugiga Grampians Peaks Trail More well-constructed track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b20b2e55-d996-4b78-ae65-3c722b77c11d/12b+halfway.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - rock wall at halfway point Halfway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e647c77c-6cd3-4c90-afa5-4bc5b926134e/11+pterostylis.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Pterostylis macilenta Grampians Greenhood (Pterostylis macilenta) hiding in dappled shade under bushes. There are several similar species; this one is recognisable by the bristly labellum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/14bba1e7-0e96-4939-953e-2cdc6793e1a8/13+silent+street.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Narrow gap between rocks It’s already warm today, so these narrow sections between cool rock are welcome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d931a0ad-2e13-4c58-916d-e25e158035d7/13+silent+street2.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Silent Street Grampians Peaks Trail Silent Street is a lot of fun. Those with wide packs have a bit of a squeeze at the end. None of the walking is technically difficult, other than the relentless elevation gain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b9be2380-34d4-4a23-8a1f-a602d32021f0/14b+lake+bellfield.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - View from near The Pinnacle At last you’re at the top, on the edge of the escarpment, here looking southeast towards Lake Bellfield; the lead image at the start of this article is taken from the same place but looking north. Tomorrow you’ll camp at Barri Yalug near the lake’s far southern edge, and after that the GPT follows the range behind it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d16c4822-18b1-4a7d-9f0e-010fe2fc7b9a/15+corvid.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Pied Currawongs Strepera graculina Although they resemble crows and ravens, Pied Currawongs (Strepera graculina) are more closely related to magpies and butcherbirds. They are intelligent, bold and adaptable: this one was drinking from a small rock pool beside us whilst surreptitiously eyeing our lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d6c22664-ec3c-44f4-8125-950b9936b8da/16+rock+pool.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - rock pools The moment you continue south past the Pinnacle, the Trail is suddenly, blessedly quiet: nearly all visitors are day hikers on an out and return from Wonderland Car Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff62703b-aa09-4481-8adc-6bd9042fe962/17+the+spine.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - the Spine Grampians Peaks Trail You’ll pass the Spine, aka the Nerve Test. In the past, Darwin’s theory has unfortunately applied to those with more nerve than coordination: the drops either side are fatal. And no, lacking both necessary attributes but gifted with imagination, we didn’t. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2cad75b-fffa-4d5d-83ee-878a13914c68/18+beaut+track.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - interesting rock formations in forest at top of climb Just look at that landscape. It’s so varied and — hooray! — no more big climbs for the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8b103b3-f937-4ae1-88d2-add8f9eab168/19+lizard+mating+season.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Sleepy lizards, The weather and timing are exactly right for reptile humpy-rumpy. All the way up, we’ve seen pairs and even threesomes. With these Sleepy lizards, you’ll sometimes spot a train of them, a female in the lead and hopeful males jostling for position behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eabdba36-31a4-471b-b8eb-64d1004b4bb5/20+lizard+mating+season.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Skinks in the sun Skinks too: they are often so engrossed in each other that you can get much closer to them than usual. Female White’s Skink (Liopholis whitii) on the left, male on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/55c6c219-76f5-45b9-89ca-aac90926cb77/20b+track.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Wonderful wildflowers along the track Halls Gap to Bugiga More undulating terrain with sandstone underfoot and tea tree either side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/99fda66f-f6a1-4388-be81-2891d4f1a1cf/21+steps.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Steep rocy steps into Bugiga campsite A final descent into Bugiga. There are a few bits like this but nothing scrambly where you need your hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c17bd663-828d-43fa-a1da-565da1532e0f/22+epacxris.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Epacris impressa More Epacris impressa, here a lovely clear pink, elsewhere red or white. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c02bed3-7c7e-4bc6-9282-1c402078cc1f/23+campground.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Bugiga campsite signage The campground is off a short spur trail; the sign above illustrates the layout. It is a beautiful site that will become more so as groundcovers disturbed by construction regenerate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3648222-2371-435b-985b-506f71382fce/27+toilet.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Toilet block at Bugiga campsite The plate steel toilet block has been built to withstand bushfire; rainwater tanks are enclosed within, with an underground pipe leading to a tap beside the shelter. The tanks here are filled by water tanker and aren’t reliant on rainwater but, because the tap beside the shelter doesn’t have a spring switch and can be left running, the tanks can and have emptied. Hopefully Parks will replace the tap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c56b973e-92e8-49ba-adbd-bcee3b3afd7a/26+shelter.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Shelter at Bugiga campsite The somewhat industrial shelter is unique on the Trail. It resembles an aircraft hangar and, like the toilets, has been designed to survive bushfire. Clear polycarbonate roofing panels will melt but are more cheaply replaced. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dcc99cc8-79c6-4732-930c-7a0ca7dd04d7/28+campsite.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Halls Gap to Bugiga - Make it stand out The platforms at Bugiga are circular and once again constructed without significant gaps between the planking: pretty but impractical. Instead of chains, wire runs along the outside of the platform. Nevertheless, the campground is beautifully placed, with the towering wall of Mt Rosea (you’ll climb it tomorrow!) to the south and views over valleys to the north. And you will likely arrive here with plenty of time to enjoy them after a fun day’s hiking! https://slowerhiking.com/gpt-central-section-halls-gap-to-yarram/bugiga-to-barri-yalug monthly 0.5 2024-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5f7fd80-adea-4841-896e-df3b4e38c45d/22+another+climb+to+come.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - rocky ridgeline near Mount Rosea Far from the madding crowd: today is much quieter than yesterday’s popular Wonderland Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41914911-7d81-4ee2-b955-d3c2431871da/Bugiga+to+Barri+Yalug+Overview+Map.jpeg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Overview Map Bugiga to Barri Yalug Overview Map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5215bbb-210e-4855-aa9f-46be808416d9/Bugiga+to+Barri+Yalug+MAp.jpeg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Map and details of hike to Barri Yalug from Bugiga Details for today’s hike: a long ascent followed by an even longer descent… and of course an uphill walk into the hut at the end of the day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cab94d43-109f-4af1-8b8e-86751f6bd4d2/29+bird.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Sericornis frontalis This little White-browed Scrubwren (Sericornis frontalis) has already become bold around people and joins us at breakfast. If you’re keen on identifying animals and plants that you see, you don’t need to be an expert. iNaturalist is a wonderful resource with plenty of photos. You select an area on the map and set filters for bird, plant, mammal etc. Select grid display and scroll through the images; I’ve always been able to narrow most things to genus if not species. The Atlas of Living Australia is also useful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/747102e8-35b1-4320-9b28-1fab0d381af0/01+chiloglottis.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - hiloglottis peakallii Beside the track not far out of camp is Peakall’s Bird Orchid (Chiloglottis peakallii). The genus name refers to the labellum similarity to a lip and throat; to me the flowers resemble the open mouths of little birds waiting to be fed. Many of these orchids also grew trackside on the last day of the Northern Section descent into Hall’s Gap. Together with plants like ferns, they prefer moist, shady easterly/southerly aspects and, as you can imagine, their muted colour makes them very difficult to spot. While photographing one elsewhere, we chatted with hikers who, as they left, stepped on the one I was trying to shoot! Look instead for the fleshy green paired leaves that stand out against the leaf litter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e30ecc4a-2c5e-4c7c-8921-14f5ef4d054d/02+easy+at+first.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - leafy track out of Bugiga campsite The day starts easily enough, downhill and along an access track through sclerophyll forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9d4806f4-153d-473a-a7de-22f3b56a1b50/03+early+views.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - time for a rest After crossing Silverband Road you begin to climb, and soon grand views open up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc34361c-401e-4100-8e33-6c09202b2c0b/04+scrambly.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - steep and rocky terrain Gently sloping at first, the terrain becomes ever more steep and rocky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc350778-cfb5-4ad4-a8c4-2fafc295c26a/05+open+country.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - remote area of scrub neat Mount Rosea You traverse a little plateau. This section of track feels marvellously remote: bushland as far as the eye can see. We meet only one other couple during the entire day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8abc45d-37c5-436e-bea4-f4c0d60e18b6/06+scrabling.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Scrambly section of track Scrambly, but Geoff still has his poles in one hand. It’s not difficult, but tiring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/56709d5f-8d3c-481f-8413-57f2e07218d9/11+wildflowers.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Euphrasia collina) Pink flame heath with eyebright (Euphrasia collina) behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c176150d-b07a-44fe-ac2b-89ce85b5010c/07+lichen.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - mosses and lichens on the rocks Plenty of mosses and lichens on the rocks and in the cracks between. You’ll have plenty of eye-level views of them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0d36c85-bce3-4bbd-84d1-1369ca0c35d4/09+lots+of+scrambling.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - ducking through gap in rock More scrambling… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/002e3ada-6e75-407a-b92e-10a83cf0d8b0/10+very+rocky.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - slot in rock … and more rock… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/411621a4-75b7-4917-82e4-4eb990a5d622/12+more+scrabling.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - rocky track … and more https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f370e4ea-efda-4af3-82ef-915dd5e33a57/14+follow+the+white+arrows.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - rock tunnel grampians peaks trail Bugiga to Barri Yalug … and yet still more! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4924abda-a77a-4c96-b816-c0145206369f/15+and+yellow+ones.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - yellow trail markers Look for those yellow trail markers, or older white arrows painted onto the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/33b30c4c-5bf7-42f8-8f0c-c90255a6d08b/16+glimpses+of+bellfield.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Lake Bellfield through rock framed window Glimpses of Lake Bellfield through windows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c59f082-c103-45d2-bca1-0cdfdffaf61d/gate+of+the+east+wind.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Gate of the East Wind The Gate of the East Wind was once a vertiginous gap that you needed to leap, but the new bridge makes it a relaxed crossing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ca77f81-b2ab-4fa0-b161-870ffbb6c7f5/17+tunnelling+through+rock+cracks.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - track through natural rock tunnel The same rock that make this hike demanding also makes it fun. If you start early, you will have plenty of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ad45dac-5e56-4b54-9ef6-beca5e761876/21+pea.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Pulteanea subalpina Rosy Bush Pea (Pulteanea subalpina) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/962a6d89-9499-44ef-a287-215e40e22a12/18+nearing+the+top.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - track though rocky area near top of climb to Mount Rosea Still climbing, but nearing the top! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31f41f33-394c-4668-b6ed-47521de5ec15/19+rare+portrit.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Mount Rosea A rare image of us together, on the edge of the escarpment. As always on such hikes, you meet kindred spirits and Michael and Anna of the evocative Our Wanderlust took this photo. It’s always fascinating — and useful — to read other blogs about the same walk because different people have different interests and priorities and they notice completely different things. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c1990c18-9a0c-4238-b948-385f355b825b/20+black+rock+skink+egernia+saxatilis.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Black Rock Skink Black Rock Skink (Egernia saxatilis). You often find these around peaks where they feed on insects carried aloft by thermals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67703f60-a27d-40e4-b226-bdaa32bd5ba6/23+end+in+sight.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Descending from Mount Rosea Descending at last, at first through more rock (but nothing like the ascent)… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f658fc6-01fa-4e68-8358-1147e69ad5dc/edited.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - shady track … and back into the dappled shade of wet sclerophyll forest. The trail is soft and less steep, a welcome respite for tired feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/222a118e-284c-4ea8-b395-0142649ede33/25+grassland.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Dense sedge understorey Dense sedge understorey as you near the drainage lines and creek crossings on the valley floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a91caf7-b633-4d93-ac52-d49b0f1e309d/26+bridge.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Bridge over Fyan’s Creek When you reach the bridge over Fyan’s Creek, you know you are nearly there; if you have hidden a food drop at Borough Huts Campground, you will pick it up soon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/08f641f5-54a5-4391-b353-c7c067e1c50d/27+crystal+creek.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Fyan’s Creek You can collect and treat water from Fyan’s Creek as well, but check beforehand to ensure it’s flowing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b243f324-21e5-4c85-89f2-05e9df242717/28+water+racew.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - historic water flume After you cross the road, you enter the foothills of the Mt William Range for the first time, and stay on the range for the next three days. This historic water flume was built in the late 1800s, a 12km gravity-fed supply for gold rush towns: an impressive feat of engineering that took six years to complete. Amazingly, it hasn’t completely rusted or been burned away! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b6e8093f-b31b-486f-81a8-5be18c5e57d6/29+lake+bellfield.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Lake Bellfield from Barri Yalug Skirting the lower end of Lake Bellfield. As so often happens, it is a climb into camp and, although not steep, it is demanding of tired legs at the end of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/73091ca1-875c-44c7-86a3-0f42b5d5c929/32+tent+pad.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Barri-Yalug has tent pad Barri-Yalug has tent pads as well as platforms. The substrate is hard! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91d282c3-fd8d-4903-8e88-47f0bf8eeb50/30+campsite.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - tent platform But we are on a tent platform again as we are testing the Pro2 tent on them before we added it to our comparative trekking pole tent review (now complete). We had no problems at all despite the suboptimal platforms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4dec0b7e-0eba-4beb-aad3-825db3aba209/31+deck+hook.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - deck hook This is the deck hook model we used (here being used to hold open a vestibule door): it is narrower than the standard aluminium fishbone type and also reaches through thicker decking, but you can see that even this hook won’t fit sideways through some of the gaps. These hooks come with a spring and carabiner which we removed to save weight. Nor do we bring hooks for every anchor point: 4 is plenty (more tips on anchoring on tent platforms here), and you can use chains or rocks for the other points. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e184a047-bdaa-439e-beb9-005d7a22f019/33+gathering+place.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Barri-Yalug’s communal gathering area Here is Barri-Yalug’s communal gathering area. You can see how the wind can venturi in certain directions, but today is warm and benign. We have just arrived and Geoff is preparing a cuppa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/163536b3-ab5e-4ed1-853c-a354648472cb/35+viewing+seat.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Agricultural seats, placed to take advantage of views over Lake Bellfield. Always take time to explore the camp surrounds tracks. Up past the toilet are these agricultural seats, placed to take advantage of views over Lake Bellfield. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d64a911b-76b8-48ff-889e-220bf0dfd071/36+view.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Bugiga to Barri Yalug - Lake Bellfield Here is the view. It has been a big day but, as always, the GPT has delivered on variety as well as views. The amount packed into such short distances is extraordinary (if there is a peak, the GPT will climb it!) and more is promised for tomorrow. https://slowerhiking.com/gpt-central-section-halls-gap-to-yarram/barri-yalug-to-duwul monthly 0.5 2024-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/898efd2f-0324-4873-bfea-3ab95c366617/02+early+morning+start.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - view towards Lake Bellfield, Mt Rosea as well as the Wonderland Range A very early start, backtracking north towards Lake Bellfield. You can see Mt Rosea that you climbed yesterday, as well as the Wonderland Range you traversed the day before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/895679af-b0a1-4f53-803d-4fab8599dffd/Barri+Yalug+to+Duwul+Overview+Map.jpeg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - overview map of the day The overview map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a2fd32f6-43ed-4883-ab8c-0f9ffff972fb/Barri+Yalug+to+Duwul+Map.jpeg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - elevation and route details Barri Yalug to Duwul 940 metre elevation gain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9149400-bf07-4717-9541-e3c59db50f9b/03+flumes.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - 140-year-old water flume A very early start and more of that marvellous 140-year-old water flume. You can read interpretive signs describing its construction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ecbe5aa8-59cf-44d5-975f-7c54e2265b93/05+morning+views.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - start of Seven Dials Range hike At the start of the long and steady ascent up the Seven Dials Range, looking behind towards Mt Rosea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76fb3e2e-a61b-45cd-9f47-f0c6da8d6c46/07+melaleuca.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - Violet Kunzea Violet Kunzea (K. parvifolia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7513a2dc-5813-42d2-8ae8-d36fcd3ac30f/06+calochilus.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - Calochilus robertsonii Beard Orchid (Calochilus robertsonii) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0be4a6d5-5288-482e-8a51-1f645412e835/08+second+breakfast.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - view of Lake Bellfield from Seven Dials Range Time for a breather. You will enjoy many more views of Lake Bellfield from the Seven Dials Range. You can see the gently sloping rock slabs of the westerly aspect here… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1cc92ec6-6d91-4e31-b574-00bde401a0b0/8+cliff+views.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - rocky outcrops of Seven Dials Range escarpment …contrasted with the steep escarpments of the east-facing aspects here. This landform is known as a cuesta and happens when earth movements tilt sedimentary rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4cf34ae6-9345-4d3a-9e24-f6e45a1ab348/9+scrambly.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - rugged terrain The terrain is rugged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eb45def8-c0ba-4a1c-8021-be79620387c4/10+lake+bellfield.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - Lake Bellfield Lake Bellfield slowly shrinking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4189388-3228-4b1c-9cf7-dbaf7518ea34/11+narrow+spots.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - track passes through gap in rock Up, down, around and between! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b703ac1-76b9-44e7-a670-53c1f212b0bd/edited2.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - time for a rest and snack Lunch time with wonderful views (remembering the cuesta landform, can you guess which way Geoff is facing?). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8d9b6333-4450-4de3-9fad-c282b318ee26/13+rocky+descent.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - scrambling along the track Descending from the Dial after lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71bdfa5e-5923-42ca-8bdc-10d25665e17e/14+rocky+descent.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - scrambling Some of these images look as if the scrambling has a lot of exposure but, don’t worry, it does not. You will not plummet to your death! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef0dd3a2-3a2b-467a-957c-92b32fd2b22a/15+passing+bags.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - small amount of pack hauling This was a particularly narrow scramble: we had to pass our packs through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81279ac5-e2d6-4a87-af41-db3b7c869015/16+descent.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - track through narrow gap Down, down, down that escarpment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4661125b-a234-4ebd-abfc-38536320157b/20+bug.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - Stigmodera macularia A beaut Jewel Beetle, Stigmodera macularia, almost always seen on tea tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/595eaf2e-09d8-43b5-924d-41ebbd672903/17+easier.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - track passing through short grassland section In a little hollow, but we’re far from done yet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8c574f3-19d9-4f7f-95e7-230a8a0b1a15/18+pterostylis.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - Pterostylis alpina Mountain Greenhood (Pterostylis alpina) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d832da87-b1f9-4318-a2ca-9d46e6987ac4/19+rock.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - classic cuesta landform Remember that classic cuesta landform? You can clearly see that tilted rock here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9b60e9ea-6d9a-4448-8006-c390d33bb4d7/21+views.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - last view of Lake Bellfield A final view back over Lake Bellfield before it disappears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1b5fed2-1208-49cd-951b-aaf4501c8c56/23+mating+snakes.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - eastern brown snakes More reptile humpy-rumpy, here eastern brown snakes. These were totally into each other and didn’t notice us but, if you are ever faced with a frightened snake with its head raised to strike, freeze: any movement, even backing away, can be seen as a threat and further frighten the snake. After a few moments, it will lower its head and slither away. Geoff and I warn each other with the word “Stop!” rather than “Snake!” to reinforce the appropriate action. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a72d87be-3316-4ca5-abd9-baa34409eee4/24+very+demanding.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - rugged the terrain You can see in this image how rugged the terrain is through here, with Redman’s Bluff head. The GPT follows the rock; there is very little construction, but many hikers prefer this more natural form of track. I usually do too, but am somewhat over it today! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7d8e6208-a384-47fe-8cba-ac28df994805/25+rocky+track.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - uneven rock track makes it extremely tiring and slow going The uneven rock is extremely tiring and slow going. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ea64168-cdf9-43c5-9402-6b472fbe4fe7/26+pond.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - clear pond of shallow water Past a pretty pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9da718be-67e6-496d-b960-82d4489ec056/27+flower.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - Styphelia adscendens Golden Heath (Styphelia adscendens) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/05571d25-3b92-4ca6-8511-cfae4b7bb6a9/28+nearing+camp.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - descent from Redman Bluff At last descent from Redman Bluff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/803209b6-b23a-4bb2-a05a-0f0b3ec30ccb/29+last+push.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - wildflowers on the descent from Redman Bluff Almost no more pictures from me. I’m on a death march into camp! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd4c5fe5-2212-4fa5-9595-ae3ad3b18978/30+more+rocky+track.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - Expansive views from near Redman Bluff But the beauty of the landscape remains for one last photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83233e88-a130-43f2-8a1f-84f475247537/31+tent+platform.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - tent platform at Duwul campsite At Duwul at last, thank the gods! My diary entry for the day reads simply, ‘Exhausting!’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc461b1e-9a6a-4f15-a814-fb76e75ccbff/32+gathering+area.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Barri Yalug to Duwul - duwul campsite gathering area Dinner at sunset. It has been a Very Long Day but the sense of accomplishment almost makes up for it! We made it! https://slowerhiking.com/gpt-central-section-halls-gap-to-yarram/duwul-to-durd-durd monthly 0.5 2024-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/38c0d31a-c303-4e72-bfae-063a605f5f78/22+views.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Durd durd views Stunning montane views today: you’ll be above 1,000m much of the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/007327ec-3e46-4131-b61f-706cf9e8ffff/Duwul+to+Durd+Durd+Overview+Map.jpeg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Overview map for Central Section Grampians Peaks Trail Overview map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2f8b8e0-87dc-46df-8ada-80ee1cb42335/Duwul+to+Durd+Durd+Map.jpeg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - hike details map for the day from Duwul to Durd Durd Duwul to Durd Durd Details Map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c3bb736-0d85-45c8-bccf-157fe4ac987e/01+more+rock.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - you’ll start with a rugged rocky track through forest When we set out from Duwul and almost immediately encountered this, I admit to having a little cry, thinking I and my buggered knee were in for another 14.5 km of rocks! Or, get picked up from Mt William Car Park or the Mt William Rd water tank and get a transfer to Jimmy Creek Campground; from there, continue to Yarram Campground the next day. This means you’ll bypass not only Duwul Camp but also Mt William and Mt Durd-Durd. Do this only if you feel you can’t manage today because it is truly spectacular country that’s a shame to miss. There are no other practical road transfer points between Duwul and Durd-Durd. Manage your water, too. Rather than filling up for the day at Duwul, collect water from the tank just after Mt William so you’re carrying only an hour or two’s worth for the first climb of the day. And as always, starting early is a good idea for all us slower hikers on long days. Take a look at the photos in today’s blog to decide whether this section is for you. Walk with Us: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a6aec05-7440-46e7-8761-f7db02f1cc78/02+let+it+end.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Rough track on way to Mt William Carpark The rocky track from camp continues but there is Duwul with its radio towers up ahead. I envisaged that the climb to it would be more of same, and my heart sank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d62ceba-623f-4ac7-a7f4-4df52dea0ee5/03+road.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Road up to Mt William But no! Never have I been so happy for a bit of road walking! From the Mt William Car Park you follow this sealed but disused track all the way to the top, with colourful shrubs and orchids either side benefiting from the extra runoff and light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/11a38ee1-9079-4436-9cd0-ae579545cfa7/19b+grevillea.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Grampians grevillea Grampians grevillea (G. confertifolia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ccab596-6872-4f4f-bd32-a55783fc4130/08+atop+mt+william.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Mt William Summit (DURD) In what seems like no time you are at the top. When we are there, on a forecast mild day, it is icy with a lazy easterly cutting straight through us. The summit itself with its radio towers, sheds and high fencing is butt ugly, so enjoy the views around you instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f6ef070-1dce-4c07-a443-9f4ae8714946/09+view+across+plateau.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - track descent from Mt William You’ll be able to see the track snaking off into the distance the moment you leave Mt William summit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/578b05a6-16a5-4eab-9eef-fe2a9b527b0f/09+view+across+plateau.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - start of Boundary Gap descent After undulating terrain, you begin the descent into Boundary Gap. It’s rough and rocky, so take your time whilst enjoying the views south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef265828-eba8-431e-b6fa-1ac063ef393a/11+descent.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - steep rocky descent through scrub The entire descent is like this but getting steeper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a527c93b-b9d9-4b3f-8075-fc7c5e2b0a74/07+acacia.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Acacia oxycedrus Spike wattle (Acacia oxycedrus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a4328e00-2eae-4b8b-b891-c9b6ee23b030/12+distances.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - track sign with distances and suggested times to different locations Yeah, right. I don’t think so! Geoff and I almost never complete hikes in the times suggested on signs. Instead, when planning our hikes, Geoff looks at elevation, distance and grading, and adjusts it to what he knows is our usual pace, which varies with terrain steepness and roughness (and temperature!). In this way, he knows whether we can complete a day comfortably by starting early, or whether we need to split it or preface it with a rest day. So it’s useful for all slower hikers to record these things for all their hikes to ensure challenging ones are achievable and enjoyable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01f680df-0640-4882-b1f2-3102dfec7b60/12c+steps.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Boundary Gap Steps And now the climb out. Hooray, steps! Hundreds of them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83d0b54d-0aed-491a-8e42-59c9f10aae32/12d+scrambly.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - views on way up Boundary Gap Don’t forget to look behind you now and then as you climb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5ede9103-157f-4620-89d3-f38dbe544228/12d+still+climbing.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Mt William from Boundary Gap The track is well-built on the ascent rather than loose rock as on the descent. You’ll likely make better time than you expect. Directly above Geoff’s head, on the horizon, you can just make out the Mt William Towers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7987c376-a018-43eb-810d-1f20c18a9b6e/13+climbing.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - rock steps up Boundary Gap Phew! It’s a steep climb, but there are wildflowers and orchids to cheer you on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0e0ca5f-7379-4a7d-9e7b-152a2469c1d0/14+climbing+P.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Boundary Gap hike out Up past cliffs… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a723c694-d861-4dde-9ce5-ae84e9c491c7/15+steel+walk.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - steel walkway …And finally onto Durd-Durd and sections of steel walkway. Here the terrain is still forested but, closer to the peak, views open up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/031467c4-8809-40d5-afcc-f1e7c6dc9310/16b+wannon+first.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - First Wannon campsite First Wannon Campground. It’s sheltered with both large and small sites, a good alternative place to overnight if you need to (remember to check that water is available in the creek or carry extra from the Mt William tank.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4446ecd-efa1-42ad-a8b8-1d86c539d380/17+views.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - views from escarpment Wow. We never tire of this. Yet again as it does so much of the time, the GPT follows an escarpment, with views the whole way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d43123d7-a560-4b43-a999-6d350349dbdc/18+flagstone+path.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - section of rock stepping stones It’s still rocky, but the slabs have been laid, rather than tumbled by nature. Much easier walking! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/960de7f9-abac-44f8-88ab-a1773ff908c2/19+durd+durd+perhaps.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Durd Durd Durd Durd. Although not an isolated peak like Mt William, this more rounded mountain has equally good views and a delightfully remote ambience, with only a rock cairn to mark the spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3db5febc-198c-4ea8-a628-ac8999b07e51/20+plateau.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Durd-Durd Grand views around Durd-Durd. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1db0a99a-5eaa-4d8e-8db9-d90889124240/21+ranges.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Views south towards the Serra Range and Victoria Range Wow. Views south towards the Serra Range (we’ll walk along the ridgeline during the Southern Section) and across the Victoria Valley to the Victoria Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d40e72c1-511d-46a2-9972-3282df1a98a5/24+track.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - steep rocky descent More rocky descent, but it’s not relentless like yesterday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/649ab525-c924-4725-99cf-433d76c0a4c5/25+better+track.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - sandy section of track And smooth sections of track, too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da234919-3357-4d62-92c4-36fa8fc46ead/26+more+scrambling.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - boulder scramble A last scramble… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aba66199-724d-4b8c-b176-8d643462fac7/27+into+the+forest.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - foot track through forest And into forest with much easier walking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c68134a1-e3be-4d57-8468-e752c057e5e3/28+nearly+there.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - forest track, There’s even a little forest track, and prolific birdlife to sing you into camp! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1aa43d86-07af-4964-832b-7b347b2fba06/29+tent+platform.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Durd Durd tent platform Sheltered tent platforms at Durd-Durd... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/594f8d35-58c3-4e07-8390-e02d253b597a/30+tent+pad.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - durd durd tent pad And a few tent pads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/263a51c0-ca3f-4df1-9ba8-78b25ca5762b/31+charging+station.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - Charging station Charging station under the veranda of the loo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f86843c6-34f8-4635-b5c8-e0539d14cd1e/32+gathering+plce.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - durd durd camp gathering area We have been walking this section with two other couples; we hike at different speeds but join up in camp. The people you meet on track are one of the best things about multiday hikes; you are certain to find kindred spirits. Geoff and I have never — never! — been on a hike where we’ve camped with others, and not learned something new. Coincidentally, we are all using different alcohol stoves with different sized pots. Alcohol stoves are slower, but can be a much lighter option than gas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4295bd4d-1898-44ad-82eb-45a58f55603e/sunset.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Duwul to Durd Durd - sunset at Durd Durd camp A last marvellous sunset view to cap off a day that has been filled with views. Tomorrow will be easier, with less elevation, less rocky track and, if you have a food drop at Jimmy Creek, clean socks, tshirts and perhaps a little treat! https://slowerhiking.com/gpt-central-section-halls-gap-to-yarram/durd-durd-to-yarram monthly 0.5 2024-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8dfa8f98-0489-4716-bf6d-874ae2f79a23/sunset3.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Serra Range Spectacular evening views over the Serra Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/336eb182-7bfe-4c1f-8d23-bad4c1db241f/Durd+Durd+to+Yarram+Overview+Map.jpeg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Overview map of central section grampians peaks trail Overview map, Durd Durd to Yarram. You’ll be at lower, less exposed elevations today: no problem with poor weather forecasts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/450500e1-3807-4c2f-a350-c6e99de92530/Durd+Durd+to+Yarram+Map.jpeg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - map and elevation profile Durd Durd to Yarram The day’s details: Durd Durd to Yarram https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/425ffe34-5b5f-457d-887a-e9aa3a9766e5/jimmy+creek+campground.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Jimmy Creek Campground Jimmy Creek Campground https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/89fa624c-d544-48ed-b819-1a22e88df640/02+communal+area.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Durd Durd campsite gathering area The morning dawns grey and misty. No views yet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/51598813-7163-46ad-99d0-9d3f92582375/01+cooking+in+tent.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Cooking breakfast in XMid Pro2 tent It’s raining, so Geoff cooks breakfast in the XMid Pro2 tent. You can only just see it here, but I was amazed by how well the vent expelled steam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b1cd5487-24ba-4b9a-8693-5f7aff8e6ef5/05+mist+lifting.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - heading out in the rain from Durd Durd camp By the time we set off, the low cloud is rising and the views returning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6f4a2201-28c2-4d57-a8fd-60a7a6b3b21f/07+wildflowers.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - pink boronia grampians peaks trail The vegetation, including pink boronia, is quite different to that of the previous few days. Botanists will love this section of track for its rich diversity! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d8e10eb-9f04-47c8-bbfc-c8c839ecec69/09+soil+types.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - changing soils and vegetation And here is one reason for that diversity: the soils are varied, supporting a wider range of species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6cb22ed3-31d4-4e85-8edb-1e178db9dd27/11+hakea.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Hakea decurrens Bushy Needlewood (Hakea decurrens) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/26c14c96-9292-4cd6-a3b1-3a803c7d683b/10+after+fire.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - fire-responsive orchids and other wildflowers Some areas have been burnt. It’s always worth checking these the following spring for fire-responsive orchids and other wildflowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8df42b1-3f4c-4399-be6e-013919036157/13+phytophthera.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Phytophthera Sadly, through this section we saw many plants affected by Phytophthera, an introduced fungus that kills grass trees and species in the Proteaceae family such as Banksia and Isopogon. As this is a new section of track, it was almost certainly introduced by the machinery used in construction. Stick to the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f2c074b-1e49-4875-bb5b-697bca1c3b2b/15+bronze+cap.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Caladenia iridescens Keep your eyes peeled for these tiny Bronze Cap orchids (Caladenia iridescens): there are many right beside the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c3a32c3-8405-4059-9090-6b4ec5e07a77/17+caleana.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Caleana major And you may even spot a Flying Duck Orchid (Caleana major) in the areas with white sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ccfe7116-8863-4c6a-ad6b-2f550a955776/14+rainwear.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - approaching Jimmy Creek It’s been cold and rainy. Some people prefer rain kilts/skirts and they are great in warmer climes but, for Victoria in this weather, we have chosen medium weight three layer goretex jackets and slightly lighter rain pants. We own ultralight breathable Visp rain gear but decided it was too fragile for the scrambly terrain, and it is also insufficiently warm: the same features that make it so breathable also allow a fair bit of wind chill. On Geoff’s shoulder is a PLB and I’m carrying an Inreach Mini. For a few years we carried only one device but, if the person lying unconscious at the bottom of a cliff is the one with the satellite communicator, it’s not going to be of much use, is it? The PLB has a stronger signal, but the Inreach can be used for two-way communication, which is why we have one of each. Although some new phones have satellite emergency capability, we won’t be discarding our other comms just yet: phones are far more fragile, and of course we use them for other things that flatten the battery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/51d36ece-2133-4103-b124-2a5570131af2/16b+food+drop.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Jimmy Creek food resupply And here we are at the food drop! It’s between rain squalls, so we quickly change into clean base layers and socks, stash our rubbish into the box and pack our food and fuel into our bags. Always thoroughly secure food containers like this: we used tape as well as choosing a container with clips (screw top barrels are good too). Animals quickly learn how to open poorly secured food containers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/254e95e6-2469-4fdb-b41d-6a7af93c347d/18+calectasia.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Calectasia intermedia Into different vegetation again and here is a glorious clump of Blue Tinsel Lily (Calectasia intermedia). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c9b8867-f033-4fab-9949-30b2a688cfd8/19+rain.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - hiking out from Jimmy Creek road crossing Steeply contouring track, rain showers and more phytophthera-affected plants. Whenever you clean your boots at wash down stations, remember to spray the tips of your trekking poles too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0b99883-7498-4776-b29e-a2d072ff9551/20+flowers.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Wattles in full flower It’s fascinating how simply crossing a drainage line gives rise to completely different plants on a different aspect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b7e4520-eb78-4775-bb77-03e28c86fba0/21+lunch.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - lunch on the track We stop for lunch on the track, with easterly views. Etiquette generally dictates that you leave the track for stops like this but it is steep, there is room to get past, and the other hikers are ahead of us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/99cc964b-d94d-4b4e-8339-f91114c889ab/22+rocky+track.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - rocky track on way to Yarram The track becomes increasingly rocky and demanding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dbd610ad-6172-41fe-87e1-cfb240310fa1/23+rocky+track.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - bouldery scree patch This bouldery scree patch is the track itself. You can tell it’s the track only because it has no bushes growing on it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01cd0e5a-5676-4f69-81bc-f557d917d0ef/24+views.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - views across the range More marvellous views... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f58c92a8-c27d-48d9-ae6a-6f09052e8bbe/26+more+rocky+track.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - scattered trail marker amongst the scree … and more rock-hopping. It will take you longer than you think to reach Yarram. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a4f1440-d215-4254-8fb0-6c4f60283cfc/27+more+rocky+track.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - boulder hopping required A little scrambling, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/38b78e29-450d-4b95-b6b3-d5e958fe3883/29+view.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Serra Range ahead You’ll get enticing glimpses of the Serra Range on the other side of the Valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27e545e3-2e20-44eb-a443-a1f126da92ba/28+hiker.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - two hikers on track A hiker is backtracking to find a companion who has dropped behind. We had passed him and knew he was having some difficulty in the rocky terrain. He declined our assistance but we’re glad his mate is going back to him. This section would be nightmarish in the dark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e183e802-01d0-459c-83ed-d7faf9fef3c8/30+eucalypt.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Snow gum flowers Snow gum (E. pauciflora), I think. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a22b0342-9a4a-48a1-8aaa-60e1eaf6247f/32+flowers.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - amazing wildflowers A mass display of wildflowers blanketing each side of the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f7c9fded-5c3b-4c22-9aa3-054e8cf1c391/38+ferns.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Mosses and ferns Mosses and ferns thrive in the sheltered gully leading to Yarram. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2dd281ec-425b-4e31-9095-53c427149c88/34+yarram.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Yarram Campground map Yarram Campground: you come across it unexpectedly because the terrain is so steep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/006f2e17-a654-484a-869f-20fc4692a270/36+yarram+hutyarram.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - Yarram Campground Here it is, an engineering marvel set in a steep gully with tent platforms stepped down the slope. The hut is welcome after three nights without one, but perhaps the money ran out because, unlike all the other huts, sliding doors are missing. No matter: with the evening sun streaming in, the space is cosy and congenial with our trail friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5c4f3cc-1d81-4538-a796-38b06d5bb758/sunset4.jpg GPT: Central Section Halls Gap to Yarram - Durd Durd to Yarram - spectacular sunset over the Serra Range What a day to finish the Central Section, with that spectacular sunset over the Serra Range. You have completed the most demanding part of the GPT and will cross the valley tomorrow on the first day of the Southern Section. Stay tuned for our description and tips, coming soon! https://slowerhiking.com/gpt-southern-section-yarram-to-dunkeld daily 0.75 2024-09-04 https://slowerhiking.com/gpt-southern-section-yarram-to-dunkeld/gpt-southern-section-planning-and-tips monthly 0.5 2024-06-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7873d29f-8e1b-48e1-b8d3-b05bbd8ec640/IMG_3478-Pano.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - Serra Range Amazing views and great track on the Serra Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b7400991-8b6c-4d83-b89b-14bfec2470b2/IMG_3659.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - Serra Range shrouded in wispy clouds The Serra Range making its own weather… and views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/60f06e5e-b895-4f91-ab53-76d4ac209fa4/PA182400.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - Sun orchid Sun orchid with pollinator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df62db77-88fb-4e89-ae80-881e8bf9a6df/PA162318.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - White Spider Orchid White Spider Orchid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/72f791fe-7699-4876-aa09-7855a8b7951f/IMG_3145.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - views towards Dunkeld from Serra Range Peaceful easterly views between Wannon and Djardji-Djawara https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f39c2547-0e14-4187-94ef-3508f08200a5/Southern+Section+Overview+Map.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - map of Southern Section Grampians Peaks Trail with elevation profile The above statistics are for the Southern Section only and exclude the 7 km section from Jimmy Creek to Yarram. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/44892ed5-f520-43fb-98c6-1aed7c366c81/26+more+rocky+track.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - track though rock scree Challenging track between Jimmy Creek and Yarram (technically in the Central Section, but those starting from Jimmy Creek will encounter this). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01094a46-f8ce-4d52-8b07-175e232e7d45/27+more+rocky+track.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - track over boulder field More challenging track between Jimmy Creek and Yarram but, rest assured: the track is significantly easier from Yarram wards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/85e99327-30ad-43ba-8546-fa1ede9bfeea/IMG_3204.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - Wannon campground Wannon Communal Gathering Place https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ea39ac4a-8b45-4a81-bc56-515445d253a0/IMG_3385.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - Looking along the Serra Range from Djardji-Djawara View from beside the hut at Djardji-Djawara https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b40d509f-0ffe-4a84-b4ee-2812ad3aa667/IMG_3383.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - Djardji-Djawara hut The tank at Djardji-Djawara is serviced and will be topped up all year, but most hut tanks are not like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/25947508-8f65-4604-8586-338979c5b317/IMG_3188.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - Wannon campsite Wannon’s tiny water tank and tiny catchment of the toilet: this tank could easily empty very quickly, especially if a large group or two travel through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d3239cb8-7332-44fa-b512-e45c721e3c1c/IMG_3940.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - Typical Dunkeld Streetscape Dunkeld is a quintissential Aussie country town: why not stay the night here rather than rushing off? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a08f270f-d151-41c6-b984-c15a1c47c5cc/IMG_3374.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - GPT Southern Section Planning and Tips - Serra Range Following the spine of the Serra Range https://slowerhiking.com/gpt-southern-section-yarram-to-dunkeld/yarram-to-wannon monthly 0.5 2024-06-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bbde8ce9-b67b-4476-a3dc-966f716d87af/IMG_3174.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - views over Wannon Campsite Marvellous views over Wannon campsite (clearing centre right) towards the Serra Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/feeb6b28-97f6-46ad-9ede-26f04b82ff89/Yarram+to+Wannon.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - Yarram to Wannon map with elevation profile Yarram to Wannon map and elevation profile — just 470m/1540ft elevation gain and the 740m/2430ft descents are typically well-graded. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a3a6bd7b-5249-4128-9125-81e6e237d8f5/goshawk.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - looking towards Serra Range in mist After the steep, rocky descent into Yarram, the walk out is cruisy as it contours and gradually descends from the range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d86dc9c8-ace3-4939-a2b4-36f4a21aa4a6/IMG_3063.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - walking through the forest out of Yarram Into forest in the lower reaches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/570f114e-930f-4e65-9a4f-7c28e8b29e4b/IMG_3072.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - white wildflowers in full blume So many wildflowers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f7067f2-6440-4456-9ad8-ea92e6776a8a/IMG_3073.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - Ispopogon ceratophyllus The endangered Horny Conebush, Ispopogon ceratophyllus. It is extremely vulnerable to phytophthera, so botanists will be thrilled to see it here after evidence of the disease in previous days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c21eedf-bd6f-409d-8b66-8184f0bcc75d/PA132243.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - Caladenia parva A new spider orchid, Caladenia parva. The differences between some species are subtle! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5dcaf523-801b-479b-8554-19de378acca5/IMG_3080.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - Tall bracken Tall bracken fern in the lower-lying areas. It must be the toughest, hardiest fern in existence! Many people assume bracken is introduced, but it is a native and was used by First Nations People to treat insect bites, as bedding, and to make bread. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/05837c8d-702c-4b32-b24d-922dfc980f7a/IMG_3089.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - rising mist over distant mountains The cloud is gradually rising, providing glimpses of what is in store. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce082a00-be33-40f9-9380-5e4acd4c602e/IMG_3104.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - Serra Range But alas, the top of the Serra Range is still in cloud. You will be walking along that serrated knife edge tomorrow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02da3d19-7d9a-4d1a-a0e5-40e03d4ee3ea/pterostylis+extensa.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - Pterostylis extensa This entire day is rich in orchids. Here, the Woodland Plumed Greenhood (Pterostylis extensa)… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a7e6f59-804b-47b3-a757-f2af39de0234/PA132236.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - Calochilus paludosus …and the aptly-named Red Beard Orchid (Calochilus paludosus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f89fe3b0-a358-44cf-a92a-732a8c9ac4cb/IMG_3112.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - Nicely contoured track After the tough day into Yarram yesterday, you’ll likely find today’s contouring and smooth surfaces welcome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1cb507a3-231c-45d8-9cc7-2d05026c14e7/IMG_3115.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - purple daises Brachyscome multifida Purple Cut-leaf Daisy (Brachyscome multifida) alongside the track, while… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/73b1b576-b911-44a0-82ff-5b647dcd0144/IMG_3131.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - red lichen on tree trunks …red lichen paints trunks red. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d9195bad-6d6f-4a47-8248-63257e0ba274/IMG_3129-2.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - descending form the Mt William Range Slowly descending the Mt William Range as it peters out, here looking north. It has been raining on and off, just enough to keep jackets on! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7972838-b92d-4609-adcf-300ed40cd1a1/IMG_3145.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - views over farmland far below Still marvellous views to be had eastwards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3b178da2-e0dd-4bbb-bce5-f761a49a0b09/IMG_3169.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - Grampians Valley and Serra Range And there it is, the campsite in the clearing centre right, with the Grampians Valley and Serra Range beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c0a8bd4-d1e0-4308-b6f3-d82cba925927/IMG_3170.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - Wannon campsite from above Here is a zoomed version. The tent pads are lined up along the opposite side of the clearing, with the communal shelter slap bang in the middle of the wind venturi where breezes funnel through the narrow part of the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/101967dc-e8bf-4895-90af-5cc2ff7f4e6d/IMG_3183.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - track through forested area just before Wannon campsite Onto the flat… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1503e93d-0699-4f6d-85b9-b06a9471fc3b/IMG_3186.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - open woodland area adjacent Wannon campsite …and approaching the clearing. The grass has been neatly mowed by kangaroos: you’ll likely see many at dawn and dusk around camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db0b487d-bb42-4f18-a6ed-bafb639bb0df/PA132289.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - Caladenia praecox Early Caps, (Caladenia praecox) seen, well, earlier in the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/054e0862-b12a-45eb-bcf3-ce7377dfcbbe/IMG_3189.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - Wannon campsite map Map of the campground. The toilet is about where the word “You” is in the red tag. Pads 1-4 are the most sheltered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/47845a93-bd15-45e3-b655-b28b6802c27f/IMG_3204.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - communal shelter at Wannon campsite Here’s that communal shelter. The seats weigh a ton and are very difficult to move, but a desperate soul has wrangled two into the lee for when the wind is blasting through from the west, as it is when we are there. A second windbreak on the opposite side would be nice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/60366053-7217-49e7-a850-932cdcda51b6/IMG_3188.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - toilet and rainwater tank at Wannon campsite And this is the loo. It illustrates the big disadvantage of the lack of a shelter: not to shelter you, but to catch rainwater. This tank will empty very quickly so be sure to check status or top up at Yarram Gap Rd if you’re not confident it will be full. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a7fe7198-4b47-47d5-a805-0ce01e6585b0/IMG_3195.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - tent pad at Wannon The tent pads are somewhat exposed. Bring a few nail stakes to hammer into the compacted substrate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6aac14f2-fc26-4f0b-a443-9d1bb97111a5/IMG_7756.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - torn tent I had a big accident when my buggered knee gave out and I fell onto rather than into the tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4bfba11c-d37d-4e21-a3c0-f5d31cdd23c8/IMG_7758.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - DCF tent repair The fix is described here and we recommend anyone who uses a DCF tent to carry tape for instant repairs that can be stronger than the original. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bd9397ba-0567-4159-ae4a-d4c5ec8afee8/IMG_3202.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - cooking in vestibule of XMid Pro 2 tent Once we repaired the tent, it was time for a cuppa: it’s still raining on and off. Every manufacturer of every tent tells you not to cook in the vestibule but this is to cover their asses because it is assumed by every camper ever that you will when it is snowing or raining or windy. We are not suggesting it either but, if you do, use common sense and make sure your tent is solidly pitched especially in wind, when a flapping fly can knock things over or catch alight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb0fd827-5b4d-4783-a86b-6a9fa68da765/IMG_3196.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Yarram to Wannon - Cooking at Wannon campsite A little later when the rain has stopped. Don’t worry, Geoff is not directly under those limbs! Some other hiker desperately seeking more shelter has lugged two more benches under this tree out of the wind. Another has been placed by a tent pad in the background. https://slowerhiking.com/gpt-southern-section-yarram-to-dunkeld/wannon-to-djardji-djawara monthly 0.5 2024-06-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f71640f8-5f23-40d4-b363-4985f6538df3/lead.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - wildflowers along the Serra Range Finally on that tantalising Serra Range today, and it lives up to its promise! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5d03f4b-50b4-4818-9838-2dc4ee0e0d16/Wannon+to+Djardji-djawara.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - map with elevation profile Today’s elevation profile still shows a decent elevation gain but, remember, the track is much smoother than in the Central Section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7f82d165-56ff-428b-a908-62c376d70d39/IMG_3215.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - leaving Wannon campsite The track starts easily enough, meandering through open woodland in the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0b21d75f-7dea-4b49-b5ea-bcdecc41b806/IMG_3218.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - approaching Wannon River Grassy clearings as you approach the Wannon River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/afac3d51-e5d2-4590-9e6c-01382967b7c3/IMG_3224.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Baloksion tetraphyllum Over the river via a small bridge, followed by walkway through magnificent clumps of Baloksion tetraphyllum taller than we are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5dc3c971-56c1-4e9a-aeaa-73725cb58fa6/IMG_3229.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - walking through sandy sedge land Soon you emerge onto beautiful seasonal open swampland with tea tree and countless interesting forbs; we saw many sun orchids, though they were closed in today’s cooler weather. This was one of my favourite sections of the track and botanists will relish it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2cadfad0-7581-4d5d-9a52-dccd84d84cdc/PA061888.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Microtis atrata Yellow Onion Orchid (Microtis atrata) grows in seasonal swamplands. The flowers are minute, just a few millimetres across. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e0d6fd85-fedf-42b2-adf2-ab9b457739bb/IMG_3234.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Hakea rostrata Hakea rostrata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db8d7033-1f6f-4141-9183-f08557f532b4/IMG_3236.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - view of Serra Range from valley floor The Serra Range grows ever closer. Soon you’ll cross the Grampians Highway but, for now, a little more of that marvellous open swamp to enjoy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0aff3292-1aaf-4b5c-8f89-249a90340a86/IMG_3239.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - stringybark forest in good condition Across the highway and you’re into stringybark with a rich understorey and so many birds — gang-gangs, other parrots and rosellas, plus numerous tiny wrens and honeyeaters flitting through the bushes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca9166c2-b527-4305-a5d3-ca9447549f31/IMG_3258.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Grevillea dimorpha Flame Grevillea (Grevillea dimorpha) is aptly named. The leaves can be needle-like, short and wide, or anything in between! For those who are mystified by the scientific names of plants, they are very useful because they often describe a plant’s characteristic feature: di = two and morphe = form. You may not want to learn Latin, but Greek or Italian are useful. I did only three years of Latin (in an Aussie public school no less!) but, contrary to being a ‘dead’ language, it was ever-present in natural sciences tertiary study, and when learning Italian for hiking holidays there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81724234-32b6-44b5-b395-0aa27ea5ad61/PA142300.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Pyrorchis nigricans This orchid, Pyrorchis nigricans, normally blooms after fire in the blackened earth and is pollinated by flies attracted to its flesh-coloured flowers and, presumably, scent! The flower turns black immediately after pollination to blend with the scorched ashfield and thereby evade hungry grazing animals. You can guess what “pyro” means, and “orchis” too in this context (but look further into this word’s derivation and you may be surprised!). Nigricans is a colour. Black fire-orchid. Pretty cool and not at all mysterious… even fun, don’t you think? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41c322ac-67a7-426c-95c8-463b555a9ec8/IMG_3260.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Griffin Fire Trail crossing Second breakfast at Griffin Fire trail Crossing. You can walk in a few hundred metres from the car park to here and do a food drop ahead of time to reduce your pack load. A food drop every day in this section means you need carry only the evening’s meal, the morning’s breakfast and perhaps snacks and a lunch daily: see Tips and Planning on how to make the entire section easier. There is a pack of Sesame Snaps on the log. We like these for hiking with 180 calories in a 35g pack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b52ecd4-f1f7-455d-9fe0-8b44237eb418/IMG_3269.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - wildflowers near Griffin Fire track crossing Although there is a water tank here, we were horrified to see no boot cleaning station. We were even more horrified later because we saw no sign of Phytopthera in the entirety of the new track in the Serra Range, whereas the latter part of the Central Section is riddled with it. We are thrilled to discover that, just a few months after we walked, a boot cleaning station was installed at the Trailhead here. Goodonya, Parks Victoria! Remember to clean your trekking pole tips as well as your boots and please be super thorough: you have been hiking through diseased areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1c96757f-9153-4800-b957-315a1fd525ad/IMG_3271.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Banksia, Grevillea, and Xanthorrhoea Plenty of Banksia, Grevillea, and Xanthorrhoea in a marvellously healthy understorey. This is why we should all do the right thing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4510d432-51ed-4406-9d83-32a9b5fdd608/IMG_3274.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - spectacular boulders Climbing the eastern side of the Serra Range: a steep but well-built track passing spectacular boulders https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/735298d5-765e-418e-b76a-c8c038aabecf/IMG_3278.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - short section of well-made natural rock steps Steps! Yay! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97c85943-0f9f-4fd3-a8ab-223cd40c899b/IMG_3324.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Pultenea mollis Pultenea mollis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1486e331-525a-44c8-8463-b1ecf352b6d1/IMG_3284.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - nicely contoured track Happily, the track contours up, rather than heading straight for the spine. Ahead, the peaks you will climb later appear sporadically from the cloud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff7563a8-246c-4e10-9283-40f2f0e8ee56/IMG_3290.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - wildflowers line the track most of the way The walking is a complete delight, with views to the east almost the entire way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6ba5638e-1c85-4b67-a517-6e7d11d7c28b/IMG_3296.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Views of Serra Range And views south, with the Serra Range’s magical peaks beckoning you onwards. You have seen these peaks for days from the William Range but here they are, growing closer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3764816-556d-4bb8-9858-d75846a0c0f1/IMG_3309.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - cup-a-soup lunch in the clouds It’s pretty wet when we hike. Walking along the spine, you’re climbing knolls and descending into gaps the entire time. But now the cloud has descended too and this is as good a lunch spot as any, with wreaths of mist blowing through the gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/795b62db-0c2e-4de9-9408-c21144b12ece/IMG_3306.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - soup cooking in pot Our favourite cool weather lunch, home-made Cup a Soup and homemade crackers: yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/29b03831-8edb-444c-9fb4-e0274e1e7a86/IMG_3321.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - yellow wildflowers Just beautiful, with so much in bloom! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/10668f6d-21ed-46e5-8583-fd88a77e7f78/IMG_3330.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Stenanthera pinifolia Pine Heath (Stenanthera pinifolia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41009482-cbef-459f-a5e8-d8aee5c62830/IMG_3331.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - view across the Victoria Plain Another marvellous view, across the Victoria Plain to the westernmost arm of the Grampians, the Victoria Range. You’ll find beaut walks there too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52a5e4c0-8894-4b25-8f30-9279bbcc3a76/IMG_3358.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - misty rocky peaks Huge sweeps of mist are blowing in from the west through every break in the range, creating a dramatically moody ambience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/714f9331-19bb-499a-95de-abc1e1aab680/IMG_3371.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - views to the east from the Serra Range And back to the eastern views again. Wow, this track is a treat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a6ae092-b318-4fff-ab1c-39b9c2a70fbf/IMG_3374.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - grassy tussocks along short section of open ridgeline Such changeable weather: you really need to be prepared for anything on this hike! Here, we’re crossing a little gap, with quite different vegetation. I can’t recall if this is the exact spot where you descend off the spine and begin contouring down the eastern slopes, but it was one of very few (only?) places on the trail where we backtracked ten or so metres, having missed the small cairn on the edge marking the descent. Enough people have done the same thing that a well-worn pad has developed. This last section of trail is not well marked — it seems they might have run out of yellow traingles! — but most of the time there is simply nowhere else to walk, so no need to worry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/705a4816-a510-40de-9058-2a2ff43dd2a7/IMG_3377.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - healthy Xanthorrhoeas Many marvellously healthy Xanthorrhoeas, some with trunks as tall as Geoff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8491e0e-3284-4110-823a-fe7da3b2e07a/IMG_7777.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - orchids on the track The sharp-eyed may just make out tiny orchids growing in the centre of the track. For orchid photography, I use an OMD1 Mk 3, usually with a 12-40mm lens while travelling (great for flower shots and a good overall walkaround lens) but here, after breaking the 12-40mm in the Northern Section, I’m using my heavy 90mm macro. The 60mm macro is a good lightweight alternative to combine with a wider angle 4/3 walkaround zoom like the new 8-25. For larger flowers, I usually use my iphone 13. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06edc152-26d8-4c27-897b-23b6a0afcf72/PA182419.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Caladenia transitoria Little Bronze Caps, Caladenia transitoria. Each flower is no bigger than your thumbnail! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f33f241-a285-401e-bfd1-356b9eeeaee8/c+iridescens.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Caladenia iridescens And here is the Bronze Cap (C. iridescens), not much bigger. I didn’t realise for some time that I had been looking at two different species! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a5583b7-7c01-44c7-9df6-949057a83816/IMG_7813.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - another section of healthy stringybark forest At last you are on the lower flanks and into flatter terrain, passing below ancient stringybarks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/14ca70d2-43db-4170-80fe-a1f569a1ea60/IMG_3233.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Calectasia grandiflora Spectacular Tinsel lily (Calectasia grandiflora) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a45e8aa6-8a9f-4a3c-8040-7c911480ec07/IMG_3380.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - sandy track … And finally into sand and approaching camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad2fe01c-ae02-4e8e-85ba-73c642979744/IMG_3383.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Djardji-Djarwara hut Djardji-Djarwara is a beautiful hut in a stunning location, perched on the edge of an escarpment. The campsites are a tier below, out of sight and in more sheltered terrain. The views along the Serra Range even from inside the hut are breathtaking… and look at that nice big water tank! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/03ba5d37-e7fc-4d07-84ae-ad373bd3c100/IMG_7814.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Djardji-Djarwara campsite map Here’s the layout. The communal shelter and toilets are at the top, and the tent platforms are nestled amongst the trees below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f52e791a-3496-4733-88cf-89c80e2df947/IMG_3388.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - tent platforms at Djardji-Djarwara campsite It’s the busiest day we’ve seen on the trail thus far, with a few family groups on an overnight hike. Most days there have only been a handful or fewer in camp each night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6911f172-d17c-45ec-8a44-15a4e716bc03/IMG_3390.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - Djardji-Djarwara tent platform Our cosy spot. We have become very fast at setting up the tent on these recalcitrant platforms with few gaps! If you’re unfamiliar with the techniques, check our tips and practice. Non-freestanding tent owners, add line extensions to your guylines before you leave home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b8cf338-8ed7-4254-9356-b8ca5c171138/IMG_3385.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Wannon to Djardji-djawara - view north along the Serra Range Glorious view north along the Serra Range from beside the hut. https://slowerhiking.com/gpt-southern-section-yarram-to-dunkeld/djardji-ddjawara-to-mud-dadjug monthly 0.5 2024-06-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/42e924fa-066d-480a-9d39-6f555f3136df/IMG_3635.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - looking west along Serra Range Looking west today. No superlatives left! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97a20d6c-dfa1-4fa9-9e2f-d6379e83bbd7/Djardji-djawara+to+Mud-Dadjug.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - satellite map with elevation profile 580 metre elevation gain over 8.1 kilometres https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ba476e0c-e834-4b28-85b1-c3fb401226aa/IMG_3393.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - Signal Peak Straight out of camp along the service road, Signal Peak beckons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8099a6b-a1b1-4cc3-800f-8dfea9cc28f4/IMG_3419.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - rainbow over the Serra Range Wild weather and rainbows along the Serra Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/88722cb2-760e-4472-80b7-c65429686b52/IMG_3432.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - peaks in and out of cloud 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! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/623927be-54e9-4810-8bb9-ecf8cefe42c9/IMG_7823.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - steep section of rock track, Serra Range The ascent begins alongside marvellous rocky tors. You will have lots of climbing today! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3a30e3f-8333-4c91-b556-6ab6745d9b89/IMG_3446.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - Rock steps But there are steps… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0262f5b3-f033-4f03-a222-bbea1aa4e995/IMG_3466.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - rock steps meandering between tree trucks …beautifully constructed to fit the land and even the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d63a152e-1057-4438-8f88-09652485f203/IMG_3478-Pano.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - views north along Serra Range from Signal Peak Glorious views from the flanks of Signal Peak, here looking north along the Serra Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/177e1810-4f9a-48a5-ad40-5f4f4ea2310c/IMG_3509.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - centuries-old Xanthorrhoeas 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/19efa556-fde2-4786-aca2-31a4bb5a3992/IMG_3496.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - resting on way to Signal Peak 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16df2606-b9af-4587-a3bf-3830f41e115a/IMG_3542-Pano.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - Serra Range 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bc81cc58-f375-4e4a-b0fa-95208acc832e/IMG_3562.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - white and yellow wildflowers A riot of colour around your feet, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bd13de26-7ef9-47bf-a8e7-02b0fe84b106/IMG_3568.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - Signal Peak in cloud Hmm, already at cloud base and the peak is higher still. Will there be a view? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a57ba7ab-64dd-4727-b729-e28c3e7e1030/IMG_3570.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - sign to signal peak No, not today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c0055bc-c454-4f6c-9591-8217df000ddb/IMG_3579.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - Xanthoria sp. Bright orange lichen, probably Xanthoria sp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a31c99bb-b8c1-484b-b5fe-d929e5cd4a8e/IMG_3732.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - Asterolasia phebalioides Downy Star-bush (Asterolasia phebalioides) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1db6952d-f074-4719-a0b5-f247e552432b/IMG_3591.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - many interesting rock formations along Grampians Peaks Trail Small shelters in the rain on the misty descent… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6ac47db4-0761-4b00-897b-0d70ef63cb71/IMG_3604.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - resting under rock ledge 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41fe7b04-43cc-4d17-9e8d-0713b2632d49/IMG_3608.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - track signage to Mt Abrupt More steps, that’s what! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f79834f8-a03e-4bae-9333-0b3481fdc09f/IMG_3619.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - views from Mount Abrupt But hooray, clear weather to the west and the lush Victoria Valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77c9fe36-725d-42cc-a948-5ba3acf9ecae/IMG_3659.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - swirling clouds across Mount Abrupt and Signal Peak 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: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/18408b2d-9676-4948-ba3c-82e0c43c367d/IMG_3664.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - cloud formations over Signal Peak …but it is cloud. Fascinating! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef06135c-877b-436f-a987-2496e4dbb3f5/IMG_3673.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - steep rock track lined with wildflowers In any case, when you are almost at cloud base, going in and out of the wispies is a lot of fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b81cd702-d0bb-485a-8d34-c273578d1a97/IMG_3702.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - descending from Mount Abrupt Finally descending from Mt Abrupt, with completely different vegetation on its southeasterly slopes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cafc6594-2b3a-4d1f-8600-5f63ef7dd13c/IMG_3709.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - natural hanging garden A rock face has become a spectacular hanging garden in this cool, sheltered environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/17de83e1-7fda-429c-96f1-96bccd6fb664/IMG_3719.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - Pulchrocladia retipora Coral Lichen, probably Pulchrocladia retipora https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bd073b67-4e1f-46cd-a0cb-f9c8a829e97f/IMG_3721.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - track through tall forest with moss covered tree trunks It’s otherworldly, and such a contrast to everything else today! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce615747-5223-46e7-9e75-9618ad5db9bc/IMG_3726.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - View south towards Mt Sturgeon View south towards Mt Sturgeon, with The Piccaninny in front and Dunkeld to the left on the flats. You’ll be there tomorrow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e54dc928-8b7d-41d0-b562-da499222b140/IMG_3735.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - view from ridge surrounded by wildflowers 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? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/48183883-3dcc-448e-8b68-8c8a70ebc185/IMG_3734.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - Mud-Dadjug hut There’s the hut, tucked tight against Mud-Dadjug! Wow! Location, location, location! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d5670cd-e7dd-440f-bc20-b0ee20e1d70a/IMG_3737.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - Mud-Dadjug tent platform 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/faab2d0c-e6b1-46cd-9392-33eb10b168ee/IMG_3745.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - Mud-Dadjug tent platform near edge of escarpment 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31783969-3a9a-4061-830c-f37940ca8477/IMG_3741.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug - inside Mud-Dadjug hut 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! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cd777931-dc96-46e7-9ec5-291e00cc7475/IMG_E3765.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Djardji-Djawara to Mud-Dadjug Yet another glorious sunset to end the day. It doesn’t get much better than this! https://slowerhiking.com/gpt-southern-section-yarram-to-dunkeld/mud-dadjug-to-dunkeld monthly 0.5 2024-06-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/397710b5-4c2a-439c-845b-0c21a1635ce4/IMG_3786.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Grampians Peak Trail near Mud-Dadjug Fun scrambling, final views https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a7ab240-494e-4c79-bf83-b4a53aed21a6/Mud-Dadjug+to+Dunkeld.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - map of walk from Mud-Dadjug to Dunkled with elevation profile Todays elevation profile shows the descent from Mud-Dadjug, followed by the climbs up Bainggug and Wurgurrie: 14.8km/9.2mi with 510m/1670ft cumulative elevation gain, and 810m/2660ft elevation loss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a1fb474d-30df-4504-afd4-f77ec3f8669c/IMG_3768.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - smooth track through wildflowers The track as you leave the hut is so smooth an manicured, it’s as if you are walking through a garden… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c33328cb-0289-4561-94ee-2182cd4f1aaf/IMG_3779.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - rugged rocky section of track …but soon it becomes rocky with boulders, steps and easy scrambles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b46e4564-dd2d-4bc5-8708-5853cca652ad/IMG_3787.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - lookout point Being at a lower elevation, you will now have quite a different view across the Victoria valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/108c30a0-ea70-46a0-93aa-6b64ebf87b1d/PA182393.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Caladenia carnea Pink Fingers (Caladenia carnea), with some of the largest flowers I’ve seen in the species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3316648b-d8e9-49f4-ace8-9bdc3872ebf3/IMG_3815.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - view towards Dunkeld The trail is rough and rocky but, if you have taken our advice and are staying the night in Dunkeld, you have plenty of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/153566f4-b07f-4517-949b-48520467d199/IMG_3818.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Calytrix tetragona Calytrix tetragona Grampians form https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7570a915-aa31-45a5-9c5b-a75c2cc9eaf8/PA162310.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Pink Fingers and a white Pink Fingers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fe3eea92-81db-4e81-82c0-bc9e25504922/IMG_3820.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - track through healthy open forest The understory on the lower reaches around Buanggig and Wurgurrie are wonderfully rich in flora and the walking is easy. The day is overcast so no sun orchids are out, though I see many with closed buds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/45aed82a-eecf-4cc3-8c26-819d27a58ec8/PA182428.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Thelymitra brevifolia Fortunately, the sun is out the next day, so we backtrack and spend the morning orchid-hunting. Here the Peppertop Sun Orchid, (Thelymitra brevifolia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75fad979-d75e-49dc-9028-ca147f1c22a3/PA182436.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Slender Sun Orchid …and the Slender Sun Orchid, T. pauciflora complex https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75cc6030-b272-466e-847b-b56ca58964c5/IMG_3831.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Approaching Wurgurrie Approaching Wurgurrie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4b6f03e-b0a3-488e-8900-3a5c994449f0/PA182407.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Diuris orientis Many, many orchids. A donkey orchid Diuris orientis and https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d711794b-af51-4f64-a82d-4906aec61a21/PA162333.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Diuris sulphurea … a Hornet Orchid, Diuris sulphurea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/feb5d5de-4a42-4e35-b8b2-6fef11f29638/IMG_3837.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - views of forests and flat lands ahead Even though you’re nearly down on the flats, you still have views. It’s a complete delight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71a17b0d-29ef-4e2c-9ac6-26effd15533c/IMG_3858.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Wallabia bicolor We’ve seen glimpses of these shy Swamp Wallabies (Wallabia bicolor) but they spook easily and are difficult to capture without a long lens. This mum and bub were a bit more relaxed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0350121-ac18-438c-af89-9742f501e694/PA182448.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Caladenia clavigera Another new find on the trail, the Plain-Lipped Spider Orchid, Caladenia clavigera. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9eda4e60-2dbd-4472-a026-912a60b9db01/IMG_7904.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - steps up Wurgurrie Phew! More steps! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6cc1d2a8-1244-437d-bef3-62366ec37a68/IMG_7892.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - well-made rock steps up Wurgurrie Plenty of climbing, but with yet more beautiful steps to aid tired legs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ae6299e7-15f9-4170-b4e7-42581e5c9eae/PA182414.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Thelymitra juncifolia Thelymitra juncifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a60ca8ed-6eb2-4047-97de-3f8ae85f0c68/IMG_3862.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - view looking back from track up Wurgurrie Wonderful views from Wurgurrie are worth the climb! There’s Bainggug foreground, with Mt Abrupt and Mud-Dadjug behind. It’s possible to see the hut from here when the light is right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/318fcb82-5c57-4e1a-92ae-697400fc483c/PA162318.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Caladenia venusta The White Spider Orchid, Caladenia venusta. You can be tricked because there are a half dozen or so whitish spider orchid species in the region! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6ed5166-6d9e-4727-9061-f183f6153432/PA162327.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - hybrid form of Caladenia venusta … and an interesting hybrid, C. tentaculata x venusta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4dbb9efa-40ea-48c7-b82c-365b7a41e69f/IMG_3887.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - resting in a sheltered spot on rocky track Still descending the southern flanks. It is windy and bitterly cold despite the sunshine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2cfc74f7-f3bb-41f5-b393-e548aa5e0dab/PA182398.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - bee on Slender Sun Orchid A native bee pollinating a Slender Sun Orchid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e1db420-a003-4a69-9716-cf917ca46cff/PA182374.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - Thelymitra carnea Pink Sun Orchid (Thelymitra carnea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0325d4c0-6d6f-4614-9df4-7e2d07e2586d/IMG_3882.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - view over flat lands around Dunkeld Dunkeld proper is just out of frame to the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b78c52fd-fd7a-453f-b3da-66b3fe3042c2/IMG_7919-2.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - rocky track past rock outcrop Steep and rocky, but not for much longer… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9bf7426e-2a3e-4d5a-b46e-b6832cd28b8d/IMG_3895-2.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - steel walkway and stairs … instead, fun stairs down the precipitous face! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d00901ec-ca61-4edd-8bbd-d99b46a4db50/IMG_7923.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - easy contoured track into Dunkeld Finally onto the lower flanks. You will likely be thinking about what you will order for dinner tonight! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa81b3e6-c9cb-4e72-bb4b-a5be29358295/IMG_3901.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - approaching Dunkeld Still, there is more to enjoy in these last few kilometres. On the 1,000 km Bibbulmun Track, we noticed that many hikers started counting down the days to the end. The goal overshadowed the journey. Our approach — with the luxury of time — was that we were simply living on the track for a while, and going for a walk in our back yard every day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1235882c-fa8c-4307-aeb7-7fb7d0782b64/IMG_3903.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - view of Wurgurrie from Dunkeld A glance back at Wurgurrie… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e5dd1fb-05fb-4407-9056-8691a1096bfb/IMG_3906.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - floodplain area outside Dunkeld And to the river flats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9a79ed57-9ca9-4a15-a796-f58a3ee38bf4/IMG_3909.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - gravel track through farmland It is a gentle end to what has been a magnificent hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5a1c994-6aea-48a3-9da1-25f02f7373e8/IMG_3912.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - River Red Gum Under majestic ancient River Red Gums… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/458ac25b-b063-4f27-944f-c51bc4440518/IMG_7940.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - sculpture along track near Dunkeld … to the art walk on the outskirts of town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cac442c0-474a-428a-b40c-18c3d04a8fba/IMG_3940.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - sheep in Dunkeld Wide country streets and someone walking what is probably a pet judas sheep. You’re there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a885b6b1-4897-41a0-adac-bc891c7c0571/IMG_7946.jpg GPT: Southern Section Yarram to Dunkeld - Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld - slower hikers Helen and Geoff Scrubbed up and smiling: the obligatory selfie at the Visitor Centre official finish the following morning. https://slowerhiking.com/frenchmans-cap-tasmania daily 0.75 2025-11-14 https://slowerhiking.com/frenchmans-cap-tasmania/trail-head-lake-vera monthly 0.5 2024-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4dafc3f0-a064-489d-b083-9b8e868bd4f6/IMG_5476.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - hiking to Lake Vera Today offers splendid landscapes with tantalising glimpses of what is to come, and the not-so-sodden Loddens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8cbfcd3a-b0ff-4d38-b009-74a624c9a510/Trail+Head+to+Vera.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Frenchman’s Cap hike elevation map to Lake Vera Yes, it’s 700 metres of elevation gain today! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c751b22c-6af2-47be-8483-168cadf0617f/IMG_5360.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - camp site near trail head Small campsite near the start of the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fbb411d1-4320-4227-87a9-f33c0f05b07c/IMG_5357.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Track Signage at trail head The track starts easily enough and it’s excellent underfoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f4de9c5e-4793-4083-8e08-08d9d1508cda/IMG_5363.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - registration booth The registration booth is a short distance in. Note the phytopthera sign at left: please use the boot spraying station you’ll come to later, and make sure to spray your gaiters and trekking pole tips at the same time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5840f574-74ce-494b-ae55-9f72f4586015/IMG_5377.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Swing bridge over Franklin River You’ll pass through lush forest and then cross the fun swing bridge over the Franklin River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bc09756d-7b84-4c0a-8aa1-34098e53bbbe/IMG_5373.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Frankin River Overseas readers are often surprised by the clear, tea-tinted waters in southern Australia, but it’s simply stained by eucalypt tannins and is no indication as to its quality or safety for drinking. Flow rate, turbidity (suspended solids) and livestock/human activity upstream are far more reliable indicators. You can see here that the water is fast-flowing and clear, and the upstream catchment is largely pristine bushland in the Franklin-Gordon National Park. Hikers have different risk tolerances. If in doubt, carry a filter or purification tablets: boiling is a heavy/fuel-expensive option nowadays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/23a8237f-97f8-4495-8989-9f7376bc2c51/IMG_6335.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Amanita ochrophylla Even in mid summer, you’ll see prolific fungi, here Amanita ochrophylla… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/abbe9374-8069-4f24-b0a9-b223955e60a5/IMG_5404.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Austroboletus niveus …and Austroboletus niveus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/305fdc61-44b6-43f6-833e-fc5cf5c6b2af/P1222978.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Boletellus emodensi Shaggy Cap (Boletellus emodensis). It would be amazing here in Autumn! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/376da2dc-af24-43e2-9a66-c10fee41971a/IMG_5381.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - forest walking at first More forest and great walking… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d062815f-811d-4d6f-9c49-a6b671f895d3/IMG_5386.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Frenchman’s Cap track near start Before you emerge into the open. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ea3979ce-cd54-4d0c-a07a-2152504d548e/IMG_5384.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - great walking through shrubland Thank you Dick Smith for making this hike accessible to so many more people, and for greatly reducing the previous erosion issues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e4962c8-be72-436e-a0dd-683b8fedcbf8/IMG_5400.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - section of track with tree roots When the path climbs or ducks into forest, you’ll often find sections like this. These tree roots are extremely slippery when wet but the track is very manageable if you take your time. Trekking poles are your friend! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec3a5a51-3a31-486f-b19b-5ccb085565f1/IMG_5403.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - duckboard and steps There’s also a fair bit of boardwalk and duckboard topped with chicken wire. The wire has rusted away in parts but is being progressively replaced. Parts without wire are also extremely slippery when wet, as we can attest via a few faceplants! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec054bf1-0630-4544-b0d5-84074094f03d/IMG_5410.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - views over tea tree and button grass to Pickaxe Range Every time you emerge from the forest, new views open up across the tea tree and button grass, here to the Pickaxe Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49833c85-8071-4104-9074-db228d6118d7/IMG_5418.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - ferns and rainforest vegetation Even here, well before the higher reaches, the track passes through temperate rainforest, lush and shadowy with every boulder and trunk blanketed in green, green, green. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7adb6556-ae8a-4253-ac36-261aa76f99fc/P1222989.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - buttongrass plains And out onto buttongrass plains once more on improved track. Deep muddy paths significantly alter drainage lines in swamps, causing some parts to dry, and they also increase water turbidity. Both these things impact the environment far beyond the immediate vicinity of the track itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/831c1fa5-b7e7-4345-a346-c2506a44e40f/IMG_8370.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - duckboard thoughh sensitive vegetation So yes, although many of us hikers dislike infrastructure such as duckboard, it hasn’t really been placed for us, but to protect sensitive environments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ebe41416-6ad8-4693-808f-3cdcdea6ab49/P1222979.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - view to Barron Pass from Mt Mullens After a long climb you’ll get your first exciting glimpse of Barron Pass that you’ll cross tomorrow; Frenchman’s Cap is in cloud here. Geoff has just begun to descend Mt Mullens, one of the big “hidden” elevation gains of the day. Looking only at the start and finish elevations give no hint of the climbs and descents in between! Make sure to calculate cumulative elevation gain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71b4ef40-567c-45f0-91aa-5044f2117d72/IMG_5398.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Boletellus obscurecoccineus And more fungi, here stunning red Boletellus obscurecoccineus under tea tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ead20a35-1232-4f5c-a8d8-c4483f57a8bb/IMG_5450.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Lodden River swing bridge Another swing bridge, this one over the Lodden River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/488603bd-24af-4065-a349-c475918ce54c/IMG_5446.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - tea coloured water of Lodden River More tea! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d25e6bd-abba-408b-bda3-3707cdd3b212/IMG_6328.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - campsite next to Lodden River If you turn right after crossing the bridge and follow the river ten or twenty metres upstream, you’ll find a cluster of pleasant campsites right on the bank (there are also some on the other side). Very leisurely hikers or those with children may like to stop here for the night, allowing for this day to be split nicely into 6.5km (4 miles) and 8.5km (5.3 miles) distances. Bring Bushman’s for leeches! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65b94c0f-c227-4b9a-9660-71e456db0d15/IMG_6320.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Yelllow Tool Box platform 2.6km (1.6 miles) further on is the eponymous Yellow Toolbox Campsite. This is not an official public site but is mainly used by Parks Staff. It’s worth remembering it as a bailout option. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b33e4c7d-1cbb-46c4-b1f7-eec064a56835/IMG_5454.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Boardwalk section Frenchmans Cap hike Onwards in the patchy sunshine. It’s heartening to see the previous erosion slowly healing under and beside the boardwalk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6482af24-1d98-4780-a71f-7da862171259/IMG_5482.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Bauera rubioides A rare pink double form of Bauera rubioides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5a3ff396-88dc-40d5-899c-5b77f2676089/IMG_5406.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Leptospermum in flower Scattered tea tree (Leptospermum sp.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c951defb-7e7b-485d-b3a3-e7a28423c81b/IMG_5471.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Laughtons Lead This is the new route that bypasses the worst of the original ‘Philp’s Lead’ through the sodden Loddens. You’ll sidle around the edges: no more chest deep bog holes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/522b9185-cf04-4a9d-bc81-d5e347fa8d70/IMG_5496.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - wilderness views over dense scrub to distance mountains Spectacular country and it feels marvellously remote even though you are not even a day from the trailhead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/25ec4156-f2b4-4c22-b17f-90ba4974e528/IMG_5503.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - boardwalk through rainforest Boardwalk… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/641c2fe3-dc26-4692-a738-592e54ff7cd0/IMG_5505.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - rugged timber steps in forest … and steps that have seen better days. You’ll be fine if you take your time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/96dbfcf5-9a61-4415-b045-e6986ee2fee5/IMG_5508.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - gnarled and twisted tree roots and broken steps More gnarled and twisted tree roots and broken steps through glorious forest; you wouldn’t be surprised to see a Hobbit! And you will be ready for the track to level off and descend into Lake Vera! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0314b93f-5211-4bea-90e0-448f237ad875/IMG_6315.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - tree ferns But it is spectacular. Just look at those Tree Ferns! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2b91828c-42ef-48d5-aa6d-c8639185f14f/IMG_6311.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Rumney Plain Nearer Lake Vera on Rumney Plain. This was on the return journey, when we set off from the hut in rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/30bd1abd-4c23-4a0a-adff-368b41f093a8/IMG_5522.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - Wombat on track Plenty of wombats about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6aa0875-e127-43ea-9d71-e61978e938d2/IMG_5550.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - tent on tent platform And then quite suddenly you are at the hut and platforms. Consider pitching on the platforms in good weather because... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bda8640a-db4a-4c25-8cae-20c73a65dda9/IMG_5537.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - tent platforms at Lake Vera …they are nicely spread out. Older bladders and prostates may also appreciate proximity to toilets! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dffa8028-d6df-4ad4-ad43-85d2ba4cb2da/IMG_5525.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - inside Lake Vera Hut On our return we did sleep inside the hut as we beat the rain by minutes; that’s our gear top centre. We carry lightweight down puffies (the green Ghost Whisperer for me, a Macpac one for Geoff) for use in camp and in huts. Hiking in down in wet weather doesn’t work because a rain shell over the top, no matter how breathable, wets out the down from sweat condensing inside. Synthetic down is less prone to collapsing and retains more heat when wet, but you will still be pretty miserable hiking in drenched down of any kind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8e1fb63-fa43-436c-8247-a39838de1263/IMG_5562.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap - Trail Head to Lake Vera - eating and cooking area in Lake Vera Hut Stainless steel benches and plenty of room for everyone. Beware the carbon dioxide and smoke alarms here, both of which you’ll set off if you happen to burn your dinner as a couple of lads did when we were there! You can see our red and orange food bags on the shelf behind Geoff: we hung them from roof beams overnight. We hang our bags on every trip we’re permitted to do so, in huts or when tenting because you only need to have one mouse chew through your supplies and Murphy dictates it will do so straight through every single one of your most important meals for the trip! https://slowerhiking.com/frenchmans-cap-tasmania/lake-vera-lake-tahune monthly 0.5 2024-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec180d6d-74c4-400d-ab74-d0ac5d303383/P1233028-Pano.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Barron Pass Geoff at the top of Barron Pass with its gobsmacking views over lakes Gertrude, Magdalene and Millicent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/95345609-0171-40df-97ce-56ecb5b65634/Vera+to+Tahune.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - map of hike with daily elevation chart Base Layer Contains Imagery from Google Satellite https://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=s&x={x}&y={y}&z={z}. Track & elevation recorded on Garmin Fenix 6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/386c2181-09d4-4579-902d-54e68a3817ea/IMG_8470.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Davern’s Cavern route Heading back towards Sharland’s Peak from Davern’s Cavern. That low notch on the left is where you cross; the main track is about fifty metres on the other side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c27abab-adb8-4190-9643-2cfc1aa402a9/IMG_5571.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Lake Vera Mountain reflections on Lake Vera. Much of the lake is thickly fringed with reeds, but there are areas where people have waded through for a swim. Close to the hut is a small swimming hole on a tributary, less picturesque but more convenient for a dip. For those who prefer seclusion, you’ll also pass several bare wild campsites five to ten minutes from the hut (see Planning and Tips). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6305d398-d1c5-4026-8e8b-e4fc06ff0adb/IMG_5579.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - timber ladder in forest The man top left has already summited Frenchman’s Cap and is on his way back to the trailhead… all in one day! Good on him, but it is not a competition. We slower hikers have every right to hike at our own speed, and it will be slow. You can see the lake to the right behind Geoff. This is not a wide sandy shore but a steep forested slope. Plenty of fun ladders like this… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cafb6929-177f-47d8-aa1f-c012c20ccf87/IMG_5608.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - rock scramble … and rocky steep track like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a476090-2be0-4986-9774-085a30c9cd63/IMG_5606.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - steps cut into tree trunk for make ladder Many of these tree ladders too; they are quite slippery when wet but again, when you’re not in a hurry, it’s a lot of fun. And just look at all that moss and greenery! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c9fdf580-8959-421c-b8aa-9b8482befbcf/IMG_5593.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - boardwalk creek crossing You cross a number of small tributaries and drainage lines making their way down to the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d2f6ed3d-3063-456f-a166-796a90240bae/IMG_6298.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - waterfall and pool alongside track Cascades and rivulets burble and sing just metres from the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8748e6e4-a5cf-4acc-9aff-6d9b1fd400b0/P1233004.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - numerous small waterfalls next to track on way to Barron pass Here’s another. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/044a3923-46e7-477d-ba4a-4843e21b8a30/IMG_5590.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Aurantiporus pulcherrimus Brilliant orange Strawberry Bracket (Aurantiporus pulcherrimus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/208fe1d1-d85a-4e16-af29-7beb8317c16e/IMG_5616.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - rock face When you leave the Lake, the real climb begins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fc2809c1-3663-461d-b95a-dcf8dbf7c0a6/IMG_5626.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Scrambling up rocky track Though it’s not true climbing, just steep scrambling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dfdfc562-8184-4d12-a3d0-ab9b868502cc/IMG_5624.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - steep track in thick forest Every surface is draped with vegetation: take time to look at those rock walls and hollows for interesting fungi, lichens and ferns. After a final set of steep steps, you suddenly emerge at the top: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/689ac5a6-fa26-4c73-a400-694afa9e1f7b/IMG_5664-Pano-2.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Barron Pass Wow. We have lucked out with the weather; it’s cold but not excessively windy. The breeze here would normally venturi through the pass: you can see I’ve already donned my jacket. To the left is White Needle, and below are Lakes Gertrude, Magdalen and Millicent. You can just glimpse the edge of Lake Cecily behind the knob and three dead trees. Top right is Frenchman’s Cap, where we will hopefully be tomorrow. However, even if you get no further than Barron’s Pass and return to Lake Vera from here, the views are worth the effort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ab03092-153a-488c-af89-88a944a72560/IMG_5679.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - descent from Barron Pass After drinking your fill of alpine views, you leave Barron Pass. You might think the scrambling is done for the day but there is a fair bit more, not least because you descend significantly, and you also have another ridge to cross. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c4de4423-1869-414a-82eb-14ff587e7f1c/IMG_5683.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - small scree slope Sharland Peak’s western face is spectacular, with a jumble of scree at its base. The trail contours through the scree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/92bbb56e-1786-42ad-ab86-92140e6328a5/IMG_5701.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - short section of exposed track This bit seems exposed but really isn’t as bad as it looks. I dislike very exposed tracks and this one wasn’t daunting at all, partly because the dense vegetation on the downhill side provides mental reassurance. You will be fine, and this is the most challenging bit for the day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9fadb02b-9bb1-478e-92f2-dd0fb9751556/IMG_6269.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - boulder sized scree Again scrambly but no real climbing, and well-marked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c9f7fc01-8d73-457f-8689-3fbb6a5af028/IMG_5689.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Xerochrysum milliganii Milligan’s Everlasting (Xerochrysum milliganii) growing in the scree. Botanists will relish the many interesting and new species in this section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65281598-5b93-4da7-9475-071443aa5007/IMG_6242.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - view of route towards Davern’s Cavern We’ve included the detour to Davern’s Cavern here, although we did it on our return journey. It’s a beautiful 900m / 0.6 mile spur route that offers completely different views, and the little alpine plain is also quite different to the rest of the trail. We had no trouble finding the start of the spur off the main track but the route is very sparsely cairned; you can expect to make a few wrong turns even when your navigation is good (we were using a map with the Cavern marked, but no trail). Whenever there is no path on parts of a rarely used route like this, it’s important that your party spreads out to reduce compaction on the untracked sections to avoid creating a path where there wasn’t one before. We took a day pack with first aid kit, comms, snacks, water and rain gear, and left our main packs at the junction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a04428b-e3a2-438c-bd6e-98b12102d635/IMG_6249.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - resting under ledge near Davern’s Cavern We didn’t quite make the Cavern but knew we were just metres away because we’d seen pictures of views from the mouth of the cave. However, with a few wrong turns we’d already spent quite some time reaching this spot. The track is completely overgrown in places and you have scrambling too, more demanding than on the main track. Just past this spot is a very short but steep scramble down to the Cavern around the corner, that I found too daunting within our time constraints: we would also need to scramble back up and I was feeling increasingly nervous. In this picture, Frenchman’s Cap is already shrouded in mist and rain was forecast; cloud base can descend incredibly quickly. We had the return route on Geoff’s smartwatch, but navigating the little plain in whiteout was not an appealing prospect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2cbb86be-08f4-4562-8ff3-f5a402cefe2b/IMG_5706.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Expansive mountain views in wilderness So back on the main trail now, with Barron’s Pass behind us, above Geoff in the photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5f6a61f-9c22-4982-8ed6-10b5a1a7da08/IMG_5696.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - views over lake from near Barron Pass The views through this entire section will have you pausing often to look back over your shoulder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20ff8130-8632-426c-9d48-601498d7b2dd/IMG_5713.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Drosera arcturi Drosera arcturi is an insectivorous plant that grows in alpine peat bogs. The little globules are sticky and trap insects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3d53f2fb-3d5e-43e5-aeb9-81550de17fba/IMG_5731.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Olearia persooniodes Mountain Daisy bush (Olearia persooniodes). Take advantage of the plant and animal books found in huts. Photograph relevant pages to help you identify what you’ve seen! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b5460e3-d827-4337-966a-5b360d044645/IMG_5720.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Sharland’s Peak, Barron Pass, the White Needle and Philps Peak. Geoff and Sharland’s Peak, Barron Pass, the White Needle and Philps Peak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd1916f5-4016-4100-96a8-f7c68a7aa5a0/IMG_5730.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - natural moss gardens Beautiful moss gardens. These are extremely sensitive to trampling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/32f219fe-19b5-4cc6-8a22-aa915bc35889/IMG_8400.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - steps up tree trunk One last climb to Tahune. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b6ede5b-f2a1-487d-931d-bc57aa0ff894/IMG_8402.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - scrambling up rocky face You thought you were finished for the day, didn’t you? But if you have started early from Lake Vera like we did, you have plenty of time. I really enjoyed this section because we were under no time pressure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/974c8006-8c4f-40f6-a091-63935848ad3a/IMG_5734.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - another steep climb on way to Lake Tahune You can see Barron Pass in the distance, and the ridge we’ve crossed. You’ve had a lot of cumulative ascent since Barron Pass, but you’re nearly finished for the day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/10a131ad-6cfb-47bf-baaa-9232ad8ec67e/IMG_6159.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - artichoke valley You’ll now sidle along the ridge across an almost level shelf with old wooden boards. On our return route, cloud was blowing through the valleys, making for wonderfully dramatic vistas quite different to our hike in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/28e53098-8367-4203-a413-9e73694edc42/IMG_5742.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - burnt Billy pines Skeletal fingers of Billy pines remain from the 1966 fires that also destroyed the first Lake Tahune Hut. You’ll have marvellous views north. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b08d0465-dd8f-4911-8934-47867a108305/IMG_5743.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Diplarrena latifolia) Western Flag Iris (Diplarrena latifolia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b98f601d-4d43-4eb3-9d5d-3751e157c6ff/IMG_5752.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Mountain Daisy Mountain Daisy (Celmisia astelliifolia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4b54b151-b733-44a9-a1ed-7f2271f20f7f/IMG_8463.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - misty views near top of mountains on Frenchman’s Cap trail We were amazed by the difference low cloud made to the views, here on our way out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/746d70cd-75e1-491d-bf12-8fae87dc73d4/IMG_8466.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - final short climb before descending to Tahune Hut Just a little more clambering! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c5e9de3-ed08-412a-90b7-e70ad40c810e/IMG_5763.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - view of Frenchman’s Cap And there it is, Frenchman’s Cap up close! The hut is down in the valley beyond the nearest ridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ebb752eb-bb81-467d-bd2f-865c427c14f4/IMG_5772.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Tahune Hut Down more wooden steps and Tahune Hut pops into view. It is the most comfortable public hut we’ve ever seen in Australia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/48d0d015-6b93-4940-b59d-632572f84101/IMG_6108.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - bunks inside Tahune Hut Sleeps 24, but fewer than half that are permitted to book because of the out and return format. We heard that some hikers spent quite a few nights in Tahune waiting for low cloud to clear. Rangers live on site a lot of the time in peak season both here and at Lake Vera. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83294396-81ba-40b7-a3ee-9e254f35fb3f/IMG_6109.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Inside Tahune Hut The hut is heated by passive solar and a micro-hydro electric system from Tahune Creek, so it is deliciously warm… and not only draft proof, but rodent proof! It’s the only hut in living memory safe to not hang our food bags! You even have an opportunity to recharge electronics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9c2d742f-998a-4d56-bcac-120712dc6cc3/IMG_5775.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - tent platform at Tahune Hut Plenty of tent platforms, which are more environmentally sustainable than the bare dirt ones nearer the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2619321e-2f3b-497f-84ef-64efabea5a28/IMG_5812.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - Tahune Lake And that lake… wow. Frenchman’s Cap looms overhead, and there’s even a small beach from which to swim. It’s idyllic (but very cold!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/242dd3b1-22e8-4951-9877-20640fbc7b57/P1233059-Pano.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune - amazing sunset at Tahune Hut Evening views from the helipad. https://slowerhiking.com/frenchmans-cap-tasmania/lake-tahune-to-frenchmans-cap-summit monthly 0.5 2024-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c142192a-c875-439a-8150-e82e99bc3375/IMG_5930.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - on way up to Frenchman’s Cap Today’s magnificent views begin long before the summit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69ec36b6-a08f-4a91-89b9-119ca8568ce0/Tahune+to+Frenchmans+Cap.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - map with elevation graph (Base Layer Contains Imagery from Google Satellite https://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=s&x={x}&y={y}&z={z} Track & elevation recorded on Garmin Fenix 6) Map and elevation chart for the scramble to the summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/293f3d8d-f7c1-4f78-9326-7287a93ab2e9/IMG_6071.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Lake Tahune from above And the views every step of the way are spectacular… you’ve only just left the hut and, looking back, this is the view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dc3ea716-fe94-4e8f-85b3-11072a5a3836/IMG_5852.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - steps up steep climb through forest A steep climb out from the hut with blue skies, and almost immediately you have glimpses of what is to come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/069851a9-5be5-4d11-84e1-057798f23400/IMG_5856.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Tasmannia lanceolata Tasmanian Pepperberry (Tasmannia lanceolata). The berries are somewhat overpowering, but when combined with honey an infusion of the leaves makes delicious icecream! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8291414e-a44b-4bb1-8ac6-f36fd093e197/IMG_5863.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - new track route to Frenchman’s Cap summit The original eroded trail climbs straight up the valley to the right through the scree, but the new route zigzags up on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/735d5655-39d5-4bf4-ac85-d3139b83c56e/IMG_5853.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Craspedia macrocephala Alpine Billy Button (Craspedia macrocephala) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/19fbada2-4481-4679-a967-aecb90280539/IMG_5875.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Varnished Gum The smallest eucalypt species in existence, Varnished Gum (E. vernicosa) grows to a maximum of just over one metre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90b9492d-a431-4dc9-822b-2dba8a1daaf7/IMG_5880.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - the zig zag track includes some easy scrambling parts The track switches back up the face… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cd691009-4025-414a-9ad8-cd2f22784fd2/IMG_5882.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - some climbing is required … growing ever steeper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/29262106-031f-4bfd-84eb-ed3e7bc75a7c/IMG_5888.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - rock cliff face At certain spots, it seems you will need to climb a vertical wall, but the track continues sidling its way up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/35764b9b-38a6-40db-a958-4a56104f6d7c/IMG_5891.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - views towards lions head Periodically you follow contouring shelves, and from these you have marvellous views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/60a41968-6a31-46cc-9757-821a18c938a4/IMG_5898.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - More scrambling More scrambling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7efd1bf0-6d2b-476e-884a-018d346ecbf0/IMG_5900.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Irenabyss track junction Here is where the track branches; remember this spot. You go straight up behind the sign to the summit. If this is too daunting, take the path towards Irenabyss. You’ll be able to follow it for at least several hundred metres for new views, and turn back at any point you wish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00fb6b35-fa98-4bed-be5a-a9a6212593a9/IMG_5912.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - climbing up the rock chimney on way to Frenchman’s Cap This was the trickiest bit. We’d been told about it but didn’t realise until after we’d passed it, so have a go, remembering you’ll have to come down as well. John Chapman describes this track as easy scrambling but it’s all relative, isn’t it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36551ee6-c7e9-487f-8719-87a1a4ad4bf8/IMG_5911.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - climbing up the Chimney A longish reach up over the rock above and to the left of Geoff. You can see you really wouldn’t want to hurry here! It’s not super technical — I could do it! — but you need to think ahead as to where you’ll put your feet, especially on the way down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d796fbb-3693-4168-8d95-75ee67a86749/IMG_5924.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - more easier climbing Ah, but look at those views growing ever wider. The little overhang is lower left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0010f812-7c2e-4795-b64d-8ee28759a50e/IMG_5930.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - views from track on way to Frenchman’s Cap It is magnificent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3596c568-a122-421c-8f9e-fe69f71b38f8/IMG_5934.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Irenabyss track The track to Irenabyss, the one that branched off earlier, climbs Lion’s Head and then follows the spine. If Frenchman’s Cap is in cloud, this lower track is a good alternative, or divert on your way back after summitting the cap. Follow it for as long as you feel comfortable, remembering that pictures like this always make tracks look more daunting and exposed than they actually are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a530237a-b928-4b2a-8f08-a1a0f717371b/IMG_5937-Pano.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Lake Burbury near Queenstown from Frenchman’s Cap track Wow. We can already see all the way to Lake Burbury near Queenstown! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36cd123d-1391-4ec2-9516-4b2a341948cc/P1243108.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Isophysis tasmanica Tasmanian Purple Star (Isophysis tasmanica). I’d been hoping to see this iris right through the South Coast Track, to no avail… and here it is, still in bloom! Yay! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f786669e-063e-4591-9893-4fe5b86aa4c3/IMG_6054.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Blandfordia punicea Christmas bells (Blandfordia punicea). Different plants as you climb past previous altitudes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/66aaaeb1-d83e-4f0b-abf9-e0ae766df747/IMG_5970.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - grand views from Frenchman’s Cap track You’re still far from the summit but the views are already fantastic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b3657d63-551b-4044-bf6f-c72053e3b218/IMG_5973.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Lake Burbury and Mt Jukes Lake Burbury and Mt Jukes behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df96ec53-3665-47fc-887e-15c34fe94f92/IMG_5977.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Xerochrysum milliganii As you approach the summit, the entire dome is covered in daisies (Xerochrysum milliganii). It is spectacular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b6912ef5-6299-4a94-8838-87b2789912b2/IMG_8448.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Frenchman’s Cap Summit Glorious 360 degree views, but possibly not for much longer: the cloud is already building from the morning’s blue skies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/566a42db-47aa-49c4-8209-92e7e6f9edb1/IMG_5985.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Barron pass and mountain lakes below in background white daises in foreground Barron Pass left, Lake Cecily foreground, with Lake Gertrude behind and Lake Millicent right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a6a11e47-1db4-44d0-9d54-c260d01d912b/IMG_5988-Pano.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - wider view from Frenchman’s Cap A wider view becoming increasingly hazy as the cloud lowers, with Clytemnestra far right. With steep gullies and scrambling, the route — not track — to this peak was too demanding for us to consider, but many faster hikers easily manage the extended out and return on the same day (details in John Chapman’s book). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c4455c84-981a-478f-a6c1-d4af53f3da07/P1243083.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - sheltering from the wind at summit We spend an hour on the summit with views to Macquarie Harbour. It is cold and breezy so Geoff eats second breakfast huddled behind a rock wall. We also have phone reception here and get a weather update. Yes, rain is coming! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/943385e0-b71f-4789-8fc2-9324ea0cfbf8/IMG_5999.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Lake Nancy tucked behind Lion’s Head, and the peaks of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and the Walls of Jerusalem on the horizon. Marvellous views north, with Lake Nancy tucked behind Lion’s Head, and the peaks of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and the Walls of Jerusalem on the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce44d1d6-d349-4a44-b405-d386288ec906/IMG_6005.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - views on way down from Frenchman’s Cap You really do have completely different perspectives on the way down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d884f7f6-34f6-4ac4-b4cf-e9bd1d9c40cd/IMG_6013.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - view to the west One last vista westwards… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/60713f35-616c-4aab-b9de-e175dfec820d/IMG_6064.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Frenchman’s Cap peak in cloud … just in time: Frenchman’s Cap is in cloud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec7f58a7-f43e-422d-b45c-eabffe49b939/IMG_6033-Pano.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Lake Tahune It’s still clear to the east, however, and we’re treated to more views of the hut and Lake Tahune and its little swimming beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/176b93b3-69d8-4452-922f-d7d56e85083f/IMG_6057.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Lake Tahune Down, down, down… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0d04150d-5333-42f3-a8f7-063a009e0f06/IMG_6073.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - glimpses of Lake Tahune through forest … and it is as beautiful as the summit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d6a4fff2-865e-4e41-8018-d68c599d7eed/IMG_6092.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - swimming in Lake Tahune Time for a quick dip, before the lowering cloud completely swallows the lake. Icy but refreshing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f98bb2e2-2428-462a-9361-291cc4004185/laksal3+frenchmasns.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Laksa meal at Lake Tahune Hut And back into the warm hut for dinner, our delicious laksa recipe. What a day it has been! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2abb74b5-eaa0-4b6f-9cec-f2d746541482/IMG_6106.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Lake Tahune to Frenchman’s Cap Summit return - Lake Tahune The Frenchman’s Cap Track is guaranteed to create banner memories, those that stay with you for a lifetime. Yes, it’s the most demanding hut-to-hut hike in Tasmania but, with such variety and views not just on the summit but every day, the rewards are rich. With a conservative itinerary, slower hikers will love every minute. https://slowerhiking.com/frenchmans-cap-tasmania/frenchmans-cap-planning-and-tips monthly 0.5 2025-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cef9a84e-83ef-473b-b332-df133df27ce9/IMG_6293-Pano.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - View from Barrons Pass Spectacular views between Lake Vera and Tahune https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f9057e7-7713-478f-a902-69294a664d8a/IMG_6086.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - Mist above Lake Tahune Lake Tahune, just one of many glorious alpine lakes and tarns you’ll see on this hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9a846665-768d-4e47-bbb5-ae11c72f3c0d/Frenchman%27s+Cap+Locality+V2.png Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - Frenchman’s Cap Locality Map Frenchman’s Cap with other iconic walk locations nearby such as Cradle Mountain’s Overland Track, Walls of Jerusalem, Mt Field, Western Arthurs and the South Coast Track: plenty of opportunities to combine for a four or five week trip of a lifetime! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5ad443e-20ad-4539-965f-7a57a7ac3dde/Frenchmans+Cap+Elevation+Graphs.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - hike details including elevation gain 46km (28.6 miles) return hike with 2465 metre (8090 ft) elevation gain and loss. The graphs shown here are for the outward journey trip from the trail head to Frenchman’s Cap (ie one way only). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0a575ab-6ed6-425c-84be-061a861458a3/IMG_5476.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - Button Grass area of track Rainforest alternating with button grass and ti tree with views on Day 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/afabdf6d-9761-4a47-81be-1860a8a6c88a/IMG_5437.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - eroded section of track You can see the amount of erosion on this short unprotected section of track. Such erosion completely changes the hydrology of swamps, with impacts far beyond the immediate vicinity of the track itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ddf8bd86-7472-4a74-aaeb-aedbaa7d2010/IMG_5503.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - board walk section in forest Here, too, protecting the ground means no mud is washed into streams and rivulets, keeping them clear for aquatic life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a52e2bc2-931b-4fd9-bd1c-2f90642617c8/IMG_5664-Pano.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - Barron Pass Amazing views on Day Two from Barron Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/827a152a-9b1f-472b-9da3-af1e4df48bc1/IMG_6190.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - Steep sections of track over rock Scrambling and… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a8e4c371-eba0-4fee-9a27-be989f27f270/IMG_5579.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - timber ladder in forest rustic ladders and… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2502b1be-916f-4786-818e-dac04864b72a/IMG_5606.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - tree trunk ladders … more fun ladders on Day 2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c86952df-989e-4094-8392-48544a43a733/IMG_5930.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - expansive views of nearby mountain peaks Enjoyable scrambles and fabulous views on Day 3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6ee5798e-719f-4492-a4f2-8f2b5270a477/IMG_5909.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - climbing up the rock chimney Steep scrambles on Day 3 to the peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5cba973-431a-4224-ac25-9c91a83bc308/IMG_5901.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - more rock scrambling More scrambling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7fb5752e-9b8a-4db9-b32c-d67d3a2e58c5/IMG_5357.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - trail head signage Signage states 3-5 days return. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e22d8bc7-69b2-4eb1-8bcd-97676cd18d0f/IMG_8470.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - Davern’s Cave sour route Spectacular views on the return of one of the spur routes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f310073-5c8b-477c-8502-154ace10325d/IMG_5513.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - tree roots over track in forest Rooty track… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9af46e53-ad4d-48b6-bcaf-06d45afb33c6/IMG_5422.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - mossy rocks line the track …and rocky track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e7da06a-7639-4bff-bb4e-dd0ddf008976/IMG_6328.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - leafy tent site One of many pleasant campsites on the banks of the Loddon River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/804f9810-24b8-4bdf-80d4-e7cd8504acad/IMG_5701.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - exposed ledges This looks daunting but is not as tricky or exposed as it appears. This is the toughest short section of just a few metres for those who dislike exposure — once you’re past it, you have clear sailing to Tahune hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6db824ac-4e87-4164-a18b-30950eb21cad/IMG_5900.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - scrambling up rock face at Irenabyss track junction Straight up to the summit on Day 3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d5a66f9-dbe6-4617-8281-060242b605dc/IMG_5797.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - water tanks and sink at Tahune Hut There are rainwater tanks at each hut and you’ll pass rivers, streams and lakes. The catchment is pristine but some hikers will still prefer to treat water with a filter, purifying tablets or by boiling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/152b576b-918e-4fdb-8aed-dd8b6118be35/IMG_5559.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - Lake Vera Hut Lake Vera Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec04d217-ca0f-41e3-80d8-33df65bb7a3b/IMG_6111.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - Tahune Hut Tahune hut: Luuxxuurry! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f411b066-0137-458b-926b-0c15da3d9e82/IMG_5537.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - lake Vera Tent Platforms Tent platforms at Lake Vera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/716a20eb-4891-419f-9d13-604f76802a69/IMG_5535.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - toilet block at Lake Vera Loos… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/538277bb-5db5-4b11-8edc-9896f0e34651/IMG_5557.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - view out from window in toilet at Lake Tahune … with views! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04de2e9b-d0a6-4bde-bb0d-910021e37a1e/IMG_5363.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - Registration booth Geoff signing the walker logbook in the registration booth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fcd6492a-bba7-48ff-9d4a-b4036226711c/IMG_6311.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - boardwalks across areas of button grass Cold rain on the way out: 3-layer goretex jacket and two-layer goretex pants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0da3b291-16c4-4e76-9a21-899ff684ac5d/IMG_6330.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - Jack Jumper ant nest Jack Jumper ant nest beside the track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef4f82c2-d862-4037-9328-d1d7118aa461/IMG_5548.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - swimming platform at Lake Vera Swimming hole near Lake Vera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2079dc9-5935-4419-b237-b097f1ee0fea/IMG_6094.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - swimming at Lake Tahune A chilly but wonderful dip in Lake Tahune, mist swirling ever lower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04bddd74-9f89-40eb-bdb4-f9705b023afc/IMG_5379.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - boot washing station Boot cleaning station — remember to spray your trekking pole tips and gaiters too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cba4f278-d50a-44e0-bf4a-a95e66f344b3/IMG_6073.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - glimpses of Lake Tahune on return journey Returning to Tahune Hut after summitting Frenchman’s Cap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d462995-9f07-4260-ad47-e157b3e11053/IMG_8461.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - wild sky and rugged mountain tops The entire return journey offers new views, especially if the weather changes, when clouds offer moody peaks swirling with cloud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/484bec65-7e6a-413d-b795-9f6f1e8c7314/IMG_5988-Pano.jpg Frenchman's Cap Tasmania - Frenchman’s Cap Trail Planning and Tips - Barron Pass, Philps Peak, Lakes Millicent, Cecily, Gertrude and Magdalen, and Mt Clytemnestra from Frenchman’s Cap. Barron Pass and Philps Peak, Lakes Millicent, Cecily, Gertrude and Magdalen, and Mt Clytemnestra from the summit. https://slowerhiking.com/south-coast-track-tasmania daily 0.75 2025-10-30 https://slowerhiking.com/south-coast-track-tasmania/south-coast-track-hike-planning monthly 0.5 2024-09-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d97cf9e0-e659-4275-993a-0e44f8674170/brighter.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - view west approaching Osmiridium Beach track junction Grand sea views enroute to Osmiridium Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a328e4e9-0f77-4206-99e8-b1fb7c83ff39/South+Coast+Track+Locality.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - South Coast Track Location Map and Elevation Profile Location Map and Elevation Profile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d418a82-4e9a-405d-9081-1f975233f092/28+boat+crossing.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - New Lagoon boast crossing New Lagoon boat crossing - great fun in benign conditions! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d22ce380-278e-437a-8de6-649d7c8860d4/44+track.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Ironbounds descent tree roots On the Ironbounds descent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1389827b-c0bb-44bf-b155-fbd7a99b79d3/16+bog.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - track on South Cape Range Traverse South Cape Range Traverse. Some of these peaty bogs look innocuous, but step in them and you sink to your knees or deeper! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9ffa812-e426-48c3-9fe7-8ca404cef63e/18+very+wet.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - South Cape Range Traverse track example Challenging terrain on the South Cape Range crossing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c888bfa7-9125-41ff-9825-0fdd9e8a7d45/45+sign.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - public notice at Cockle Creek Trail Head Tassie Parks Service sign in the registration hut at the Cockle Creek end. In faint biro underneath the quote, some weary wit has written, "You can say that again!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3577ab6a-c62a-4e69-8445-272d39ac0f66/001+planer.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Cambridge Airport Geoff with the little twin-engine plane at Cambridge airport. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/60168e43-8a6a-405f-bca4-d08f454c28ed/10+no+views.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - South Cape Range in fog With low cloud, flights into Melaleuca would not have happened today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/117565e6-b188-4346-b808-cf5ee50d391f/01+airport+signage.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - dangerous goods sign You pay for your fuel at the airport, and then collect your canisters or decant liquid or alcohol fuel when you reach Melaleuca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/23423ae0-116e-4174-9f30-36a13c627272/04+plane+2.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Federation Peak from plane In clear weather, the flight to Melaleuca is seriously scenic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/23b2c40f-2696-45b6-bda3-48ef46bd9fc3/Cockle-Creek-Precinct-Improvement-BPSM+Atchitects.jpeg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Cockle Creek Visitor Shelter Cockle Creek Visitor Shelter. Nearby are campsites and toilets. (Image Credit: BPSM Architects). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91bde1f1-508d-42b4-ac0c-640def8a0d7a/Full+South+Coast+Track.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - map of trail with elevation profile Overview of the hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1725069513022-82JCK8Y5Z9DPCZKQAGQ8/Hike+daily+totals+table+metric.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1725069513060-2XKN7V4OTXDPOA7F7YXI/Hike+daily+totals+table+imperial.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/306124ed-9d22-476a-9d1d-21fb7ff2c7a4/south+cape+rivulet-2.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - tent site at South Cape Rivulet Last beaut campsite on the track for us at South Cape Rivulet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e65f3c66-0385-486b-a491-97d4ef8bd528/33+in+camp+L.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Louisa River campsite Louisa River East Campsite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/89784d6e-2ede-4d78-bfa0-77f076eda2d0/41+shower.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Granite Beach waterfall A relaxing 'rest' day spent at Granite Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e6c0bc89-8f73-414e-aae8-d1b9fb15bdc0/28+hut.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Second Bushcampers Hut Melaleuca Cosy hut at Melaleuca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/68a67c4c-6bef-4e1f-bbca-c41b0518816e/41+cuppas.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Buoy Creek Campsite Delightful Buoy Creek Campsite with Boy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81190e51-8234-47de-b34a-5117715c35e4/32+creek.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Louisa River Crossing Crossing Louisa River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/652d6e14-0f62-48f9-a251-80f268290c4d/21+still+climbing.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Ironbound Range Increasing exposure as you near the top of the Ironbounds https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/489e6ef5-ab16-4f07-982b-9fced138f786/52+caqmp.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Ironbounds Low Camp Ironbounds Low Camp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f662d026-d8d0-4fb5-a21d-c5aee8313215/37+swim.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - swimming in Deadmans Creek Geoff takes a dip in Deadmans Creek at Turua Campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2ccbbdf-52f6-4861-a9c5-194f65770273/grotto+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - outlet of Grotto Creek The outlet of Grotto Creek at the western end of Prion Beach at low tide. At high tide or in stormy southerlies, you will not be able to cross. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bce1b518-bbfc-440f-8193-391ab8a08a5d/19+rest.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Surprise Rivulet Enjoying the sun and the scenery at Surprise Rivulet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e750724c-2817-4a10-bf30-8eed09d6a5ed/23+black+cliffs.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Coal Bluff Spectacular terrain near Coal Blufff https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a02dc96-61c6-4e9f-8abb-214eab40ba8b/05b.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Kula Cloth Choose the silver impregnated kula pee cloth rather than budget rags that get stinkier faster. I carry two Kula cloths, with the clean one open and drying on one side, and the one to be used for the day clipped closed on the other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e2e4403-e9e3-4d91-807a-554f23848c93/33+loo.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Osmiridium Toilet The Very Fancy New Toilet at Osmiridium. Most are not like this and are considerably more grungy and aromatic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77633b5e-f627-474d-86e8-651b8cc7d415/36+forecast.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - Garmin mini-inreach Carry a PLB and/or Inreach. Be aware that an Inreach is unlikely to penetrate dense tree canopy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e8a1507-2283-41c5-afa6-1f6164d9d041/34+hanging+bags.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - hanging food Hang your food. It's not an issue all years or all seasons, but you will not be a happy camper if a quoll snatches your food for the week. Animals quickly learn to steal when there is lots on offer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ef00429-ea83-4f6e-a427-204dd0653dbc/20+under+logs.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - South Coast Track Planning and Tips - deadfall timber over track South Cape Range Squeezing under deadfall: a small pack is a huge advantage. https://slowerhiking.com/south-coast-track-tasmania/day-1-hobart-to-melaleuca monthly 0.5 2024-09-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31a3abfd-e9e1-412f-877f-363420055c4c/17+walk.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Melaleuca Lagoon from Needwonnee boardwalk On the Needwonnee day walk, looking across Melaleuca Lagoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8d89fe23-f607-4ec9-ad9d-91e29174ed5e/South+Coast+Track+Locality+Revised.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - locality map South Coast Track If you've decided to follow our leisurely itinerary, you'll be hiking west to east (see Planning and Tips for detailed logistics), so today's trip comprises a marvellously scenic 45-minute flight from Hobart to Melaleuca with vast views across Tasmania's Southwest Wilderness, followed by a relaxed stroll around the settlement to see the historic museum, Melaleuca Lagoon, plus Melaleuca and Moth Creeks. Although many hikers begin their walk the moment they arrive in Melaleuca, you will spend the afternoon exploring the sights around Melaleuca. Yes, it's an extra dinner and breakfast to carry, but the huts are only 400m/437yd from the airstrip: easy-peasy! Once you've set up in one of the huts or in the campsite under the melaleucas, grab your day pack and head off on the easy 1.6 km/1mi Needwonnee circuit walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d46ff7fc-050c-464b-8c35-5114ed706f29/001+planer.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - light plane at Cambridge airport When you hop out of your taxi at Cambridge Airport NE of Hobart for your 45 minute charter flight to Melaleuca, check in your luggage. You'll pay for your fuel now too, because of course you can't take flammables on the aircraft; you'll instead collect it from a little shed at the Melaleuca airstrip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3d42334-7567-4c1c-9030-3481b266a861/02+plane+1.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Aerial view of Huon River near Franklin and Woodstock Over the Huon River near Franklin and Woodstock. The twin engine planes are small and fly low, operating under Visual Flight Rules: it's fantastic fun. In good weather, they fly direct to Melaleuca over land but, with low cloud or stronger winds, the flight path is over the sea to avoid the turbulent mountainous terrain. Either way, you'll get views because they'll be flying under cloud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e47a6ae9-74b6-4467-bd13-856bfd933690/03+plane+2.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - fabulous views from the plane I think we're about 3,500-4,000' amsl here! You'll fly over Hartz Mountain National Park before entering the Southwest National Park. On the way, you're surrounded by spectacular peaks... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bce5cdf2-832a-4ce5-8996-b04dabd91fe4/04+plane+2.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - view of Federation Peak and Lake Geeves from plane ... and mountain lakes and tarns. Here are Federation Peak and Lake Geeves, wilderness as far as the eye can see. Just wow. The flight is as much fun as a day on the track! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ed79fa5-6ad9-485f-86ed-f7cd1b5514fc/05+plane_.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Melaleuca All too soon you're descending over Melaleuca, here looking SSW along Moth Creek. The museum's circular roof is lower centre above the patch of trees, with tin mining scars visible centre. The campsite, huts and Melaleuca Lagoon are out of sight bottom right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7df30c92-f36a-42a2-a0d2-6ac86c6c1216/06+melaleuca.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Melaleuca After decanting alcohol into fuel containers at the shed (others pick up gas canisters; liquid fuel like Shellite is available too), it's time to scrub boots at the cleaning station in the second shed. Don't miss this step because introduced diseases have the potential to decimate the park's fragile ecosystem. Next, head for the huts. Many day trippers visit Melaleuca too, it's not just multiday hikers and researchers. We flew with a second plane filled with scientists and volunteers monitoring the endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot population. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c4752d86-4aa8-4371-9c54-643e9eafd737/07+hut.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Charles King Memorial Hut The Charles King Memorial Hut was built in 1959-'61 by Deny King and the Hobart Walking Club; Nissen Huts are famously robust and easy to erect in remote locations. You can glimpse the Ranger accommodation behind vegetation on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0ad8bd74-678b-4f65-87ee-721c1ab0879d/09+inside+hut.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Inside Charles King Hut The original stone fireplace in Charles King Hut. No fire today or any; solid fuels aren't permitted in the park, but it doesn't matter: today the plywood-lined hut is like an oven in the summer sunshine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0109f449-cdc0-4a2f-9b7a-a3be868fe6e7/27+hut.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Second Bushwalkers Hut Melaleuca So we decamp to the cooler Second Hut, also built by Deny King in 1975-’76 with help from the Launceston and Hobart Walking Clubs. Both huts are only for hikers, not day trippers. Even in peak season, we have the hut to ourselves because the hikers with whom we shared the plane all started the SCT straight from the airstrip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3bbf8269-e662-44a8-ae3d-c681b62b792a/11+inside+hut+P.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - inside second hut The original central fireplace in the Second Hut is gone but a bright kitchen is welcoming, with a sleeping area at the opposite end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4de6dd39-07aa-4f8d-b026-3de9837db1e7/08+campsites.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Melaleuca tent camping area After dropping your gear in the hut, take a daypack and go for a walk. The campground is delightful, well-sheltered amongst the melaleucas. These tents belong to parrot researchers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/85adbb95-3511-445f-8a52-878003995a25/12+near+moss+creek+south+coast+track+melaleuca+70.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Moth Creek from boardwalk Heading to Moth Creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7cf4ab0d-f237-4bc3-9904-46a0fb4a8d2c/13+near+moss+creek+south+coast+track+melaleuca+70.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Boardwalk to Moth Creek Lovely old boardwalk... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/361fcf1e-83f6-421d-86f3-f6c2ab23c963/14+near+moss+creek+south+coast+track+melaleuca+boat+harbour+80.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - private boat landing ... and a small private boat landing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a461140-a65f-461c-ab25-98d618b09d91/15+loop.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - boardwalk through forest on Needwonnee circuit walk. Backtrack and head onto the 1.6km (1mi) Needwonnee circuit walk. It's flat and manicured, easy walking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/46be20e2-599d-44ac-bf59-2d63fc117a87/16+landing.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Melaleuca Lagoon Melaleuca Lagoon with Mt Rugby in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/deebed90-eb05-4f32-a4e4-82e827862c73/19+stylidium.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Stylidium graminifolium Plenty of wildflowers. Here, Stylidium graminifolium (Trigger Plant) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04303b05-5b21-409f-ac18-484a3ad7c3ab/21+utricularia.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Utricularia uniflora ... and one of my favourites, Bladderworts (Utricularia uniflora). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3d6b5ffe-99bd-4ad7-af6d-606c22b94840/18+south+coast+track+melaleuca+needwonnee+walk.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Melaleuca Creek Continuing anticlockwise to a second boat landing on Melaleuca Creek, nice for a dip on a hot day, with Pandora Hill as the backdrop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f27b6b03-0d74-402b-b46f-3c2f8722e43e/25+museum.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - track to museum at Melaleuca On past the airstrip and to the museum. It is well worth visiting... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9a713cd2-5fe3-4d00-b7fb-276e139f3075/23+museum.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Museum ... with many interesting artifacts and interpretive signage. In one room, a volunteer with binoculars is recording orange-bellied parrots arriving at the feeder outside the window. If you're a twitcher and keen to see one or any of the other rare species (Ground Parrot, Southern Emu wren and more), early morning and late afternoon are good times. Day trippers miss out but, for those hiking a leisurely SCT, you will have an evening and a morning to try your luck! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a5ef55b-5ceb-410f-b471-da89ad6ed42e/20+leptospermum.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Leptospermum lanigerum Outside again, and the blazing white blossom of Woolly Teatree (Leptospermum lanigerum) lights up the plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f6e07d6-09d4-4fc2-906f-a73fe982f3bf/26+prasophyllum.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Prasophyllum concinnum And, thrillingly for Orchid enthusiasts like me, as daylight fades, a tiny leek orchid, Prasophyllum concinnum. Also seen on the walk are finished sun orchids (Thelymitra) and Beard Orchids (Calochilus). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5676e2d6-dd9f-47ca-b16c-5cf9e4da3ba1/29+hut.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Sleeping area inside second bushwalkers hut Melaleuca Back to the Second Hut for a cuppa and dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4c27c462-bbdb-49f8-9c77-0e7ce36f1a87/30+bird.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Grey Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica) A Grey Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica) snaps at insects on the window screen outside, its beak tapping the glass. The place is teeming with birdlife, flitting and chattering in the trees and grasses outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d503a542-9735-4670-8fef-dc5aabf187c1/28+hut.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 1: Hobart to Melaleuca - Make it stand out A cosy nest for the night. No sign of rodents, but note that we've hung our food bag using a thin spectra fishing line and a mini biner anyway: you can bet that the first time we don't bother, something will find our food. Tomorrow, without any rush or pressure, it will be time for leisurely hikers to start the South Coast Track! https://slowerhiking.com/south-coast-track-tasmania/day-2-melaleuca-buoy-creek monthly 0.5 2025-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/842a2d05-0dc3-4d1c-b7a9-31c9791dbeeb/09+rain.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - button grass plain Solitude on a vast buttongrass plain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dcbc526b-c329-4461-885f-596803ffa66d/Mel+to+Buoy+Creek.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - elevation graph and map Today's 16.4km (10.2mi) walk takes you southeast across vast buttongrass plains sprinkled with wildflowers, before contouring around New Harbour Range and Freney Lagoon, teeming with birdlife. Once you reach the coast, you'll walk along Cox Bight's two gloriously deserted white beaches, passing several campsites and crossing a few stream outlets along the way. At the end of the second beach is cosy Buoy Creek campsite. You have little elevation gain and loss – just 280m (920ft) and 300m (980ft) respectively – so although the distance might seem on the longer side for us slower hikers, the sand is reasonably firm underfoot, and duckboard eases the boggier parts of the buttongrass plains. You might be tempted to stop earlier at Point Eric, but this makes tomorrow, with more elevation gain, a much tougher day. Use those fresh legs today instead! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cfd04741-8557-4efc-b73f-24d574dd26b4/22+start+of+track.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - registration booth at Melaleuca Pop into the shed to register your walk in the logbook; we give our trekking pole tips a clean as we missed them yesterday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8696ac96-c5db-4a75-86cc-167a54f2b543/01+start.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Buttongrass plain at Melaleuca Almost immediately you're out onto those marvellous buttongrass plains, wider than any we've seen on our hikes on the Central Plateau. The weather is good now, but rain is coming. You can expect rain on the SCT, just dress accordingly and accept it's going to happen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41768169-98a1-4f8c-92bc-b8a17e4be625/02+wombat+poo.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - wombat poo Famously "square poo out of a round hole" is unique, instantly-identifiable scat. Scientific papers have been written about wombat poo, should you be wondering! Hint: it's not the hole! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15570432-86fb-4335-99e9-7097cc0f02b4/06+prasophyllum.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Prasophyllum concinnum More orchids! The colour and size of these flowers suggests this is a different species to the tiny, pale lemon-yellow ones yesterday but alas, despite what many orchid hunters might wish, speciation usually depends on more than size and colour, which are often influenced by growing conditions. This is simply a bigger, darker form of Prasophyllum concinnum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/baadc642-3257-4927-8813-6a8eaa084612/03+into+the+distance.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - duckboard across buttongrass The plains are grand, with plentiful small wildflowers thriving in the slashed strips along the duckboard. No muddy slogs today but, don't worry, they will come later! Pandora Hill and the Bathurst Range left and ahead respectively. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/30ffcf2b-9115-4605-bd1f-59adcba697eb/07+vast+plains.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Buttongrassplain You will have seen the track from the plane yesterday. It's difficult to convey this regions's vast and remote ambience, even though Melaleuca is not far behind. No roads enter the Southwest National Park, so it's only accessible by air, boat or foot. Unlike nearly all multiday walks on mainland Australia, the entire SCT crosses not a single vehicular track. It's wonderful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8cbe0694-0138-47c1-a78e-149bc4fd93d9/08+rain.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - buttongrass plain near Melaleuca in the rain As forecast, rain is coming. We're wearing three-layer goretex rain jackets and good quality albeit slightly lighter rainpants. Very light rain pants fail when pushing through wet scrub, but usually don't need to be as heavy as a jacket protecting your core with the weight of a pack and direct rain on your shoulders. You can often get away with lighter pants, especially if your jacket is thigh-length. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4eafa8ba-2ea7-476d-82c7-0cb3ea9718c7/04+drosera.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Sundew Sundew (Drosera murfettii). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a4b50069-238d-4101-8973-53c70929a3cd/05+drosera.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Fork-Leaved Sundrew And another, the Fork-Leaved Sundrew (D. binata) with its sticky "dew". They excrete digestive juices and can absorb nutrients through their leaves, tentacles and sessile glands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fdf4292f-b1a7-4fda-87c8-3cb7d0a73b09/11+snack+break.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - DCF pack covers Snack break. You can't see it there but, whenever we wear rain pants, we use sit pads or a bit of closed cell foam to protect the DWR coating. You can also see we have DCF pack covers. Always choose a pack cover that clips to or around the pack and use the attachments: loose ones fly away or get pulled off in scrub. Our packs are "waterproof" but of course pack seams and complex sewing means that none of them are completely dry even when the material is or they are seam taped. In a wet, cold climate like this, on a remote walk with many creek crossings, we double up and also use pack liners. Overkill perhaps, but drenched clothing and sleep gear on a remote walk in a cold climate can mean hypothermia and an emergency evacuation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/641ab134-a09a-4e64-b502-35d37755bb26/12+more+rain.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - rain squalls approaching across the button grass plain Great sweeps of rain approaching from the west have caught up. Time to cinch down the hoods! Hood design is important when you wear glasses; we think Arcteryx's design is particularly good, snugging down without obscuring your vision when you turn your head and protecting your lenses in all but driving head-on rain. Again, we would never buy eye-wateringly expensive Arcteryx at full price: get onto the mailing lists of your local outdoor retailers and wait for those sales! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00a3c2dc-2d87-4f3c-99f9-e21ff17845cf/14+old+boards.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Hiker on boardwalk through scrub near Freney Lagoon Starting to climb the lower flanks of New Harbour Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff704144-150f-4370-b607-2640168014a4/19+prasophyllum.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Tall Leek Orchid Defintely a different species this time, standing over a metre: the aptly named Tall Leek Orchid, P. elatum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/273a1fe4-c451-4902-b3e5-e7a864e5d02e/17+banksia.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Silver banksia Silver banksia, B. marginata. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/262c97a7-66ce-4aea-9dd1-e5eefdbf868f/18+approaching+bay.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Freney Lagoon More misty drifts of rain over Freney Lagoon... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/73be206f-d08e-44de-a02d-7c06726ce19b/20+approaching+bay.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Freney Lagoon ... but, nearing the coast, the clouds clear and patchy sunlight splashes across the landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/906c8c6b-816d-4eae-9417-a4a1198dee95/21+beqch.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Cox Bight Onto the beach for lunch on a convenient log. The nearest spit is Point Eric: many hikers stop there but a little extra walking ensures tomorrow is a better distance. The range just behind Point Eric is Black Cliff Hills, with Red Point Hills marking the far side of Cox Bight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ffecdb38-d209-484e-8547-222b92459aaf/22+sand.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Beach near Freney Lagoon Onto the pristine sand, washed clean of all human footprints other than ours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aeea085e-c4e7-4587-b0cf-22bfa67de34c/25+campsite+P.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - informal campsite near Freney Lagoon A number of small informal campsites are tucked under the melaleucas should you need them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce4d1fd6-7244-4789-af15-6cfe21d8f4fe/26+creek+crossoing.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Freney Lagoon outlet Freney Lagoon outlet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1ccb0dd9-5714-442c-8e19-d34f7bebc93f/28+campsite.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Freney Lagoon campsite Around Freney Lagoon outlet, marked with bright flotsam, more campsites are under the trees. The one on the eastern bank has a toilet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2758a310-45bf-436a-96db-21edbbaa1016/27+campsite.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Freney Lagoon campsite Freney Lagoon campsite right by the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/317bbe07-5976-4034-9c75-33ed103444d5/29+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - pristine beach along Cox Bight Onwards with Point Eric nearing, and the sky clearing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/495c1fdf-6ea5-418b-9008-9b7ac061b170/30+campsite.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - beach exit point to Point Eric Up off the beach and into the forest to cross Point Eric. The orange trailmarker points the way, but it's those buoys and flotsam that are more likely to catch your eye. Keep a lookout for them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/276502ac-9c10-4b7d-bcf0-e13279d66533/31+fortest.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Point Eric Track Lush, shiny and green: such a contrast to the previous buttongrass and beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bd866223-586a-43c2-95a2-92eefd5e2e96/34+campsite.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Point Eric campsite Point Eric campsite, with just a little further to go to Buoy Creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d73c144d-8b16-40f9-aae0-5d0aafb95334/36+stylidium.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Tough Thrift-leaved Triggerplant Tough Thrift-leaved Triggerplant (Stylidium armeria) growing out of the cliff face in harsh salt spray right above the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/45726d6a-cd46-471f-a79b-a00da5611731/35+headland.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Black Cliff at low tide Rounding Black Cliff at low tide; there is a track around the top if needed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c37bbe6c-bdc5-455d-b30b-7c139f02de68/37+nearing+casmp.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Buoy Creek outlet Across the tinted waters of Buoy Creek with clouds threatening again. The sharp-eyed might just make out more buoy markers and a post dead centre on the edge of the sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06bbaedb-59e7-4f42-9cfa-0528d19dc0d5/42+creek.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Buoy Creek Nearly there: the campsite is past the markers on the right, just into the shelter of the trees. Collect water from the creek upstream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69bf26e0-a6d4-4c6c-808c-ce27834c4d1d/38+camp+signs.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - exit point from beach to Buoy Creek campsite You can see how difficult the track is to spot without those markers: the forest just swallows it up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5384cd5-0850-48f7-8ead-93ac69a7e365/40+tent.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - tent pitched at Buoy Creek Several sheltered campsites at Buoy Creek, but no toilet. Bury your waste! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cebc96fe-1fa5-4286-9b9a-c8e1580f8ed9/41+cuppas.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - table and chairs at Buoy Creek campsite Past hikers have collected a driftwood for table and seating. That's our caldera cone alcohol stove paired with a 1300ml Evernew pot and a Starlyte burner, an extraordinarily efficient system that uses up to 70 ml of fuel daily for two hot breakfasts, two hot drinks, two hot dinners plus the occasional hot soups and extra cuppas. Geoff always carries extra fuel: he has about 800ml (total) in the two plastic bottles beside him. It is much lighter than gas for us because the fuel bottles are so light (gas canisters are heavy even though the fuel inside them is light). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/26a44f72-3d28-4ecc-96b8-d34310e12bfb/43+dinner+in+tent.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Tuna Mornay dinner in the tent It's drizzling on and off so Geoff cooks under the sheltering melaleucas just outside the vestibule, and we eat tuna mornay inside the tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/48afe2bd-acaa-4b49-ac7d-7204789a7b04/44+evening+light.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 2: Melaleuca to Buoy Creek - Buoy Creek outlet near sunset Cool evening sunrays light the water, and we can hear waves from our tent. Over 16 km (9.9mi) there has been such variety with beaches, forest and buttongrass, and we've only just started. What will tomorrow bring? https://slowerhiking.com/south-coast-track-tasmania/day-3-buoy-creek-louisa-river monthly 0.5 2024-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/939a366b-162d-4b15-a6da-6bb9e704624d/09+views.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - climbing the Ironbound Range Climbing up Red Point Hills with plenty of pauses to absorb the glorious views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/501bf934-bf7d-467d-895b-8c9d01e62975/Buoy+Creek+to+Louisa+River.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Buoy Creek to Louisa River map with elevation gain and loss details Today's hike of 13.8km (8.6mi) heads inland, northeast across more buttongrass before a steep 225m (738ft) ascent in 800m (875yd) up Red Point Hills, followed by a slightly longer descent with expansive views to the Ray Range, the track itself the only sign of human activity. You'll cross a few creeks and, after heavy rain, may need to wait for Louisa Creek or the Louisa River to abate, a good reason to always carry extra food. The track is mostly excellent underfoot, with a few sections of broken duckboard towards the end of the day, and some steep rough sections on your climb. However, most fit, leisurely hikers should be able to complete the distance comfortably if they leave early. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/359060b9-8460-4d53-9af5-6b758c157e54/01+plains.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Buoy Creek buttongrass plain Almost immediately out of camp, you emerge from the forest and head towards Red Point Hills across the buttongrass plain, with treelines on the flats marking Buoy Creek and its tributaries. The track is excellent underfoot here, with very little bog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e585dca0-ac66-4b35-96b6-01bd966a17aa/02+bog.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - short section of muddy track out of Buoy Creek Nothing to complain about, with duckboard much of the way. You can just make out the trail snaking faintly up the central spine in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9e3e74d5-2ab0-4074-b51c-9a110d5ba99b/05+rivulet.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Billiarchie Creek crossing Crossing a small tributary, probably Billiarchie Creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0f5d94c-3332-455b-8996-04a98b359f74/03+board.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Red Point Hills Dappled sunlight on Red Point Hills. We saw no one on the track yesterday, and so far no one today: solitude very different to the Overland Track and the Larapinta! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/701e92a7-8b56-43ab-b1e7-bd29f8916ab8/04+erosion.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - boardwalk protecting sensitive vegetation on buttongrass plain We mention this regularly but it's important for hikers who dislike infrastructure to remember that boardwalk protects the environment. The erosion that develops on tracks alters drainage and turbidity in swamps far beyond the track itself. You need only look at the lush growth under the FRP boardwalk to see how well it protects the sensitive vegetation compared to the original track on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d95a58fe-3bc9-4e41-9246-0f1f2b5758f8/06+overgrown+steps.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - wooden steps at start of Red Point hills climb Steep steps take you up the hills through flowering River Rose (Bauera rubiodes). Sections here are quite overgrown, but eventually you emerge into the open... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/79f8f08c-7778-4c00-ae53-c33e0bc8795a/07+views+starting.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Cox Bight and Cox Bluff South Coast Track Tasmania ... to breathtaking views back over the morning's walk, and further across Cox Bight to Cox Bluff. But the views don't end there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f0b1289-3291-4f72-aa06-574632ee724c/view.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - track along ridge past Red Point Hills climb Once you reach the top – there's a tiny exposed campsite to the right – beaut new views open up to the north. You can see the track wending its way around and up and down little hillocks and spines way, way ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2aee448d-a781-41f1-9b9d-71ca3f0cadbc/view2.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Mt Louisa in the early morning light Looking northeast with Mt Louisa looming beyond the lower hills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/05c10b67-f874-4911-99a7-4356120b1bf6/12+b.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - track between Buoy Creek and Louisa Creek The track is in amazingly good nick. By now you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. You will find out tomorrow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f23da4ef-8f92-4a2c-8079-36820a2e0e49/13+steps.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - wooden steps Beautifully constructed steps. Enjoy them while they last! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/172ce4ad-80fd-4aae-a20e-02cf509d3f52/14+melaleuca+forest.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - track through small section of forest A little more forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6890fe08-89d6-4d01-8704-b882851bcf69/23+white+flower.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Sprengelia incarnata Pink Swamp Heath (Sprengelia incarnata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d676ac17-a834-42bb-92b8-d80b763b9009/16+creek+crossing.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Louisa Creek crossing Crossing Louisa Creek. Easy today, but levels can get much higher. When flows are strong, our conservative preference is to look for a crossing point where water is no deeper than just above the knee, but today it's easy. Dawgs sandals double as camp shoes and are safer than thongs (flip-flops) which are easy to lose in streams. Crossing streams bare-footed is a recipe for disaster and, in truly challenging crossings, hiking boots, waterproof or not, are your safest option. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5496612-f457-4db8-8b27-c4ec69a2f471/20+lunch.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Louisa Creek camp Time for lunch at a lovely campsite on the banks of Louisa Creek. You could stop here, but tomorrow is one of or the most demanding days of the entire hike, so it's better to minimise the distance then instead. Only a little further to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3acf2eeb-ea30-4c6c-a2e4-3cd6420e7a37/21+onwards.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Make it stand out Lots of little ups and downs: you're rarely on flat ground, and the landscape is captivating. We have met just one other couple coming the other way and it's hard to believe it's peak hiking season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8399f6bf-6c4b-452f-b2e3-e7692214f295/22+calochilus.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Calochilus herbaceus I have been walking past hundreds of closed and finished flowers of this beard orchid for the last two days. They are self-fertile, often pollinating without opening, but finally there's a slightly manky one still flaunting its hirsuteness, the Pale Beard Orchid (Calochilus herbaceus). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6360f3a9-c599-425e-9d6a-84319337ce23/25+patersonia_.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Patersonia fragilis Short Purple Flag, Patersonia fragilis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d656f64a-3648-4627-a1a7-b3ae133b5dd8/contouring.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Spica Hills Contouring around Spica Hills, with Mt Louisa beckoning you onwards. You won't be climbing her tomorrow, but the adjacent Ironbound Range out of frame to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/03e1283e-4de3-42c2-af97-aca9202d8dc0/24+old+board.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - old timber boardwalk Some old boardwalk here... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/30413caf-d13b-4eb2-b67f-4ea1c5f17dcc/28+broken+steps.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - boardwalk ... and some even more dilapidated, but it's only a short distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ffa46644-d1ff-4cd1-8d87-0da930e3db6d/duckboard.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Boardwalk sweeping across Louisa Plain Sweeping Louisa Plain: the track is nearly all duckboard and you'll likely make good time. Tomorrow you'll be climbing that spine centre right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e033fe30-9667-4da5-a0d1-ebd75cf22ee3/climb+view.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - buttongrass plain before Louis River campsite Here you can see tomorrow's track more clearly, up through the centre of the sun-dappled patch, then zigging right before zagging left again to the crest (a false crest, there is more beyond!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6291e7b4-ccaf-4c47-b02a-96040fba3107/30+broken+steps.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - broken boardwalk A few short dodgy sections but most is in excellent condition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/79bdbf7c-9c54-46fa-aaed-819dd1efede2/31+prasophyllum.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Prasophyllum concinnum More Prasophyllum concinnum in a recently burnt area near Louisa River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/27cc0a27-31c1-4e53-b465-c559c2d1ea7f/32+creek.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Louisa River crossing Crossing Louisa River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/812764c2-bc8d-40ba-b42b-f92eb46145cf/33+in+camp+L.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 3: Buoy Creek to Louisa River - Louisa River campsite on eastern side of river And here we are at Louisa Campground East, with sheltered, nicely-spaced sites. You can see our food bags hanging and this time we made a good call, as during the night something boldly had a go at my pack in the (open) vestibule. I switched on my headlamp and looked straight into a spotted quoll's beady eyes. I don't know who was most surprised, but I was thrilled to see this beautiful little marsupial for the first time in the wild. https://slowerhiking.com/south-coast-track-tasmania/louisa-river-ironbounds-low-camp monthly 0.5 2024-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00ba5919-6992-4006-8e34-7372c6f20347/07+rest+break.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - Looking back over Lousia River A little breather with a view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a63fcbb9-3c33-4f52-bf2c-8ca3f6d1f2fa/Louisa+River+to+Little+Deadmans+Bay.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - Satellite map with elevation gain and distance information Once on top and with the climb behind you, you're in montane vegetation with yet more views to the Arthur Range. You might think the hard part is done, but the notorious Ironbound descent has defeated numerous hikers, specifically their knees and ankles! Sheltered southeastern aspects of mountains in this region are usually covered in lush, dense rainforest. These faces are often steep and wet, rooty and rocky, in this case extremely so. You're also ducking under and over branches and bigger timber. It is slow going even for relatively fast hikers. How will slower hikers fare? We left Louisa Campsite at 7am and arrived at Ironbounds Low Camp at 5pm ie 10 hours, minus about an hour for second breakfast and lunch. The descent itself took us 4 hours: I'm slower up hill than down, and Geoff is the opposite. To our surprise, our descent times were not much longer than that of other hikers we met. If we can do it, so can you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1359f15f-113f-4ffa-8dc2-0f94847741a9/01+starting.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - Louisa River The track starts leisurely enough through rainforest beside the Louisa River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/201f0f8c-df99-40d3-b1d5-46d94c6923d0/02+climbing.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - Start of Ironbound Range climb Soon you emerge from the forest and begin your climb. The campsite is in that big patch of trees centre. Mt Louisa looms behind Louisa Plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6feabee3-c385-4796-ac8d-0b37b3370d44/04+rough+track.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - rocky steps The track is rough and steep... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fece62a2-4cfa-434b-8408-eb5add060b97/11+track.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - broken steps ironbound range ... and many of the steps have collapsed. Nevertheless the terrain is open, so you can use your trekking poles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/28c293cf-b6cb-4fdd-8e6a-9c8297be2f77/05+views.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - first terrace on ironbound range climb Even early in the climb, the views are already fantastic. What will they be like later? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69307578-01f5-4dff-bc1a-101f21a4eb9e/12+spider+mum.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - wolf spider with babies A wolf spider mum with her babies, basking in the summer sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e3b4b47a-b8b7-423f-83f8-1b5c0d364c41/09+view+over+louisa+bay.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - Louisa Bay and Louisa Island Amazing views over Louisa Bay with Louisa Island close to shore on the right, and the Maatsuyker Group of Islands further out. We passed a side track to Louisa Bay yesterday, but it was too far for us to consider without adding an extra day into our itinerary. Faster hikers could drop their packs at the junction for an out an return, or stay at the campsite there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d5a89a59-4bb7-4ba6-a26b-e403185e54f4/14b+rock.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - rocky outcrops ironbound range As you climb, you pass below great jutting buttresses of stone, with interesting plants growing in their shelter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8691570-29c0-477f-9649-8b828fa02626/17+boronia.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - Lemon-Scented Boronia You're also climbing into subalpine vegetation, here the Lemon-Scented Boronia, B. citriodora... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bec2b9e1-f881-4a0f-ac21-a5d1374e50bd/20+iris.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - Diplarrena moraea ... and the Butterfly Flag, Diplarrena moraea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/08eefbbf-f45a-48e2-8b35-a99305506f19/18+lousia+bay+views.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - view across Louisa Bay to Red and Cox Points Pausing again to relish the view across Louisa Bay to Red and Cox Points and beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a26fe8c9-f9a6-41bb-8bc4-072bf87226f1/19b+old+boardwalk.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - section of duckboard part way up ironbound range As you near the top, grades ease, with duckboard protecting sensitive cushion plants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/accd5a61-8970-4eba-aa80-48e4e2dcf3de/24+bellota.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - Mountain Rocket Mountain Rocket, Bellendena montana. Botanists, keep your eyes peeled today, for it is the only section at this elevation and you'll see plants that occur nowhere else on the SCT. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a7d04ee3-3ef6-4df8-b950-d160672cd77c/25+on+top.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - ironbound range summit Here comes the weather, but by the time it arrives you'll be in the shelter of the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ddaed859-61e2-40f2-9457-c69891b5f85c/26+descending.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - starting the descent over the Ironbound Range Down down down on boardwalk! You can see just how exposed this would be in strong southerlies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/036945cb-2c0b-493e-be85-8d964e81bd84/27+coll4ecting+water.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - collecting water Before descending too far, collect water from this little creek. Although the rainforest and track are wet, you cross no further watercourses between Ironbounds High Camp and Ironbounds Low Camp (though there is a creek 300m/328yd past it, so collect from there if you are happy to walk an extra 600m/656yd at the end of the day). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c16c51af-2c2f-467a-9fe2-c494e1f5c053/23+daisy.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - Olearia pinifolia Olearia pinifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5ccb5142-c68a-43b2-8ac1-712be658d906/29+campsite.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - emergency campsite We pass a small, very sloping campsite that could be used in an emergency... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/770eac35-c467-4bbb-865e-471e9469adb6/32+campsite.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - Ironbounds High Camp is very muddy ... and the muddy Ironbounds High Camp. Neither of these are inviting; they are definitely emergency camps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be872c1c-9b8a-44b6-b4ad-72bd6284cb70/33+lunch.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - view of Deadmans Bay Lunch with a view eastwards. Stop before you get into the forest, which is wet and shady without views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3cb5d1e-e11f-4f36-a5c2-5205be568718/34+track.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - wooden steps through the mud After lunch, the real descent begins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/773f1033-5438-4001-9f3f-a7a74bee203e/38+epacris.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - Epacris impressa Common Heath (Epacris impressa). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c4cb3346-132d-4e1a-bc8e-363f3f58bf20/39+track.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - steps across tree roots on track descent from Ironbound Range Here we go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/211e244c-b060-446f-b9d6-df21281cb490/45+track.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - typical section of track on descent from summit of Ironbound Range Here's an 'open' section of track, complete with tree roots, rocks, mud, puddles, overhanging branches...we're in Southwest Tasmania! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90bbcb93-9f02-4235-a62f-d64414869fb0/46+track.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - deadfall across track And of course, there's now deadfall too and the first spits of drizzle. Time to don the rainwear! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/37d7269d-83d5-4e6d-aff9-6ba643b8fd4c/47+campsite.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - emergency camp before Ironbounds Low Camp Here is the emergency camp, with one small but appealing site on each side of the track. Lower Ironbounds is 1km (0.6mi) further down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0eb53fe-8083-451e-866f-407c4803fe38/52+caqmp.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - tent site at Ironbounds Low Camp And here, finally, at Lower Ironbounds Camp. A few sites, only one big enough for the XMid, and it has stopped raining! There is only the odd leech (others have reported more) but some areas are unpleasant with poorly buried waste. You need a proper toilet trowel like a Deuce of Spades to cut through the rooty substrate. Please buy and carry one because a stake, trekking pole or stick literally won't cut it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7f8ed995-9c64-448c-978d-e5777be6c82f/53+still+smiling.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 4: Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp - Slower Hikers Helen and Geoff We made it! Yay! https://slowerhiking.com/south-coast-track-tasmania/day-5-ironbounds-low-camp-turua-beach monthly 0.5 2024-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/446ce738-738e-4ede-8cda-e4c22fd8c001/16+lunch.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - Little Deadmans Bay A long lunch at Little Deadman's Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/11faef65-b340-4e06-b8e5-257fd0a9ab1b/Ironbounds+Low+camp+to+Tutua+Beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - map with elevation profile You can see from the elevation profile that there is little elevation gain and loss, but the descent in the first kilometre is rough, rooty and slow, much like your descent the day before. Once you reach the cliffs with their cosy bays and sea birds perched on boulders, the track becomes easier, and the last 2km (1.2mi) through forest and along beach are easier again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00f9dd63-9a7e-43c5-b1ba-117b03c26678/01+cooking+brekky.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - breakfast at Ironbounds low camp Breakfast noodles at Ironbounds Low Camp. On their own, instant noodles aren't ideal hiking food, but add protein and vegetables to them and they become nutritious as well as delicious! A little bottle of olive oil, visible bottom right next to the two taller fuel bottles, adds calories to almost every meal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86ae9a69-a2db-4d7e-a983-8dbacc9cb540/02+waterfall.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - water collection point near Ironbounds Low Camp You reach the creek and a lovely little waterfall 300m (328yd) past Ironbounds Low Camp. We filled up at the top of the Ironbound Range yesterday at the start of the descent, because an extra 600m (0.4mi) out and return at the end of the day sounded less appealing than carrying an extra 3L of water. YMMV (literally!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/43de529c-89d0-467e-8b42-a33c17247416/03+steep+track.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - slippery rocks near Ironbounds Low Camp We expected the terrain to be much easier below Ironbounds Camp but, for another kilometre, it remains steep. Mossy rock like this is extremely slippery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a8ccf34-beb4-4c96-9752-9b93c8d4dfbd/07+deadfall+P.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - deadfall timber across track Deadfall slows you down... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad6643b3-ec56-433b-84cb-4f90ffc9b4ad/08+deadfall+P.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - fallen tree across track ... and again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2093963e-d5c0-46c5-b952-dbb781839c5e/10+ferns.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - forest track near Deadmans Bay Once you near the coast with tantalising glimpses of the sea, the walking becomes much easier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fe457e5e-a509-4fd7-9051-c043be1b1753/12+sea+vgiews.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - Little Deadman's Bay Little Deadman's Bay with its wheeling seabirds is sheltered and inviting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dad77552-fc73-44af-ad62-0e52662a7ffc/13+deadmans.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - Tidal rock shelf at Little Deadmans Bay Tidal rock shelves with small pools and interesting sea life invite exploration, here with views to Ile du Golfe island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a877e3dd-b936-4a71-b13c-f43eff19bbf2/14+deadmans+campground.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - Nearing Little Deadman's Campsite Nearing Little Deadman's Campsite. Old guidebooks say that campfires are permitted here, but this is no longer the case. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/80722b7a-1f9f-41d6-8aa1-5e320f04d5ba/15+deadmans+campground.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - numerous sheltered leafy campsites between trees And here are the sites, perched on a slight rise right beside the sea. It's delightful, with plenty of large, flat open areas. A naughty quoll frequents the place, stealing food from bags and tents even during daylight hours: you have been warned! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a6cc0910-ba8c-4bbe-86a6-028dd036d59e/17+lunch.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - Little Deadmans Bay Little Deadman's sheltered bay has polished pebbles and is perfect for an early lunch. If you are following our itinerary, you will be able to spend a couple of hours here too, with time to explore the tidal shelves and pools, or for a paddle if it is warm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c1e367d-5c63-4741-979d-a5cffdb3964a/20+salad+L.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - cold soak bean salad Our cold soak bean salad makes a yummy nutritious lunch, and of course everything tastes fantastic when you are in such a beautiful place! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/35d2136d-ab78-4b27-b17d-972f5943c3e8/21+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - rocky beach at Little Deadmans Bay After lunch, continue along the beach. There is no flotsam marking the exit, just a marker pole -- can you see it? We watched several hikers lose the track in the campsite, and we too had initially looked in the wrong place for the continuation of the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9e972640-517b-4aa5-8738-c67f0e378e46/22+ferny+track.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - track through ferns in the forest Dense ferns form a green carpet, so much softer to push through than Tasmania's infamously spiky scoparia! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8527d82-140d-4b1a-890a-0682e1da7fcd/24+booots.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - muddy gaiters Geoff's ancient Zpacks Vertice gaiters. After at least 1,800km (1,100mi), this is their last outing, and they are more Gear Aid Tape than Vertice. These ultralight gaiters have been fantastic and you can see how effective they are in protecting your boots and pants on such a muddy track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/003989b6-9009-43ea-99e9-d04554a02c12/27+buttongrass.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - South Coast Track boardwalk One of the most engaging aspects of the South Coast Track is its variety. Every day you alternate between rainforest, beaches, plains, creeks and, yesterday, montane environments. This makes it fun and exciting, with something new every few hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/adb6a082-43df-4383-a851-e8a84a7890a3/26+creek.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - creek crossing South Coast Track You have a couple of small creek crossings today. You can see Geoff's Dawgs river crossing sandals; they are a women's model in black. Women's models are usually less chunky than men's models and are therefore lighter; men with narrow feet can save some grams. Choose ones that comfortably double as camp shoes, or vice versa: years ago I had a pair that absorbed water, making them useless for camp. They should be light, as you carry them most of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e409eb6c-6a20-4c0e-94ec-8b8136830f28/28+down+to+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - Turua Beach entrance Down onto Turua Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b3fbdec1-1d9d-4060-b03b-639d3336c070/29+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - Turua Beach The bay is stunningly beautiful with sun on the water and a cloud-dappled sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ead42f70-6e5e-41c9-9361-bd0c653089cd/36+entry+to+campsite.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - Turua Campsite Keep your eyes peeled for Turua Campsite, immediately east of Little Deadman's Creek. No flotsam or marker: here you are looking right at the entrance to the campsite from the beach! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/68cc87d2-7a6e-4605-a91a-0d6b4c5d99eb/33+camp.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - Turua Campsite It is one of our favourite campsites of the whole trip and we have it to ourselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5a10cd87-e7c8-4a7a-a088-19f9fa08b10d/35+hanging+food.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - hanging food bags at Turua Campsite Geoff hanging the food bags. These are Ultrasil bags, which are light (30g for the 8L bag), strong and waterproof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/865f9644-361d-45bf-b37f-6b3b3ac1225a/32+collecting+water.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - collecting water from Little Deadmans Creek at Turua Beach Collecting water from the creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6f7adaf4-d8b9-487a-b1be-4b248ae9c550/37+swim.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 5: Ironbounds Low Camp to Turua Beach - Swimming at Little Deadmans Creek And then you have a leisurely few hours for a dip in the creek, to bask on the sun-warmed stones on the bank, and to eat dinner on the edge of the beach, watching the waves rolling in. A delightful end to an easy day, leaving you refreshed and energised for whatever tomorrow brings! https://slowerhiking.com/south-coast-track-tasmania/day-6-turua-beach-osmiridium-beach monthly 0.5 2024-09-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6aff9e16-5f12-4e1a-b8e3-f3024f4da142/24+boat+crossing.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - New Lagoon Boat Crossing A fun estuary crossing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d06e3296-dacc-4bec-aac2-a0796a7f8789/Turua+Beach+to+Osmiridium+Beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - map with elevation profile Two main climbs (with smaller ups and downs) for the day, with the beach in between. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df6b0f74-a81e-4e05-a090-eca8ef2b0cd5/01+early+start.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Turua Beach at sunrise An early start into the soft morning light ensures leisurely hikers reach the estuary crossing at a good hour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8c5dc112-7883-45cc-aa27-84bf18f14f52/03+beach+pavement.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Turua Beach rock shelf Beautifully textured and coloured rock near the end of Turua Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/af2e5691-db9c-4896-998a-857a5fea6391/06+into+forest+L.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - leafy forest track at end of Turua Beach Into open forest to cross the headland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d35ccc15-f03e-46e2-9366-279a207f20a2/08+fern+2.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Pouched Coral Fern (Gleichenia dicarpa). Ferns provide a glorious mix of textures, here Pouched Coral Fern (Gleichenia dicarpa). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff890a7b-3386-4d1e-8a5e-470a9f1d8cba/10+dense+scrub.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - thick forest on way to Prion Beach Plenty of thick and overgrown sections are dry now, but you can imagine how wet you would get with poor rainwear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a07f89c-e00b-45c0-99e2-3807015ec36e/11+bck+to+ocewan+views.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Menzies Bluff, South Coast Track From Menzies Bluff you have views that stretch westward with Purrar Point, followed by Havelock Bluff and the Ironbounds, with Cox Bluff and Telopea Point in the distance. You have walked almost the entire way! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/779d7ad2-5d70-495a-8cbd-e72330a985bb/13+foresrt.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Bassian Thrush The forest is delightful and the weather, well, only a little drizzle a few times on the hike thus far. A Bassian Thrush flits ahead on the track, never quite close enough to photograph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7cef69e9-dd66-47c0-8f52-0438c51b9696/grotto+beach-3.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - collecting water at Grotto Creek After a very steep descent into Grotto Creek, Geoff climbs a short distance upstream to collect fresh water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/46e91888-cc0b-404b-9434-ebdd299d3d79/19+water+bottles.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - water bottles Although many people use water bladders, we prefer BHP-free "smart" water bottles of the type found in every Australian supermarket. Here, a 1L and 1.5L easily fit in one side pocket of Geoff's ArcHaul 70L. We have used such bottles exclusively for many years and none have ever broken. They are a fraction of the weight of most bladders. Place the heaviest bottle closest to your back and drink first from the one furthest from your back for optimal pack balance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/40b01f77-8d65-4510-b2f4-43c8ac77a3b1/21b+onto+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Prion Beach After dodging the waves at Grotto Creek, you're onto Prion beach, four marvellous kilometres of sand, sea and sky. You can see the vegetation is much lower on this dune, and the face is sandy rather than rocky: much more prone to erosion. We saw no established campsites along here though we may have missed them, and John Chapman mentions none in his guidebook. Please don't make new campsites in the dunes or anywhere else on the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad0f3f58-85c0-4b55-81f1-438864f9be9c/22+sea+dollar.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Moon Jelly jellyfish A jellyfish, possibly a Moon Jelly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/729f8d46-5877-49cd-af42-1200dee618a0/23+inlands+markers.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Prion Beach river crossing at New Lagoon Once you near the end of the beach, watch for more flotsam markers: you'll head inland 120m (130yd) along the western side of the lagoon and over the dune to the boat mooring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0fe70045-b0b2-43ba-b706-0fcf3a0e2637/26+signage.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - boat crossing instructions Self explanatory, but check oar lengths as there are long and short ones. Two long ones are not suited to two inexperienced rowers sitting side by side. We crossed together with our light packs each time rather than leaving them on the opposite shore, unwilling to be separated from them. The skiffs are meant for one but, by this stage of the trip with half our food eaten, we figured our combined weight would be well within the boat's capacity. We crossed with perhaps 10-13 knots of offshore breeze only in the centre of the estuary and would not have wanted it much stronger: we maintained our heading, but only just. Geoff and I own a kayak and sit-on-top so have paddling experience, but aren't skilled rowers. If you've never rowed or paddled before, choose lighter winds. The current was also moderate when we paddled across but would be much faster in the narrower section closer to the sea should you be blown there. Paddles are stored beside the box containing the PFDs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/145b1b98-f4e1-4c50-a05e-51fad624d277/27+signage.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - warning sign Warnings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f7f66e6-5658-49c7-ba51-898c708730ed/25+boat+crossing.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - New Lagoon boat crossing Looking across New Lagoon to the eastern shore, with Precipitous Bluff in cloud behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a9a9e0a-db27-498f-95c6-23ba5c1dfb2b/29+boat+crossing.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - rowing across New Lagoon Halfway across, facing west. One pack is in the front of the boat to reduce windage. Boots are tied to our packs and our waterproof dcf packliners are tightly rolled and clipped inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e1bf49e-03ed-484f-a799-23538e3a5441/34+skiff.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - rowboat New Lagoon South Coast Track The skiff is quite heavy! If you are pushed downwind, simply wade towards the mooring when you reach the opposite shore, towing the skiff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db814716-f315-4721-9f19-59afe09ac27a/31+other+side.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - moored rowboat It's also essential to drag the boats all the way up the sand and attach them securely to their moorings, or high flows will carry them away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0492fae7-0e7c-4dcb-b19f-f879f0cfc87d/35+camp+other+side-2.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Prion Camp Almost immediately you reach Prion Camp, a maze of good camp sites scattered over a large area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d4a6182b-98cb-4b97-bce0-00e292a33b17/36b+view.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Wierah Hill headland When you reach Wierah Hill headland, look behind you often for marvellous views over the beach and estuary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/012b5a67-63bb-4646-abf2-474c27530238/38+berries.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Leptecophylla oxycedrus Coastal Pinkberry, Leptecophylla oxycedrus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d808588b-c795-4f81-b7b1-bd28dd7ecd8b/39+bridge.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Bridge at Milford Creek Milford Creek but look, Happy Days! A bridge! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b261fb3e-e9ef-4748-b2b0-97c68412876d/43+boardwalk.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - boardwalk on way to Osmiridium Beach More duckboard through rushes. That pink blob on Geoff's pack is his towel drying in the sun. Small microfibre towels are light and absorbent, dry fast and wring out well when drenched. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8a94bbb-81bb-432e-ad96-c7d87ae1ebc0/44+prasophyllum.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Prasophyllum australe Southern Leek Orchid (Prasophyllum australe) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01e0c907-4c96-470b-a48e-683cbf06aad2/45+sea+views.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - View across heath small inshore islands Once you emerge into coastal heath, views open up again. It is beaut walking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d592682e-6242-458f-bc77-180efa3d27c1/46+nearing+camp.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - South Coast Track Tasmania The views east are equally good, the track is gentle, the weather great. A banner day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9932d985-1383-4d61-a9a6-abf1dd4f116e/16+lily.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Blandfordia punicea Tasmanian Christmas Bell (Blandfordia punicea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8a9cf3c5-b4cf-417f-a6de-8748d38fdf1e/52+caladenia.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Caladenia carnea Unseasonable Pink Fingers (Caladenia carnea) under the melaleucas around camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3cd335ab-dbf3-4998-9c99-5fdb56db35c9/49+osmiridium.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Make it stand out Drop off your gear in camp and follow the creek 120m (130yd) to the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ba3f929-f87d-48b9-bd61-ee801a790ff2/51+rock.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - cliffs at creek outlet to Osmiridium Beach Geologists will love Osmiridium Beach with its spectacular headland of folded, swirling rock. Geoff is sitting at its foot. Osmiridium is a rare "natural alloy(s) of the elements osmium and iridium, with traces of other platinum-group metals". (Wikipedia). It's apparently one of the heaviest metals and presumably is to be found in the rock formations here, but we have no idea what to look for: both Geoff and I have long forgotten our Geology from Uni. Geologist reader input welcome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c0763668-fb7e-4379-b05b-ff155acf43eb/50+rock.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - Osmiridium A closeup of the rock in green, orange and red: through the lens it is reminiscent of a satellite image of arid landforms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bd4d9007-e36f-484c-a6c7-052f543026e2/47+camp.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 6: Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach - campsite at Osmiridium Beach And then back to our pleasant campsite amongst the trees. Is this our favourite day? Maybe, but they have all been great! https://slowerhiking.com/south-coast-track-tasmania/day-7-8-osmiridium-beach-grante-beach monthly 0.5 2024-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/82c32eeb-446a-47ab-8772-d142202ad627/16+onto+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Surprise Beach On beautiful Surprise Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d3c92a24-da07-43e0-8fd2-8932cf0d0ba8/Osmiridium+Beach+to+Granite+Beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Map with elevation profile Once again, elevation gain and loss are not especially demanding. From Osmiridium you traverse inland for a few kilometres before descending to rejoin the coast at the beautiful Surprise Beach. You have a crossing at Surprise Rivulet at the eastern end of the beach, another pretty spot to soak in the ambience. Next, there's a steep climb out through Surprise Bay campsite, continuing over Shoemaker Point then down onto rocky Granite Beach with its smooth pebbles and coloured sands. Camp is at the end of the beach, up on a little cliff and beside the waterfall creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5ae1c73-6425-4497-a28d-f3ed0c494b69/02+plain+L.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - South Coast Track near Osmiridium Beach Inland, initially through heath and buttongrass with fine views of the mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/678629f5-6d33-4746-9690-da99c3a6c67c/04+huge+trees.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Old growth forest Then into magnificent old growth rainforest, with huge old trees dripping with ferns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a11bf123-099f-40ee-961a-ed51c605590a/12+tree.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - large very old tree Surely everyone on the track takes this picture! The hollow is big enough for a tent! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e4b1e08-9125-4cca-8fd7-64dd2c15e99d/05+tree+ferns.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Dicksonia antarctica Limpid green light in a grove of towering Man Ferns (Dicksonia antarctica), with more ferns growing on the tree fern trunks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9cefe6b-6ef8-4fe5-848d-9ee441a32db4/07+clambering+L.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - mossy trees Mossy fallen logs over the track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d1c1d64b-96e8-4959-a621-326cd1d9823b/11+tree.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - ferns in rain forest ... and more ferns everywhere in the understorey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d94ac47e-3343-4aae-8ac4-cae63872f69e/13+fungi.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Hygrocybe coccinea The Scarlet Waxycap (Hygrocybe coccinea) and yes, it really is that colour! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/38c769a0-cc5f-49cb-babf-a7bbb39fa586/14+fuish.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - native fish Common Galaxias You cross a tiny creek filled with tiny fish darting in the shallows. They are probably Common Galaxias (G. maculatus). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8294868f-fdde-4bd3-b472-1bd40deebec4/16+onto+beach+P.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Surprise Bay beach Then you're onto Surprise Beach, here at the eastern end. You have plenty of sand now, but at higher tides beware sneaky waves that can, well, surprise you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/027b1a4e-16a0-4b0c-bd4a-6746385956c3/surprise+rivultet.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Surprise Rivulet outlet Around the corner is Surprise Bay Rivulet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0b7848ff-8e1e-4dea-b2b2-6d096ac655c9/18+crossing+creek.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Crossing Surprise Rivulet Crossing Surprise Rivulet. It's a lovely spot and, after donning our boots, we sit on the rocks for a while in the sunshine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/449fddd9-dae8-4b6d-bf4d-84d023c2a3d3/20+off+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Surprise Beach steps A steep scramble up off the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd74345c-8172-459c-a1fa-7e6541d839dd/22+antechinus.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Yellow-Footed Antechinus A Yellow-Footed Antechinus (A. flavipes). This little insectivorous marsupial is looking a little worse for wear; it's possibly a juvenile. It's past the breeding season but the males basically spend all their energy chasing females and shagging, then conveniently die to leave all the food resources and shelter for the females and their offspring. A brutal but efficient evolutionary quirk to ensure the survival of your genes, if not yourself! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca81f19b-9f9b-4708-b5eb-b3f61e2dc85f/21+campsite.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Surprise Bay Campsite Surprise Bay Campsite. It's pleasant and a good option if you have a different itinerary and the end of the day lands you here. But we have further to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/448dfbc1-0460-4dfb-9a3f-3ab6b063acdc/23+cliff+views.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Fluted Cliffs Exiting the forest and nearing the imposing Fluted Cliffs and South Cape https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e4c2eb3-e998-4afb-82b2-ba80814359fb/24+onto+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - warning sign at Granite Beach Then it's onto Granite Beach... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9ec02fa-bf7c-46fa-b585-c1ef1e207eb8/25+steep+descent.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - ladder on to Granite Beach ... via a scramble down a somewhat dilapidated ladder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fbe6331f-31a4-4b0a-b9fa-fb3f570988f4/27+sand+patterns.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - patterns in sand on Granite Beach The waves streak the multicoloured sands into beautiful patterns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ea4b2da-1f85-46c3-9c39-bc9bc85bdb82/28+bouldery+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - rocks on Granite Beach Depending on the tide, you will have a little or a lot of rock-hopping; on stormy days you may need to await low tide. This is at the eastern end of the beach with little sand, here crossing Sandstone Creek, which has campsites either side under the trees. It's another 200m (220yds) to Granite Beach waterfall and the campsite up on the headland. It would be extremely easy to lose your footing crossing the rocks when they are submerged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97fce5c6-f5a4-4067-bcf0-77c61efbb211/29+climbing+beside+falls.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Granite Beach waterfall It's an easy scramble up beside the waterfall. A waterfall on the beach, just metres from the sea! Extraordinary! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ff87d9f-3f2a-44d0-9f11-a54607f4e529/30+creek.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - small pool along creek Collect water upstream from where the track crosses the creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f55e801-6327-4ba2-a97f-e65d6e30a575/31+collecting+water.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - collecting water at Granite Beach Geoff has worked as a hydrologist for decades. Here he's collecting water from the fastest-flowing, clearest section, with the mouth of the bottle pointed downstream to minimise large particles being swept inside. He also collects from below the surface, whilst avoiding stirring up bottom sediments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9520a4ab-5474-4ca2-a84b-4c6eaf565c66/32+camp.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Granite Beach Campsite Camp is sheltered and cosy. As for every night excepting Louisa River East, we have the entire grounds to ourselves. It really is quite unusual, as we have read many trip reports where hikers meet dozens of people and share campgrounds with ten others. We've seen perhaps a dozen hikers the entire time. The campsite is so beautiful: perhaps a rest day here might be nice? With two spare days of food, we would still have one left should we be held up at South Cape Rivulet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e9b5c79a-458e-490c-ad22-12a8e606aa8b/36+forecast.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Garmin Inreach Mini Moderate (not heavy rain) is on the way, not tomorrow but the day after. Tomorrow's forecast is warm and sunny and we are in no hurry, so decide on a rest day to enjoy Granite Beach. It means a rainy hike to South Cape Rivulet, but so be it. Were the forecast for heavy rain and/or stormy southerly conditions that might push waves high into the inlet, continuing would be the best option, but the current forecast isn't a problem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ac0cd0b-6b9b-4678-ab46-0f86123f4820/37+pool.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - waterfall upstream of Granite Beach On your rest day, explore upstream to this little rock pool... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67c597a5-bf14-4f9f-a3a5-d9b91a5e08ac/38+back+to+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Gorge at Granite Beach ... or follow the creek back down to the cliff edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9b77523-6fc0-45c2-8503-1448feeca269/35+rest+day.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - Granite Beach cliff top It's a grand spot to sit in nice weather, with marvellous views from the clifftop across the bay to Shoemaker Point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a3925f1a-1a0f-4f08-abb3-871f4184411d/40+shower.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Days 7-8: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach, Rest Day - showering at Granite Beach waterfall And of course, don't forget that invigorating shower on the beach! The wet stones are slippery, but the ones in the sun are wonderfully warm. A great spot to spend the day wearing as little as you please: you can see hikers approaching down the beach from afar to the west, and also hear them approaching from the top, with plenty of time for modesty. After your shower, apply bug repellant if you decide to strip off: in this weather, the midges are biting. Watch seabirds land nearby to drink at the outlet near the sand, dolphins frolicking further out in the bay, listen to the chink of small pebbles as the waves and tide come in. It is good to be alive. https://slowerhiking.com/south-coast-track-tasmania/granite-beach-south-cape-rivulet monthly 0.5 2024-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7389dcc9-6e29-4dc7-bd8b-523eed57ce1c/37+rivulet.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - South Cape Rivulet Evening light at South Cape Rivulet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76fc6209-6835-4d1a-aa0d-cfdc2e797a14/Granite+Beach+South+Cape+Rivulet.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - map with elevation profile From Granite Beach you hike over the South Cape Range through forest before a long descent to South Cape Rivulet. There are few creeks, so carry water from Granite Beach for the whole day. The intermediate campsites are uninspiring: if you are leaving from Granite Beach, plan to finish at South Cape Rivulet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f7cf79e4-c5b6-4c3e-abfa-f19356a4c764/3+for4est.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - leafy trail out of Granite Beach Flat trail initially – very initially! – through more of that forest. It is wonderfully lush with gahnia and ferns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aa7a936d-f206-4f9e-bfc0-ade73bffc322/5+gastrodia.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - Gastrodia sesamoides Potato Orchid, Gastrodia sesamoides, has no chlorophyll and is reliant on soil microflora. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b03f715-f76c-483b-a9e5-56509d9b66e6/33+ramaria.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - Flame Fungus Brilliant and aptly named Flame Fungus (Clavulinopsis sulcata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/12ea9428-c1b5-4762-91d9-7e7f58f54b7a/4+huge+trees.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - ancient trees in forest Wow, just look at those trees! The ambience is prehistoric. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e9f9917-5ff7-472a-aca8-9df174c8b24d/01+muddy+track.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - mud on track A bit of mud, but not too bad yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/26bb3881-91cf-4a08-ae39-c6e65600ef71/6+board.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - boardwalk across mud South Coast Track And FRP (fibreglass reinforced plastic) boardwalk. This stuff is butt ugly but long-lasting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6b257856-a7aa-4e85-910c-bddc81a47e67/7+stunning+track.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - track through forest under dark cloud sky You emerge onto a bit of a saddle for a breather, with different vegetation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a193c1b3-c64c-4eed-bdff-5fc911d2ed4d/8+tired+helen.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - resting on climb up South Cape Range Stopping for a rest and a snack. The climb is demanding! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5a3c2b9-c2a3-42f8-a37c-ac1db7ed0d6f/9+rainy+fog.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - raining on ridge It's raining but only lightly, and there's no wind. When you have good rainwear, you'll be unfazed by a bit of water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c0f9516-dafe-400d-b732-4ed1035c8420/10+no+views.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - Flat Rock Plain Into beaut coastal heath on Flat Rock Plain. The views from here would be amazing on a sunny day, but now we have only intriguing glimpses! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/38cd13e9-8f0d-49ae-ae4e-b5bf4266f81d/13+roots.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - rooty track Into the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d615478a-83f5-4840-bf11-ec7975bb168a/18+very+wet.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - South Cape Range muddy track So much mud! This is also the section where you are likely to take a step onto what looks like wet track, only to discover it is knee-deep bog! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9223460-3fa9-41af-beb5-8baf262619ee/21+moss+and+lichens.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - Pulchrocladia repitora Still plenty to see for plant enthusiasts: a miniature jungle of mosses and lichens (here, pale grey coral lichen Pulchrocladia repitora) on every available surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a685570f-e1b4-420e-9b52-7201fc21e0c1/20+under+logs.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - demanding track conditions South Cape range Here is the big advantage of a well-sized pack. Note that there are no bits dangling all over the outside to get snagged! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f211099-4ea8-4e48-8313-93f2f5b1d14d/26+campsite.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - Track Cutters Campsite Track Cutters Camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/45d10e4f-c054-4231-b598-1b6a602ecb06/30+flower.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - Leatherwood flower In January, you will likely see numerous white petals sprinkled on the ground like confetti. They are from the Leatherwood (Eucryphia lucida). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9968be23-a304-42d6-9b52-d98ba54b5eb2/27+rest+in+the+rain.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - South Cape Range Are we there yet? The climb has been demanding, but here we are on a crest and it has briefly stopped raining. On clear days, you would have marvellous views from here, but it is socked in today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20669fd4-973a-480c-93f0-61a6fc1c8f2d/31+buttongrass.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - boardwalk approaching South Cape Rivulet Through the mist, views of the coast at last! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49ca9075-16b8-468d-b476-00faa70c1117/32+ferny+forest.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - thick fern in rainforest And back into more gentle terrain. It is exuberantly lush. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c03d1b4-46a7-462e-809f-d30990cfa256/34+rivulet+signagew.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - South Cape Rivulet warning sign South Cape Rivulet. Nearly there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0de7286e-eef6-4e7a-a6cc-b0c47792ec40/35+before+crossoing.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - South Cape Rivulet crossing When you reach South Cape Rivulet, sit on a rock to watch the waves for ten to fifteen minutes, even in apparently benign conditions like today. Surprise waves can sweep you off your feet, scraping you along the bottom and not only drenching you but filling your clothes with sand, as happened to a hiker in one trip report we read. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/12d18a4d-fc35-498f-b552-0f7d08535f77/36+crossing.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - Crossing South Cape Rivulet De-leeched and crossing the rivulet, with dark clouds on the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67db553c-ab75-4d0b-a3b6-bf6f52a55595/south+cape+rivulet.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - tent site at South Cape Rivulet You'll find sheltered campsites under the trees, but also nice ones on the edge of the rivulet, ideal for mild conditions like today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d5cf8e79-2089-4933-a4e9-b5a7c9d00efd/40+camp.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 9: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet - cooking at South Cape Rivulet Cooking up a storm whilst dodging more leeches, possibly ones we've just carried in. https://slowerhiking.com/south-coast-track-tasmania/day-10-south-cape-rivulet-cockle-creek monthly 0.5 2024-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/428a4fe8-bf59-4907-be1a-e691ba585bed/06+another+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - South Cape Bay Early morning in South Cape Bay with Coal Bluff, Lion Rock and, in the distance, Southeast Cape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5d9f503-e854-48f5-882d-3e747294a34a/South+Cape+Rivulet+Cockle+Creek.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - map with elevation profile South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek You can see from the elevation profile that your biggest single climb is only about 120m (394ft) over 1km (0.62mi) at the start, followed by another 120m/394ft of multiple small ups and downs spread over the remaining distance, which is primarily through Blowhole Valley and along Cockle Creek. If you're skirting Coal Bluff instead of climbing it the day is easier, but you also miss some fabulous views and terrain on top. We recommend the climb! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2e917b39-5d3b-46a9-9367-7b46cd48d080/02+onto+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Beach at South Cape Rivulet An early start onto a beautiful beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b55c8425-8270-42eb-89a2-6f5088354c4b/03+leaving+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - exit from beach But soon you leave the beach for your climb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2f32d1f-a397-4547-ab68-309d8c2c3776/05+melaleuca.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - track South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek Firm track underfoot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/21bff1a6-42b6-44e6-91b6-6c219ee90bea/11+goodenia.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Goodenia Ovata Hop Goodenia (G. ovata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c63265e2-ec07-4e4a-9b4d-57fc1f2f972e/08+beach.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Beach Down onto the second beach and to its end: it's time for your main climb for the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77840686-eaeb-45e4-8431-cb5782e979e2/10+ferns.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Ferns in forest on way to Cockle Creek Lush ferns... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/682e4be5-5bf5-46b3-9c4e-df32ffe57003/12+more+views.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - coastal views from gap in forest ... and, higher up, stunning views westward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7da9184-3a8c-488f-94ee-ef8786e93890/15+dunes.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - small creek in dunes before Lion Rock A long descent down to the beach again, through forest initially and then pretty dunes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a908da5-b1d2-4c0a-af8c-fd9a8b17da13/18+gulls.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Lion Head Beach Beach again, with gulls and striking black cliffs behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ae18ebd-4af1-420c-9457-4eec49583291/20+climbing.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - steps off of beach A short climb up stone steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ee48decd-d3d8-4d67-b922-6e1c9298f749/21+sign.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - warning sign for cliff collapse Lots more signage today, and more people too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8833896-58e0-4c13-aedd-cb8ca0cbeaa5/22+cliffs.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - coal black rock face It's marvellous walking... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/46cff9a9-92b1-405e-a025-8de06409d12f/coal+bluff.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - coal bluff, south coast track, tasmania ... and the dramatic colours here are extraordinary. Coal, I assume! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dd18f14f-0d85-4a15-9ce3-562b7fc8d81f/24+view+west.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Lion Rock from coal bluff Equally spectacular views westwards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9966d775-e007-45e2-aff8-77407e868eb0/26+inlands.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Cockle Creek day walk You're now on one of Tassie's Great Day Walks, and the track improves even further. Huge tree ferns line the creek to your left as it gurgles alongside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7bb93aa2-8b18-44fa-886f-3a115afbbc94/28+bsanksia.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - boardwalk to Cockle Creek Luuuuxxxuuury! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6bcdcdf-32e7-448a-af8f-2f227238740e/27+flower.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Lomatia polymorpha And new plants as you emerge into the open, here Mountain Guitar Plant (Lomatia polymorpha). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41f71398-fba7-4616-bfdc-45bc5bc9997d/29+buttongrass.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Blowhole Valley Boardwalk all the way through the buttongrass swamps in Blowhole Valley. The slashed strips either side are rich with wildflowers, just as they were on our very first day leaving Melaleuca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b16a1d98-437d-4332-94f1-9fea5f96eeb7/31+prasophyllum.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Prasophyllum australe Prasophyllum australe... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ea2be252-5227-4a57-90f7-f0ed4e713103/34+eriochilus.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Eriochilus cucullatus and the tiny Eriochilus cucullatus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4067f9d4-ff44-4265-b5de-7819dbaedca3/37+cryptostylis.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Cryptostylis subulata The Moose Orchid, Cryptostylis subulata. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/337e53e4-7500-4f10-8d01-35787332a381/36+temperate+forest.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - sclerophyll forest approaching Cockle Creek You finally leave the low ground and enter sclerophyll forest, completely different to all the terrain you've traversed thus far. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bce5ccf6-940f-4825-8919-6190d9df8de5/40+club+moss.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Lycopodium deuterodensum Bushy clubmoss (Lycopodium deuterodensum) is an ancient plant with relatives that once grew like trees. Clubmosses aren't mosses at all, but are more closely related to ferns. They are a living hint of what used to be, a bit like stromatolites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31ca30df-a996-4911-b721-3eb4f97b395d/41+forest.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Granite rocks along track to Cockle Creek The different terrain is refreshing, with new plant species and granite boulders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0007f7ce-abca-4051-bae4-2d7d1204055f/48+cockle+creek.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Cockle Creek Cockle Creek and the first sign of civilisation in ten glorious days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6231a607-641a-4cea-a9b1-237f296b2e35/46+end.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Cockle Creek Trail Head After signing out in the registration booth, you're nearly done. We took a leisurely ten days rather than the suggested six to eight days, but this track is highly customisable with many intermediate campsites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e57f565b-c180-490b-836f-6946553fcf79/47+selfie.jpg South Coast Track Tasmania - Day 10: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek - Slower hikers Helen McKerral and Geoff Fisher Still smiling even as the rain comes down! https://slowerhiking.com/mt-field-national-park-multiday-hike daily 0.75 2024-11-03 https://slowerhiking.com/mt-field-national-park-multiday-hike/mt-field-national-park-hike-planning-and-tips monthly 0.5 2024-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0f4f71a-2d0c-41ce-99dc-c1f2c878c51c/23+lunch+views+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Mt Field West, The Watcher Mount Field National Park Lunch beside the track near The Watcher, with views to Mt Field West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/50e16406-1fe9-4aef-970b-a26654e15028/25+tarns+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - K Col Track Along K Col Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d2c2cb84-8e57-499e-b064-f4104b083b15/Mt+Field+West+Hike+Locality.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Mount Field Locality Map Locality Map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d3d67a1e-ca85-4045-a80f-bea2eff1fb70/42b+twilight+tarn+hut+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Twilight Tarn Hut Twilight Tarn Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6490763-5466-4d22-a9e6-ff341cb39d9f/03+following+lake+dobson+shoreline.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Track next to Lake Dobson Setting off alongside Lake Dobson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/70bcf0eb-a98b-4912-9d78-2d5612650369/falls2.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Russell Falls, Mt Field Russell Falls, Mt Field https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7d87bdd3-e905-491b-8b82-24d9fc3d15c5/falls.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Victoria Falls, Mt Field Victoria Falls, Mt Field https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0bb556c2-d151-4313-8043-97bcb6f3287f/23+lake+seal+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Lake Seal Stunning view over Lake Seal, even with low cloud! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dd082506-af9b-4bfb-a349-db4fcbb096e9/04+lake+dobson.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Lake Dobson Lake Dobson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67b574d4-d2ba-4a28-b914-4637a9e2b7d2/hike+map.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Parks Tasmania map of Mount Field National Park The Tas Parks Map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ddca1f8b-d025-4e10-aded-a2212513289a/Mt+Field+West+Hike+Full+Track+Day+1.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Mount Field West Circuit hike map with distances and elevation gains Our recommended hike statistics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ffbd94ce-6395-4249-926c-ee153c88c53c/25+tarn+shelf+tarns+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Tarn Shelf Track Rather than continuing up and over the scree of Rodney Range on our route, the Tarn Shelf Track is a shorter loop that branches off and follows the eastern (right) edge of the tarns along the shelf at lower elevation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/05eff870-00df-48ee-a83c-3f2f091d6e47/registration+booth.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Registration Station Make sure to sign into the Walker Registration book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b5a8313-e6ef-4570-9b82-45ffe799a448/02++start+of+hike+warnings.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Hazard sign for hiking in alpine areas Like all alpine regions of Tasmania, conditions in Mt Field National Park can change quickly from warm and sunny to 10C below freezing with windchill, whiteout conditions and extreme winds even in mid summer. When we hiked in January, we had to delay our hike for a day because of 100kmph+ winds forecast at elevation. Regardless of forecast conditions, carry good waterproof and warm clothing and a tent that you’re familiar with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad6d9e11-06e4-452c-81fd-681e9f2317d6/45+into+mistMt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Thick fog near Clemes Tarn Wearing all our waterproof clothing on Day 1. We experienced driving rain, thick fog and strong wind, and a couple of lads a few hours behind us were forced to take shelter in the emergency hut after they were subjected to a heavy hailstorm on exposed scree. Only moderate winds had been forecast, and light showers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b621688a-f0cb-45dc-973f-51b933287d22/16+kcol+hut+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Peterson Memorial Hut Peterson Memorial Hut in sunshine, 100m away from the previous photo, but on the following day! The huts are for day and emergency use only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8d393ec1-7e6d-46af-8baf-f37a8fc8528e/01+start+of+hike.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Track signage A cruisy start at Lake Dobson in the sheltered subalpine forest gives no hint of the exposed terrain at altitude. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e679797a-3815-4a89-8403-b6fb7ef49c3b/02+ice+in+tent+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - ice inside tent Wiping ice from the inside of our tent at Clemes Tarn early in the morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/62892975-610b-4db8-a82a-2b624eedf33c/29+boardwalk+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Boardwalk to protect native vegetation Easy boardwalk… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/996f8d45-7830-4fc3-b304-f6fe9fbf0c0d/07+wet+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - clear track through forest Easy track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6b12a298-4b4e-4d2e-9159-a8744ca7128d/15+rocky+track+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - natural rock section of track Rocky track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c709a07f-ca41-42c4-b14e-da9e011ed0c1/32+scree+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Scree field on way to Clemes Tarn Scree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/58f7260f-c4eb-4ba3-992d-2957814c2b13/35+more+scrambling+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Boulder field Boulder fields https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4de43b0d-aea5-4208-b7c8-7f0086d1d389/11+approaching+mf+west+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Boggy wet track through cushion plants Boggy wet track: walk through the bog and water rather than deviating because the cushion plants are extremely sensitive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f8409499-071c-40b4-9967-99737c67d2b8/34+ropugh+trackon+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Hiking through large scree Several steep ascents and descents https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8359e1c3-e1fa-450b-aeee-1368a937a479/33+ropugh+trackon+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Collapsing steps Collapsing steps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49a4d07c-b06d-474e-88a9-7ea43b882aef/40+rocky+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - rocky track through puddles of water Wet rocky track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df15f92d-76a5-476a-983e-697f48e450c1/47+clemes+tarn+campsite+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Clemes Tarn campsite Don’t bother looking for “better” campsites at Clemes Tarn, because there are none. The obvious ones — about four of them — right beside the tarn are the only ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b28cbb24-ff7f-426c-bb84-5f436aec048d/48+campsite+twilight+tarn++mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Twilight Tarn At Twilight Tarn, there is one lakeside campsite that you approach from the right in this image but be aware that, despite its appearance, it is extremely exposed to wind, which rotors off the ridge in the background. More sheltered campsites are on a rise amongst the trees to the right: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aa5090d0-9260-4b63-8966-d5afbb3e2ec9/45a+campsite+twilight+tarn+hut+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Twilight Tarn campsite Twilight Tarn campsite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67786654-bbf8-4d08-8b66-0cdba6ba2c04/45b+campsite+twilight+tarn+hut+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Twilight Tarn campsite Twilight Tarn campsite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/64ae3faa-f85c-4e23-aeee-6597ddbdda48/44+toilettwilight+tarn+hut+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Toilet at Twilight Tarn A very welcome toilet at Twilight Tarn. Phew! There’s also one at Lake Dobson Carpark at the start of your walk, but nothing in between. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a7dabe6b-f6eb-4f18-b1de-c945d38ec06b/03+sunny+morning+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Clemes Tarn Clemes Tarn Campsite This is a stunning campsite, but the soil is shallow peaty sod, with the water table just below the surface and rock just below that. Everything drains into the tarn. On the higher elevations nearby, you’re into rock. It simply isn’t possible to dig a hole anywhere, even with a toilet trowel, so we hung on until Twilight Tarn toilet. We treated the water in the crystal-clear-but-certainly-not-pristine Clemes Tarn, and tried not to think what hikers before us might have done. Happily, there is an answer, especially for regular as clockwork early morning/late evening folk whose bowels dislike deviation: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0d6a0f9-d4d2-41ec-96cb-6dcbad5afcb0/tassie+pandw.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - Poo tubes Poo tubes for the win! (Image Credit: Tasmanian Parks Service). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0d4f1c36-63c6-48ad-94f8-bd7009c2d822/24+tarns+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Hike Planning and Tips - alpine plateau near The Watcher Mount Field National Park With this relaxed itinerary, the Mount Field West Circuit is a fantastic short multiday hike for slower hikers. Highly recommended! https://slowerhiking.com/mt-field-national-park-multiday-hike/mt-field-national-park-hike-day-1 monthly 0.5 2024-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/80c338b3-7ecf-44f6-b87e-942310af57c9/46f+clemes+tarn+campsite+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Clemes Tarn camp Mist sweeps across Clemes Tarn camp in spectacular evening light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3db0023-361a-47ad-a077-2722a6499fe0/Mt+Field+West+Hike+Full+Track+Day+1.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - hike map with elevation details Hike statistics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/82c3cbba-0437-4440-8531-1112d6450efa/03+following+lake+dobson+shoreline.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Lake Dobson After leaving your vehicle at Lake Dobson car park and signing the walker log in the registration hut, you'll follow the lake's southern shore for about 300m before branching onto Urquhart Track, a steepish shortcut that avoids a longer road walk. The circuit around Lake Dobson is beautiful and deservedly one of Australia’s Great Short Walks; you’ll see more of it on your return in two day’s time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c020060b-d898-47d0-8207-202eff0dd639/04+lake+dobson.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Lake Dobson In good weather, you'll have great views across the lake, framed by billy pines and snow gums. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3b368827-4b2b-4c72-b8dd-a63e7a091379/06+berries.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Trochocarpa thymifolia In summer, you'll notice many berries as bright as flowers. Here, Trochocarpa thymifolia... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/99e603a6-9841-477b-8a98-2c542cfad971/11+red+berry.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Cyathodes straminea and Cheeseberry (Cyathodes straminea). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3356ecbb-1187-4759-ba1a-72d262fbf90b/05+track+through+pandani.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Richea pandanifolia Through pandani (Richea pandanifolia) on the steadily climbing track with a few roots and rocks... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b34ee79e-6dfc-4857-9a65-6bba2b46b8e7/11+berries+along+road+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - track leading to the ski clubs Mount Field National Park ... before you emerge onto the track leading to the ski clubs. This track is lined with wildflowers, so keep your eyes peeled for small treasures such as orchids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/64d54cee-7f99-485c-bba5-c74d7d0e6148/13+gnarly+snow+gums.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - gnarly snow gum Higher still and you're into snow gum territory... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/970d72b0-912a-4cc9-ace2-a5622bffd68a/14+snow+gum+detail+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - striped and swirled bark of snow gum ... with their characteristically striped and swirled bark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/32748095-1954-458c-b468-c28081fcba73/10+gastrodia.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Gastrodia sesamoides) Potato orchid (Gastrodia sesamoides) on the roadside. No chlorophyll, so it exists in a parastitic/symbioic relationship with soil fungi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2658f10e-f7e6-45c0-acf7-3ba71521116f/15+rocky+track+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Snowgum Track Mount Field National Park Tasmania Snowgum Track becomes ever more rough and rocky, but the views get better and better. Take your time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0ca05176-16fb-4447-ad27-ac6d3ced06c3/16+lookout+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Lake Seal, with Lake Webster beyond First glimpses of Lake Seal, with Lake Webster beyond. Today, the cloud is lowering so there are no distant views. At other times, you'll see for miles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d80bc919-ee58-457f-84c0-443a4ed1f84f/17+Lake+Seal+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Lake Seal But even with low cloud, the view from the lookout is breathtaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/24ad10e4-9be6-457f-a451-fb12b36ca8be/18+alpine+tarn+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - fire scare To the northeast with less elevation, views are more expansive. Between moorlands, scarred white tree fingers mark the 2019 bushfire. Unlike many Australian ecosystems adapted to fire, Tasmania’s subalpine eucalypts and pines regenerate poorly or not at all. Climate change is bringing more severe and frequent burns to these highly vulnerable areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/091239ab-98f0-4cea-aa72-1d33e1a4a00e/19+scree+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Hiker walking over small boulders Scree varies greatly from fine gravel to boulders as on Mt Field West Track. A few steps have been arranged here… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8993d582-5706-445c-bc69-f47774287d95/20+scree+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - boulder field Mount Field National Park ... but most of the time you simply make your own way from rock to rock, haphazardly following the orange poles. It’s fun, but your legs will have had a great workout by the end of the day. Trekking poles help. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d7e8a7da-012d-4ab4-9b15-fea05189a6d5/22+mist+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - boardwalk across sensitive heath and cushion plants You’ll also find plenty of boardwalk across sensitive heath and cushion plants, here descending towards Rodway Tow with its little day shelter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d566ef87-770a-4a5a-91f6-6b06c8c6e994/25+tarn+shelf+tarns+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - View towards Rodway tow and Tarn Shelf View NNW towards Rodway tow and Tarn Shelf; the roof of the day shelter is peeking above the brow far left beside the tow shed. Tarn Shelf Track branches right, passes the hut and follows the eastern side of the tarns to Lake Newdegate: you’ll meet the track there tomorrow. It’s also a fantastic day walk option if you don’t have time for a multiday hike. For now, you’ll continue northwest along Mt Field West Track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1bcd56a8-4ac2-4e7b-ae62-72f53625063d/26+More+scree+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Mt Field West Track Looking back the way we’ve come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6fd25069-d863-4b9b-b406-5c4e81da6112/28L+scree+scrambling+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - hiking over large boulders More boulders. They’re getting bigger! And look at that view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eb1be08d-63be-41e8-a84e-bcb2edec4234/27+scree+scrambling+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - scrambling up through boulders And bigger! But it’s easy scrambling. Follow the red blazes and orange stakes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5a9b61eb-6b88-46a3-96fd-64b242638d52/29+scree+scrambling+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - scrambling up through boulder field You can see that Geoff hasn’t even bothered to stash his poles. Yes, it’s scrambly, but with a conservative itinerary you’ll find it eminently doable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16931f7e-cf40-497f-818a-34fa6400275a/31+top+of+climb+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Lion’s Den Mount Field National Park Nearing the top of the Rodway Range, the terrain flattens into a wide boulderfield know as the Lion’s Den. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/72c6bed0-3c99-4d41-b2d7-12fd33b902e4/32+lake+views+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - View of Walker and Backhouse tarns nearest, and large Lake Newdegate behind Grand views of Walker and Backhouse tarns nearest, and large Lake Newdegate behind (you’ll pass its northernmost tip tomorrow). Furthest away is Twisted Tarn, which you’ll also see closeup tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2adbe7e7-ae29-45fd-99c9-1f97e5da128c/33+mist+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - boulder field under misty sky Nearly at the top! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ed4a69b1-27de-40aa-a5e1-581b7b1817d7/34+Lake+Seal+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Lake Seal Low cloud swirling over the peaks makes for a moody ambience and spectacular lighting, though you have to be quick to catch the fleeting splashes of sunshine. Last view of Lake Seal for today… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/af1188bd-7dcf-4fce-a106-bdfa07c3def0/35+more+scrambling+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - very large irregular shaped boulders Because now there is more scree to descend; it’s the most challenging rock-hopping of the hike, but it’s only a couple hundred metres. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce524b40-3d14-4470-b35e-1037d0862448/37+view+to+kcol+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - stepping stones Then there’s a boggy section across K col to Peterson Memorial Hut; you’ll see its shining roof from afar. When on track through cushion plants such as this, it’s essential not to deviate from the trampled area. Walk on the rock stepping stones or plug through existing mud, avoid that tempting green mat. These plants are extremely sensitive to foot traffic, and form the base for other plants to grow. When they are gone, erosion happens quickly in such a rocky, high-rainfall environment. And because we aren’t in a hurry, we have no excuse: we have the luxury of picking our way on rocks wherever possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef869850-875b-43ff-bab0-4012c7170394/40+alpinew+prasoiphyllum+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Prasophyllum alpinum Alpine leek orchid, Prasophyllum alpinum, but then no more pictures as the rain comes bucketing down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/26daaede-f513-40b2-9706-4968ddcf4894/41+kcol+hut+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - emergency shelter We rush inside the hut, grateful for its shelter (this picture is taken a little later when the rain briefly eases). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8ddd078-f7b2-4001-974b-36c3aae41f0a/42+kcol+hut+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - inside emergency shelter Lunch inside the hut; my editing has brightened and warmed the image considerably. It is dry in here but very cold and when we are first inside we can barely hear each other over the hammering of the rain on the roof. Above Geoff and the corrugated iron ceiling is a loft for extra sleeping. On the wall either side of the window fascinating snippets of historical and geographical information describe both hut and region. When we leave the hut, we see a sign on the outside of the door that we had not noticed in our rush to get out of the rain: no fires are permitted inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b22cce09-b346-46d8-9280-941e380d859e/45b+into+mistMt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - hiker in mist Upon leaving the hut, it is cold, rainy, foggy and windy. It’s easy to head off across scree and heath in the wrong direction: the track arrives on the southeastern side of the hut but continues on the northern side. Unable to spot any poles, we first assume they are hidden in the mist, but then check our map and GPS: we are too far south. Apparently many hikers make this mistake! Once on the right track, the marker posts are still barely visible but the campsite is just a few hundred metres away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/206ece1a-cf7f-4c10-b74e-1b0c48b115c9/46b+clemes+tarn+campsite+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Clemes Tarn in fog We spend a good twenty minutes scouting various footpads around the tarn for the best campsite. Don’t bother: the best (only) ones are the most obvious, a little cluster right beside the tarn’s southwest shore. As you can see, there may be no views! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7c5236b-99f1-4ede-8d7a-aa935a524fa8/46c+clemes+tarn+campsite+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 1 - Clemes Tarn And then suddenly, spectacularly, the mist clears, and the rain, and a grand vista opens up across the tarn to The Watcher to the right and Naturalist Peak to the west. It is magnificent. The lumpy surface that presented such challenges is just visible along the bottom edge of the tent and you can see more lumpy ground on another site far right, but the effort has been worth it! And tomorrow’s clear forecast promises even more views! https://slowerhiking.com/mt-field-national-park-multiday-hike/mt-field-national-park-hike-day-2 monthly 0.5 2024-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b0cdf81-90e2-4a1b-8bbe-473ddeb3499f/47+campsite+twilight+tarn++mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Twilight Tarn Campsite Another spectacular campsite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9afd226d-3f88-4097-a4b0-e9c3a243a4af/Mt+Field+West+Hike+Full+Track+Day+2.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Satellite map of hike with elevation details Hike statistics map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc864a6c-d4cb-4dfc-8c0d-49b686f78c72/01+breakfast+clemes+tarn+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Breakfast at Clemes Tarn in morning sunshine Breakfast beside Clemes Tarn. It has been a wild night, with lots of rain and howling wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4569a566-8b53-4f1b-bd2f-4e887ba8b4ec/02+ice+in+tent+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Icy conditions at Clemes Tarn Wiping ice from inside the tent. We were warm enough with our winter sleep system but you definitely need a good tent. The XMid Pro is an excellent tent; with a emergency hut nearby we were deliberately testing its limits and this site confirmed to us that it’s not ideal for Tassie alpine conditions due to the often lumpy, uneven terrain (imagine it on buttongrass!). For these conditions and terrain, the XMid 2 with its separate (solid) inner and outer not relying on a connecting mesh screen to shed water is, in our opinion, the better choice of the two. Alternatively, one of Tarptent’s double wall options or a freestanding tent would perform well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/842dda8b-fecb-41d9-9ea5-11edbfa534a4/04+icy+ground+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Ice covered pools Clemes Tarn Plenty of ice on the ground. Brrr! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bb2840e0-2f5f-4406-8a9e-03911165a6b1/05+bellendena+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Bellendena montana Mountain rocket (Bellendena montana) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a155b528-ac64-4b91-8c02-ffe727b3ce77/03+sunny+morning+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - tent at Clemes Tarn Mount Field National Park We leave the tent set up to dry while we hike the out and return to Mt Field West. With the sun out and all tent doors open, we also leave our down twin quilt to air. DCF tents heat up extremely quickly in sun and, in our experience, down bedding dries faster and more completely inside than draped over a bush outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df19516c-33e7-4ee0-bbef-4d9eda1277b0/06+to+mt+field+west+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - hiking to Mount Field West Heading towards Naturalist Peak. If (ahem) you haven’t studied your map closely, you’ll likely assume Naturalist Peak is Mt Field West, but the latter is another 1500m further on, across level albeit wet ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/744ebe76-726e-4337-a7be-fa5fbb45b071/08+climbing+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Rocky track It’s rocky but not demanding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b80d625-7dfc-4893-8800-86c0ae0bf371/08P+climbing+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - easy scrambling up informal rock steps A little easy scrambling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e61ea79-911c-4bb2-b703-6be6935edb12/39+alpine+daisy+Mt+Field+NP.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Scapisenecio pectinatus Alpine Groundsel (Scapisenecio pectinatus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5ef940ff-8d68-4268-b1ba-1ead8cdeb301/09+view+east+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - nearing Naturaliste Peak Views east. After the South Coast Track and Frenchman’s Cap hikes immediately before this one, my body is rebelling even without a pack and maxing out the Vitamin I (Ibuprofen). Time to stop and enjoy the views just before Naturalist Peak, and wait for Geoff to do the out and return to Mt Field West. The views are pretty good from the lip of the col even before reaching the Peak, and there are sun-warmed rocks to rest against. The deep bowl-shape as seen behind me is indicative of glaciation; at one time this col was the head of a glacier. It takes a while for Geoff to return and, upon checking the map, I realise that the peak I’m looking at is not Mt Field West at all, and that he has a couple of kilometres to cover. All is well, though I confess I’m not entirely relaxed until I spot his bright tee reappearing over the ridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65ffce23-a364-4e91-a8d3-26c8dc7147ba/11+approaching+mf+west+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - plateau between Naturalist Peak and Mt Field West Past Naturalist Peak the terrain is easier, with Mt Field West on the horizon. You can see how few hikers venture this far, and that nearly all of them have done the right thing by sticking to the main track; there is little braiding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5fb3da89-89e2-403b-a0eb-cc84ba29f6f1/07+vast+views+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - views from Mt Field West Distant views today, though morning mist still lies in the lower valleys. What a difference! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1dcacd20-6f5a-4453-a19b-35b4dbbffc99/14+view+eaSt+over+clemes+tarn+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Clemes Tarn Back down to Clemes Tarn with Florentine Peak just behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f57cea2-9b86-4caf-b6fd-292c003d0900/15+views+north+over+the+watcher+and+mt+field+west+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Lake Hayes After packing up the tent, it’s time to head back to Peterson Memorial Hut. Unlike yesterday, Lake Hayes is clearly visible in the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f38a3612-b106-449d-b01c-fd18b9427c9c/17+start+of+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - track signage Just east of the hut, branch onto K Col Track towards The Watcher. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7626c53c-fb58-4fdd-b6d3-7058a1b429bb/18+scree+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - scree field on way to The Watcher More scree! You can see why distances alone are so deceptive when calculating hike times in Tasmania. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2620d0ee-c8e0-46cf-a872-3922208fab18/19+grand+alpine+views+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - View of The Watcher, Lake Hayes, Naturalist Peak and Mt Field West. Past the scree and nearing The Watcher on the right. To the left you can see Lake Hayes in the valley, with Naturalist Peak and, beyond it, Mt Field West. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f5c1dc2-ac79-45f0-82d6-b65189813ec8/20+wldflowers+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Gentianella diemensis A stunning posy of Mountain Gentian (Gentianella diemensis). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9d7bf86d-6276-40ce-8aa5-b42c6c43f3ba/22P+countless+tarns+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - crystal clear tarns and creeks near The Watcher K Col track near The Watcher is glorious, becoming ever wetter and greener with crystal clear tarns and creeks. They are crystal clear because the track has been upgraded to primarily boardwalk, so erosion and mud are a thing of the past. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9afc13e3-f198-4f3f-9aec-03110f059408/23+lunch+views+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Lunch on a rock beside the track near the foot of The Watcher Lunch on a rock beside the track near the foot of The Watcher, looking west towards Naturalist Peak and Mt Field West. What a grand spot, and such a contrast to yesterday with its hammering rain and thick fog! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/088d937e-6d5e-456d-8c0c-6f4eb3dd858a/24+tarns+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - stunning plateau with numerous small tarns Here you can see a little rocky section without boardwalk. Geoff is loaded up, carrying two thirds of our joint pack weight so that I can make it to tonight’s destination as comfortably as possible. It’s difficult to enjoy a hike when you’re in significant discomfort, though some people are more stoic than others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/594d353c-66fe-404d-b299-6ae9a42e0ffc/25P+tarns+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - small tarn near The Watcher, Mt Field National Park More and more marvellous tarns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c4a9ce1-fc0d-4bc6-84ec-3d7f709da284/26+sensitive+alpine+vegetation+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - stepping stones through cushion plants An entire world in miniature between the rocks at our feet. It’s great to see how well this section of track is now doing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f7bd48c1-e208-46de-997c-1383005dfc48/31+boardwalk+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - boardwalk meandering between small pristine tarns There’s that environment-protecting boardwalk, butt-ugly but so necessary here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5beae91a-f853-4b63-9a9a-d13c594770ae/32+scree+on+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - boulder field scree Another section of scree, the last one! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d2e03fb0-8ddd-4c16-9fd1-78b5819239d8/33+ropugh+trackon+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - steps on way to Lake Newdegate. Next, a steep descent to Lake Newdegate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f4321c4-c0ca-48ee-b65c-a75612b257a4/34+ropugh+trackon+k+col+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - scrambling down through the scree Rocky and rough, but with glorious views. The Tent Tarn circuit branches right at the outlet and follows the left hand side/eastern of the lake back to Rodway Tow and Mt Field West Track that we passed yesterday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/309c3bbe-d38d-4fce-9d5f-953167bd97d9/37+lake+newdegate+hut+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - old rustic hut at Lake Newdegate A quick detour to Lake Newdegate Hut, right at the outlet of the lake. This area has been popular for both downhill and cross-country skiing for a century or more — you’ve seen the large expanses of flatter terrain at elevation — and all the huts were used by these skiers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be1f2f20-20f4-4aad-996c-548da84d4be8/38+past+twisted+tarn+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Twisted Tarn Twisted Tarn is just a little lower in elevation than those we’ve passed thus far, and the vegetation reflects this with snow gums, billy pine and taller heath. Presumably also fun cross country skiing in winter! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f1b5d53-835e-44a2-878b-cde3c112aa7b/39+over+twisted+tarn+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - stepping stones near outlet of twisted tarn In good weather like this, the walking in this section is delightfully varied and undemanding. It’s another story in bad weather! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b21a74a-75a2-4bb3-be98-90dea39c5cbf/41+twilight+tarn+campsite+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Twilight Tarn Soon we arrive at Twilight Tarn. There is one established campsite beside the tarn, the others are amongst the trees. Despite this site’s sheltered appearance, it is exposed and windy today, with gusts rotoring over the ridge on the other side of the lake. Once again we deploy (and need) all upwind guylines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9fe82912-af98-44ce-af15-f6553c906e25/49+campsite+staking+twilight+tarn++mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - double staking It’s not possible to get the stakes all the way in so we double stake. The backup stake is a Pioneer titanium Y stake that we were sent to test and which has impressed us greatly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6906d3f9-5042-4491-948b-65570b3dc795/45a+P+campsite+twilight+tarn+hut+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - sheltered campsite at Twighlight tarn More sheltered campsites between the trees near the hut and beyond them — hooray! — a loo! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7644f626-1055-4f91-b4d7-08858dc401b8/45b+P+campsite+twilight+tarn+hut+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - sheltered campsite Another campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2967645a-e211-45ce-b71e-8ae0736b6d27/42+twilight+tarn+hut+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - hut at Twighlight Tarn Twilight Tarn hut is filled with skiing memorabilia. Like the other historic huts in the park, it’s an emergency shelter only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5822c2fe-17fd-4183-8b05-dd0aef486a09/47+P+campsite+twilight+tarn++mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 2 - Twighlight Tarn, Mt Field National Park What a glorious campsite, one of the prettiest we’ve seen in Tassie! https://slowerhiking.com/mt-field-national-park-multiday-hike/mt-field-national-park-hike-day-3 monthly 0.5 2024-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/066610ba-defa-407a-acbe-6e3612caf823/20+lake+seal+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out A relaxed early lunch on the northern shore of Lake Seal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/58a55c6b-8747-48e7-9b7a-afe8d853566e/Mt+Field+West+Hike+Full+Track+Day+1.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out Hike statistics map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fb6998b6-d0de-494e-97c8-4f83f678c3b9/01+breakfast+twilight+tarn++mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out Geoff’s breakfast brew, a heartstarter very short black espresso. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/406ea31b-eecf-4bc8-8485-a596dce4fab6/04+coffee+jack+twilight+tarn++mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out There are many lightweight coffee presses for hiking. Geoff’s 232g (8.1oz) hand press CoffeeJack, that I bought for him as a potential present via a Kickstarter campaign, is not exactly ultralight and arrived several years after funding it; covid intervened and the inventors had no experience with complex products. Of course with Kickstarter campaigns you can’t expect a product at all, let alone a good one, so I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived, even more so when it worked! I don’t drink coffee so have to rely on Geoff’s assessment. According to him it works really well, but there are numerous reports of this first iteration failing early at the lugs and so we won’t recommend or link to it for that reason. Geoff follows the (many) official instructions to the letter and calculated that he would need thirty cups of coffee to break even on the (higher) current price, so we are ahead and every extra cup is a bonus! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0ab552e-917f-46c6-9384-ece1a0c52bed/05+baCKPACKING+espresso+twilight+tarn++mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out Geoff is casual about most things but is a bit of a coffee snob; he usually prefers tea on the track rather than enduring bad coffee. As for most coffee presses, it took a while to get the grind and extraction right but, when he did, he was able to create a smooth brew without bitterness and with excellent crema, as you can see: this is a single 100mL shot in a 300ml mug. The press works using a hydraulic action that delivers a much higher pressure — up to 9 bars! — than can other manual presses such as the Aeropress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/84a90db0-136a-4bce-88b0-dfee97cdb7e5/06+to+lake+webster+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out After morning cuppa and brew, it’s time to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/175308da-3095-4655-aadb-b7f0da77ac99/07+wet+track+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out The track is a breeze compared to the scree of previous days! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6e4373e-c753-4bf8-aade-af43454336b0/08+stylidium+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out Botanists will find new wildflowers, here the Grass Triggerplant (Stylidium graminifolium). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3df0f9d1-f865-4cb6-83bd-a3d5c3a35440/11+boardwalk+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out Boardwalk over boggy bits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ac21fb2-95bb-46c4-8ba8-0247b1820658/12+lake+webster+outletmt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out Crossing the bridge over Lake Webster outlet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d763f5a-4538-4739-ad29-4e724a349e30/13+kangaroo+moor+crossing+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out Delightful buttongrass moorland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d9716df-54ed-4d63-b8bf-773b9a1ce352/14+benign+trail+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out And back into forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/187f8047-5dd3-4705-8327-c1da8acacfa7/10+boronia+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out Lemon-Scented Boronia (B. citriodora); it’s the leaves that smell the most citrussy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0acdd45-8106-49fc-acab-e2a7e493c508/17+banksiamt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out Silver banksia (B. marginata). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/947898ff-8a81-4427-ab81-7e1e9b61ccf3/15+trail+martkings+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out Strange gnarled holes in the snow gum, perhaps remnants of branches or earlier trail blazes… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/24c9993b-ffb9-4c16-aa93-c3e0f4b0df92/19+trail+blaze+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out … like these. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16d62613-721d-406c-89e8-ba19d892c5d5/16+through+ligt+forest+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out It’s so different to the track of previous days! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bfc24bf8-d0b9-4f00-9072-e50ecd96db55/24+guuitar+plant+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out Mountain Guitar Plant (Lomatia polymorpha). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83520766-348e-4e75-9f52-86f9b8a60edb/20P+lake+seal+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out You don’t have a big distance or demanding terrain today so, energy permitting, take the spur trail to see Lake Seal from a new perspective. It’s a great place for an early lunch here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/10f09a8d-6c7b-4cd6-94b5-aa2999ebd490/21+legless+lizard+or+snake+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out A pretty little White-Lipped Snake (Drysdalia coronoides). These small venomous chaps eat skinks, and are one of the most cold-tolerant snakes in Australia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/25f11f62-b2e2-4f47-b546-9423c95a7c51/22+wetlandmt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out Fairy Tarn is right beside the track but it is easy to miss with its dense border of shrubs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b67859c7-1ddc-4ba8-b263-515a3580f302/25+road+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out Nearly back at the car park, and easy walking. What a fun hike it’s been! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e903f90-eb1e-4367-a4cc-aafe816e5018/35+lake+newdegate+mt+field+national+park.jpg Mt Field National Park - Mt Field West Circuit Day 3 - Make it stand out You’ll make many banner memories on this marvellous hike! https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail daily 0.75 2025-12-12 https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail/day-short-and-section-hiking-the-larapinta-and-surrounds monthly 0.5 2025-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d5d9732-dc5f-4e96-a75b-378935a1a206/P6253840.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Counts Point For slower hikers, this iconic view is accessible via a day point-to point hike (Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam), a day out-and-return from Serpentine Chalet Dam, or an overnight out-and-return hike from Serpentine Gorge! Unless otherwise specified, every image on this page is accessible as a day hike at a leisurely pace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e6022b93-035b-42f2-b9d4-ccf76f3ed4bb/IMG_9657.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Walking track into Simpsons Gap A short hike into Simpson’s Gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2f44890-4352-4eb5-b783-7b3006b0913c/IMG_8853.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Razorback ridge Even though Parks recommends hikers stop at Fringe Lily campsite, many of the supported tours omit this designated intermediate camp because there is no road access, which means the day’s hike is all the way from Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge, a distance that took Geoff and me 13.8 hours over two days, including upper Hugh Gorge. Razorback Ridge isn’t accessible as a day hike for slower hikers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5acfe9b6-c34f-4f30-a297-6b0f1ee8ae19/P6223661-2-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Ormiston Gorge Far from the crowds at the southern end of Ormiston Gorge, you are likely to have the entire Pound Loop to yourself https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c1e9b702-7b5d-46bb-9549-1ced8f022257/P7094593.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Euro Ridge Alice Springs to Simpson’s Gap is recommended as a day hike, or as an out-and-return from Geoff Moss Bridge, but slower hikers will be happier stopping at intermediate Wallaby Gap campsite for a two-day, one night hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8c739169-8a52-42ce-9dc4-4439634da6cc/IMG_7650.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - view from Mt Sonder Helicopter views from atop Mt Sonder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/995449a2-ead4-4843-8466-2e5f5defcd6a/P6213597-Enhanced-NR.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Ormiston Gorge waterhole Ormiston Gorge short loop and Pound walks. The Pound Circuit is, in our opinion, the jewel of the West MacDonnell day hikes, more varied than the Mt Sonder return hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ce5176f-51de-4abc-a700-fa2476e05ced/P6173256-2.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Redbank Gorge Spectacular Redbank Gorge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b479d61-a451-47e8-8a0a-221b45cd53d2/P6223640.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - waterhole on Pound walk through Ormiston Gorge The highly recommended Ormiston Pound Circuit Hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6719d34-6559-4b7b-a582-dc304cdf006f/IMG_9609.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Woodland Circuit Hike The Woodland Circuit above showcases woodland terrain, but the Serpentine Gorge walks also traverse woodland with more variety. If doing the Woodland Circuit, extend it to include Bond Gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/efe53680-ccd4-4b86-af74-3da90ece1d48/P6273991.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Big hole from Ellery Creek North Ellery Creek North https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e02d97f8-bcfa-47e6-bacb-86a02bbd242a/IMG_8204.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Mount Giles Dawn view of Mt Giles (2 nights, 3 days) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ee7c06ea-1664-4e28-aa04-2386c8b9b1af/P6304181.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Fringe Lily Pools Fringe Lily Pools (3 nights, 4 days) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f203a67f-ae7b-4731-99ed-ecdca7e2e390/P7054405-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Chewings Range High Route on the Chewings Range (3 nights, 4 days) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1f592fef-6536-44c6-8021-204800aa8590/P6203519.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Finke River campsite Finke River (5 nights, 6 days) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91a054e3-23af-4427-bc39-480c19c09d73/IMG_8674.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Hugh Gorge Hugh Gorge, also accessible as a day out and return. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ab5b760-565a-4223-a52b-ce4b13fa9470/P7024238.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Brinkley Bluff Looking west from below Brinkley Bluff from Ormiston to Standley on a 10 day hike (this section also possible as an overnighter from Birthday Waterhole) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5423a9b3-1974-4c87-8e08-e91837be58e3/P6243794.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Count’s Point Grand view of Count’s Point from the west accessible only as a multiday for leisurely hikers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04594ea7-a02b-4537-b8ed-37ed4030cfae/IMG_9249.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Scrambling down rock face near Standley Chasm Scrambling east of Standley Chasm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab71c932-680e-4c1d-a6b5-7a431d22ca71/IMG_9054-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - surrounding hills from Brinkley Bluff topped by mist A spectacular morning atop Brinkley Bluff, accessible as a two day, one night hike for leisurely hikers, or a day hike for faster ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0cbb29da-574d-4929-9c99-2496308e01cd/P6253875-HDR.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Serpentine Gorge Serpentine Gorge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/50a051dc-602d-455a-b51c-bbe25da8d7a0/IMG_9874.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - car camping at Birthday Waterhole Birthday Waterhole https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/566de06f-bc0f-46b8-9d7d-ce894a4d4d15/P7024250.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - campsite at Brinkley Bluff Stunning campsites atop Brinkley Bluff, now with a toilet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2e1b99ed-42e2-41ed-9758-dfd66a3c504a/P6253858.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - Serpentine Gorge from above Serpentine Gorge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5d86ca2-e947-49da-bb21-d89d5b46527c/Shorter+Hikes+Summary+Table+Metric+v3.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - metric table of distance and elevation for different hikes complete with camping and access information Or here is a link to download the spreadsheet file. (Click on tab at the bottom of the spreadsheet to toggle between metric and imperial). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/614bd745-bf8f-4ac9-a6f0-a7b0147d793c/Shorter+Hikes+Summary+Table+Imperial+v3.jpg Larapinta Trail - Day, Short and Section Hiking the Larapinta Trail - imperial table of distance and elevation for different hikes complete with camping and access information https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail/larapinta-trail-planning-and-tips monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ac65d67e-4fe7-4b5f-b129-18580f69d199/P6243766.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - View along ridge from Counts Point Throughout this extraordinary hike, you walk a series of parallel mountain ranges, following their spines before crossing through gaps and gorges, then traversing plains to reach another range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02957ad5-81be-4432-9be6-b2e840ed8a0a/Larapinta+Location+Map.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Larapinta Trail Locality Map The Larapinta is in Australia’s red heart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/214652ef-0ad4-41f8-b79b-479c419bdeaa/Larapinta+Whole+Elevation+Profile+V2.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Elevation Graph Larapinta Trail Here’s the elevation profile - 7845m (25,740ft) elevation gain if you do the side trips - 7490m (24,570ft) without. Without side trips it’s approximately 230km (143miles) or, with our suggested side trips, 251 km (156mi). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5534519a-0333-4142-a542-58aed610fd79/IMG_0577-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Satellite of hike from Parks and Wildlife Commission Drag apart to enlarge on a phone or, on a computer click on the map to enlarge, right click then magnify to drag across the route to see in more detail. We have larger images in the Itinerary blog, this is just a quick overview to illustrate how the trail follows the landforms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/548032e5-df8b-4ebe-98c2-86aab9a88695/IMG_8695.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - wading through waterhole along Hugh Gorge A fun wade and swim in Hugh Gorge on a cold and misty day: brrrrr! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/080752c3-7660-4e4b-86ad-47f6f2c039a7/P6253858.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - serpentine gorge rock features Geology writ large in Serpentine Gorge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/43604cb8-1b4a-46ea-8f43-20a6eb20e807/P7074481.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Hairy Mulla Mulla (Ptilotus helipteroides). After rain at any time of year, wildflowers sweep across the landscape. Here, Hairy Mulla Mulla (Ptilotus helipteroides). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/761db7bb-08f3-4dea-9866-4633b620451a/IMG_9248.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - scrambling down rock face A steep scrambly section. These are less daunting than they look because you pick a route of natural steps down the face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4242fee4-8237-422e-a5ad-a1804f4f23ae/IMG_8734.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - boulder hopping Hugh Gorge The bouldery sections through gorges and narrow valleys are often slow going too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5817a2d-9469-4f63-9fa9-cbe0ba052543/IMG_8727.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Davenport Creek Wading through Davenport Creek: levels and flow rates are much higher after rain but are easy now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d4571cfc-4064-4e55-97f8-6fe64e0cb7f4/IMG_8161.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - sunbaked plain Although much of your hike is through gorges and along ridges, the Larapinta includes plains without shade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bdb57124-8d7b-4b35-85d3-bcc9bec098f8/P7054391-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - High Route between Millers Flat and Jay Creek Vast views on the Alternate High Route in Section 4 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/14fc77ef-0fd2-4458-ab50-f1f2f4200694/P6273995.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - waterhole at Ellery Creek A cup of tea and a relaxing lunch on a rest day in splendid seclusion on the banks of Ellery Creek North, far away from the bus groups at Ellery Creek South. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a3399f1-b3a0-4b65-b8ce-75762cb7538b/P6173262-2.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Redbank Gorge campsite First two nights at Redbank Gorge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/765d422c-c6d8-436b-9409-c3b082a5671c/IMG_8599.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - wild camping in an emergency This wild campsite was marked on Alltrails. We walked 4.5 km past a formal campsite (Rocky Gully) and stayed here instead to shorten the following day, which was forecast to be very hot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4aa27326-7b68-403f-8a6e-a15e656b2275/IMG_7424.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - resupply box at Serpentine Gorge shed Dropping our resupply box at Serpentine Gorge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83b709e9-a3cf-499a-8181-9479d21d6ea2/IMG_8741.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - resupply box Our resupply box packed with luxuries at Ormiston: deodorant for the hot shower and laundry detergent for washing here, fuel, powerpack, lightweight dehydrated meals and snacks, as well as maps for the next section and medication. Many hikers also pack wine… I told Geoff we should have brought a bigger box! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b019ebe6-f32a-40bf-9491-848353afcb6a/IMG_8926.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - donated food The free food hiker box, absolutely chockers with good stuff, at Standley Chasm. There’s also a box with gas canisters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4689a510-2ae0-4e6e-addd-c99080bc20fd/IMG_7532.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - cabinet at Redbank Gorge hut Chargers are inside the cupboard in the huts. Hikers finishing at Redbank Gorge have left half full and full canisters as well as bug repellant, alcohol fuel and miscellany. The wine bottle, sadly, was empty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/98e5e8db-6b2a-44ed-8ae5-bd0a268a4228/IMG_8802.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - USB charging station Charging at midday at Ellery Creek North. It’s working with two devices, but we found that one device at a time worked better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e218c7b5-bb56-4b0e-830e-e201c34f401b/IMG_7958.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - charging at Ormiston Gorge The main chargers at Ormiston Gorge under the verandah. A double adaptor in your resupply box is helpful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a7706e3b-2eac-4cac-adf9-4792d7978c81/IMG_7957-2.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - charging points at Ormiston Gorge There’s another powerpoint high on a wall. We used a rubber band to secure our powerbank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/715ef93d-9767-494e-8d91-87d38ca8326c/IMG_8971.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - broken camera lense on iPhone The rocks are hard and sharp and effortlessly destroyed my iphone camera lens. It could just as easily have been the screen (the screen protector cracked badly in the first week). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3fd66bf5-9468-414d-a870-5fde35c67dd8/IMG_8541.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Garmin Inreach Mini An Inreach or Zoleo holds power, is robust, and can be used to text family or download weather forecasts. A PLB is a bombproof emergency communicator with even better reception. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97c83f26-f863-4102-8a13-bf754068f899/IMG_9900.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - heatstroke sign Know the symptoms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c4a301b-2285-41c4-9ddc-625415be4036/IMG_9898.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - managing heat information sign As older folk, one of us highly sensitive to heat, we wouldn’t consider hiking in anything over 30C on this trail. Even 27C felt hot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52780c22-64b7-41e1-b6e7-90d140044786/IMG_8153.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - hiking umbrella on Larapinta Trail Geoff doesn’t need to wear a hat or sunscreen on his face or head! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/59f190d0-67ca-4e29-8bbe-e3f51b1aea3a/IMG_8149.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - effectiveness of hiking umbrella Shading most of the upper body and shoulders. The difference when hiking with one of these umbrellas in comparison to hiking with a hat has to be felt to be believed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6f1dacad-0df5-4dfb-837a-17dfaf8c04ac/IMG_8972.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - drink plenty of water on Larapinta Trail Drink regularly. We older folk with rusty internal switches often don’t get as thirsty as young guns. Geoff and I drink every hour whether we feel thirsty or not. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/95929600-a052-42fe-83a5-06c7807e6bd7/P6243778.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Waterhole at Waterfall Gully Despite the name, Waterfall gully is usually dry but, if there is water, definitely treat any you collect because many hikers swim here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b13a6f64-e603-420f-88d7-7b2d1516a8bd/IMG_8253.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Larapinta Track Signage This marker is obvious but they are often more cryptic. Sometimes they’ve fallen off and been propped against the base of a tree. It’s easy to focus on your footing in these gorges and nothing else but, each time you come to a marker, pause and scan for the next one. If you can’t see it immediately, keep pausing to scan. You can also look behind you to spot markers going the opposite way. If there is no signage or marker to leave the gorge when you reach what looks to be a side track, then it is almost certainly not the right one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f8bbc5a-b595-4806-b292-a349cec5f74d/IMG_9506.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Navigating along the Larapinta is fairly easy Your best bet for accurate navigation is to read your map carefully the night before or in the morning before you start hiking. Although you’ll find overview maps in the huts, these are not enough to navigate by. Your topographic maps (paper or digital) give you a much better idea of what the day holds in store. For example: we will hike through the gorge for about a kilometre, passing a branch to the left halfway, then take the second left branch for another kilometre. The track then leaves the gorge on the east/right side and follows a spur for another 500m, before dropping down on the northern side to a plain where the track swings east again etc.” If you know your hiking speed, you can use times instead of distances. Using major land features, or handrails, contextualises the track so that you are much less likely to take a wrong turn. Your digital map (Avenza, Farout, Alltrails) usually provides your exact location… but not always, especially in deep narrow gorges with poor GPS signal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86a5123d-1a9b-4d3c-b6f5-cf02329d10cd/IMG_7931.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Hilltop lookout track If you see a side spur or trail with rocks or branches laid across it, this is the universal sign that it is NOT the main route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ed81822-5bd4-4299-b669-e8a5fd6dc026/P6294102.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - pool near Hugh Gorge Camp A refreshing wash with a sponge and nothing else: definitely no soap, even so-called wilderness ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/424a8c31-dfc1-4d2b-819c-33da4e925cdc/IMG_9774.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Buffel grass Buffel Grass. This scourge might look pretty but it is an environmental disaster of monumental proportions. When you finish your hike, check your shoes and tent for any seeds: you do not want to bring this horror to your local area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15361334-07b7-4ff8-a31a-76436538d860/IMG_0137.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - grass seeds Take a good look to see what is hidden in the crevices of your shoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a1e80ad8-4fbe-4d3e-b2cc-d0d2bb52c6d8/IMG_0138.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Buffel grass seeds All these seeds from just one shoe! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/68d516bb-6b86-4160-a6a1-3a0a1c561fda/IMG_7531.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - food storage boxes at most huts Underfloor food storage lockers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ae8f5f27-9055-47af-9c5c-6948190d3557/IMG_8876.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - hiker climbing down steep slope along Razorback Ridge Take it easy, especially when it’s wet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36bd2164-e4aa-4203-bb34-7f8348826d37/IMG_9764.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - hammer at Wallaby Gap campground Left behind by some poor sod at the first camp out of Alice Springs. This hammer weighs more than our tent and (empty) pack combined, with countless rocks every step of the trail! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/177ddf22-3a44-48d9-9b01-4ed910a79b30/IMG_9038.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - ice inside tent, Brinkley Bluff Wiping ice from the inside of the tent; the outside was also crispy with ice. During the night my bare butt confirmed that it was every bit the -11C apparent temperature with windchill outside! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ac6389b-baa2-4fb8-be9b-e66457483242/IMG_8822.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Walking along Razorback Ridge in fog Also very cold and windy on Razorback Ridge. I was wearing every layer: short-sleeved wool thermal base, long-sleeved wool thermal base, fleece, puffy, rainshell, gloves, balaclava and beanie… and I was still cold in the places exposed to the 30kt+ winds. Unusually, Geoff was also wearing every layer except his puffy. Because much of the ridge is scrambly, we were moving too slowly to generate our own heat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7d8e7417-2be3-44ed-8853-241e4fda0fec/IMG_8408.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - three sided steel hut at walk in campsite Three-sided, well-designed and well-oriented. We slept in them occasionally, in our tent most of the time. In bad weather they are crowded and by the time we slower hikers arrive, all the spots are likely to be taken. Bring a tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3cb5d355-377a-489b-a073-d797e65bf342/IMG_8099.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - line extensions to guyout points Add line extensions to your guyout points. Use a hitch around a small rock, then pile rocks on the length of the extension to hold it. The three beside the line will be plenty; it’s easier than piling rocks vertically, and easier to adjust for length and direction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8e04962e-7fb8-431b-895e-e15662296eae/IMG_8100.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - Hitch/loop at end of extension Hitch/slip loop at end of extension to go around your small deadman rock or stick. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/663fdd54-86a5-47f2-8d07-d70cde736cff/IMG_8958.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - abraded line extension Because the rocks are so sharp, you’ll likely need to replace your extension line. This is spectra, about as strong as you can get. The nylon sheath has failed but the spectra is still holding for now. We always carry extra line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/711e8dea-d017-43c0-a892-079673ae0d9f/IMG_8941-2.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - hiker protecting tent when packing it up Rolling up the tent on the tyvek footprint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dce059b6-0293-4f54-95db-e52491f65360/P6233707.jpg Larapinta Trail - Larapinta Trail Planning and Tips - stunning view from Hermits Hideaway near sunset Sitpads and a sunset dinner from Hermit’s Hideaway. https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail/slowerhikings-leisurely-larapinta-itinerary monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9c1e00e4-be2a-4f7c-9a64-8454ff12e3dd/P6203527.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - sunset at Finke River A relaxed sunset dinner on the banks of the Finke River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ffebab64-5fbc-4d2f-aa15-da276e1bd495/IMG_9856.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Slower hikers Helen and Geoff Grotty, scruffy and tired but with big smiles at the Eastern Terminus after 23 fantastic days! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52491c97-d6cc-4178-9289-baa720e746ac/IMG_8794.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - hiker sitting on rock under her small shade umbrella Plenty of time for rests in the heat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ceeeff8d-b178-4858-bc27-807a486f9960/IMG_8711.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Hugh Gorge side trip In Hugh Gorge, heading to the waterhole on the spur trail. It’s slow going but, with a conservative itinerary, you have plenty of time… without night-hiking! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ce7c677-2733-4fa1-a017-6c1a2b3ff820/IMG_8204.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - View of Mt Giles at sunrise Dawn view to Mt Sonder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7fb2790b-47b3-458b-9029-b07b30b3642b/IMG_9137.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Larapinta Trail east of Brinkley Bluff Hiking up to Brinkley Bluff and then, here, down into Standley Chasm, are two demanding days in rugged terrain, with another two similar days east of Standley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8c2dce40-f96f-42a9-8102-2ee98ba638a9/IMG_8587.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - hiking umbrella for shade 2. If heat is an issue for you as it is for me, then hiking with the sun at your back, protected by your pack in the hottest part of the day, is a cooler option than East to West. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da99574f-3e48-42fb-96cc-b0ffec1d6e1d/P7094590.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Euro Ridge 3. Although the terrain is less varied at the eastern end, you traverse the spectacular Euro Ridge on your last day, hardly a boring finish! You’re also tackling the easiest terrain at the end when you are most tired. If the emotional impact of hiking west in a traditional hike ‘story’ with a climactic finish is more important to you than itinerary flexibility, reducing physical challenge and simplifying logistics, then hike E2W. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0a2fcdf-aa4c-4f4d-b0ea-e4393b249ff7/IMG_9896.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - hikers campsite at Ellery Creek South Ellery Creek South, above, is a busy car-camping spot with a completely different ambience to that of Ellery Creek North. It’s still pleasant with good campsites off to the side in the creek bed for hikers, but probably not somewhere you’ll want to have a rest day: right behind me is a road, half a dozen motor homes/caravans, about the same number of 4WDs, with at least a dozen tourists on the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1627fc5d-208e-4575-8448-b46e9804f79e/P6263958.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - campsite next to river at Ellery Creek North Conversely, at Ellery Creek North we sat quietly on the water’s edge without any companions for most of the day. Later, we shared this creek camping area with one other tent, and a few others 70m away near the hut. We watched an eagle snatch fish from the water while, at Ellery Creek South, convoys of tour buses and cars arrived in waves at the southern beach. If you’re a party person or hiking with your food drop at Ellery Creek South rather than Serpentine Gorge, go south. Anyone else, go north, remembering your food drop will definitely need to be at Serpentine Gorge, which does add extra weight to your pack on the last leg of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8efcc10-d90a-4640-ad54-31140ad9856d/P7054436.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - High Route between Standley Chasm and Jay Creek Even descending from the ridge (left) as here, the high route alterntive offers grand views until you are almost on the valley floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6be274c8-74cf-4198-a82b-e49d760ba92e/IMG_8789.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Fringe Lily Creek campsite Larapinta Trail Beautiful Fringe Lily campsite: all slower hikers will benefit from stopping here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/340dc944-41d3-4a41-8dfb-92336b03c043/P6233693-Enhanced-NR.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Hermits Hideaway campsite Hermit’s Hideaway with not-hermit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb6f62d7-3bc7-4025-a55f-5b0b93f795f1/IMG_9398.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Make it stand out A wild camp at another well-established site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ba718f9a-80fa-49a5-9ebb-24e6cdfe5195/IMG_8546.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - rock pool at Ellery Creek North Hoping to make a bigger distance than usual to beat forecast heat tomorrow, we leave early. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01d1a9d6-b30d-40fb-a437-47f876237ff0/Larapinta+Base+Western+V1.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - map of far western portion of Larapinta trail Westernmost Section (Sections 12-9). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/98d73698-e6f9-4756-91c6-842d0dbaca3c/Larapinta+Base+Central+V1.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - map of central western portion of Larapinta trail The central western portion (Sections 8-6) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3d3bfbc1-0b37-472c-bcc3-c2d114ccc26b/Larapinta+Base+Eastern+V1.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - map of central eastern portion of Larapinta trail The central eastern portion (Sections 6cont’-2) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0776b164-a287-4638-a3e5-191b3d5b3ab2/Larapinta+Base+Far+Eastern+V1.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - map of far eastern portion of Larapinta trail And the easternmost final portion (Sections 2-1) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/214652ef-0ad4-41f8-b79b-479c419bdeaa/Larapinta+Whole+Elevation+Profile+V2.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Elevation profile Elevation profile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1748678277161-5PGL8LXUXU6JIQB3Z4AK/Whole+of+Hike+Summary+Table+Final.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1748678441587-COSYHD9J875AXNJ1QNUY/Whole+of+Hike+Summary+Table+Imperial+Final.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fd7ea902-1952-4d36-9866-990c65437337/IMG_7421.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Make it stand out The locked storage container at Serpentine Gorge. Don’t pack chocolate! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8c767e44-d04e-47a5-ac23-8454a25a9604/IMG_7549.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Redbank Gorge Beautiful Redbank Gorge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9a651533-db24-41e6-8748-fb01a65919b0/P6183309.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - views nearing Mount Sonder Lookout Long before you reach the top, the views are vast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dff168a2-00c2-49d0-b073-87a59d1ed4c3/IMG_7755.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Hilltop Lookout campsite Hilltop Lookout with Mt Sonder behind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3be439fd-1684-47c4-95a6-cbb7396254ee/P6203507.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Finke River Plenty of time for a refreshing dip in the Finke! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/62080fb6-9d99-452c-a219-7c0628673a4d/P6213597-Enhanced-NR.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - waterhole at Ormiston Gorge Evening light in Ormiston Gorge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a0f07c7-55fa-44af-ac38-054e48b8036d/P6223632-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Water hole on the Pound circuit walk. Water hole on the Pound circuit walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/596aed13-b68b-4e26-ad0e-c904bdf8566a/IMG_8182.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Hermits Hideaway sunset Sunset from Hermit’s Hideaway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b268696f-1a08-4c71-a90d-bc24ee0c5822/P6243794.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - valley near Waterfall Gorge Extraordinary landforms beckon you on throughout the day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3693a184-b54f-4135-beca-5c615a07dc16/P6253841.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Counts Point Today you’ll pass yes, that view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6d87930-5738-4944-ad38-12d2f19c5c5f/P6263922.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Larapinta trail east of Serpentine Gorge Leaving the folds and rolls of Serpentine Gorge behind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e92b5b9e-6700-42fd-92b8-c6586b4ac7ac/P6273972.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Ellery Creek North Another spot to relax on sunwarmed rocks at Ellery Creek North https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97c76a52-d3e6-4a8f-b93b-9c6ae76fc882/IMG_8590.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - wild campsite used for the wellbeing of hikers Tired but happy at the end of a big day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f2401bb3-d14f-4b67-aacf-a5830679c5d3/IMG_8640.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Larapinta trail west of Hugh Gorge Today you continue north across a wide expanse of plains, small hills and floodplains to Hugh Gorge in the Chewings Range. Ghost Gum Flat, with a couple of campsites and a sleeping platform/table, is roughly halfway between Rocky Gully and Hugh Gorge, so it’s an optional stop if you need to split a day. However, you’ll need to carry water as it’s a dry camp, and this is the resupply with the longest food carry, so rather than planning to stop here, use your extra food stash if needed. You’ll have the opportunity for a refreshing dip in a rockpool near camp late afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3941e570-6acc-428c-affc-95a54d1f82c8/P6304180-2.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Fringe Lily Beautiful rock pools at Fringe Lily. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be357eb5-cf18-4833-b34f-cbb3c342d085/IMG_8853.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Razorback Ridge in fog Today’s spectacular hike takes you on a long, scrambly climb up the aptly-named Razorback Ridge. Although it is precipitous, pictures (not ours, it was foggy!) make it look worse than it really is: there is no actual climbing, and the razorback, while daunting, is sufficiently wide that you’re unlikely to plummet anywhere if you slip; we found Spencer Gorge more demanding, perhaps because we were descending. Both are slow going. The terrain opens and flattens out right at the end of the day, and pretty Birthday Waterhole is 900m/0.56mi away for an out and return of 1.8km/1.1mi from the campground. Or you can camp there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/653400c4-41d5-4698-a0d6-fc3bcc9617ad/P7024216.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Brinkley Bluff The climb begins! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8a881a0b-24f0-462e-8c2f-0613b2435270/P7034322-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - view from Brinkley Bluff Views from the ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/997a5801-8a20-4203-8611-67e472750b85/IMG_9168.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Cafe at Brinkley Bluff A happy little vegemite fuelling up at Standley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/59b97ba1-b3c8-49ff-9539-210b41163ca8/IMG_9240.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Larapinta Trail just east of Standley Chasm Scrambling east of Standley Chasm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/513c784c-660e-42d9-aecc-d8c45b649ab2/P7064459.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Fish Hole Beautiful Fish Hole (no swimming or camping permitted). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fec77e0d-974d-42ff-9b61-9bbdb8581d58/IMG_9629.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Make it Larapinta Trail west of Simpsons Gap Approaching Simpson’s Gap, with an annoyingly circuitous “Are we there yet?” track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83f305c2-6d26-4397-887e-6516071e2c90/P7084541.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Hat Hill in misty cloud Larapinta trail Heading towards Hat Hill early in the morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d55d2241-3dc9-4c9e-bdff-fab79a236c92/P7094599.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - Euro Ridge Along Euro Ridge, pause often to look behind you along the way you’ve come, with the ranges stretching to the horizon and Mt Sonder, all those days ago, just a blip on the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e81ab8e8-3bea-469e-a061-89228a144eaf/IMG_9046-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail - Slowerhiking’s Leisurely Larapinta Itinerary - cloud waterfalls at Brinkley Bluff A banner memory: walking through cloud waterfalls on Brinkley Bluff https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail/redbank-gorge-to-ormiston-gorge monthly 0.5 2025-08-22 https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail/ormiston-gorge-to-standley-chasm monthly 0.5 2025-08-22 https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail/standley-chasm-to-alice-springs monthly 0.5 2025-08-22 https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-redbank-gorge-to-ormiston-gorge daily 0.75 2025-11-01 https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-redbank-gorge-to-ormiston-gorge/redbank-gorge monthly 0.5 2025-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b04ffae0-1d1b-4853-b8ad-545956727318/IMG_7549.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - Redbank Gorge Spectacular Redbank Gorge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/35b9d72f-e193-4a23-b534-904f9c14c937/Larapinta+Location+Map.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - Larapinta Trail location map The locals say that Alice Springs is the centre of all Australian Capital Cities! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/607a8f39-f138-4f88-986d-354a339c5fb6/Rebank+Gorge+Day+Hike+V2+Cropped.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - An easy 1.5 km each way walk along the bed/banks of Redbank Creek. It’s an easy 1.5 km each way walk along the bed/banks of the Davenport River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7dff4038-64ce-41dd-a247-e8d987a95e28/IMG_7530.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - Redbank Gorge Trail Hut Almost all the Trail Huts have this format, three-sided with a northerly aspect and a large verandah providing shade. You’ll find plenty of cleared campsites below the hut — you can see one lower right in the picture above — but there are nicer ones in shade in the creek bed lower down. Inside the hut you’ll find a cupboard which closes more or less well (usually less), plus storage lockers underneath the sleeping platforms which are more or less (often less) secure due to faulty latches and panels that have been bent out of true. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6866fc97-635d-497d-98f4-8093b8e939c1/IMG_7532.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - hut cupboard Here’s that cupboard. This one at the end of the trail has a lot of discarded gas canisters and bits and pieces. Many were full or almost full. Another shelf had snacks (the wine bottle, disappointingly, was empty). One somewhat greedy hiker who was finishing cheerfully shook all the canisters and grabbed every one with a decent amount remaining, so don’t rely on this cupboard to supply you for the trail! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/517013fb-2498-4418-bfca-6bd4ea46486d/IMG_7533.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - USB charging station And here’s the charging station, plus additional leavings. A good place to store a length of duct tape is wound around the top of your trekking pole just below the handle. The snake bandage is useful, but old ones have been superseded as the tension originally indicated by the squares was incorrect. If yours are pre-2020, buy a new set. Bushman’s is an excellent bug spray but we didn’t need much on the Larapinta at the time we hiked in mid June. A small amount decanted into a tiny nalgene bottle is plenty: if you run out you can top up at Ormiston or Standley from your resupply box or the shop. Store DEET-based insect repellents in a ziploc bag on the outside of your pack. The huts are well-designed, but all that steel and corrugated iron is hot in warm weather in the middle of the day. If arriving early as today, you may prefer the shady trees along the creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/268d9e4f-f62d-48e0-9ad9-705f27ab07ae/P6173240.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - Shady campsite in creek near Redbank Gorge hiking hut Shady campsites amongst the trees close to Redbank Creek. Look above you when choosing a site so you’re not under a large limb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b743bf66-414f-447d-88ab-1642f0d2836a/IMG_8100.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - 40-50cm line extensions with a slip loop Before leaving home, make 40-50cm line extensions with a slip loop at each end: pictured is the loose end indicating how you’ll lasso your small deadman rock. Attach the extensions to all your guylines while you’re still at home. When you use a deadman like this, you need less line because you don’t need to tie it around a huge rock. Those with freestanding tents should do the same because some of the high campsites are exposed and windy, and even freestanding tents need secure guylines to prevent them failing in strong wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c496c8bd-732a-4b57-af57-a07debd20c75/IMG_7680.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - big rock little rock fastening technique Here is the extension in use. The black line is the original guyline and the yellow is the extension. Two big rocks are piled on the extension between the deadman and the tent guy: easier than piling them vertically. The line is less likely to abrade but, if it does, you can simply swap it out because you’re carrying spares rather than having to replace your guyline. Carry spares because the rocks are so sharp that you’ll probably need to replace some, as we did. Buy spectra from yachting shops. See the pitching techniques link above for detailed instructions on securing your tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ea5e02ba-8716-4a1e-9368-78b6af032b72/IMG_7529.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - tent site at Redbank Gorge hike in campsite Ridiculously clean and fresh at the start of a thru-hike. Spoiler Alert: it won’t last! You can see the rocks we’ve used to secure our deadmen. All the campsites in sand have been used many times before, and most have scattered rocks that other hikers have placed for this purpose. Should you need to camp at a new spot, make sure to return any gathered rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d8a87a3-f7c6-46f2-8fb7-51104cd6f9ef/IMG_7534.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - Redbank Creek Along Redbank Creek under the gums with the chatter of parrots in the branches above. You can just make out another Larapinta walker’s red tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9bd0e42b-1fdb-4429-abef-68f06258b839/IMG_7537.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - Redbank Creek The track swings NNW along the base of the hill: the path between the often dense buffel grass is distinct but quite rocky. Redbank Gorge and Mt Sonder are both popular day hikes in their own right, and you’ll almost certainly see many tourists both on your way in and out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/64566e8e-e6e9-46f1-824a-f7081537932a/IMG_7540.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - Redbank Creek approaching the gorge As you head deeper into the gorge it begins to narrow and become more rocky. There’s no designated track, just a route along the creekbed with footprints everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c85801e6-ccb1-4e8a-b3bd-584ba640186f/IMG_7545.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - small pools near main Redbank Gorge Further still, and pools become more abundant. The colour of the rock is astonishing. I always edit my images to reproduce what I remember seeing rather than to exaggerate but of course this is subjective, especially in hindsight. Was it really that red, I keep asking myself? I believe it was! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1edbc7c2-7cf0-4822-bfe5-67fca3b9c4ec/IMG_7554.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - Variable Daisy Variable Daisy (Brachyscome ciliaris) on rock with its roots clinging deep in cracks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aafd675a-976f-423e-8f1e-ec4596c021dd/P6173243.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - route to gorge Further still, and you have a bit of rock hopping. Your route will depend on the amount of water in the creek: heavy rain could make it tricky! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/60f22e9f-3094-4b3e-bec1-8893a7f89154/P6173256-2.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - Redbank Gorge Then you arrive at the water hole with its narrowing gorge behind. You’ll find plenty of warm rocks to sit on, overlooking the pool as the light changes from moment to moment. If you’re there near midday, the glow is incredible. Unlike many other culturally significant gorges, you are permitted to swim in this one. We dip in our toes but the water is icy: much of it has spent aeons passing through bedrock and the crack is so narrow that it receives sun just minutes each day. A surprising number of dead fish bob in the shallows, and Geoff spots bubbles rising in a deeper part of the pool. In coming weeks, you’ll likely see more dead fish in most of the waterholes. Geoff (a hydrologist in his working life) tells me that these fish kills and bubbles indicate low oxygen levels caused by hot weather and a lack of recent flows: it’s not abnormal for this region. I confess that I’m unaccustomed to it and find the little corpses slightly icky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c94244e9-9f90-4546-9b74-29b8e2316de8/IMG_7553.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - narrow swimmable slot that makes the gorge The gorge narrows to just a couple of metres at the far end of the pool, with a swim and scramble of about two hundred metres through the narrowest part: you can see how spectacularly exciting it would be with the sun lighting up the walls. We considered this for after our Sonder climb but a hiker told us he became hypothermic on the swim out because the water really is that cold (too cold for wimps!) so that’s something to consider if you decide to explore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d6732af-e240-4a1c-85be-23534bad7257/P6173263-2.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - setting up the kitchen After a leisurely couple of hours enjoying the scenery and listening to the birds making merry in the trees, we head back to camp and dinner, which for us on trail is always home dehydrated food. Our stove is a Caldera Cone paired with an alcohol Starlyte burner (the most efficient alcohol stove we’ve tried, but sadly discontinued). A square of tyvek serves as a table to keep grit out of food and crockery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b2612226-466c-4b13-925b-e8cd2fcc48e7/P6173262-2.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - Redbank Gorge hike in campsite Back to the tent for dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/84aab1d7-0bcc-4fca-9ebf-65107cf54ac8/IMG_7558.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge (Day 1, Sect. 11 part) - eating dinner sitting in Redbank Creek Geoff tucking in to instant home dehydrated laksa which, like all our recipes, has plenty of calories, carbs and protein to fuel the days ahead. Everything always tastes even more amazing when you’re in a place like this! https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-redbank-gorge-to-ormiston-gorge/mt-sonder monthly 0.5 2025-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fc4ded36-8410-45d8-9760-4bf8a2f8fce6/IMG_7638.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out The amazing views begin long before you reach the summit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e66910a-a0c3-498c-bb1e-1a8c5274f584/trail+map+for+daily+blog+Mt+Sonder.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out Mt Sonder is the climax for E2W (East to West) hikers, and the inviting trailer for us W2E hikers because, from the summit, you see the enticing trail that lies ahead for the next few weeks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ed595442-aab5-4554-8900-ff1b9052abe3/Mt+Sonder+Day+Map+V1.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out Today’s 14.2km/8.8mi out-and-return hike begins with a steep climb of about 1.2km NNE up the southern side of the range, after which you follow a sharp ridgeline ESE all the way to the top. It is fantastic hiking because that narrow open ridge means that you have views west, north and south almost the entire way, culminating in even wider views to the east when you summit. All up, including rest stops, sightseeing and meal breaks, this day took us 8.3 hours. If you’re following our itinerary, compare your times to ours each day. That way, when you reach the more demanding sections around Standley Chasm, you’ll know whether you will be faster or slower than us on those days, and whether you need to allow more time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bbfc6a6f-bd95-4df3-8484-fad1704b7007/IMG_7564.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out In shade initially through buffel grass on Redbank Creek’s floodplain. Rather than a daypack, Geoff is carrying his 600g/21oz Zpacks ArcHaul Ultra with gear for both of us. Geoff’s pack is 70L and mine is 60L. When your pack is ultralight, a slightly larger size has almost no weight penalty and they are often slightly taller and wider, so you can compress the weight closer to your back for a more comfortable carry. I clip an Inreach Mini to my belt loop when hiking like this and Geoff carries the PLB on his shoulder strap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4b77260d-c624-4f56-bf94-b1c41dcf0887/IMG_7601.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out The track is well-defined and somewhat rocky. There really isn’t anywhere else to walk! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ab3f3d2-d357-4064-b7cb-7c813029e033/P6183363.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out Because this is an out and return, some of my pictures are from on the way back, but placed in the correct location in the order that you’ll see them on the way up. A fire has been through perhaps 12 months ago — you can expect that some part of the trail will have been burnt recently whenever you hike — but regrowth happens fast after rain. However, we did defer our hike a few years back when much of the trail was burnt just before our walk because plants are so important to my enjoyment of the landscape. Other botanists might do the same. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/701b218a-1b73-4fa5-8649-f1660234bb13/IMG_7635.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out Central Australian Guineaflower (Hibbertia glabberina). Wildflowers bloom after rain at any time of year up here, and there have been good downpours recently. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c0b664f3-9478-4413-98c5-709daec86405/P6183359.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out Rough halgania (H. cyanea). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4b591794-e805-49fb-bfb0-261ca3dc13cd/IMG_7613.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out As you can see from the sign at the lower lookout, even this early into the climb there are plenty of views when the surrounding landscape is flat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1686cf00-fc07-4ef2-a65e-78aaee764a3f/IMG_7620.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out Stopping for second breakfast on the edge of the escarpment. Geoff is about to add water to our cold soak bean salad lunch in a few hours’ time. Cold soak salads are light and refreshing, perfect for hot trails like this. As long as they include grains/pulses/nuts and/or dried cheese, plus a splash of olive oil, they have plenty of energy — salads that include only fruits like tomatoes, capsicum, cucumber and onion are delicious at home but don’t provide enough energy for hiking meals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91206b16-d56c-45f8-846b-0b8a387a52d3/P6183280.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out Here you get a good idea of the track on the ridgeline: rough and rocky. You do have to watch every step: we met a number of hikers on our rest days in Ormiston and Standley who had tripped or sprained leg joints. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e605490b-89d4-4f08-ba67-3a7f07218e3c/IMG_7592.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out The photos don’t show just how many small colourful wildflowers are scattered along the track, here Billy Buttons (probably Calocephalus platycephalus). Botanists with cameras will be especially slow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90ae12c7-5b17-47a4-80c6-2809940cb166/P6183300-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out As a leisurely hiker, you have plenty of time to absorb the views, here looking south across the plain to the Pacoota Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da94eeab-1db5-499b-99e1-04613d2ea7a5/IMG_7672.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out Pacoota Range, folded layer upon layer like a Sara Lee cake! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/449907a7-92fe-4a0d-9957-892dffd257cd/IMG_7626.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out You’ll read much online about what shoes suit the Larapinta but really, it’s what you’re used to, as long as they’re not brand new or you’ve never hiked in them before (whilst wearing a pack). Geoff and I prefer lightweight mid boots because we like a little ankle support, but we saw plenty of hikers in trail runners, heavy boots and ordinary sneakers. Just bear in mind that the trail is so rocky that hiking sandals will be annoying because of all the little stones they’ll catch. My Topo Trailventure boots (top) aren’t waterproof, so they’re relatively cool; Geoff’s are waterproof Hoka Anacapa Mids. Someone told us that some of the lightest Hokas and Topos won’t handle this trail but both our boots were fine at the end, though they didn’t look as fresh as this! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/acfddfd5-f9e3-46d8-b1ee-a763d4e55412/IMG_7640.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out And this closeup of the track is why a decent rand to protect the toes and front sides is probably more important than whether you choose a boot or shoe. I generally prefer a reasonable stone plate in the sole so I don’t feel every lump, but even these relatively light Topos were fine at the speed we hiked. See our article on how to choose hiking footwear for more information. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a39a7de-99e7-4a88-8995-bb4c3ba9702c/IMG_7669.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out The track follows the very edge of the escarpment. Here and there are small unburned patches of vegetation, with more wonderful plants to discover! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9876480a-1220-4f29-b36d-ea70481fa926/P6183355.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out In many arid environments with low nutrient soils, plants in the pea family predominate because they can fix their own nitrogen through the nodules on their roots. We saw countless tiny different species. Here, the spectacular Hoary Darling Pea, Swainsona flavicarinata. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00454826-3aff-402d-9855-eed77047d173/IMG_7656.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out As you near the top, the terrain becomes ever more rugged. Here looking west over the way we’ve come, with distant landmarks — Mt Zeil, Haas Bluff — on the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a9fc50ee-deed-4b72-83a7-271dfb039671/IMG_7646.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out And then the top! It’s tiny, perhaps one quarter the size of a tennis court… will you have it to yourself, too? Maybe. On the way up, we met a few dozen hikers returning, and a school group passed us heading up. Definitely don’t expect solitude for dawn or sunset views! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01dc47f7-274a-4076-98a4-1a82252e757d/IMG_7653.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out The dial is a lot of fun because you can identify the landforms you’ll be traversing to the east over the next few weeks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/237e9996-f69a-452f-9a55-51ddf17d55fa/P6183315-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out To the north is the actual peak of Mt Sonder, only a few metres higher. Please respect the Traditional Owner’s request not to climb it. As you can see, it obscures perhaps 0.5% of your 360 degree views and you can see them by stepping a few metres east or west: you are not missing out! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e761d49-6aeb-483c-b8dd-012ab08b4659/IMG_7649.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out ESE and only a couple of kilometres away as the crow flies (but not, you’ll see, as the hiker walks!) is Rocky Bar Gap, with the campsite immediately on the other side, out of view, and Hilltop campsite centre left, with the steep climb in view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/891d8eb9-d155-4409-802d-ce0d1d71436a/IMG_7650.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out The views east are fantastically inspiring: you’ll be traversing that terrain! So exciting, you’ll be raring to go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9cb53b5b-2f27-4885-86ab-7b54b7c7e970/P6183370-HDR-3.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Mt Sonder/Rutjupma (Day 2, Sect. 12) - Make it stand out Once you’ve had your fill of those exhilarating vistas, head back down for new views westwards to entice you the entire way. And, in this landscape with its clear wide skies, when you reach your campsite you’ll likely have a wonderful sunset with more to come: this is the first of many! https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-redbank-gorge-to-ormiston-gorge/redbank-gorge-to-hilltop monthly 0.5 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/267ac54d-2b45-4372-8997-e8f241551157/P6193400.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - Hilltop campsite A spectacular view of Mt Sonder from Hilltop Campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f7647bf4-aa2c-42cd-80bc-bc6643301abb/trail+map+for+daily+blog+Redbank+to+Hilltop.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - Satellite map of Larapinta Trail You begin your eastwards journey! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d66b8acc-9604-426b-9fd3-c1706bbb121c/Rebank+Gorge+to+Hilltop.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - map of redbank gorge to hilltop campsite Today’s hike skirts the southern foothills of Mt Sonder ridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d88bd7b8-5594-4b9b-9dd4-8344310916b6/IMG_7682.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - heading out from Redbank Gorge campsite towards Rocky Bar Gap A rocky start to the day. Whenever the trail follows a watercourse or goes through a gap or gorge, you can expect this kind of surface — not a trail per se, just rocks in the creekbed with a correspondingly slow pace. Interestingly, our pace is always slower than most hikers, but not as much in this terrain, perhaps because there are fewer flowers to photograph! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a54d5ac-1b11-4af7-8af9-7fe4e4e672ed/IMG_7684.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - track signage Where you went left yesterday up to Mt Sonder, today you go right. Faster hikers will likely skip Rocky Bar Gap and Hilltop, but slower hikers should definitely stop at one of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c592e57-6f7e-4c45-a579-01b5683e20f5/P6193372.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - walking through a burnt section of scrub In this spot the fire has burned hot, with less regeneration than elsewhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c519f4e1-e793-4092-bdf7-75b91832c468/IMG_7690.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - sheltered woodland Eventually we reach the end of the fire-affected area and are into sheltered woodland, with pretty sub-shrubs scattered throughout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/58539841-ab9f-4f79-af60-c237c98373a8/IMG_7681.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - Crimson Foxtail Crimson Foxtail, Ptilotus sessilifolius. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0d688d85-6a20-4e7a-9692-279543dbf7ac/IMG_7697.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - track through section of spinifex Although buffel grass covers the flats, the dry rocky foothills here still have plenty of the endemic spinifex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/22d17919-63be-475c-878e-feb163db2a6f/IMG_7702.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - layered red rock of adjoining hillside The mysterious unexplained event that created the West McDonnell Ranges has tilted the sedimentary rock, exposing the layers. Even in dull weather, the rich reds are stunning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/264bfbbd-8bb1-48c4-a76f-d70396a03864/IMG_7710.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - roasted broad beans for a tasty snack Second breakfast. You have many days ahead of you, so staying fuelled is important. These crunchy roasted broad beans are one of our favourites (especially the chilli flavour). They have about 1850kJ/100g, a little less than potato chips, but with much more protein (16g/0.56oz). We have had roasted soy beans which are even better nutritionally, but haven’t found them recently. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/393efd78-dd7a-4da3-b5eb-3e11225c2c61/IMG_7721.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - varied country at start of Larapinta Trail Remember that flat 200km/124mi drive to Redbank Gorge? You’ll traverse plains later, but most of your hike is through much more varied terrain, with fascinating landforms: geologists LOVE the Larapinta! The hard siliconised sandstone layer resists erosion and ends up capping the ridgetops and peaks whilst the softer layers are eroded away; Anett Weisheit’s book ‘Behind the Landscape of the Central Ranges’ is an excellent guide for non-geologists. This hard stone is significant for high camps, as you’ll see later! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15e9f2da-fd07-410d-9a1c-9a1b80f12585/IMG_7724.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - track through good quality woodland Without harsh sunlight to wash them out, the greens and grays separate into multiple subtle shades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1041fa5f-11fb-419e-bdfc-75b1ff784941/IMG_7729.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - Rocky Bar Gap campsite If you hike at our speed, you are likely to arrive at Rocky Bar Gap Campsite around lunchtime (it took us four hours). Rocky Bar Gap has a toilet, table and water tank, but no hut. The pretty gap is a five minute walk from camp so, if you stay here, you could have dinner near the waterhole, and watch wildlife arriving to drink at dusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e3ff7122-6bf5-4441-ab9f-c70b27c73928/IMG_7731.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - campsites at Rocky Bar Gap Sheltered campsites at Rocky Bar Gap… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/128f67b9-1b43-46ca-96e7-6b9e7383b120/IMG_7733.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - walking through Rocky Bar Gap …but we decide to continue, here approaching Rocky Bar Gap itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ced5902-d45d-490e-9b28-9dd2e39cc08f/IMG_7735.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - small still pool of water in Rocky Bar Gap A small still pool remains in the gap, sheltered by River Red gums. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/97108b9e-4b35-4dad-87dc-dd0e4e64ac10/P6193395.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - rocky creek bed And here is the rocky substrate that’s present in every gorge and gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b75c9fd1-763c-4e32-b1a8-2e8d5ef34243/IMG_7737.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - trees growing out of rocky cliff face Pure white-trunked ghost gums(Corymbia aparrerinja) find a foothold in the rocky cliffs… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9156c150-9b62-4897-9132-aca139c4d84e/P6193391.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - Wickam’s Grevillea …and, because of the recent rain, Wickam’s Grevillea (G. wickhamii) is in full bloom in the gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8cd9e61-8278-46b8-8f98-38c6c2e1e34f/P6193396.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - emerging from the gap Emerging from the Gap into buffel grass on the northern side of the range. A campsite is marked on the official trail map here; we forgot to check for it, but in this photo I can see tell-tale rocks in the copse of trees on the right, and some bare areas with more rocks on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4019082b-d97a-4f73-ad51-aac2dd226c08/IMG_7745.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - Mt Sonder from the base of hilltop The climb begins, very gently at first. Remember to look behind you for views of Mt Sonder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ba094d6f-50d1-4870-9612-c4ca0a701b23/IMG_7749.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - start of climb from west to Hilltop The trail quickly becomes steeper and rockier... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e0eee067-a32a-4fde-9ce9-e96d9db24908/IMG_7753.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - rocky trail with switchbacks … and steeper yet! There are a few switchbacks to make the climb a little easier and, even after this burn, small flowering plants tucked amongst the rocks. How incredibly tough they must be to survive here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b515d4a2-1f67-42c7-9ec6-e8c2f2292852/IMG_7755.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - Hilltop campsite And finally you reach the top: phew! Oh, but it’s worth it for that view of Sonder: wow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0bf181ca-89b5-496b-82b8-ed4ec0323d57/P6193452-HDR.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Redbank Gorge to Hilltop (Day 3, Sect. 11 part) - sunset over Mt Sonder A spectacular sunset behind Mt Sonder certainly whets the appetite for what the sunrise will bring: we just can’t wait! https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-redbank-gorge-to-ormiston-gorge/hilltop-to-finke-river monthly 0.5 2025-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1c238c3b-f29d-45a9-85c6-379e3b7bdd18/IMG_7798.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Pacoota Range from Hilltop Wide wide wide country with the Pacoota Range stretching along the horizon, and not a building or structure in sight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a726fbc8-e682-4ba2-a3e6-44d5061e6425/trail+map+for+daily+blog+Hilltop+to+Finke+River.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Satellite map of Larapinta Trail highlighting section from Hilltop to Finke River So much already seen and so much more to come! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c20e43f1-e209-4b7b-b550-a88f0fd18350/Hilltop+to+Finke.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Hilltop lookout to Finke River map with elevation profile Today’s map. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eccc48d8-50eb-4123-a588-320922f36c85/IMG_7763.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - tent in dense fog on Hilltop The best-laid plans… so much for that spectacular sunrise! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ed0ebb6-5cfd-476f-8307-d1fa8cd37f86/IMG_7768.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - breakfast in fog at Hilltop Breakfast (instant noodles with added protein and vegetables) huddled in the shelter of the rock wall after taking down the tent. Geoff is wearing his lightweight rainwear; the Visp has sadly been discontinued but the Outdoor Research Helium jacket should perform quite well here (we have the OR Helium pants). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3914668e-232a-417c-9f59-172f87c821a5/IMG_7772.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Mt Sonder peak shrouded in cloud It’s time to leave and, although the cloud has begun to rise with Sonder’s lower flanks emerging, the peak is still hidden in mist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4433ffe0-782f-4f06-a44f-f917a61cc833/IMG_7779.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - descent from Hilltop heading east As soon as you leave camp, the descent begins. It’is steep but there are switchbacks and, ahead to the east, enticing glimpses of the range disappearing into the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c4508638-0a78-425f-aa91-fe29c9aac63f/IMG_7787.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - rocky track fringed by many flowering plants When we hiked, this descent had some of the the most diverse vegetation of the entire trail with hakea, acacia, eremophila, grevillea, senna and numerous other shrubs in bloom. Your mileage may vary, because flowering depends on recent fire regimes as well as rainfall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1e6299f-5444-4c2e-8424-2fde306e0ad9/IMG_7793.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Finke River mallee Finke River mallee, Eucalyptus sessilis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7f10dc21-a974-4acb-9f19-020f115c216b/P6203478.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - track down from Hilltop heading east As you zigzag down the slope, your view switches from east, to south, to west as here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff6fc3f7-fa9e-442f-b985-02937ebe8887/IMG_7814.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - steps down steep section Sections of the trail are extremely steep. In one spot — yay! — rustic steps have been constructed… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/687df85e-fa68-4320-9df3-2d0b23e35d07/IMG_7804.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - rough and rubbly track … but most of it is like this, rough and rubbly with a lot of loose rock. Trekking poles are your friend! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/925a2ca6-f8ed-4d16-8836-654a6f2537a7/IMG_7815.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - ghost gums A trio of ghost gums. With their pale airbrushed bark and graceful limbs, these are surely the supermodels of the family! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d92d1164-bb79-4f02-b6d3-74bf06023a70/IMG_7835.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Sturt’s Desert Rose The beautiful Sturt’s Desert Rose (Gossypium sturtianum). Similar flowers include the Australian Desert Rose (G. australe) and Hibiscus solanifolius. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/844320a3-3a26-469a-9d05-98cf39005be0/IMG_7826.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - nearing bottom of descent Nearly at the bottom, and the plain stretches before you. From a little higher up, you will have seen the taller trees marking the banks of the Finke River snaking its way through the woodland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/961f20ae-4cea-4e84-abb8-a2de14a5ee20/IMG_7842.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - healthy spinifex grassland To any ecologist, healthy spinifex grassland is extraordinarily beautiful. The tussocks allow countless forbs to grow between them, as well as other grasses. Their prickliness is protective, so they are home to the region’s small mammals, reptiles, insects and even birds that shelter in them from heat and predators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/764ba961-f41a-4960-b956-b4f64a493e6d/IMG_7851.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - buffel grass Conversely, Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris and C. pennisetiformis) is a horrendous weed of national significance that is devastating entire ecosystems in central Australia. Introduced initially as cattle feed (like many such introductions, this failed) it grows up to 1.5 metres in a thick carpet that smothers everything else. Worse, buffel grass burns extremely hot… so hot that overstorey trees are often killed, unlike in the cooler fires of burning spinifex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/39e946a2-9892-4810-a99b-328d148c19bc/P6203470.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Wild Parsnip Wild Parsnip (Trachymene glaucifolia) is pretty and yes, its root is edible both cooked and raw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/314a49ba-e172-4ef7-8aa6-24e6d1fce5aa/IMG_7848.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Ptilotus helipteroides You’ll see many different species of Mulla-Mulla, sometimes great swathes of of them as beautiful as any European field of wildflowers. Here, Hairy Mulla-Mulla (Ptilotus helipteroides). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7cb18920-8365-45f7-a757-1cca154518a7/IMG_8727.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - crossing Davenport Creek Crossing Davenport Creek, my boots slung around my neck with laces tied together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/382ab130-9138-4609-b706-5617b03e4fe7/IMG_7855.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Blistered Pyrgomorp The native Blistered Pyrgomorph (Monistria pustulifera) walks around rather than hopping like other grasshoppers. You’ll likely see them on the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf48b1c8-d961-4941-a3a7-b06e1f8b1f23/IMG_7863.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - narrow track through spinifex More ‘Larapinta flat’ terrain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bdbdf56a-7a80-42bc-ac3b-8473f65ff525/IMG_7867.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - interesting rock formations along the way I’m a plant nut, not a rockhound, but Anthony is a geologist and says, “It's Bitter Springs formation, approx 800 million years old. These rocks are carbonates (limestone and dolostone) and you can see very fine laminations in one of your pictures that are the original bedding of the rock. The red colouration is probably a ferricrete; an iron precipitation formed by groundwater reacting with the rocks.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6eef0184-cb24-4832-ada5-778767e4c84f/IMG_7865.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - layered rock Many fine layers, like millefeuille! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4e6874c8-c5e3-4b73-920a-2c194722fe6d/IMG_7874.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - emu bushes The eremophilas, or emu bushes, are astonishing in their variety with about thirty species listed for the area. This is a very pink form of the Limestone Fuchsia Bush, E. freelingii. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02334cd6-8de1-47fd-b9eb-dd270f0698f6/P6203481.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Crimson Emu Bush … and the Crimson Emu Bush, E. latrobei. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86108d73-2658-47a3-85f3-4b0e137b4336/IMG_7870.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - lunch in the shade feta cheese with sourdough crackers An early lunch stop in a little copse to shelter from the heat. We often use our packs as back rests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a227bfb9-7e46-4f11-8493-0c7ed925e5c0/IMG_7873.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Freeze dried feta, sourdough crackers and olive oil Our favourite freeze-dried feta reconsituted with water, pepper, a glug of olive oil and Geoff’s home-made sourdough seeded crackers: yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e34312e-f05e-4e5f-a451-da7962c84b31/IMG_7877.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Buffel grass on plain next to Finke River Down into the floodplain beside the Finke, chockers with Buffel Grass under the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0cc21a12-6787-4394-b3e5-fdb7866b7a2a/IMG_7880.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - crossing creek through bullrush A short shallow wade through bullrushes before we reach the river. I was distracted and didn’t take a photo then because hikers on the opposite bank waved and pointed south, indicating we should cross there. Sure enough, fifty metres or so away the river went undercround, so we crossed on sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aeb6b62d-c89a-462f-a6ca-e9a49553d4c5/P6203500.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Finke River hut Here’s the hut… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3374eb16-3369-423e-aab7-8c94c8bab817/P6203499.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Finke River campsite near hut …with scattered sheltered campsites amongst the mallee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6fed31e-dc40-4b98-bc6a-1140bf845017/P6203519.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - camping next to Finke River Plenty of beautiful spots on the banks of the river, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e61781b1-9949-473a-99d2-eee4cbc61a13/P6203507.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Swimming in Finke River You’ll have time to go for a swim, rinse clothes and watch waterbirds coming and going. It is a delightful campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/180668b9-bcfe-49ad-a8d3-64b73259e1fb/P6203527.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Hilltop to Finke River (Day 4, Sect. 10 Part) - Finke bathed in the light of a glowing sunset Dinner on the banks of the Finke bathed in the light of a glowing sunset after another fantastic day of hiking. The Larapinta is awesome! https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-redbank-gorge-to-ormiston-gorge/finke-river-to-ormiston-gorge monthly 0.5 2025-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/082804aa-1da8-4eda-abc6-f38ba15b8ba9/P6213597-Enhanced-NR.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - Ormiston Gorge late in the day Ormiston Gorge, peaceful in the evening when all the tour buses have left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b897b8b0-b231-49fd-9cc7-8be7b52d2a6d/trail+map+for+daily+blog+Finke+River+to+Ormiston+Gorge.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - Larapinta Trail satellite map highlighting the section from Finke River campsite to Ormiston Gorge Overview map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/caec1a8c-4ab2-43ea-bc35-8c91dba96b1d/Finke+to+Ormiston+v2.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - satellite map for the days hike with elevation profile Today you wind your way through hilly country https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2b689c74-19ec-4ab1-b582-0d6427ecb28d/IMG_7883.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - track near Finke Hut Leaving Finke River Camp through spinifex and mallee. Australia’s Red Heart is called that for a reason — just look at the colour of that soil! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c04e1120-a6a9-4c1d-99ba-67aa4793f3a1/IMG_7890.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - Ormiston Creek, near Finke River junction Down towards Ormiston Creek, near where it meets the Finke River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/50a36869-7265-4bd8-9933-c848237128f0/IMG_7899.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - crossing Ormiston Creek Crossing Ormiston Creek. When you look at your topo map of the trail, you’ll see these wide, often dry rivers and creeks. Although most areas elsewhere are rocky, these sandy drainage lines offer good emergency sites if you are unable to reach one of the designated campsites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a2497e33-8bb6-44ee-84f4-9c04b6615b43/IMG_7921.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - view of Mt Sonder Winding your way around and through hills, the trail is rarely flat despite the widely spaced lines on your topo map! Remember to glance behind you for views of Mt Sonder, growing smaller with every passing day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/26f6483d-467c-4689-804e-6ce46060e9da/IMG_7920.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - Caper White Butterly Caper White Butterly (Belenois java). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1e13e56e-ba95-4075-a2b1-b30387198625/IMG_7929.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - climbing short hill Here’s another short sharp climb: expect many. Geoff calls them humpty-dos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ea6fb1b9-937a-49fa-bb43-ff3f9c8fd9e1/P6213554.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - Scaevola glabrata One of several local fan flowers, Scaevola glabrata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab82197e-b007-4309-9a56-17271ba3a20c/IMG_7932.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - track to Hilltop lookout A distinct track, but it leads to Hilltop lookout rather than Ormiston Gorge. The line of stones (sometimes branches) is an international sign that this is NOT the main track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fc29c285-b3d8-4f78-a21b-f19223e9b071/P6213568.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - small campsite You’ll find a small campsite at the end of the spur near the lookout. It is extremely exposed to wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/70965218-dbbf-4170-ac41-67ce3fbfc457/P6213570.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - lookout at hilltop Leaving the hill of Hilltop Lookout, you are about to descend… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/10f524fd-c4f6-41cd-8b56-282827bf22f9/P6213574.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - down from the lookout … with the trail snaking along the connecting spines of more little hills. Much of the trail has been beautifully designed to flow with the landscape’s contours, making for enjoyable walking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00b208b7-f10f-447a-9284-30e59adafbed/P6213580-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - snack time Time for second breakfast! Although some people eat on the go, we leisurely hikers prefer to stop, eat a snack, have a drink and soak up the view. We’re glad we have sitpads instead of our usual tyvek: it is so stony! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e3fdea8-d3ec-47a7-9671-7530bd68f2c7/P6213587.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - track through shallow valley Everything on the larger scale is smoothed by millennia of weather and water in this landscape: you can see the impact of the ages. When we hiked in Iceland and New Zealand, we were amazed by the pointiness of the landscape: pointy hills like triangles, sharp valleys, harsh angles, youth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b96292b-f28a-4a7c-ba01-e20a12738b0c/IMG_7939.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - hiking through different spinifex species More of that beautiful spinifex. After a while, you’ll begin to notice different species: different sizes, densities and shades of olive, green and grey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/66291853-2159-443c-9342-906e7a4ce6f0/IMG_7718.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - White Cassia You’ll also see many different Sennas (previously Cassia), the most common being S. artemisioides in numerous forms (fine-leafed, round-leafed, green, silver, dense, open and everything in between!). Identification is tricky when you have such a variable species, but this one caught my eye: White Cassia, S. glutinosa subsp. pruinosa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a51ef73b-7427-476a-a8c8-cb037a92799e/IMG_7941.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - Approaching Ormiston Gorge Can you see the track winding through different spinifex species here? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e12f3fc2-5735-404c-b9d1-7be6633a24e5/P6213590.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - Approach gap to Ormiston Gorge Late morning and nearing Ormiston Gorge, with a confluence of creeks ahead with sandy beds and shady trees: another kilometre or so to go before Ormiston campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d18105d3-1830-4d01-8cab-2c99a418f462/IMG_7951.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - approaching the gap After you climb from the creekline the terrain becomes steeper and more narrow as you approach the gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b3705a96-14e0-4c65-bae4-ff6f0cda55c6/IMG_7956.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - Ormiston Gorge shelter Ormiston Gorge Hut, with one of several campsites far right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/acdc9ad2-71c5-4268-b8d9-73dace45a1d3/IMG_8740.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - Ormiston Gorge kiosk Enjoying bruschettas and scones at the kiosk. If you’re following our itinerary, you will have two nights here in Ormiston Gorge. Slower hikers will arrive early to mid afternoon, with time to fuel up (the pies run out early!), but you also have time to do those chores: washing clothes, resupplying your food from your food box, and charging electronics. There are solar HOT SHOWERS west of the kiosk! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c652e3d-48a4-413f-8ad0-691bc2dc9121/IMG_7955.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - Hiking campsite at Ormiston Gorge You’ll find tent sites near the hut along the drainage line, as well as closer to the gorge, but the latter have vehicle tracks either side, are busier, and feel more like car camping sites. However, they are closer to the kiosk (and showers!), so more convenient. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76c390ac-1482-45bb-bab9-98ba79976871/IMG_7957.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - charging power bank at Ormiston Kiosk Charging electronics on a wall socket. Rubber bands or hair ties are handy, as are double adaptors for the more popular plugs on the pillars under the verandah. You’ll also find a plug in the amphitheatre west of the kiosk. (We had the charging gear in our resupply box). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a8eb6b29-a423-4c83-939f-44d57970fd82/IMG_8741.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - Resupply box Resupply with food, fuel and maps for the next section, plus laundry detergent, body wash and shampoo for the hot showers here. I hadn’t been sure which boots to wear: the cooler model with a thinner stone plate, or the WP model: hotter, sweatier but with a thicker stone plate. I packed the heavier boots into this first box but the lighter ones turned out to be fine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca4a4d1d-4f63-4475-94bf-3f0162551a54/IMG_7962.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - Spinifex Pigeon These beautiful little Spinifex Pigeons (Geophaps plumifera) with their bright barred plumage dart about under chairs scavenging for crumbs. They nest on the ground, amongst rocks and, yes, spinifex tussocks. If you hike very early in the morning or at night, they’ll flush from the track in a great whirring and clapping of wings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6bb5c9aa-06eb-4cd8-ad0c-afc62958e466/IMG_7969.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - preparing dinner at Ormiston Gorge Cook dinner in the hut and then, if you like, walk down to the gorge to eat on the water’s edge. Many of the gorges light up spectacularly at midday and early afternoon, and the convoys of tourist buses arrive to coincide, but it all quietens down late afternoon: Larapinta hikers have the gorge mostly to themselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bfba3f34-495c-4e35-b853-8931d2928fc3/P6213596.jpg Larapinta Trail Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge. - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge (Day 5, Sect. 10) - Peaceful evening light in Ormiston Gorge at the end of another grand day. If you’re following our itinerary suggestions, tomorrow you’ll hike the Pound Circuit walk, when you’ll emerge from the far end of this pool after seeing new areas and walking the entire length of the gorge: something to look forward to! https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-redbank-gorge-to-ormiston-gorge/ormiston-pound-circuit-day-hike monthly 0.5 2025-03-17 https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-ormiston-gorge-to-standley-chasm daily 0.75 2025-12-12 https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-ormiston-gorge-to-standley-chasm/ormiston-gorge-to-hermits-hideaway monthly 0.5 2025-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e41ca08-fe06-41ed-b5d5-5014fe7b8506/P6233706.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - Hermits Hideaway view to Mt Giles Glorious sunset views over Mt Giles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3d08d3b3-92c8-4d90-95f4-6cf37d22d5b4/trail+map+for+daily+blog+Ormiston+Gorge+to+Hermits+Hideaway.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - overview map for Larapinta Trail Zooming along the trail (slowerhiking style)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/257a03c3-06f1-464d-a912-d9ae20481149/Ormiston+Gorge+to+Waterfall+Gorge.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - daily distance and elevation gain map There is also a campsite (Base of Hill Campsite) at the, well, base of the climb, but this will make tomorrow’s distance to Serpentine Chalet Dam too far for slower hikers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b452d67e-759b-442b-a32c-224186993ba9/IMG_8104.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - hiker walking along sandy riverbed You begin southeast in the shade of cliffs bordering the wide bed of Ormiston Creek, passing the turnoff to the Pound Circuit that you followed yesterday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b2441dc9-8225-41e1-8fbc-f4eae08fed14/IMG_8112-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - lower foothills of the Heavitree Range After about a kilometre you leave the creekbed into the lower foothills of the Heavitree Range. Today brings many marvellous geographical features: in the background, you can see the folds of ancient sea beds in the hills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cda05e8b-109d-4348-99ba-bc8cd123fa2b/IMG_8129.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - glade of Wilson’s Grevillea The wildflowers are amazing after rain, here a glade of Wilson’s Grevillea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1ab04e82-e146-4015-b061-8f60d262482e/P6233678.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - Second breakfast Second breakfast on the side of the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/50f4f181-63f1-441b-a861-29e17d9f0d22/IMG_8132.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - Seringia nephrosperma Free Carpel Fire-Bush (Seringia nephrosperma), named for its kidney-shaped seeds in the centre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c535e22f-02cb-469a-b14b-f0369c24d0b3/IMG_8134.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - Olearia ferresii Central Australian Daisy Bush (Olearia ferresii) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2591ef1a-8df0-477a-8fc1-1afbda087ce7/IMG_8139.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - rocky trail Much of the trail is rocky: not difficult, but you have to literally watch every step. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0dbd0f6b-be68-4b7d-b049-ae6e587d696b/IMG_8137.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - Steep rocky section of track A few short steep bits here and there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f4127eb-cd57-47a0-ba31-9d484320c32e/P6233684.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - fascinating rock formation Another fascinating rock formation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f33f6243-6bd9-4037-b917-71b2ab1be074/IMG_8150.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - track through ironstone country Plenty of iron in this terrain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4e5c7152-f27c-4e80-a688-cde50369a3cd/IMG_8153.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - umbrella for sun protection These ultralight hiking umbrellas clip to the shoulder strap of your pack. You can buy proprietary clips, or make your own from two spring cord locks and lengths of bungee. It also takes a little while to place them properly in terms of height and angle so they don’t bump against the side of your face; large-breasted women will find it more difficult to get the angle of the umbrella upright. Our relatively small (60L and 70L) ultralight packs tuck neatly just under the back edge of the umbrella, but those with bulkier conventional packs will need to raise their umbrellas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/505bc694-4f81-4026-85e0-5cbd8c484819/IMG_8149.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - shade cast by umbrella You can see just how effectively the umbrella shades the body, and the attachments mean you can still use your trekking poles. The lower the umbrella sits above your head, the more area it shades. An umbrella like this is also useful in rain: you still need a rain jacket, but can use a much lighter weight one with a lower hydrostatic head because the areas that are most susceptible to seepage — shoulders, upper back and straps — are protected from much of the moisture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8950a87d-5213-4332-8725-4ae5070bcc80/P6233687.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - Lunch in the shade of mallee trees Lunch in the shade of mallee trees, surrounded by a small cluster of campsites that form Base of Hill Campsite. I sometimes leave the umbrella attached, lean my pack against a tree or rock, and use it as a backrest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/642265bb-1d6b-4ee4-bccf-92f4f2fc0027/IMG_8157.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - track across hillside slope You can see how the trail is rarely flat in this picture. On the left is an ochre deposit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/09b79445-fac2-4099-8d68-a0891db682e7/IMG_8160.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - switchbacks on steep section of open track Switchbacks on the steeper sections: yay! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/92e44086-64ba-4de6-a651-c8456f0a13e0/IMG_8161.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - flat open country Across a little flat… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2033dd2d-f7a0-4228-aa81-08dd12234ea2/IMG_8167.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - walking along the spine of the range and finally on the spine with grand views to the north for the first time today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e3d122b5-4c54-4716-acb9-77d40b7380ba/IMG_8178.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - Common Toadhopper At your feet, just look at that incredible camouflage — even the eyes are the same colour! This is the Common Toadhopper, Buforania crassa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5dc79049-8928-4ff8-870b-2b761d39d9cc/IMG_8165.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - Wilson’s grevillea Most Wilson’s grevilleas (G. wilsonii) are scarlet red, but now and then you’ll spot one like this in glowing orange. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f191d373-5dfb-4d7c-b412-8059c78e9f67/IMG_8171.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - rocky section of track nearing hermits hideaway As is the case in all the elevated sections of the trail, the path is rocky and uneven underfoot, but it’s hard to keep your eyes on the ground when the views are so fantastic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b4aec6b-2201-480a-aae7-07891cf4ca09/IMG_8172.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - rocky track Here and there, the track braids: I think the official trail goes along the narrowest, rockiest section of spine but here we have dipped onto the southern side. When this happens, don’t stress. Check your map or app and, chances are with a parallel trail, it will rejoin the main one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f4b2238-b2eb-40b3-8213-f4d378e9ddf4/IMG_8179.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - spinifex Beautiful spinifex thriving in even the rockiest areas. What an amazing plant, with clever adaptations to survive the dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b16ed657-3073-4d6f-98d2-555567400417/P6233692.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - Looking east along the Heavitree Range Looking east along the Heavitree Range to the knob of Giles Lookout at its end. You can see why the Giles Lookout campsites are so exposed to weather; conversely, Hermit’s Hideaway wild camp is tucked amongst a cluster of trees partway along, south of the rocky edge that forms a protective wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4eb4732e-9526-4c01-9fe0-712901d7cfd6/P6233691.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - View of Mt Giles View of Mt Giles. If you hiked the Ormiston Pound Loop yesterday, you could have extended it as an overnight hike to Mt Giles (experienced hikers only as it’s an unmarked route with unreliable water). If we were doing the trail again with recent rain, we would schedule in three or four days and include this side trip to explore spectacular deep gullies tucked into Mt Giles’ sides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d85948c-4a73-4c99-9777-d7b6e8ee9a0a/P6233693-Enhanced-NR.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - campsite at Hermits Hideaway Amongst the trees at Hermits Hideaway, which was reclassified as a wild campsite after we hiked, though it has been well-used for a long time as an intermediate campsite. The views are even better at Giles Lookout, but Hermit’s is more sheltered. Go for Giles unless Hermit’s is safer due to weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/139ba6c5-10f3-4717-a5fd-e6ecfab86407/IMG_8220.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - campsites at Giles lookout For comparison, here are a couple of the campsites at Giles lookout; another has a low rock wall on one side. All of the sites are in the “acceleration zone” where wind speeds increase as they bend and tumble over the crest; even the walled site on the lee side in southerly winds is likely to be in rotor. So make a decision as to where to stay when you reach Hermit’s Hideaway: stop immediately if it’s windy and you don’t think you can make Waterfall Gorge; continue to Giles Lookout in good weather or, if you still have fuel in the tank, continue on to sheltered Waterfall Gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77951b11-f075-4080-b89b-d7838eda0161/IMG_8767.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - hiker preparing dinner on ridge near Hermits Hideaway Preparing dinner with a view. I’m sitting on the raised rock edge of the escarpment: it shelters the campsites on the southern side from northerlies, and the trees and shrubs filter the wind from all directions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fbf713c4-befc-4ec1-8f98-1bb83e9708c0/IMG_8182.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ormiston Gorge to Hermit’s Hideaway/Giles Lookout/Waterfall Gorge (Day 7, Sect. 9 Part) - sunset behind Mt Sonder We stayed in the high camps wherever possible: yet another glorious sunset behind Mt Sonder. https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-ormiston-gorge-to-standley-chasm/hermits-hideaway-to-serpentine-chalet-dam monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d0a6dd4-4af1-44c8-8ad4-b46240d6d7f9/P6243794.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - view towards Counts Point from Waterfall Gorge Looking east up the beautiful valley that you usually see from the opposite direction in the iconic photos taken from pointy Count’s Point in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca5a5ad7-d4e9-4a6f-8e65-577bf8e8988e/trail+map+for+daily+blog+Hermits+Hideaway+to+Serpentine+Chalet.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - satellite map of the Laraptina Trail with todays hike highlighted Section 9 Part (cont’). Look how much of the trail you’ve already covered! Time flies when you’re having fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5eb6289e-6813-4dfc-b8b6-253a58359467/Hermits+Hideaway+to+Serpentine+Chalet+V1.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - elevation graph for Hermits Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam Map for the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/473c568a-b38d-4062-9fe8-0127c82cb129/IMG_8204.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - Mount Giles at sunrise Mt Sonder bathed in morning light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a3901d7-d420-4e10-9455-2aa8a0a6d0c5/P6243762.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - view of Mt Sonder from Hermits Hideaway And if you stayed at Hermit’s Hideaway due to weather, you have a rocky climb of another 1.2km/0.75mi distance and 75m/246ft elevation or so to Giles Lookout, the Heavitree Range stretching behind you towards Mt Sonder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/28862bb0-050e-40e4-81a6-44c22d082305/P6243766.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - view east from Giles Lookout, From Giles Lookout, you have fantastic views east. You also have 4G phone reception to send boastful selfies to friends and family. Rather than continuing ESE from the lookout, the trail hooks sharply south to the right and your descent begins! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6fc8ee0c-5f23-417d-9bd7-4b0c55cfe701/IMG_8209.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - Goodenia larupinta Remember to look for wildflowers either side of the path, here Goodenia larupinta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9c8db011-ee5f-4aa9-acec-47b79d961916/IMG_8233.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - descent after Giles lookout A steep descent, but with switchbacks. The most treacherous sections are not solid rock, but loose gravel and stones that roll under your feet. Take your time. The trail becomes easier and faster later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c789144e-54b5-4010-997c-0f7901902bce/IMG_8236.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - heading down towards Waterfall Gorge Trekking poles make a huge difference and have saved both of our arses countless times. Ideally, best practice is hands out of the wrist straps in this kind of terrain, with palms cupped over the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c16d10f6-1524-413d-a5bc-ad46e0fbcf5b/IMG_8241.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - heading down towards Waterfall Gorge there are switchbacks in some places You zig-zag your way down the hill, passing wildflowers the entire way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31a26f85-1b4e-41cd-b606-34398a3f3e37/IMG_8252.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - natural water collection pool in Waterfall Gorge Once you reach the valley floor, you follow the rocky creekline east. A short distance along, you pass a tiny waterhole. Some people prefer to collect water here, rather than from Waterfall Gorge Pool where people swim, but it is downstream of the larger pool. When we hiked, the creek wasn’t flowing as it normally does, so this spot was indeed a better collection point. You have to treat the water either way, whether by filtration or sterilisation tablets, which are both far more efficient than boiling because of the amount of fuel you need to carry for the latter when you aren’t permitted to light campfires. Sterilisation pens are unreliable as they don’t work in cloudy water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f2da10c8-98ed-4458-aec1-8569f1d00267/IMG_8253.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - rocky creek at base of Waterfall Gorge It’s a pretty little creekline and nice and cool in the shade. Enjoy it while it lasts! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/19dac06b-2a0a-43f8-b5ad-923fe9b23af9/IMG_8259.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - rock pool below Waterfall Gorge waterfall You turn up the gully and are suddenly upon the rock pool: it would be stunning with the waterfall splashing down! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f915374-360a-48ce-bd8b-98930d42c8b4/IMG_8262.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - Waterfall Gorge campsite near waterfall As soon as you pass the water hole, you’ll see a couple of small campsites nearby. If these are taken and you plan to stay at Waterfall Gorge for the night, you’ll find the rest of the campsites a couple of hundred metres further up the gully where it opens out into a wider valley, so collect all the water you need before going further. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4bbc393d-2f0f-4a6c-a7a5-11119301419d/IMG_8270.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - Mulga acacia Up the gully past a plethora of wildflowers like this, Mulga acacia (A. aneura) foreground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cfcac399-4e6d-42a2-8fb5-12edfe60cebb/IMG_8274.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - main camping area at Waterfall Gorge Once you reach the head of the gully, the valley opens and flattens, with plenty of scattered campsites amongst the spinifex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c446b541-9001-4cb5-9819-df4b40173727/P6243791.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - Weeping Emubush Yet another Eremophila, the Weeping Emubush (E. longifolia). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/40a5d3a9-c09f-4d0b-8472-748dee2b2eb7/P6243808.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - Cape bluebell So many interesting wildflowers in this valley, including rare ones that I did not spot. Here is a Cape bluebell, Wahlenbergia (possibly W. queenslandica). Many native bluebell bulbs are edible and formed an important food source for the Traditional owners. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/46c35b36-113b-44b6-b2ab-0656682cf469/P6243783.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - heading towards pass at top of valley Making our way up to the pass. It’s so beautiful, this wide sweeping curve of spinifex, especially to any botanist because the vegetation is so healthy here, without any buffel grass. Apparently those rare plants are a small community near the head of the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc18d7f3-40db-4d06-a2c0-c3f1952df57c/P6243788.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - view of Mt Sonder from valley above Waterfall Gorge Remember to look behind you, westwards… yes, there’s Mt Sonder, eight days away for us! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/12f5b417-c74e-4a63-9baf-97e4a9a21194/IMG_8292.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - Fleshy Groundsel, Senecio gregorii This may or may not be the Fleshy Groundsel, Senecio gregorii — the daisy family is hard to ID! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d652ad87-4003-424e-89c2-b78e24fb0b09/IMG_8284.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - platy rocks Really fascinating rock formations here. My excellent geology book calls these platy rocks a “steep mylonite foliation” of the migmatitic orthogneiss forming the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/11a3ff99-6276-47f1-9688-e0cf0e2e8970/P6243795.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - reverse view towards Counts Point from the west And you reach the pass, with an entirely new view opening up before you. You’ll look back to this spot from Count’s Point tomorrow! Photos — at least my photos — can’t do this place justice. It is SPECTACULAR. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/72524de5-605e-4df0-871b-431cb68c2b63/IMG_8282.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - View of Counts Point from valley Down into that next valley, Count’s Point beckoning you onwards. But no scaling of peaks today. Today you’ll jag right over that treed low pass mid photo and into Inargala Gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3fe02840-f657-4fd6-9edd-0d59fe7e1a3d/IMG_8288.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - searching for a shady spot for lunch We have been looking for a shady spot to stop for lunch. We pass a lovely couple we have been leapfrogging all day. They’ve beaten us to the only tiny patch of shade in sight, but I’ve spotted a drainage line on the map. Drainage lines — creeks, whether they are dry on the surface or not — mean bigger trees and SHADE! Sailors of old scoured coastlines for tall trees, because tall trees meant water. Maybe we will be lucky too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90ba526a-4faa-4908-b5c1-6c955692eb97/P6243806.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - small waterhole above Inargala Gorge Yes, we are! Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together? Of course, the early explorers betted similarly and usually died. And we certainly wouldn’t bet our lives on this, but it’s a beaut spot to stop for a late lunch. The birds around any of these water sources are amazing, the trees teeming with life. Beetles, bugs and frogs flit below the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/edba7d31-fdd0-495e-b0c3-e72459158601/P6243809.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - Approaching Inargala Pass Approaching Inargala Pass. This pass, like so many similar land and water features that connect different regions, was not only an important watering point and ceremonial site, but also a cultural boundary between clans on either side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f882abd-561b-461d-8ca8-854adda65d85/IMG_8320.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - making way through Inargala Gorge It’s a rocky scramble: no path, you just make your way around and between boulders as best you can. The temperature is much cooler here than out on the plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a33444a9-2ded-4272-885c-d0ea40eb6faf/IMG_8326.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - climbing over boulders in Inargala Gorge More scrambly bits: nothing difficult, just relatively slow going after hoofing it up the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d739ca82-7b34-4874-bd22-ff2697bd42bc/IMG_8321.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - MacDonnell Ranges Cycads And here are those magnificent MacDonnell Ranges Cycads (Macrozamia macdonnelii). Aren’t they fantastic? You need only look at them to see that they are ancient relics of an earlier period when they were more widespread, but now remaining only in a few shelted gorges. Male and female reproductive parts are borne on separate plants, and the female cones bear large seeds. Some Traditional Owners elsewhere ate Zamia species seeds, but only after an extensive leaching process to remove the toxins; the Arrente people didn’t use them as a food source, perhaps because of their relatively limited water sources. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0a090780-995c-4b14-beb9-f0e0635a21ae/IMG_8346.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - hut at Serpentine Chalet Dam Campsite Once you leave the gorge, it’s still about 2.5km/1.5mi to Serpentine Chalet Dam Campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c24fa9d8-98f8-4fca-a780-f131d8c35f76/IMG_8341.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hermit’s Hideaway to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Day 8, Sect. 9 Part) - tent site at Serpentine Chalet Dam A great spot amongst the spinifex. https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-ormiston-gorge-to-standley-chasm/serpentine-chalet-dam-to-serpentine-gorge monthly 0.5 2025-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4fab285c-4a74-4021-873d-4d4f1b961097/IMG_8387.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - Counts Point Yes, today gives you that iconic view, with a seat to enjoy it in leisurely slowerhiking style! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6019d0d6-586b-46ac-854b-71dd722b1c12/trail+map+for+daily+blog+Serpentine+Chalet+to+Serpentine+Gorge.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - Satellite locality map Overview map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7d0d71f2-fff9-452d-9112-03a86d25753c/Serpentine+Chalet+to+Serpentine+Gorge+V1.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - Elevation graph for the day from Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge Here’s the map, clearly showing the terrain: along the southern foothills first, a steep climb up the tiered layers of the range, a spur trail to Count’s Point and a traverse along the ridge, followed by a steep descent back to the southern foothills to Serpentine Gorge campground. The short red line is the side trip to Serpentine Gorge from the campground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d40a6f52-4457-45b5-8cd1-23176e05b35e/P6253821.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - Mulga Woodland along the Larapinta Trail An early start sees you hiking through mulga woodland on undulating but easy track. With such clear skies in central Australia, nights and early mornings are often cold: even Geoff is wearing his beanie and fleece top. Fleece beanies are as warm as wool ones, much lighter, and dry much faster; with his chronically uninsulated head Geoff has a sleeping beanie as well as a daytime one! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01f0e73d-4af5-48b3-8786-2db20af0452a/P6253830.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - tent site amongst trees You’ll pass a number of wild campsites on the way up. The lower ones aren’t particularly helpful for hikers like us because they are too close to designated campsites, but are probably used by hikers doing big distances. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/446a32c8-c7c3-43e7-82d7-5b4b3fca60dc/P6253831.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - small sheltered spot for tent Higher on your climb, you’ll pass more wild campsites amongst the mulga. These may be of emergency use to E2W hikers who had planned to stay at Counts Point, but are not able to due to the (few) high campsites being occupied, or because it is too windy: most of the Counts Point campsites are pretty exposed. You, however, hike comfortably past these lower ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/94de5978-5ab1-49d2-b12e-9e3525d84703/P6253832.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - Rocky track with layered rock forming steps Remember that tiered appearance on the map above? Here is one of those distictive tiered layers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/73bcbf4e-1a01-4c3e-acf6-a85345c64259/IMG_8778.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - rocky steps You have steep climbs, here with agricultural steps, alternating with more gentle slopes as you ascend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6c68077c-62eb-43cb-9d16-a401ae90f8b9/P6253828.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - Stemodia florulenta Subtly scented Bluerod (Stemodia florulenta) is an important plant for butterfies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a422015-c10f-4a0f-9083-62c5d44e6e8b/IMG_8370.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - sloping rock section of track Some of the track is like this along sloping rocky outcrops. These would be slippery when wet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0b6f5f3d-dfe4-4e69-8df2-0380fc288ad2/IMG_8373.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - exposed ridgeline Once you climb out of the trees you’re in full sun until after your descent at the end of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/07d3946e-be27-4e44-9cee-51f613dfd0dd/IMG_8381.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - wave patterns in rock It’s hard to believe that all this was once covered by water in a shallow lagoon, but here is the ripple evidence in sandstone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab780a6b-d6d4-4b1f-81b9-6f4bbe8a957d/IMG_8380.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - ancient wave patterns in rock You can apparently identify the original direction of flow by brushing your hand across it: the smooth way is downstream, whilst feeling the sharper edges are upstream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/42b00dd0-6126-4bcb-a2e2-8e6fe217ec95/IMG_8384.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - spur track to Counts Point Once you reach the T-junction on the ridge, you could stop for lunch in the shade of a few lonely pines. You yourself will unlikely be lonely in peak season, however, because this is where ALL the guided tours stop. If you eat your lunch there too, watch enviously as a guide lays out a glorious spread on a picnic rug for clients. Cheese, salami, fresh salad ingredients, felafel, wraps, cheese… yes, we still remember it! Much better to take your lunch to the point and eat there! So leave your pack at the junction and head up the spur trail with your day pack. Note from the above photo that it’s extremely rocky and deceptively slow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bbdbd2f5-7fc9-4d7b-87b6-ac72f84a427d/IMG_8388.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - campsite at Counts Point Soon you reach the point, with another scatter of pines and one sheltered campsite with a rock wall… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b6e414ad-cb62-4d85-b95d-5366f9f0ee4d/P6253850.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - campsites at Counts Point … plus more sites in the open, definitely only suitable for calm conditions. All the sites here looked too small for our XMid Pro2 with its rectangular footprint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77f0da3e-b115-47eb-ae95-24c2f699cd0a/P6253841.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - view from Counts Point And here is that view. Wow. Yesterday you walked up this glorious valley, with the point now beneath your feet comprising the big reveal from the saddle. Isn’t it just grand? In the distance are Mt Sonder, Mt Razorback and Mt Giles. My geology book tells me the ridges are Heavitree sandstone separated by a valley of sheared basement rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c25887eb-13bf-47c8-a8c5-048b602ee815/IMG_8390.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - rocky ridgeline with wildflowers After lunch and views from Counts Point, walk back down, pick up your packs and head east along the ridge for about 4km/2.5mi. The trail is mostly extremely rocky with north and south views the entire way, plus plenty of wildflowers to distract botanists, here pink MacDonnell Ranges Hakea (H. grammatophylla), found only on the higher elevations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d8273bdb-e2a8-4bf0-af62-b495804964af/P6253858.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - Serpentine Gorge from above When you reach the eastern end of the ridge, you have excellent views across parts of Serpentine Gorge with its spectacular folded layers. I had imagined that the name referenced the winding path of the gorge, but the real reason is clear in this image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ce98cb7-4392-4dfe-9578-116ef16b3578/P6253835.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - Hill Wallflower Poison (Gastrolobium brevipes) Hill Wallflower Poison (Gastrolobium brevipes) grows on hilltops in the MacDonnells and contains a toxin that affects introduced animals but not native ones that evolved alongside it; it is the chemical on which 1080 is based. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a415f5ae-4d5c-46d7-b0d8-9348ec4bc760/IMG_8779.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - long section of rock steps From the ridge you turn sharply south and descend steeply down. These rough steps are welcome, but you’ll also have rocky track similar to that of the track up earlier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1287e657-f228-42c4-8165-670a7ea8a512/IMG_8397.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - Pacoota Range All the way down, you have yet more views across the plain to the Pacoota Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/37df619f-cb7a-41a0-a07b-d5a19d0ce729/P6253827.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - Tangled Leschenaultia (L. divaricata) Tangled Leschenaultia (L. divaricata). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16f69ad1-9584-489f-9c97-7ae99802954d/IMG_8398.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - track through rolling hills As soon as you hit the rolling foothills the walking becomes much easier… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c4ec0fe5-d5b9-40a8-9a02-514a0634e672/IMG_8401.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - track through mulga woodland … through more mulga woodland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/34e6413f-1042-43a8-9a2d-3571313b63a2/IMG_8784.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - resupply container near Serpentine Gorge You’ll find the resupply container — literally a container! — off a spur trail just west of the carpark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2333b865-5a86-4ef9-a702-84a6204669c9/IMG_8787.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - storage boxes inside resupply container near Serpentine Gorge Don’t bother packing chocolate unless it’s melt resistant M&Ms: the container is like an oven. There’s our little 32L box top left; the track transfer companies offer 50L boxes. You must write the collection date on the outside of your box so it’s not thrown out. We packed clean undies and socks in this resupply, and changed into them there, leaving our dirty ones safely double bagged back in the box to pick up after our hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4edd3f33-bf01-47b7-b668-0f75d2d3dc9d/IMG_8410.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - Serpentine Gorge campsite hut From the resupply container and through the car park it’s a short hop to the campsite. Because it’s so close to public access, this site is much used by school groups and indeed there was one here when we stayed. The kids were great and vacated the hut for hikers who wanted to cook there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4981a376-c161-4954-99f2-d0a5d635c1f6/IMG_8406.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - campsite at Serpentine Gorge Plenty of flat campsites scattered amongst the mulga all around the hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8b96a4eb-c1aa-4a5d-a478-a4d27e649f65/IMG_8403.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - track to Serpentine Gorge Once you’re set up, grab your day pack and head 1km/0.62mi to Serpentine Gorge in the evening light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc2e0997-8eee-4e54-8fd9-2e6308b85dce/P6253875-HDR.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (Day 9, Sect. 8) - Make it stand out Yet another beaut finish to yet another beaut day. How good is the Larapinta! https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-ormiston-gorge-to-standley-chasm/serpentine-gorge-to-ellery-creek-north monthly 0.5 2025-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01404c48-a0a8-4b70-a384-9dffab26951a/P6263924.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - Alice Valley Today you enter the Alice Valley on the northern side of the Heavitree Range, here looking back at Serpentine Gorge from the north. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e39371d-a038-4ecc-a67e-e809b72b2a20/trail+map+for+daily+blog+Serpentine+Gorge+to+Ellery+Ck+Nth.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - satellite locality map With the exception of the Ormiston Pound Day Walk, this will be the first time Larapinta hikers cross to the northern side of the Heavitree Range, with grand views of the Chewings Range to which you will cross in a day or two’s time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/08747498-88c2-45f8-b181-61d5f61caf69/Serpentine+Gorge+to+Ellery+Creek+North.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - elevation graph Today’s hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/85782c07-d300-4e12-bcc5-fdef9fd016bf/IMG_8420.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - single foot track in early morning light through grassland Heading towards the gap early morning in delightful cool shade. The track through rolling foothills is easy underfoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/12c253ad-b1c4-4202-bf40-04eebb0358f4/IMG_8422.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - spinifex in mallee woodland Beautiful spinifex in mallee woodland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4c8958f0-adda-4f71-9e45-ca0e7f1f967e/IMG_8424.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - limestone I think this is some form of limestone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4be88ee8-5431-4e7f-8b85-e75898068ff1/P6263889.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - Flat-leafed Mistletoe, Lysiana spathulata Flat-leafed Mistletoe, Lysiana spathulata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f354ca3e-f648-46ae-ad74-33cfad894534/IMG_8428.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - approaching Ellery Creek North and South Junction Nearing the gap. Soon you will be through and onto the northern side of the range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/37d4e4d0-974b-44ca-bff1-06dd4e2b991f/IMG_8439.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - Pineapple Indigo (Indigofera amoena) and Wickham’s Grevillea (G. wickhamii) Pineapple Indigo (Indigofera amoena) and Wickham’s Grevillea (G. wickhamii) make a sensational splash of colour in the gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e3bae7c9-dd2a-4085-adf6-360993c082fd/IMG_8433.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - track through gap to Ellery Creek North from the west The gap gradually becomes rockier… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5355bb60-7860-4496-9bf4-4120bf9ecbf7/IMG_8446.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - small boulders … with a little easy scrambling over a few boulders around tiny rock pools. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e52dd75-8fb5-44c6-aa8a-dccb78819cb9/IMG_8791.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - exiting the gap Over the hump. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9544702d-2892-4bd6-8ec8-188a7c43c1ef/IMG_8445.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - gap through Heavitree Range This wide image gives you a clearer idea of the rocks and scrambling. It’s only a short distance — perhaps fifty metres — and even in this picture you can see the other side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ddb46705-8817-4b78-979c-126c998818a3/IMG_8460.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - track after gap is much easier Looking back into the gap from the northern side. The track is much easier now! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00fd42d3-362c-4d55-847c-32b444b7ed5a/P6263913.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - walking along low ridgeline The views become increasingly expansive. Here, multiple little gullies and rises of the valley: it’s definitely not flat all the way! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0dcd319b-75ad-4ea6-8863-9a80c79ee654/IMG_8462-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - Heavitree Range The Heavitree Range stretches into the distance, a grand sight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20a0276d-2ecf-4d07-aad8-37531a235a8e/P6263909.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - Blue Goodenia (G. azurea) After good seasonal conditions, botanists will find a happy variety of interesting and quite different small flowering forbs like this Blue Goodenia (G. azurea) in the valley, as well as a healthy and diverse range of grasses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e8fb82d-6d76-4059-b3f3-93d48ec55719/IMG_8469.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - gap through which Ellery Creek passes The gap through which Ellery Creek passes is visible from many kilometres away (centre of picture) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a844bcb-4d9e-43e3-93e8-e8abcf72c14e/IMG_8477.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - rocky track up small hill Up a small hillock: why doesn’t the track avoid it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e070fb1b-f89b-41de-bf6a-d2cd4bc4111b/IMG_8479.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - wide view across valley to adjoining Heavitree Range On reaching the top the views are grand… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75bbda5a-d917-43f5-830d-a916ba88d078/IMG_8794.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - resting and enjoying the view …and worth a pause to absorb them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d55e81cc-579d-4aed-ada4-0df5fb920e50/IMG_8797.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - Lunchtime Lunch stop in a tiny patch of shade just off the track, umbrella balanced on branches for a little extra protection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36473004-bbc0-4488-9c15-956b0bc2327d/IMG_8483.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - hiker with shade umbrella Then on again towards the gap in Heavitree Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/229dd931-c070-45e9-9fe4-d6043dffe845/IMG_8801.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - walking between two trees Nearly there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d7f94510-beb6-4442-b395-71749ff7cb67/P6263927.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - wildflowers approaching Ellery Creek North First views of Ellery Creek https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a9bea796-83a5-4825-b23f-eebf9de3c019/P6263929.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - Ellery Creek North campsite on creek After checking the sites around the hut, we return to the creek and pitch on its sandy banks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8eba30e1-9f17-45f6-86f3-894ba06cf8a6/IMG_8519.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - Ellery Creek North Hut The hut is further out on the plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e998cfa1-c6b4-4fea-ac57-f38e8aeb6857/IMG_8499.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - Ellery Creek North campsites The campsites around the plain are quite exposed, but it’s likely that the campsites in the gap will be less protected than you might expect because wind accelerates as it venturis through. In strong southerlies, the hut is likely the most sheltered spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9565debf-e4d1-4daa-8c3c-722f9dc3aa19/P6273991.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - Pool at Ellery Creek North and South And of course make time to visit the beautiful waterhole for a refreshing dip to cool down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b44b28b6-1604-406b-9a28-aa59707f84e8/P6263967.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek North (Day 10, Sect. 7) - yellow sunset A magnificent sunset… another one. https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-ormiston-gorge-to-standley-chasm/ellery-creek-north monthly 0.5 2025-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db101cc9-cb85-4f21-a200-617960182e56/P6273995.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North Day 11: Rest Day Rationale - Ellery Creek North pool Brewing a hot cuppa after a swim in icy water. While sitting here in splendid solitude (no other people on this side, but literally busloads on the far bank at Ellery Creek South), we watched an eagle dive to snatch fish from the water — a banner memory. What a stunning location! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ebf19bcb-7524-4e73-9eed-1aa2f389b7e7/IMG_8802.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North Day 11: Rest Day Rationale - charging station On the Larapinta, rest days provide an opportunity to recharge electronics during times when the sun is high and no one else is using the charging ports. We later found that charging one device at a time worked much better. Although there are four ports, using them simultaneously would slow charging to such an extent as to be effectively pointless. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7fd2bf3c-d324-4292-887c-b658f75b0811/IMG_8542.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North Day 11: Rest Day Rationale - checking the weather on our Garmin Inreach Mini Also plenty of time to study the map, check upcoming weather and plan ahead. Cold weather later in the week — 11C/52F maximum! — but Saturday (the day after tomorrow) is to be hot and windy, so we aim to make Friday a longer day, and Saturday a shorter one. This is the kind of flexibility a conservative schedule provides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ef6890a-cd47-4d40-ae23-a066fb7d488b/P6263934.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North Day 11: Rest Day Rationale - rock pools at Ellery Creek North You’ll have time to explore the rock pools. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8c74a03e-cd37-4d5d-8383-de9d898382a6/P6263946.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North Day 11: Rest Day Rationale - fish in Ellery Creek We watched fish. The stripey ones are Barred Grunters (Amniataba percoides) and the ones without stripes are Spangled Perch (Leiopotherapon unicolor). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/98ac72bc-7a89-4bbe-bc35-7ff1d4cfb6e3/IMG_8805.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North Day 11: Rest Day Rationale - Ellery Creek Big Hole A swim and a paddle in Ellery Creek Big Hole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d3002533-ae57-4c09-a53e-ebafbf9d5fe6/IMG_8539.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North Day 11: Rest Day Rationale - relaxing on the creek bed A sleep-in and a relaxed breakfast, plus extra cuppas! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6da25763-fed8-4501-9a81-fef142eb07ba/IMG_8494.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North Day 11: Rest Day Rationale - sunbathing at Ellery Creek North A wash with a sponge (no soap, of course) with time to dry off on sun-warmed rocks. Delightful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f2a84294-cdb5-4d60-b7a0-e2840b1b7319/P6273970.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North Day 11: Rest Day Rationale - Ellery Creek North further upstream The creek curves around in a sweeping arc and you’ll see a lot of waterfowl here, as well as more swimming holes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/68de0fba-a40d-47ae-94dd-d269d54e5185/P6263961.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North Day 11: Rest Day Rationale - rock escarpment with tree Time to notice details. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/faa751e4-4a61-4887-8a30-28648f51e5c7/IMG_8497.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North Day 11: Rest Day Rationale - Ellery Creek North hut in late afternoon light And time to enjoy the company of others in the evening, or as they pass by your camp during the day. Because, for most people, hiking is about more than just getting from A to B! https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-ormiston-gorge-to-standley-chasm/ellery-creek-north-to-rocky-gully monthly 0.5 2025-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dd8f7d97-2dd3-49cf-ac4a-310804311681/P6284043.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - Heavitree Range Stunning views of the Heavitree Range to the south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c4dbaf2f-9a8a-4417-9f5e-83ae3448a787/trail+map+Ellery+Ck+Nth+to+Rocky+Gully.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - satellite locality map The landforms tell the story: into the centre of the valley today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e21a72f-0a7e-4eb3-8ed6-2b8868967452/Ellery+Creek+North+to+Rocky+Gully.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - satellite map with elevation graph We recommend slower hikers stop at Rocky Gully: our wild camp was for safety reasons to accommodate forecast hot weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bdbeecee-121d-44d0-afae-ea5049273aaf/IMG_8590.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - wild camp north of Rocky Gully Time for a restful cuppa and dinner after a long day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9b016ac-a415-42f7-bacf-4b38eb117648/IMG_8546.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - rock hopping across Ellery Creek Crossing Ellery Creek nice and early. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0cec2434-a691-4732-a83f-c545cae34c9f/IMG_8547.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - smooth track through buffelgrass Smooth sandy track initially through a sea of buffel grass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/58888545-da7e-4277-a6ba-bec619d413ac/IMG_8555.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - rocky snaking track However, as soon as the trail crosses a little rise — as it does almost continuously — it becomes rockier underfoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6564fd83-6794-4f53-a9ca-017217e584c9/IMG_8583.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - Sand Sunray (Rhodanthe tietkensii) Plenty of little flowering plants, here Sand Sunray (Rhodanthe tietkensii). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f2fc3b48-05f9-43bb-b792-27555115235b/IMG_8815.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - sandy creek crossing Still quite early but it’s already warm. Here you can see one of the creeks/drainage lines criss-crossing the Alice Valley, as well as taller trees, visible for some distance, marking its path. You can also see that these drainage lines make great emergency campsites in dry weather; consciously noting such landform and vegetation patterns — patterns that are different in every environment, but similar locally — is hugely useful to hikers. If you look for patterns, you can often begin to spot them in the first few days of a hike in a new area, and apply the knowledge to predict and plan for the day ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0cc949b2-cae5-4dbf-a560-5ab2a83dec06/IMG_8558.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - shade umbrella being put to good use Easy cruising on the flats… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1805ec54-4765-4db3-97c7-fde830bfd3b7/IMG_8584.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - Satiny Bluebush (Maireana georgii) … and so many wildflowers! Here, Satiny Bluebush (Maireana georgii)… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4bb41002-4490-4ba5-912c-977349255383/IMG_8560.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - Satiny Bluebush (Maireana georgii) …in all different shades of yellow, red and salmon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a9aa5ccf-2bd4-4eb0-a8bb-4e0ab404534a/P6284041.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - Western Stork’s-bill (Erodium cygnorum). Isolated but spectacular patches of Western Stork’s-bill (Erodium cygnorum). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f6869d9-61c1-4f91-8e43-bf67440fa324/IMG_8563.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - dune sized rolling hills The terrain is much more rolling than that to the west of Ellery Creek North... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6723d0ae-fd79-4bf7-a876-fa9cfb817eba/IMG_8565.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - down towards another small drainage line …down again… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c878e78c-6ce0-4b95-8e5a-23ad920dd8ac/IMG_8569.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - small drainage line with emergency campsite for one tent Definitely ‘Larapinta flat!” Again, note that open sand in drainage lines for emergency campsites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a6fa15a5-b9bf-4492-afb4-d0348a49cd0b/IMG_8573-3.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - track has many undulations All these little dips and rises add significantly to your cumulative elevation gain and loss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e1c57d8-dd66-414a-85c0-042324ada50a/IMG_8575.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - Make it stand out Plenty of shrubs for shade, but note that the ground even on much of the flats is extremely rocky. This is why we recommend a tyvek groundsheet for your tent so that, should you need to stop short of a designated campsite for any reason, your tent floor and mat are less likely to be damaged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/65e5705d-ceec-49a6-9be3-6e713caf77ea/P6284039.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - winding track down small rise The track winds its way through increasingly hilly country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cda20738-4e8b-4c00-8c47-086eb29862bf/IMG_8577.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - Heavitree Range You’re still closer here to the Heavitree Range than to the Chewings Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f4db5ec-702e-475f-a902-b31271e8571a/IMG_8579.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - winding rocky track up slope Again, you can see why campsites are few and far between despite what the open vegetation and topo maps imply! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ca1b51e-b091-44c7-a471-637c3885ad00/IMG_8580.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - lunch at creek in Rocky Gully We finally reach Rocky Gully and stop for a late lunch. Noticing a small stand of trees and hearing finches, we have followed the gully north a short distance to a tiny rockpool shaded by gums and mulga. While I assemble lunch, Geoff heads south along the 250m/273yds spur trail to Rocky Gully campsite to top up with water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/412fd68d-1283-4f20-9f71-22ebcae1bf01/IMG_8820.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - Rocky Gully campsite Rocky Gully campsite is similar to Rocky Bar Gap campsite with a toilet (if passing by, use them whenever you can in preference to digging cat holes), picnic table and rainwater tank, but no hut. It’s utilitarian and there were plenty of flies — bring your headnet! — but also pleasant shady campsites. Geoff and I discuss whether to stop here but it is still relatively early. I’m wilting a little, but we both know that it will be even hotter tomorrow so he encourages me to push on as far as I can manage today. Even a few extra kilometres now will make a difference. Like many older folk, my heat regulation switch is not as good as it used to be; it’s annoying but must be accounted for. Hiking whilst nauseated and dizzy is stupid and not fun at any time, let alone in remote terrain like this. The things that affect older folk don’t have to prevent us from fun activities, but we should acknowledge them and work around them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/29d7b331-626c-4747-9a71-c4fdcebb4472/IMG_8821.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - Rocky Gully campsite table Scant shade for the picnic table. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e766f7b3-39a9-41c7-9e6c-b73105cee373/IMG_8822.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - Its hot, and the initial climb out of Rocky Gully is steep but relatively short… Its hot ,and the initial climb out of Rocky Gully is steep but its relatively short and the shade from our umbrellas is helpful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c09688d3-a298-4408-ae3e-02d9f6ca5fb0/IMG_8585.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - scattered plants and rocks Then the hill rounds out to a more accomodating grade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dad2031d-0469-4734-a86a-991de9e529ad/P6183358.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - Orange Fairy’s Aprons (Pigea aurantiaca). Spade Flower or, more poetically, Orange Fairy’s Aprons (Pigea aurantiaca). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c5d87f9-c330-44e5-866a-07911daca030/IMG_8582.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - rocky meandering track We begin looking for campsites; we spot a few but they are too small, sloping or rocky. The Pro2 is an excellent tent but its nemesis is very lumpy ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b202e3ef-143a-4e26-a6ba-5d71ea94bf82/IMG_8599-2.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - Make it stand out At last we find an ideal spot without rocks in a low-lying area; water-borne silt has made a good substrate for the tent and, as always in these wetter areas, buffel grass. This location is marked in either Chapman’s book or Alltrails; certainly, it’s clear that other people have camped here before. We’re about 4.4km/2.7mi (or just under 2 hours) further on from Rocky Gully so we should be able to beat the worst of the heat tommorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/de0acdfd-4a96-4d4d-a983-a6718b112ae8/IMG_8594.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Ellery Creek North to Rocky Gully (Day 12, Sect 6 Part) - wild camp north of Rocky Gully Evening light over camp, our food bag hanging in a tree nearby. It has been a beautiful but tiring day; knowing we have only 10.8km/6.7mi to reach Hugh Gorge and new terrain tomorrow is inspiring. https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-ormiston-gorge-to-standley-chasm/rocky-gully-to-hugh-gorge-camp monthly 0.5 2025-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5661b862-ff09-4eaf-b91c-79c7e0994562/P6294075.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - view to Chewings Range The Chewings Range grows ever closer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec3bafe4-73df-4b98-98ca-5c555de1c147/trail+map+Rocky+Gully+to+Hugh+Gorge.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - satellite locality map Approaching the rugged Chewings Range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/40376ba5-0cf8-4e6e-a8be-eabf8a584028/Rocky+Gully+to+Hugh+Gorge.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - elevation graph Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge The traverse covers numerous small gullies and creeks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c0acbc1-1e80-4537-a4e3-b62c7e20a0f5/IMG_8602.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - easy foot track through grassland This is typical of the terrain you’ll be hiking today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/610fc0b3-4cc1-42d2-8062-415cf4985d84/P6294076.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - Chewings Range Almost all the way you have northerly views from small rises. The Chewings Range looks noticeably more steep and rugged than the Heavitree Range: you will be champing at the bit to hike deep into its folded gullies tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/924513fa-43ec-416c-ad0d-ead799bde6a9/IMG_8636.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - Variable Daisy Brachyscome ciliaris Plenty of wildflowers today, here Variable Daisy (Brachyscome ciliaris) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4e7b39fe-d619-4c37-864c-e288665ee04d/IMG_8610.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - rocky section of track crossing the Alice Valley A rocky descent: you have a lot of this kind of track… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/66d520a6-3d33-4aff-b172-28934ad6f0f5/P6294077.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - area of open woodland next to drainage line … but here it descends to one of the many drainage lines, becoming easier underfoot as it flattens out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/279a5c4e-e45f-4247-a808-a9de672b5f43/P6294079.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - small pool of water in creek in Alice Valley Small pools remain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/68ac77df-2421-4e88-8147-175f45bedda6/IMG_8612.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - Ghost Gum Flat campground Ghost Gum Flat campground has no hut or toilet, just a sleeping platform in the shade of one of two magnificent Fork-Leafed Corkwoods (Hakea divaricata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7da8ea8d-da5a-4f82-bc80-65867547d44a/P6294083.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - Ghost Gum at Ghost Gum camping area And here is the eponymous Ghost Gum marking the site: with its three huge burls, you can’t miss it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aada07e5-1b6b-4317-bc59-725a2980470d/IMG_8357.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - Olearia macdonnellensis The critically endangered Olearia macdonnellensis, spotted on a different day but included here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/528d91cd-ebb2-4ef8-88c7-e9f8890000b1/IMG_8616.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - Ghost Gum on ridge The views are just grand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f061f751-3e7f-42b6-9928-47b5e14ce087/IMG_8619.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - Fleshy Groundsel More of that smooth track on flatter sections through mulga and more daisies, here yellow Fleshy Groundsel (Senecio gregorii). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9782112c-d039-4731-b23b-ac712763fb14/IMG_8624.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - Sturt’s Hibiscus (Hibiscus sturtii) Sturt’s Hibiscus (Hibiscus sturtii) is similar to Sturt’s Desert Rose (Gossypium sturtianum) but lacks the dark centre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a398b7fc-4c22-4fb7-94d1-69cefbffa611/IMG_8621.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - Rocky outcrops along track near Hugh View Wending your way through rocky outcrops on a rise to… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/577f5aac-1515-4bfa-99f9-d101b8dfc42b/IMG_8629.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - Hugh View … Hugh View. The notch in the range centre right is Hugh Gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/80761c7e-b482-4c64-9a9e-0460d61d2545/IMG_8631.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - track through Alice Valley grassland with small rocky outcrops And down again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e804b999-a698-4a04-9b3c-97a1963eef25/P6253836.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - Megazosteria mating Megazosteria sp humpy-rumpy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0915f0c-987d-48f4-8237-d42b8dfbe1af/IMG_8643.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - track through Mulga Woodland nearing Hugh Gorge Nearing the Gorge through mulga https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e43095d3-fcda-4628-a0cb-6c77f4fb4067/IMG_8644.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - nearing Hugh Gorge You’re nearly there when you reach a tributary of the Hugh River, with the roofs of both hut and toilet peeping from the tree canopy beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8d8460ed-d084-4c05-ab04-0929db4511d4/IMG_8842.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - Hugh Gorge hut And there is the hut, surrounded by plentiful campsites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2c663bab-9090-4438-a0d5-bf73588bd10a/IMG_8839.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - Hugh Gorge Camp campsite Another campsite… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/654726a9-593b-497a-995e-3c5b84a7ea23/IMG_8838.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - more sites for tents at Hugh Gorge Campground … and yet more sites close to the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3d11b8ce-2221-42a5-b9d4-22f7a402865e/IMG_8650.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - inside the hut at Hugh Gorge Campground After today’s heat, rain is forecast for tomorrow. For the first time we elect to sleep in the hut, not because we’re concerned about our tent, but because it will be faster to pack up in the morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0125a044-c02f-499c-97b2-a666aa2afca1/P6294094.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - High Gorge near campsite After setting up your tent or sleeping gear, you will probably have time to pop into the Gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d79427b9-47aa-474d-ac06-ab97c43e1fbc/P6294102.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - water hole in Hugh Gorge near the main campsite Time for a wash… no soap, of course! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/29b9521c-a9bc-486b-9bfc-23070bd64ea9/P6294117.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - rock pools near Hugh Gorge main campground Relax and dry off on smooth warm rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ee646b88-e91f-4f30-b2f5-e7d7858d88ea/P6294118.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - rehydrating dinner Dinner prep. If you’ve been following our blogs, you know we dehydrate all our own dinners (here we describe how to do it yourself). Geoff is pouring boiling water into the sousvide bag, with the pot cosy, sewn from a supermarket chiller bag, left foreground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ae850bd-28b4-4426-bbf8-8afe06c66893/P6294121.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - rehydrating minestrone After slitting the bag and filling it with water, we reseal it with one of these sliders before popping it into the cosy for 25 minutes to rehydrate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fbfc20f2-2221-4cbb-a155-a7b34216d074/IMG_8652-2.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Rocky Gully to Hugh Gorge Camp (Day 13, Sect.6 part) - dehydrated tomato and bean minestrone Yum! https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-ormiston-gorge-to-standley-chasm/hugh-gorge-camp-to-fringe-lily-creek monthly 0.5 2025-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c316cff3-755f-47b9-9477-0358070c1eea/IMG_8695.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - Hugh Gorge water crossing that required a swim So much variety today, with spectacular cliffs plus a fun wade and swim! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/078bf88d-ea8a-4e1b-ad55-b446b59ee881/trail+map+Hugh+Gorge+to+Fringe+Lily.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - satellite locality map Location Map: past halfway already! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d5d204a-4795-4f26-88c9-424a831133b1/Hugh+Gorge+to+Fringe+Lily.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - elevation graph Hugh Gorge to Fringe Lily Today’s hike of 9.1km/5.7mi (which includes the 1.8km/1.1mi return to Hugh Gorge waterhole) will takes slower hikers the better part of a day. Don’t be deceived by the apparently short distance - it took us 6.9 hours! You should still have time and energy for the short for the 600m/0.4mi return side trip to Fringe Lily waterhole - it’s worth the effort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ed30721-5031-4b1d-943a-2a2a32b8017a/IMG_8740.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - small campsite at Hugh Gorge junction Campsites at Hugh Junction, with at least one more up off the river bed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/49ac7e5f-ecd2-44b2-8085-9b9b2cabc279/IMG_8656.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - waterhole near Hugh Gorge camp The inviting start of your day, and it only gets better! The Sections from here to Standley Chasm are some of the the most demanding but also most varied and beautiful of the entire track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d9c25cb9-749b-4adf-8c2e-862732a60ccb/IMG_8674.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - climbing around waterhole in Hugh Gorge Plenty of little scrambles… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90f492c0-5049-4ab7-bc5d-2d68947d9e11/IMG_8670.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - narrow track between edge of cliff and boulder … and wending your way around, between and over boulders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2b205e40-c193-4cc3-90ca-6abe34f9dd41/IMG_8847.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - track past waterhole in gorge None of it is especially difficult, and you can always wade these shallow sections, especially if you’re wearing non-waterproof footwear that dries quickly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be35de63-d13c-45c2-b8dd-58feef090dbd/IMG_8717.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - Apowollstonia stirlingii subsp. fontaliciana. Look for wildflowers in the more open sections, as well as on the walls. Here, endemic Apowollstonia stirlingii subsp. fontaliciana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eafa4ebb-39bc-40eb-92f9-df9109a0863c/IMG_8678.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - widen section of Hugh Gorge Every now and then the gorge widens slightly. We kept our eyes peeled for emergency campsites but, other than a couple on tiny sandy edges of pools, you would struggle to set up anywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cfd469bf-1f42-4645-9c2f-2307f0ecc325/IMG_8682.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - Pocket Valley, Hugh Gorge Another open area, probably Pocket Valley, covered in spinifex... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/71846fd1-8c8e-4ead-bd01-fe11eac7a972/IMG_8685-2.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - more scrambling around waterholes in Hugh Gorge …before the terrain again narrows. You can see from this picture how higher water levels make a huge difference, with more swimming and wading. High flows are extremely dangerous in the narrow sections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3d5d351d-71b9-468c-9d07-a1792d1e99a0/IMG_8727.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - Edelweiss Everlasting Cremnothamnus thomsonii Edelweiss Everlasting Cremnothamnus thomsonii on the shadiest, most sheltered walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d9322570-25d4-44bd-83ef-2f3db3b56c45/IMG_8688.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - track signage in Hugh Gorge Keep your eyes peeled for those blue triangles - both in front of and behind you. There are a few small false leads, notably near Pocket Valley and Hugh Gorge Junction: this day is definitely one where you should have a clear idea of the track and its place in the terrain, so study the map the night before. Later, when you arrive at Hugh Junction, it is a three-way split, with a small false lead to the west as well as the spur trail, and the continuation of the track to Fringe Lily to the east. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/68d4b212-d5d6-4d35-8593-2f47bb56891d/IMG_8694.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - Here is the famous wade/swim: don’t worry, it’s cold but the swim is less than four metres at this water level and, even in cool weather, it was fun! This is the approach that west to east hikers take; east to west of course come towards the photographer. You can see the greyish rock jutting into the pool, with a couple of branches leaning up against it directly ahead of me. The pool is shallow along the edge all the way to those sticks, but you have to swim around that grey rock. A solo hiker will carry their pack to the branch and hang it on a fork, then swim around the rock and haul up the branch to retrieve their pack. With a hiking partner you can each do this too or, alternatively, the weaker one goes first, swims around the point and clambers onto the rock to lean down and hoist up the packs from the stronger hiker who passes them up. I’m wearing my hiking lululemon enlight bra — by far the most supportive and comfortable sports bra I’ve found for larger-breasted women (up to an E cup) — plus lightweight quick-drying running shorts; the latter are much more versatile than swimwear. Hikers were approaching from the opposite side and we expected to meet more; if alone we would have swum naked because then no clothing needs to be dried. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e82090ee-bdae-4541-b5fd-c62d7445a122/IMG_8697.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - Hugh Gorge waterhole swim I’ve taken this photo from the rock. Geoff has passed both packs to me and is about to swim around; note that it’s deep only for a few metres before becoming shallow again immediately around the corner. Some hikers told us that they were able to sidle around the very edge of the rock in hip deep water without having to swim. This option has the potential to go horribly wrong if you don’t have a pack liner; we use them on every hike, even arid ones like the Larapinta. I killed a very expensive camera on a day hike where we were carrying our training packs without liners and encountered an unavoidable swim (thank you, Telowie Gorge!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86a9845e-cee5-4322-80fb-2b70215dd8b3/IMG_8706.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - scrambling around rock pool After drying off and dressing, you scramble down the back of that rock… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8520456f-9a40-4cac-94e8-ec40c1d474f4/IMG_8704.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - Another beautiful waterhole in Hugh Gorge … and continue upstream, zigzagging either side of the water. It’s fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf5252af-350d-4ae3-95aa-f2dbc099f8a2/IMG_8741.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - Hugh Gorge Junction Hugh Junction. You arrive from the left of this picture and the spur trail is to the right; this shot is taken from the track that continues to Fringe Lily. The sign far left is difficult to see on the west to east approach. Leave your packs here (you can see Geoff’s far right) and take a daypack with lunch, rainwear, a first aid kit, PLB etc to Upper Hugh Gorge. Even in benign weather, you should still take a rain jacket in such a remote location in case you are injured or delayed and need protection from weather or a cool night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83684453-ea67-4888-b3bb-7975dbbce2ba/IMG_8713.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - bouldery and scrubby spur trail leading to the main waterhole at upper Hugh Gorge The spur trail is more bouldery and scrubby than the main track; you’ll be pushing your way through areas of tea tree too. But just follow the river bed; navigation is straightforward because the walls are too steep to go anywhere else! Further along, the gorge becomes more scrambly than what you’ve done thus far: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3566fb31-06cb-4269-817d-0e1986efe6e9/IMG_8716.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - large boulders in base of gorge Increasingly bouldery and scrubby as you approach the waterhole… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/192028e6-12ee-4ad8-ab23-60d204bddb7b/IMG_8719.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - massive boulders near head of Hugh Gorge Not just more, but bigger boulders… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/93da1864-ff5a-4b3e-a6d9-ccc1af568c7a/P6304159.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - waterhole at the top of Hugh Gorge …And finally the waterhole itself. With mist curling around the ridgetops, it’s breathtakingly beautiful and quite different to how these gorges look in midday sun. We’re lucky to have the change in weather! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ae888ea5-8a05-4db8-932c-a9166744618b/P6304161.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - lunch at waterhole near head of Hugh Gorge This pool just before the main waterhole makes a perfect spot to backtrack for lunch. Behind Geoff is a narrow sandy bank that could serve as an emergency camp for a small one person tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/765de609-08bb-4105-9b90-c22bf49057d7/IMG_8733.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - more boulders to scramble around in High Gorge Bouldery! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d1337623-9fce-433f-9f9c-f5ee2258485d/IMG_8744.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - small campsite near Hugh Gorge Junction Once you return to the junction and head up the trail towards Fringe Lily, you’ll spot this small campsite just above the river. It’s way too small for our XMid Pro 2P. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/37d62574-686a-4874-9804-bd3374a79c82/IMG_8746.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - leaving Hugh Gorge heading towards Fringe Lily Following the gully, with Hugh Gorge’s tors looming behind. The misty drizzle creates a quiet, moody ambience — you really do need to be prepared for all kinds of weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b76d9950-2360-473e-976b-df6818781711/IMG_8753.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - Heading to Rocky Saddle It’s a long, steady climb to Rocky Saddle, with abundant healthy spinifex and native grasses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf5170c1-6650-4b3b-92e6-4701a3f26d70/IMG_8759.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - Rocky Saddle Once you reach Rocky Saddle, the rest of the day is downhill. No distant views today, but the gully is stunning, with new and plentiful wildflowers lining the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6577e76d-2556-497e-b8d0-bc2f2875dc33/IMG_8770.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - Native Scurf-Pea Native Scurf-Pea (Cullen australasicum) is in the pea family but mimics mint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3459ae03-557e-4182-a961-4cc8519d1278/IMG_8776.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - Native scurf pea and Olearia ferresii Native scurf pea and Olearia ferresii https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1da03bed-045c-4173-bcfd-2bfcbf7255e5/IMG_8778.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - slippery track with rock steps The descent is steep in places and slippery when wet as it is now… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1f365c94-bcdf-45fd-8822-45450b1cf512/IMG_8780.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - rocky creek bed forms the track … but eventually the trail flattens and you follow the creekbed and its banks into Fringe Lily Camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/032961a9-5252-4137-98d6-b461d8c2f5d5/IMG_8783.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - campsite at Fringe Lily You’ll find plenty of campsites scattered about, some on the surrounding little floodplain and banks… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/12ad669b-a978-4f98-9ff8-295daa977459/P6304173.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - more campsites further along Fringe Lily Creek … with more further in. Note the sad little pool far right; considering there is no toilet here, we didn’t collect from this spot. Instead, Geoff walked upstream (north) a couple hundred metres and collected from larger pools there. Treat all water collected from natural sources on the Larapinta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3cb56aa8-87ea-48c9-97f3-cc1b6968d2bf/P6304181.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Hugh Gorge Camp to Fringe Lily Creek (Day 14, Sect. 5 part) - waterhole at Fringe Lily After you’ve set up your tent, take a 600m/0.37mi return walk south to visit the rockpools and little waterfalls, perfect for a swim on a hot day. https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-ormiston-gorge-to-standley-chasm/fringe-lily-creek-to-section-45-junction monthly 0.5 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b1d47e0-4880-4df8-a2e7-e7bb39dd6762/IMG_8853.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - Razorback Ridge in the mist Razorback Ridge, spectacular even in mist! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/db593b0e-b80c-41c8-a996-5061258b4671/trail+map++Fringe+Lily+to+Section+4_5.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - Satellite locality map Short daily sections either side of Standley Chasm reflect the challenging terrain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a463cfd5-b501-4717-a0f2-5e6420f6acb7/Fringe+Lily+to+Section+4_5+Junction.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - elevation graph Fringe Lily to section 4/5 Junction Today’s hike comprises an eastwards climb up onto Razorback, followed by a steep southerly descent down Spencer Gorge, before you turn east again in the valley to reach Section 4/5 Junction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/185d43b7-b153-4858-9031-57d73b97af81/IMG_9874.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - Birthday Waterhole The terrain opens and flattens out right at the end of the day, and pretty Birthday Waterhole is 900m/0.56mi away for an out and return of 1.8km/1.1mi from the campground. Or you can camp there, but you’re sharing with 4WDers. This sunny photo was taken on an extra side trip whilst retrieving food drop boxes after completing our hike; it was cold and wet and I was too tired to explore the waterhole on the night we stayed at 4/5 Junction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8271d385-64b1-4724-bf32-1dbf3eea2595/IMG_8793.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - breakfast in the tent Preparing breakfast in the vestibule. The forecast is for high winds and light rain all day, with a maximum temperature around 10C/50F. Brrr! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b7852cb3-0e31-48d4-a0ff-9ac160dbd9cc/IMG_8801.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - track out of Fringe Lily And misty! For the first time, we’re wearing gloves. It is bitterly cold but the climb should soon warm us up. Ha, famous last words! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d8eb744-2feb-4083-871c-f7ece44326bf/IMG_8797.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - Fringe Lily Campsite from above View down into pretty Fringe Lily Campsite from the start of the climb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/28933174-155c-4061-b648-06235d3b74b2/IMG_8805.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - spiderwebs are jewelled with dew in the spinifex The spiderwebs are jewelled with dew, and all the spinifex looks soft and green. When it’s dry, spinifex leaves appear cylindrical, but they are actually flat. They unfurl in this weather to absorb as much moisture as possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0dc921e0-3bdd-4c4a-a9d2-ad22ae54ede9/IMG_8808.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - scrambling up to Razor Back Ridge Easy scrambling… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b40f2a8a-ec9d-480b-9c6b-dd8dc5286dba/IMG_8811.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - rock steps nearing Razorback Ridge … with a few rough steps here and there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7b165d74-c5cc-4b20-96dd-14a5acb8588c/IMG_8819.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - Razorback Ridge in cloud The views are apparently spectacular, but not today! Nevertheless, this is quite special too, and the vistas have been grand every day thus far. Relish the variety! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8148a478-6822-4d87-a594-fae7a78ce827/IMG_8821.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - small campsite on ridge One of a few scattered campsites: you can see how exposed the spot is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fbc997e5-54b2-4b45-a87e-3f1a6a934495/IMG_8824.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - campsite along Razorback Ridge Another campsite. I seem to recall there were a few in a small grove of trees, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cd479f51-029e-4363-b537-7d5113b4d5f7/IMG_8822.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - walking along the spine of Razorback Ridge The trail follows the spine, dropping to the northern and southern sides now and then. In the howling southerly, the sheltered northern side seems noticeably warmer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3903ecde-5bbd-49b9-9bf0-b9768404cfa3/P7014185.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - Desert Rock Myrtle (Rinzia polystemonea) Desert Rock Myrtle (Rinzia polystemonea) is endemic to the region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86eeeadf-417b-4dc4-a031-eb2fc124bbf7/IMG_8855.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - big informal steps Big steps up rather than scrambling… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/15b0c3d7-6ae4-4355-8427-5e98db207d0e/IMG_8846.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - track meandering up along spine … and still more up! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/413ae235-d4f8-4a7d-b42b-5049f6e21721/IMG_8857.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - snack time We stop to eat a high sugar snack and to put on more layers. With windchill of about 30kts in the most exposed areas, the apparent temperature is around 0C and we are moving too slowly in this terrain to generate much heat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/36cc593c-801c-45ac-bba5-1df618f19c1a/IMG_8757.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - Olearia ferresii Olearia ferresii https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/320377a0-835d-4ced-b9b5-870c2100bbbd/IMG_8864.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - Hill Mulga (Acacia macdonnellensis) and white Desert Rock Myrtle Just look at that colour in the mist, with great swathes of yellow Hill Mulga (Acacia macdonnellensis) and white Desert Rock Myrtle. Gorgeous! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/273390b0-2a3e-41fe-980b-76802a57cfe6/IMG_8863.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - descending from Razorback Ridge At last we begin the descent, with new plants still to find! Here I’m trying to use my iphone with its broken camera lens, wet screen and recalcitrant attitude to gloves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0d7f1044-ea1c-4f28-8789-827f74b55dda/IMG_8865.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - steep section of descent on good track Still so rocky! The dense fog is extremely disorienting — Geoff and I generally have a good sense of direction — and today only the southerly wind gives a clue. However, here it’s swirling and rotoring so much over and around the terrain that even wind direction is of no help. Fortunately it is so steep and rocky that there is nowhere else to walk but the trail itself! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/116f4a2a-2a4e-4ece-a764-6dc6abd3fb61/IMG_8867.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - windy saddle Here is Windy Saddle, with a couple of small campsites. Wind venturies (funnels) through this spot, and even light breezes howl through here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06b1d712-e8f2-411f-885d-35037fa1789e/IMG_8875.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - descending backwards down steep slope A little easy climbing descent (almost scrambling), with plenty of foot- and hand-holds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6475cafb-3c31-410e-bb78-e5573409bf55/IMG_8879.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - making way down the to Spencer Gorge A lot more of it is like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/034fd278-b1d3-4dd2-851d-94f2ecc6114b/IMG_8897.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - track along rock ledge Angling down a narrow ledge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/34d655d0-d122-41ab-b3ae-df9de0b00225/IMG_8893.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - More steep descent More steep descent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/371d12bf-3d20-409e-9ffc-3a1b4fdbd8d6/IMG_8900.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - many large boulders Around and between boulders, still descending steeply. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8395bfad-b021-4435-a30c-01dbb345efc2/IMG_8903.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - flatter section of Spencer Gorge Finally beginning to level out… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ceb020f3-71ce-41f6-822f-727d2bdb03e2/IMG_8909.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - more boulder scrambling … but wait, there’s more! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c7e0d4a4-1eec-4a8f-832a-11a4d16927e8/IMG_8917.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - lunch in Spencer Gorge Time for a late lunch. It’s still a little drizzly but this spot is nicely sheltered. Old farts like us are likely to be moving slowly rather than skipping lightly down this terrain, so I and even Geoff are still wearing all those layers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d3de384a-7e81-420d-83be-3ab77a80975e/IMG_8921.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - Spencer Gorge Continue along a towering vertical wall that dwarfs the trees, and you. The terrain is still bouldery… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5e121f9e-7c86-4ece-8cba-7be98f802aa0/IMG_8935.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - track junction out of Spencer Gorge … but eventually, just before you leave the river bed, it eases. This is one place the very unobservant might overshoot the turnoff but, recognising this, Parks have placed not one but two waymarkers on a tree dead centre in your path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e27df0a5-ae44-4ec3-9a43-3be516a5fc8a/IMG_8945.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - well vegetated valley leading to Section 4/5 Junction You follow a beautiful valley east. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/131a3325-5cbc-44c5-9c74-1cf8819ca6d4/IMG_8950.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - flat floodplain before the section 4/5 junction hut At last, just before you reach the campsite, it opens out. There have not really been any emergency campsites between Windy Saddle and here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/98873b8b-337f-4df5-8d5e-cc7f082e169f/IMG_8957.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - Section 4/5 Junction Hut This is why you need a tent. On the wettest days such as this one, many inexperienced hikers will be struggling with drenched gear and need to sleep in the hut. A family of five, plus two couples and a solo hiker are all inside, with wet gear, including drenched sleeping bags — use a pack liner because few packs are waterproof! — draped from beams. Countless hikers have wet clothing with no dry ones to change into AND IT IS BLOODY COLD. When you pack for the Larapinta, remember these pictures and our descriptions, and pack for potential rain and cold if hiking in winter. Our first priority, even before setting up the tent, is to brew a hot cuppa to ward off the chill. We squash congenially into the hut with other hikers doing the same thing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e456fe00-b2d0-4617-b76a-18ccfd76b6f4/IMG_8954.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Fringe Lily Creek to Section 4/5 Junction (Day 15, Sect. 5 part) - tent site at Section 4/5 Junction A break in the drizzle, and it’s time to pitch the tent. This is when we discover a few frayed line extensions at the ends of our guylines and swap them out (see also FAQ in Planning and Tips and take spares, the Larapinta rocks are brutal!). Be grateful for your good tent and dry gear. We fall asleep listening to light drifts of rain sweeping over us: there’s nothing nicer than lying in a good tent listening to the rain, and nothing worse than lying in a leaky tent listening to the rain! https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-ormiston-gorge-to-standley-chasm/section-45-junction-to-brinkley-bluff monthly 0.5 2025-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8537230f-99ba-4bc7-8692-ddb90483fb8a/P7024216.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - western face of Brinkley Bluff The enticing westerly face of Brinkley Bluff https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c05de3bd-7684-4e86-a387-7ec121d37687/trail+map+Section+4_5+to+Brinkley+Bluff.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - satellite locality map The four days around Standley Chasm (Hugh Gorge to Jay Creek) are the most demanding and, in our opinion, the most spectacular and varied of the entire trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/68fcc340-338a-4881-9e27-7d8d1c672aee/Section+4_5+Juncion+to+Brinkley+Bluff.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - satellite map of days hike with elevation graph Today follows the river east before crossing it and climbing to Brinkley Bluff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2577f43f-ef6b-4c69-ab93-fe0c9c430426/IMG_8960.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - easy track out of Section 4/5 Junction After the last two days of rock hopping and scrambling, you’ll appreciate today’s first few kilometres through mulga on easy flat trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a3f62519-2690-439f-abad-d3718eceba43/IMG_8978.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - track through grassland The trail soon enters more open country along the northern bank of the tree-lined watercourse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ef3d97e-103a-422f-be6c-311597cd293c/IMG_8983.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - Native tobacco Native tobacco (Nicotiana occidentalis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/13cc8c96-a5c0-458a-9226-da5a2292f169/P7024205.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - Green mistletoe (Amyema maidenii) Green mistletoe (Amyema maidenii) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/43a2b8b6-e7d2-4e8a-b06b-256dc20c606f/IMG_8985.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - Brinkley Bluff ahead You cross the river with its remnant pools and wild campsites in and near the sandy bed, and almost immediately begin your climb. You’ll skirt around the southern side of the bluff, following the adjacent rocky ridge to a saddle initially. The saddle you see is a false one, there is more climbing beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a7376d52-9fbf-4b33-a042-17db9610568d/IMG_8989.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - view to Birthday Waterhole on climb to Brinkley Bluff Remember to look behind you! Let your eye follow the river west into the background: that notch in the red middle hills is the gap of Birthday Waterhole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bc1982b3-5d82-4cea-a332-4a50f38ae0fa/P7024238.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - expansive view across landscape I’ve struggled this entire hike to capture the scale and vastness of the landscape in my images. Those rugged walls are tiny in comparison to the European or New Zealand Alps, but something about the surrounding flat terrain and wide views make the MacDonnells seem more imposing than their modest size. This wide angle shot is one of the few images that reflects the scale that I felt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/57a775f0-8baa-4d8c-a9f0-83d59f01ae1d/IMG_8557.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - Ayer’s Button-Daisy (Schoenia ayersii). Ayer’s Button-Daisy (Schoenia ayersii). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ecfa95e-43b4-411c-9fcb-69af8ea3207f/IMG_8993.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - approaching first saddle Up ahead is the first saddle… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/254aad20-3996-47e2-818e-f688b6a60f0a/IMG_8994.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - Rocky Cleft … but there is further to go before you begin the climb up Brinkley Bluff. Down into the valley, past Rocky Cleft (partly visible just right of centre), up to the saddle on the left and then along the spur to the top. Phew! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b53848ef-19ab-44c2-a038-0f409024cdde/IMG_9002.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - climbing up natural rock steps in the terrain Lots of this kind of terrain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c6cb86e-d6b0-49fc-95c8-ed7cc605d74f/IMG_9005.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - saddle with campsites Once you reach that second saddle, you’ll see a few small campsites. These might be suitable in strong northerlies, but you can see how wind might funnel through here in anything with a south/westerly component. And it would be turbulent in almost any direction. Saddles often have conveniently flat pitches but, by topographical definition, are usually windier than nearby terrain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ddf6f1e-c7e7-4ac9-b096-be92e421488a/IMG_9006.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - very steep scrambly and rocky track Steep, scrambly and rocky… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/43ac4434-7358-4164-96b4-babc854178f0/IMG_9010.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - very informal steps … still more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8d3f7e97-db54-4639-99b6-779db31f9c4e/IMG_9012.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - stunning views to the south But — happy days! — this is one of few sections of track with regular switchbacks. Overseas hikers are amazed by the lack of them on our trails, which notoriously tend to go straight up or down hillsides. And contouring trail is even more rare, so relish it when you find it! Here the southerly views are starting to open up… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/60ee434d-ef8c-4444-b6ab-fa4946dde9ec/P7024247.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - expansive views east …with views east towards Standley Chasm, near those notches left of centre on the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f847036a-0fc6-4f07-b293-fbbd739ec44c/IMG_9017.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - campsite at Brinkley Bluff The moment you reach the top — see the track centre right — you find campsites. This is the first one and, after scouting, we return to it to claim our spot and to brew a restorative cuppa. Many sites elsewhere have already been taken, and others are extremely exposed: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9aaf48ec-0eca-4969-8dcd-89aeeb751b44/IMG_9019.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - Brinkley Bluff campsite A little rock wall on the prevailing wind direction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4585d753-9182-41ca-8a4c-a3cd423e0eae/IMG_9023.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - Brinkley Bluff campsite Sites on the northern edge… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0deffb8-cbbb-47e4-8b74-e5e5bf869f7f/IMG_9024.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - Brinkley Bluff campsite It’s a tight squeeze! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e67346a2-fc48-4706-8162-d11fc2c98a1e/P7024250.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - XMid Pro2 pitched at Brinkley Bluff In fact, most of the sites are too small for our XMid Pro2: it’s lucky we stopped here! This is not due to the overall size of the tent, but that long straight side. Over decades of popularity, semi-circular freestanding tents mean that most campsites have been shaped for them. Nevertheless, we jigsaw the Pro’s rectangle: it fits only in one orientation. We wouldn’t sacrifice the wonderful interior space of the XMid for the odd occasion like now when sites are tight: spaciousness or small footprint, pick one! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/612aea4a-7927-4482-a758-850efe99bf49/IMG_9028.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - Brinkley Bluff cairn Once the tent is solid, we explore. The cairn has a hiker logbook inside — note the box on the upper left hand side — so take time to read the often entertaining entries and to take a selfie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a0e23ee-75ee-4a47-89e5-5ca130865441/IMG_9020.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - view to Standley Chasm These two are relishing the view to Standley Chasm. Look how tiny this particular campsite is! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0ed95396-0364-4ca3-80e9-b5efe6ce514d/P7024264.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - soft evening light on surrounding ridgetops Changing evening light … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b2e83ddb-86d5-4d58-81c8-afde13fea25b/P7024278-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - vast southerly views … with vast southerly views (and northerly ones too!). Feel your heart filling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c8a3dda3-2a53-40f3-96b3-793822937309/P7024298.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Section 4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff (Day 16, Sect. 4 part) - sunset over the Chewings Range To finish, a magnificent sunset over the Chewings Range to the west. Tomorrow there will be hot chips and burgers and, even if you’re tired and sore like me, today’s hike is worth every ache and pain, with banner memories for a lifetime, more precious than any gemstone. It can’t get any better than this… can it? https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-ormiston-gorge-to-standley-chasm/brinkley-bluff-to-standley-chasm monthly 0.5 2025-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bf3ff704-f4c7-4cc3-afad-b7a4dc05df92/IMG_9137.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - leaving Brinkley Bluff range and climbing to Reveal Saddle Fantastical backdrops and steep terrain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0d941e5-d70d-4db8-bab5-4ca1336355c6/trail+map+Brinkley+Bluff+to+Standley+Chasm.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - satellite locality map Nearly three quarters through your end to end, with Alice Springs approaching far too quickly even for slower hikers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e67211c-913f-4901-a0cb-7da139d2ea9c/Brinkley+to+Standley.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - Brinkley bluff to Standley Chasm elevation graph with trail map Follow the ridge, then contour down into the gully. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d760b4ad-82be-4646-a5fa-8463fed65cd7/P7034300.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - cloud waterfalls over Brinkley Bluff With orographic cloud forming and then sweeping over the Bluff from the south, dawn proves to be one of the most spectacular mornings we’ve ever experienced on trail! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff457c90-ca98-433e-92ea-8ff2c7ecfa81/IMG_9038.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - ice inside the tent Wiping ice from inside the fly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/341f647f-8588-4207-8464-8e6e014c3a2f/IMG_9071.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - view from Brinkley Bluff The spectacular dawn light changes from second to second, and I race around like a headless chook snapping wildly with the big camera until, after less than ten minutes, my fingers are too cold to operate the controls: apparent temperature is still around -8C/18F because it is so windy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0190ea4-9c58-4055-a30c-28cf0c1387e2/IMG_9063.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - stunning views from Brinkley Bluff Shadows chase across the landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/882937ae-8f5c-4ecf-91bc-08087fc6f136/IMG_9060.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - Brinkley Bluff shrouded in drifts of cloud By the time we leave — a brisk and chilly pack up — wearing every layer again, the Bluff is shrouded in drifts of cloud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bdeaa000-6aba-420c-a6b5-697a53a22628/IMG_9083.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - cloud waterfalls on Brinkley Bluff The wind curves over the ridge and downwards, sweeping the mist along with it and creating a spectacular ‘cloud waterfall’. What a day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83cced60-a753-46a6-a5df-87df4dc903dd/IMG_9096.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - hiker on rocky ridgeline track leaving Brinkley Bluff And then suddenly the cloud clears as we descend below it, the sunshine beats down and views explode eastwards to the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3293bcc2-733c-49d1-8811-883703841ed9/IMG_9089.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - rocky track along narrow mountain spine with Brinkley Bluff in background You know it’s cold when Geoff is wearing gloves and his rain shell in the sun! Brrrr! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d686978-e70f-418d-9ffc-b7ba7f0ea314/IMG_9098.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - gradual descent towards Standley Chasm Still descending along that ridge, with the folds and gaps of Standley Chasm in the distance dead ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1f3f4da7-1130-45ae-99c1-f665c98407da/IMG_9130.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - climb to Reveal Saddle …but first you have that short, steep climb. It’s only about 50m/260’ or so elevation but, if your legs are anything like mine, they’ll remind you of what you’ve put them through these last few days! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f64c137d-a957-470f-b039-1062883b5198/IMG_9135.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - leaving Brinkley Bluff range and climbing to Reveal Saddle The terrain is utterly unlike any we’ve seen thus far. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8840d4b-67fe-45c8-8f66-6702e8801924/P7034327.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - Reveal Saddle Here’s Reveal Saddle with its little emergency campsite centre; it’s at a lower elevation than the Bluff, of course, but you can also tell how exposed and turbulent it would be in strong winds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c7303d54-92d0-4823-a25e-40b37cc4544b/IMG_9139.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - view of Brinkley Bluff from Reveal Saddle Looking north to the Bluff; it’s the first glimpse for east to west hikers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5964eeff-75a7-4218-8529-a9c25fa3033d/IMG_9141.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - wildflowers near Reveal Saddle After the saddle, a delightfully countouring section of track… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c9cb2009-9b8d-4530-a3f0-95592d2a197e/IMG_9145.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - descending past Reveal Saddle towards final valley to Standley Chasm … before it descends down a stepped valley. The loose rock is treacherous underfoot: take your time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/04f5af0a-9983-4edb-b4b1-773c789e4ae9/IMG_9153.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - Showy Indigo (Indigofera basedowii) and yellow Acacia Great sweeps of purple Showy Indigo (Indigofera basedowii) and yellow Acacia surround the trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/920a05b6-6568-4e3a-abd1-8c478f5223bc/IMG_9156.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - track along creek to Standley Chasm The valley narrows until you divert and follow the creek bed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d5771e2f-afba-4279-970e-2a1609eb830a/IMG_9162.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - Akeake (Dodonea viscosa) Akeake (Dodonea viscosa) seeds and bracts range from dull yellows and browns to bright reds as here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76f45561-06cb-4231-87a3-6f43486ea69b/IMG_8918.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - track along creek bed to Standley Chasm It looks hot but you can see I’m still wearing my fleece jacket and windproof rain pants for warmth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/716ac5c6-a49c-4be2-aae7-ce03caf5eab8/IMG_9164.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - 700 metres to Standley Chasm Nearing Standley Chasm, you can either follow the official trail as we did and reach the road here (above), or take the shortcut which is about one third the distance but involves a climb. Keep an eye out for the shortcut turnoff as the small sign would be easy to miss if you’re not looking closely for it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c98ef4d-33d8-4c4b-aedf-6e5b657680ce/IMG_9169.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - Make it stand out The campsite at Standley. Geoff is plugging in electronics to charge at the power point behind the tree. The terrain is shaded from early on in winter, and is very cold today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ce71e51-d282-4d2d-b538-3d0b3266185b/IMG_9168.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - Standley Chasm cafe Time to fill up at the cafe for breakfast and lunch, and/or an early dinner (open till 2pm Sundays, 4pm other days at time of writing). After ten days on trail, you’ll find that the fairly basic burgers are some of the best you’ve ever tasted! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/00e474e0-a679-43c6-9c95-30e2d27bb256/IMG_9199.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - Standley Chasm Cafe Be aware that the cafe is occasionally closed for Sorry Business; we arrived just after it had reopened. Rather than getting annoyed, accept these cultural practices with the same empathy as you would for a death in your own family or circle of friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/863105ff-3f25-4f5f-a094-788dfc970154/IMG_9172.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - Standley Chasm charging station A tangle to delight OH&S inspectors and electricians in the hiker’s kitchen/laundry/bathroom/resupply room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca726c55-04c2-48f2-adad-f90bf67abf48/IMG_8926.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - plastic tub of food Because Standley is the first resupply out of Alice Springs for east to west hikers and therefore the place where many, many inexperienced ones bail or lighten their packs, the giveaway box is stuffed with goodies. Check it if you’re running low on supplies, or need extra snacks! Those seeded Vita Weats, for example, are lighter and more energy dense than wraps. We only ever carry crackers on trail, usually Geoff’s delicious and long-lasting Sourdough Crackers. Conversely, those puffed rice crackers are not only bulky but also very low calorie, not ideal for long distance hiking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e3bd0caa-a1b3-4c5f-afeb-0101ff30dea6/IMG_8925.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - box of fuel canisters and bottles A separate giveaway box of fuel. Immediately behind the cardboard box you can just make out the bottom racks where resupply boxes are stacked. The shelves reach from floor to ceiling along two walls and are completely chockers in peak season as they’re used by the all the trail companies as well as independent hikers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/add7958a-91cc-4679-80f8-2771d23befab/IMG_9181.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - short walk into Standley Chasm Of course you’ll visit the Chasm (it’s included in your camp fee). Consider going several times in different light, or join one of the fascinating guided tours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/604a463a-a50d-4424-8cef-a2a9d3551b7a/IMG_9183.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - track to Standley Chasm Easy track the entire way, of course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/38aaaa1c-2a80-4ccf-aeca-29a4d49d7d2f/P6304153.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - Rock Isotome (Isotoma petraea) Rock Isotome (Isotoma petraea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ee3e7684-f996-4c19-9ce3-66a14da84578/P7044347.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - Standley Chasm Respect signage: wading and swimming in the pool is prohibited, as is continuing deeper into sacred country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c2cc8f42-e7f7-498b-9d0a-e2173ed80b23/P7044341.jpg Larapinta Trail Ormiston Gorge to Standley Chasm - Brinkley Bluff to Standley Chasm and Rest Day (Days 17 &amp; 18, Sect. 4 Part) - Standley Chasm Although most people visit the gorge at midday when it’s most spectacular, it’s also when, well, most people visit. Convoys of buses arrive: be warned, it does not look like this! We preferred the late afternoon peace, and it is still beautiful. https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-standley-chasm-to-alice-springs daily 0.75 2025-11-15 https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-standley-chasm-to-alice-springs/standley-to-millers-flat-or-tangetyre-junction monthly 0.5 2025-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cccd5d24-7ade-49ff-9aaa-4ae232845502/IMG_9334-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - High route vista Gobsmacking views on the high route, here looking west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d34b9c4-ed31-4043-9657-c95d28e0cbef/trail+map+for+Standley+Chasm+to+Jay+Creek.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - locality map Nearly there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e257df1e-1aec-46bb-bc7d-294c59a3f093/Standley+to+Jay+Creek.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - Elevation Profile Map The elevation map tells the story, whether you hike to Miller’s flat (as we recommend) or continue to Jay Creek. Noting of course that we took the high route, very obvious on the elevation graph! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5f281ef8-5601-461b-a059-757cf67605d7/IMG_9338.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - high route emergency camp sites A few exposed emergency campsites along the High Route If you take the high route along the Chewings Range, you pass small emergency campsites scattered along the ridge should you need them, but they are exposed so unsuitable for windy weather. If you are forced to stop on the top — it’s a big descent and still a long way to Jay Creek today — you’ll probably stop at Jay Creek tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/983baa18-81a3-40a0-abb1-98848a67ad49/IMG_9351.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - Pravda Spur campsite Emergency wild campsite at Pravda Spur You pass a few more emergency wild campsites on shelves lower down and on Pravda Spur. We continued past them as we still had juice in the tank, and descended all the way to Tangentyere Junction with its wild but well-established campsites: there was no way we could make Jay Creek. For us then, this makes tomorrow’s hike to Jay Creek or, more likely, Mulga Camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0567ff51-f090-4342-a353-64acfb3ef566/IMG_9204.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - steep scramble up steps out of Standley Chasm An early start initially through the Chasm for about 500m/0.3mi, before you branch off and immediately begin a steep, rocky climb out. Up, up and up… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6d49fa89-197f-47c9-8391-5af6bee8a561/IMG_9216.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - steep rock steps …With a few equally steep descents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8f66cf10-710d-4ea7-b66d-8c51c9a854a7/IMG_9221.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - Warning sign at Angkale Junction You join the creek bed for about 200m/220yds before branching eastwards at Angkale Junction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7137d911-617a-4765-ae4a-70da325c2550/IMG_9230.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - Gastrolobium Saddle Next, a steady and more gentle climb and descent to and from Gastrolobium Saddle, the trail snaking delightfully around rocky outcrops and over small spurs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/79c78f72-09ae-4842-b3e8-e30ceca03560/IMG_9233.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - Emergency campsite at Gastrolobium Saddle You’ll pass one small emergency campsite that is likely there for east to west hikers who cannot make Standley Chasm. But you are hiking in the opposite direction, only a short distance out and with plenty of pep left in fresh legs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2149c9d6-4c4a-4a86-8124-11f80a58078a/IMG_9234.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - loose sharp rock on track Rather than the scrambly bits, this loose rock is, in our opinion, more likely to cause accidents, but not if you take your time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2a20acd9-1e28-4a2a-8b51-d36d5b6b1f04/IMG_8933.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - natural steps down small rock cliff I haven’t stashed my poles yet, which is my marker for difficulty! You can see how the rock has natural steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6754009d-836d-4b9c-b6b0-1e0e61e6ef3c/IMG_9249.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - steep section of track through rock chute A little steep scrambling. If you look closely, though, it’s again almost a natural staircase. And to the right, you can see that hikers have gone around the official trail to bypass the rock. Unfortunately, that can create erosion issues so should be avoided if practicable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c95eff87-baa2-42c5-9b88-9c0a4a5d8640/IMG_9240.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - series of rock ledges forming path down a steep section of rock Again, don’t be daunted; stash your poles. You don’t descend straight down but instead zig along a ledge to the right in this image (note the marker near the top) before you step down and zag the other way to the bottom. There are big hand and footholds/steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fa593ad6-9734-4adf-bd75-01ae2e58b246/IMG_9256.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - track and stream follow the same path Straightforward when dry, trickier when wet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ef76ff85-965a-46d4-94ae-bf6ef6b0a692/IMG_9265.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - Fig Spring You continue to descend steeply and, as you reach the lower reaches, pass scattered waterholes including semi-permanent Fig Spring. If you want to collect from the spring rather than carrying water from Standley Chasm, check before leaving that there is in fact water present, especially if you’re hiking near the end of the dry season. If possible, always collect water from where it flows the fastest, and from just below the surface to avoid disturbing sediments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3b5ee00-18d0-4cd5-949d-4d4678d71604/IMG_9270.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - zig zagging across base of gorge You’ll follow the gully downstream, crossing from side to side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0198b0a9-9431-4a95-af19-cbc581ff64c4/P7054373.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - more zig zagging around waterhole It’s fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/63a92617-3310-489d-b178-b923d165cc86/P7054374.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - Coleus intraterraneus Native mint (Coleus intraterraneus). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ac3d270-f2c3-4d84-a241-e2708e23651e/IMG_9280.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - lush native grasses near Millers Flat And then, rather suddenly, the gully widens and you’re into easier territory with lush native grasses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cde9c9d2-7388-41d0-a946-5be753d806ea/IMG_9285.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - Millers Flat Campground Miller’s Flat is an unspectacular but pleasant campsite sheltered from wind. However, be warned: not only is there no toilet, water or tables, nor is there any significant shade. In warm weather, it would be somewhat stifling. The track branches left for the high route via the saddle visible top right in the above image, or right for the low route through the gully. We are here much earlier than expected: it has taken us just 3.8 hours to cover the 5km/3mi from Standley Chasm. What to do? You too will have a decision to make. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3292d217-24f9-477c-afd3-25cd5a837a75/IMG_9287.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - start of high route going west to east We find a tiny patch of soon-to-disappear morning shade near the start of the high route and decide to have an early lunch to see how we — well, I — feel after a rest and refuel. It’s amazing what carbs, protein, fat and sugar can do! The weather is mild and calm — the high route would be nightmarish in strong winds, so weather could make the decision for you. However, today conditions are perfect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7a65e3be-4c63-4bc7-9774-948557e31e8f/IMG_9298.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - climb up rock face to exit the gorge So it’s upwards! Initially you go through some dense vegetation; we had to backtrack ten metres because we missed the spot that the trail leaves the creekline. There were a few boulders to traverse, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8e44d70-4c06-409a-bed1-068d8a8738a0/IMG_9296.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - track signage Some interesting signage in this section! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cc6db1da-2022-4496-877b-14e93eebdfd9/IMG_9302.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - steep rocky section of track It’s obvious that this is the less travelled route with some overgrown areas. It’s steep too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5524af06-fb57-44a2-868d-528bceab7eae/P7054350.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - view from saddle going west to east on high route After about 400 metres (440 yards) you reach the saddle with your first marvellous views to the north, before your last push up onto the ridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5edd870-abde-48f1-9d47-a0b3010b88d5/P7054405-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - vast majestic views Almost at the top, with amazing views to the west. Wow! It’s already worth the climb! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/43e77f7d-ed50-4602-9641-05b9a4b7cb42/P7054426.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - small emergency campsite Once on the ridge, you’ll pass a few scattered emergency campsites. Anywhere else is covered in rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cabec2fd-16fc-4b9e-a20a-a0170576c158/IMG_9342.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - Gastrolobium brevipes An unusual leucistic form of Poison Pea (Gastrolobium brevipes). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c14220ad-6c1d-4f72-8cb9-b5441e85d3de/P7054421-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - trail along ridge top has vast views Equally fantastic views to the east, some of the best on the entire trail! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ed9d1ec0-77d1-41f5-8bc9-f46e378acbc9/IMG_9346.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - burgundy coloured wildflowers on shrub next to track Plenty of wildflowers to enjoy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eabb8233-a852-4c4b-a19e-a20769367309/P7054436.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - descending down east side of high route At last you begin descending on the southern face of the Chewings Range. You’ll pass Pravda Spur with its small emergency campsite enroute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/493eca98-0bb3-494b-96f2-84165c9e4d60/IMG_9372.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - Goodenia triodiophylla And, even this far into the walk, plant enthusiats will spot new species, here Goodenia triodiophylla. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1ede0de5-024d-4eb0-8865-320fe65269b1/IMG_8940.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - view of Tangentyere Junction from above You’ll see Tangentyere Junction for miles. Here it’s visible in the centre as a small clearing with a dark shrub in its centre. It is the point where the low route rejoins your alternative route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9905174e-4ab1-4cce-9bb9-e939e1b6717e/IMG_9390.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - Tangentyere Junction Tangentyere Junction. Those hike times are wildly optimistic for slower hikers. We took 3.5 hours after our lunch break to get from Miller’s Flat to here. Jay Creek is out of the question! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/842e961d-262c-4685-88c8-611cbcad0ec0/IMG_9398.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 19: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction [Miller’s Flat*], Sect. 3 Part - Tangentyere Junction campsite Another marvellous day, another spectacular sunset: how good is the Larapinta! https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-standley-chasm-to-alice-springs/tangentyere-junction-jay-creek-to-mulga-camp monthly 0.5 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca659da3-8a09-40d7-9c53-c6452d9cacb2/IMG_9433.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Fish hole Larapinta Trail Many beautiful pools and springs today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/976d7841-7c67-4e6a-98c6-6e1ababa444a/trail+map+for+Millers+Flat+to+Jay+Creek.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - satellite locality map So few days left on this spectacular trail! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2197b567-0e99-47e4-869b-5fe51d0688e7/Standley+to+Mulga+Camp.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Elevation details for Standley Chasm to Jay Creek You can see from the elevation map that stopping at Miller’s Flat splits the most demanding sections of track into two days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6dfddade-0aef-47dd-b2a4-f8e724397e4a/IMG_9401.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - noodles for breakfast Two minute noodles is one of our favourite breakfasts. We now never eat it on its own or with only vegetables. Instead, we also add protein in the form of TVP, wheat gluten, or thin bean curd sheets. Freeze dried minced beef would work well too but it’s expensive. All rehydrate in the time it takes for 1200ml water to come to the boil (in our alcohol stove, about 10 minutes). When there are two of you, a hot breakfast is more time efficient than for solo hikers because, rather than completing tasks sequentially, one person can boil the pot and cook while the other packs up camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8eeee69a-f7ab-4888-9c61-491ad36ed3b3/IMG_8942.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - packing up tent So while Geoff cooks breakfast, I pack up the tent. Ultralight tents are a boon to those of us who are not as strong as we used to be but they are less robust than conventional offerings. Ultralight tents manufactured in the northern hemisphere, particularly Canada and North America, are not designed for Australia’s spiky hard-leafed vegetation, fine dust, rough granite, limestone and especially the kind of shredding knife-edged rock found on the Larapinta. Even some of their bespoke footprints are too thin. We have tried ultralight footprints — polycro is widely used in the US and is also available here — but it was hopeless the moment it got wet (think: crumpled wet Gladwrap). It’s good for dry camps. The best thing we have used by far is Tyvek. However, ensure it is the fully waterproof branded Tyvek by Dupont. Tyvek comes in multiple forms; some are water and vapour proof, whereas others are waterproof but not vapour proof. The generic/offbrand stuff we bought in Australia from a hiking shop allowed vapour through so that moisture collected annoyingly between the footprint and the tent floor. When we compared our vapour- and non-vapour proof tyvek, we could see and feel the difference: the vapour-proof material had a much tighter weave without gaps, and felt stiffer and more crinkly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9cb5a9fd-f6dd-478e-958d-0e5b3a25bd8e/IMG_9410.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - heading out from camp But anyway, soon you will be off from Tangentyere Junction through much easier terrain; you can see the track is smooth underfoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e078b42b-fc52-42e9-8e09-7130e515d573/IMG_8613.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Stenopetalum nutans Plenty of interesting vegetation — this area is particularly rich in wildflowers. Here, Stenopetalum nutans… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/88e5d583-173d-41af-ac46-35e00beb0112/P7074487.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Hoary Darling Pea … and Hoary Darling Pea (Swainsona flavicarinata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78e0c8a5-9fef-4c6d-805b-39604739ee27/IMG_9414.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - track though grassland Absolutely glorious country! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/34e7a000-2313-4c07-b571-2fc1618e22aa/P7064452.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Ghost Gum Everyone falls in love with those elegant Ghost Gums, so different to the equally beautifully gnarled River Red crones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca32f197-938a-4d1e-b093-c74050f67add/IMG_9419-2.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - approaching Jay Creek As you approach Jay Creek the valley narrows and steepens, becoming more rocky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ebf7dba-a7d4-4d3f-a423-df29d9c8bf5e/P7064457.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Fish Hole Rather than following the bank, you climb a rocky spur with views over the creek before descending again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/17d7683f-f88d-46bb-985e-9fdbe7a1c858/P7064459.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - rock pools at Fish Hole You pass Fish Hole with its inviting sandy bank and sun-warmed smooth rock slabs — sadly no camping here, but you can replenish water if you’re running low. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c84d23bd-23e5-49d6-a54f-acafe2254e70/IMG_9424.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - A little bouldery creek bed: you will be well accustomed to this kind of terrain by now! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5489c641-57a8-4f33-b12b-1f2c73cbb56b/IMG_9430.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - sandy beach along Jay Creek You continue to follow Jay Creek northward. The wide sandy bed is dry here, but you can see from flood debris caught in the foreground tree that heavy rains change the landscape completely! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f4a25aa-cc2e-40ca-b429-6c1f1645532b/IMG_9473.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Corrugated Sida Corrugated Sida (Sida corrugata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41aa5066-12b6-48a5-8e0d-b9d03c3fc7ae/IMG_9440.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - rock pools in Jay Creek More delightful rock pools https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67037b02-f8fd-422a-a4ab-84f28a8f0515/IMG_9443.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Jay Creek Campground About 1.75km/1.1mi on from Fish Hole you reach a short spur trail to Jay Creek Campground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4bc2c493-5077-463e-8cbb-269f4a91c06b/IMG_9446.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - campsites in the sandy riverbed You’ll pass campsites in the sandy riverbed… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0bce818-ff8d-446e-95bb-620a6b00102b/IMG_9447.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Jay Creek Shelter … with more around the hut. If you’re hiking from Miller’s Flat or even Standley Chasm via the low route, slower hikers will arrive much later in the day and stop here. We pause for second breakfast, have a chat to a park ranger doing maintenance work, then continue to Mulga Camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7054062c-ae08-4a49-a8bf-5c26dbf1436c/IMG_9455.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - track out from Jay Creek The track is still much easier than in previous sections to the west! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e836998-d547-4a0c-bad4-59a37289102a/IMG_9460.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Burr Daisy Burr Daisy, Calotis latiuscula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca3520a2-bceb-463c-9910-de739c276519/IMG_9462.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - scattered emergency camps A few scattered emergency camps along the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c88d2da9-ead3-4ae6-9347-1743aef65982/IMG_9469.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - approaching spring gap The flood Plain narrows and becomes hilly as you approach Spring Gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9cf9cfd7-6d0b-452f-8248-24becdf7ceae/P7064476.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Spring Gap Spring Gap is delightful. Follow the western (true right*) bank— the eastern bank has a precipitous cliff beside a rock pool ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a1a33bed-27ee-43ee-81b1-5784a3ce0575/IMG_9481.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Spring Gap There’s that cliff on the true left, with a rocky scramble on our side of the rock pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d3372506-19f9-46b2-a828-b4386a6318b7/IMG_9479.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - easy scramble over small rock headland It’s neither high nor tricky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/803f5488-0dfb-4394-aaed-ae8eca237aec/IMG_9484.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - descending down headland Back down again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f74e595e-282c-4765-9bf1-2e8744daf64f/IMG_9487.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - smooth track through mallee scrub Marvellous vegetation, and just look at that smooth track! It’s easy to see how east to west hikers starting in this terrain are lulled into underestimating potential hike times around Standley Chasm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d88160cb-2a77-4eb5-80f8-565d2473bd9c/IMG_9491.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - track signage Only a couple more kilometres along the valley to Mulga Camp, and still easy underfoot. You’ll likely make good time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/424d5d17-843e-49da-9c0e-e307fafcfb43/P7074481.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Hairy Mulla-Mulla Hairy Mulla-Mulla (Ptilotus helipteroides) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/83e51a3f-abcc-48e5-a1eb-d127a2ed6488/IMG_9504.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - Mulga Camp At Mulga Camp. No shelter, but two picnic tables, plenty of well-spaced campsites, and a toilet with a small rainwater tank that is kept full for hikers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/915b4e69-4cfe-49ba-82b9-73ecc450b9eb/IMG_9506.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - map and electronics on table Onto our last map today! Last map is always a bit sad because you know your journey is almost over, in our case just two more sleeps after tonight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7133c02d-881d-4de4-9070-84e72996b6b2/IMG_9528-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 20: Tangentyere Junction to Mulga Camp [Millers Flat to Jay Creek via High Route*] Sects. 3 &amp; 2 Part. - sunset at Mulga Camp Another absolute gift of a sunset. We are hiking in peak season, yet there is only one other person at the campsite to enjoy it with us — faster hikers generally go straight from Jay Creek to Simpson’s Gap. We’re not complaining! https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-standley-chasm-to-alice-springs/mulga-camp-to-simpsons-gap monthly 0.5 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4dd40165-f018-422d-82cb-55b6f40eff28/IMG_9649.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - campsite at Simpsons Gap Evening light at Simpson’s Gap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/28622257-e463-4906-918e-b9639ad45292/trail+map+Mulga+Camp+to+Simpson+Gap.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - locality map Nearing the end of your journey! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c137ee4b-67ed-4333-a8fa-c632ebbc3836/Mulga+Camp+to+Simpsons+Gap.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - hike details for the day between Simpsons Gap and Mulga Camp with elevation profile One of the longer days on trail, but with little elevation gain or loss, and the track is largely smooth underfoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/006dac56-d2f2-4368-a7e8-4ac0647696c0/IMG_9540.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - misty hills Prepare for all kinds of weather on this trail! Like us, in winter you’ll likely experience hot and dry, cold and wet, sunny, and overcast conditions. Today, low cloud obscures the range in the background; the mild conditions are perfect for hiking! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2b34176-88ea-4173-944b-99b768d85222/IMG_9543.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - smooth easy track out of Mulga Camp No need for a hat this early in the overcast morning! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/51b69851-4167-482c-a2c0-94bbff711f87/IMG_9545.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - Perennial Sunray Although you’re walking through more and more buffel grass, keen-eyed botanists will continue finding new plants even in the less-pristine ecosystems closer to Alice Springs, here Perennial Sunray (Chrysocephalum pterochaetum). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0defcd93-2bf4-469f-ba3a-3ac2cc6f2c8b/IMG_9546.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - Larapinta Trail near Mulga Camp You get a good idea of today’s undulating terrain here, with little rises capped with rocks, followed by… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31f92bf1-a9a3-4360-8ebc-d32ea8310a48/IMG_9547.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - crossing sandy creek bed … sandier stretches in the dips and flats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4db47071-832a-40db-acb6-03d774a94a55/P7074488.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - rockpools Inviting rockpools in the bed of the watercourse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f69f2314-1034-40e1-a1c2-e329fe7feab2/IMG_9550.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - Arenge View Not today! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b0b690ba-ecf9-47b4-a772-5f95cf72bece/IMG_9557.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - Acacia tetragonophylla The evocatively-named Dead Finish (Acacia tetragonophylla). Each phyllode is tipped with a needle-sharp thorn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/12899b67-146d-43d5-be27-82781fc71ed6/P7074486.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - Veined Peppercress Veined Peppercress (Lepidium phlebopetalum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/648923cf-0cf4-4533-b08d-1b3d5b26a526/IMG_9554.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - dry sandy creek beds You’ll see and cross several impermanent water courses snaking across the flats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ccffc644-25cb-4b67-9a07-58f8a320903e/IMG_9559.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - sections of rocky outcrops interspersed with long lengths of dry sandy creek bed Rock slabs and sand… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/50317077-6030-46ae-947f-f72e6f3428d1/IMG_9590.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - emergency campsites in creek bed Again, if you need an emergency campsite in the dry season, you need only look at the topo map to find those watercourses with their sandy beds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75b59aae-0139-4b06-9a7f-e3d0ce090df8/IMG_9594.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - turn off to Bond Gap Leave your pack at the start of the spur trail and take a day pack with lunch, water, first aid kit and emergency comms to Bond Gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/32ca84d2-effe-40ca-b5aa-1297f91b133a/P7074508.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - Bond Gap Bond Gap is secluded and cosy, with a small grassy knoll from which to enjoy the fish in the pool and the flitting insects above the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6796d5fd-6aa0-4644-9c5e-ce416fd57919/IMG_9604.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - Hat Hill from the west Once you’re back on trail, unmistakable Hat Hill dominates the landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b7ead9c5-e27e-49ff-a852-ff8b46bf5a3f/IMG_9606.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - Woodland Trail sign About 7.1km/4.4mi from the campsite at Simpson’s Gap, the Larapinta Trail joins the Woodland Circuit Hike, a day walk from Simpson’s Gap. It doesn’t appear so on the maps, but the trail meanders a great deal, or perhaps I am just tired and sore! The full circuit excluding Bond Gap is about 18km/11.2mi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02ed62dd-62c4-4b53-ba04-b970ebb0ee98/IMG_9609.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - low rolling hills Still fantastic terrain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/394a8cd9-a742-4192-bfdd-9b5cae0fbbb0/IMG_9627.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - Fabulous mille-feuille Fabulous mille-feuille (not an official geological term!) rock formations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/748efc9d-1dd3-415c-b732-835465bb2e5a/IMG_9637.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - Simpson’s Gap ahead And finally you near Simpson’s Gap. But wait, the trail takes one last long looping detour to the west! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c375b57d-7e55-41df-a86a-d311294f53d8/IMG_9646.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - shelter at Simpsons Gap The same excellent, practical hut as elsewhere. It will be your last one, for there is only an open-sided rotunda at Wallaby Gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1df0ec69-5cd0-475b-b616-daa1ba59ba89/IMG_9645.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - tent sites at Simpson’s Gap Plenty of flat, shady campsites a pleasant distance from the main carpark, rotunda and barbecue closer to the Gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/715ccbaa-339d-4b38-9285-b6781e13ed35/IMG_9652.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 21: Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap, (Sect. 2 Part) - preparing dinner Preparing dinner in the hut. Another hiker also has an alcohol stove, the bomb-proof time-tested Trangia. Our Caldera Cone works on a similar principle but is simply a lighter, more efficient but less robust version. We carry just one pot and no plates or bowls; one of us eats out of the rehydration bag or large mug while the other eats out of the pot. Compare this with the full Trangia set behind us. If carrying a set like this, consider what you really need, and leave the superfluous components at home. Paired with a highly efficient stove, our pot is also a little faster to boil water: it’s very light and conducts heat well, but is less suitable for actually cooking food than is aluminium. Aluminium is also much cheaper. https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-standley-chasm-to-alice-springs/simpsons-gap-to-wallaby-gap monthly 0.5 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/34925669-7f90-49b5-8007-9e19421c5c0b/P7084536.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - early morning at Simpson’s Gap Peaceful early morning light in Simpson’s Gap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d9b4ca1-3262-4f3c-8175-573a695c9131/trail+map+Simpson+Gap+to+Wallaby.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - locality map Your penultimate day on trail! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5ded8560-ac3d-414e-8d3e-928ff70e3833/Simpsons+Gap+to+Wallaby+Gap.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - hike details and side trips between Simpson’s Gap and Wallaby Gap complete with elevation profile Today’s route https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b63bb5b3-2c9f-4459-b761-46c2cce45d0c/IMG_9657.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - approaching Simpson’s Gap in early morning light Explore Simpson’s Gap if you haven’t yet done so the previous night. Here, early morning cloud swirls around the surrounding ridges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6729c8b8-ebf9-4b58-81a6-b13a168ad07c/IMG_9658-Pano.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - Simpson’s Gap The Gap is serene and peaceful; we squint to spot rock wallabies but presumably they are all tucked securely under overhangs near the top of the scree, which you are not permitted to climb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3a822cc5-a2f7-4859-b80b-24a9dcf6e9dd/IMG_9667.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - crossing Roe Creek Through the car park and across Roe Creek, with Hat Hill peeking through the mist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4170021a-31cc-4b59-a150-70a4f5ca7166/P7084541.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - trail through Buffel grass Flat trail, easy underfoot initially… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2561289-90d6-44a7-91b1-212569924b52/IMG_9672.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - smooth single trail on contour out of Simpson’s Gap … before you begin your (still relatively easy) climb to the saddle beside Hat Hill. As you can see, excellent smooth trail and the morning cloud is dramatic, fun for any photographer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/885a515c-1bf5-4507-bb48-7801819f92da/IMG_9677.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - Heavitree Range Even though you are only on the flanks of the Chewings Range, you have fantastic views across sun-dappled plains to the Heavitree Range to the south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/695040c5-e41f-47ed-b93e-c4249af5fad5/IMG_9696.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - Hat Hill Saddle Hat Hill Saddle has emergency wild campsites, but it is too close to Simpson’s Gap for W2E hikers, and E2W hikers who have reached here should be able to make the extra downhill 2.6km/1.6mi to the designated camp; you really have no excuse to stop here unless you are injured or exhausted. We include these wild campsites only in case you need them for safety reasons: please plan for designated campsites, and wild camp only if you really need to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c4e202b-8bd2-4e19-8e0c-7a6b0adb5a24/P7084558.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - view west from Hat Hill Saddle Grand views to the west from Hat Hill Saddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df974132-b7c2-438c-aa90-f98884ddb315/IMG_9704.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - steep section of trail near Hat Hill summit The trail near Hat Hill is relatively steep… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eca8c97d-2917-4d36-b29e-453a6d24a2e6/IMG_9708.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - relatively rough section of track but still easy going But this is as tough as the day gets! Easy-peasy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/632fed27-39cf-40e2-bb38-52e243d37aaa/P7084543.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - Tiny Dwarf Justicia Tiny Dwarf Justicia (Rostellularia adscendens) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a6a8ce9a-4533-48b2-b9a5-34eeac94be3f/P7084564.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - well contoured trail The trail continues to contour the flanks of the Chewings Range with views all the way: marvellous stuff! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aa5d605b-4d76-4f9a-a760-de4af9784996/IMG_9719.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - low rolling hills This is what is meant by the term “Larapinta Flat!” Don’t be deceived by those relatively widely-spaced topo lines, because there are plenty of little bumps and dips between them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df6389fe-12cf-4e5b-801e-7c0caff18d41/IMG_9729.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - head of Spur trail to Fairy Springs Spur trail to Fairy Springs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0dfa854c-94b0-49c8-9d36-b4e4d0ec1bf4/IMG_9732.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - Desert Honey-Myrtle Desert Honey-Myrtle (Melaleuca glomerata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/23405413-19a4-4fdc-aa34-0f2f2b51ce4d/IMG_9731.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - Fairy Springs When you are on a trail like this, you meet many hikers and it’s always congenial getting to know them over a few days… before they leave us slower hikers behind! Young solo hikers are invariably exceptional people: for a young person to be sufficiently organised and motivated to complete a long hike speaks volumes about their personality, intelligence and their future success in life. They could do or become anything and, regardless of the specifics, you know it will be interesting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f0e5bf5d-ac68-4a2b-b761-018ab6425122/IMG_9738.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - Scorpion Pool Not far past Fairy Springs is a second spur trail to Scorpion Pool; it would be pretty with little cascades but, in the dry, is a little underwhelming compared to the spectacular gorges and gaps you’ve seen thus far. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c574eed8-84e3-42bf-9ae8-037be6526225/IMG_9743.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - Make it stand out Back onto the Larapinta; you’re off the flanks on the range here, and onto the “flats”. Smooth and comfortable underfoot: you’ll likely make good time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/47bb5124-2806-41f7-a41c-a0ef6b90c5ee/IMG_9744.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - small bit of shade for a rest When it’s hot, stop for rests in shade when you find it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/655463b4-abc5-4326-aa38-5e8fbfaeb2c0/IMG_9727.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - Western Stork’s bill Western Stork’s bill (Erodium cygnorum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e2eb047c-6ade-405b-9ab4-3293d0f8a0c3/IMG_9754.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - hammer on sign at Wallaby Gap campsite Finally at Wallaby Gap, with a story hanging on the sign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/38b081e7-4cd6-4750-b3bc-40ffd0233a8b/IMG_9756.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - Wallaby Gap campground Wallaby Gap is close to Alice Springs and has an open rotunda instead of a hut, perhaps to discourage non-Larapinta hikers. There are, however, two sleeping platforms and we set up on one of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a0347f19-0b0f-411b-b4c4-27a2cbd5e667/P7084583.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - Wallaby Gap Once you’re set up for the night, pop out to Wallaby Gap. It’s almost dry when we hike but it would be very pretty after rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f558f37-828b-4578-b7aa-be0af5bc4b08/IMG_9757.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 22: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap (Sect. 1, Part) - Wallaby Gap sleeping platform Here you can see our sleep system. The central neck baffle on a twin quilt is crucial for preventing drafts. The sky has cleared completely and you can always expect heavy dew on calm nights: it will be cold, and without a lightweight blanket you know a down quilt will likely be quite damp by morning. https://slowerhiking.com/larapinta-trail-standley-chasm-to-alice-springs/wallaby-gap-to-alice-springs monthly 0.5 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/20c6ef7a-b5b4-4e0d-8387-0fbfef176771/P7094593.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - Euro Ridge Traversing spectacular Euro Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/827ff725-edce-498d-94e6-25707998055b/trail+map+Wallaby+to+Telegraph.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - satellite map of trail location Your last day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ffd5d0db-f9b4-4f53-a37e-79803fc4bcb4/Wallaby+Gap+to+Telegraph.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - hike details from Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs with elevation profile Larapinta-style ‘downhill’ all the way, with almost equal cumulative gain and loss! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fbb375ef-a338-445f-8c0b-14b4f40e4fb4/IMG_9766.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - track out of Wallaby Gap Paved track and steps straight out of camp: luuuxuuury! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/924b8ab4-660c-4a26-8c41-0b20515bb440/IMG_9814.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - Ixiochlamys filicifolia And even on this last day, botanists will find new plants, here Ixiochlamys filicifolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/89ff2246-4724-4dcc-a343-e3c7948e4b76/IMG_9771.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - back of Euro Ridge Soon you are climbing the northern slopes of Euro Ridge… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75170941-b1eb-480a-858d-b698f2d6a871/IMG_9772.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - views west from Euro Ridge … with grand views behind you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8390f0ba-0577-4200-a6b2-7ee0ac53938f/IMG_9787.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - view east along Euro Ridge towards Alice Springs Once you’re up on the ridge, breathtaking views to the east… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5d401ffc-5e2c-47d2-a49d-2fba2f4956e3/P7094600.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - clouds spilling over the Heavitree Range. … and the south, here with clouds spilling over the Heavitree Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c89e14b-050f-44d3-9129-ea733c7d7279/IMG_9790.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - track along Euro Ridge The track follows the very edge of the escarpment! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b804091e-4a54-4f7a-a007-d1b35b859802/P7094590.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - views towards Mt Sonder from Euro Ridge Look behind you, all the way to Mt Sonder on the horizon where you began. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b815deb8-c5ef-4a4d-8462-40c1c413521c/IMG_9821.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - Western Storksbill Western Storksbill (Erodium cygnorum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7932269e-6819-4048-ae7c-e05800c4a774/IMG_9796.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - descending Euro Ridge After following the ridge for about 1km/0.6mi, you drop off to the north through undulating country, gradually descending to the plains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fda6fde4-c630-4bd3-bac2-23266ed44b49/IMG_9809.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - Burt Plain Views across Burt Plain… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca51288f-f8fe-4adf-b2ab-81f205c8409e/IMG_9812.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - over rolling hills some steep but short … but of course, the plain isn’t flat! The trail contours its way through countless dips and rises. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90d492bc-c2d8-41f8-88cb-7666c2e6d8b7/IMG_9824.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - tracks through burnt areas slowly recovering It has been very dry with many fires, and the plants reflect this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/046bf4d9-18ea-416b-804f-8de44cbe65fd/P7094610.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - resting in the shade This section on the northern side is hot and exposed, with almost no shade. Here’s Geoff, drinking in the last views from a cool spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a9942c81-3074-4b64-ba86-8a8ff59591ea/IMG_9004.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - approaching Alice Springs You’ll go under the bridge, across the railway, and into rocky country once more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b8f4b40-87cd-4d25-87f0-f7d5a49fa403/P7094619.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - Charles River The trail follows the Charles River for a short distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e4717b37-e5b5-4d90-9423-a5052512822a/IMG_9834.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - Mica Mica sparkles like fish scales everywhere at your feet… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/47b63ab7-df2f-42ac-9a71-f6325eb2fceb/IMG_9843.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - telegraph line post …as you follow what’s left of the the original old telegraph line towards Alice Springs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0e3b6dc8-c70e-4a86-b9a5-18b8e9903d21/IMG_9845.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - 1 km to go! Oh my! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/227f46c4-e82a-4ad9-912d-9278d30b86d4/IMG_9850.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - cemetery near telegraph station Your first glimpses of European history after being enfolded in the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Range. Here, a tiny cemetery with the graves of five settlers who died in the late 1800s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a26c8cf6-5e1a-41ca-9e75-0362aec2be6a/IMG_9853.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - Trig Hill Loop Walk You join the Trig Hill Loop Walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/05867698-bf8e-47e2-bc25-8aad536609eb/IMG_9856.jpg Larapinta Trail: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Day 23: Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs (Sect. 1, Part) - telegraph station trail head And finally you reach the Larapinta Trail Head with its little shelter. You will be somewhat grotty, but we’re sure you’ll have the same big smiles on your faces after this once-in-a-lifetime experience. https://slowerhiking.com/slower-hiking-recipes-part-2 daily 0.75 2026-04-03 https://slowerhiking.com/slower-hiking-recipes-part-2/robyns-backpacking-kefir-method monthly 0.5 2026-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1c7685c-3ed9-43b7-b0be-e132faf67314/IMG_3017.jpg More Recipes - Robyn’s Ultralight Backpacking Kefir Breakfast - Kefir A yummy brekky on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/188a442e-1470-40dc-aafd-b83afa4ee40e/IMG_2719.jpg More Recipes - Robyn’s Ultralight Backpacking Kefir Breakfast - preparing Kefir in hut for next day Robyn and David enjoy a home-made rehydrated dinner on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91f971f5-560b-427b-84ea-1f97e93f93ff/ingredients.jpg More Recipes - Robyn’s Ultralight Backpacking Kefir Breakfast - ingredients for Kefir breakfast Ingredients excluding kefir grains clockwise from top left for 1 serve: freeze dried or dehydrated berries, chia seeds, sesame seeds, processed linseed, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds. Centre: full fat milk powder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7fd4e917-4dcb-4ed8-99f6-9bd33d0017cd/IMG_3011.jpg More Recipes - Robyn’s Ultralight Backpacking Kefir Breakfast - equipment needed on trail for Kefir Clockwise from top left: Seed mix (for two), bowl used for straining, kefir milk in screwtop jar, sieved kefir grains, rehydrated berries in sealable container (or use a ziploc or reusable mylar bag). Here, Robyn makes up two serves in a 1L container with 2 bowls for herself and David. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9964f40-4eea-4709-9ff5-8a71e5d8f9a2/kefir+jars+P.jpg More Recipes - Robyn’s Ultralight Backpacking Kefir Breakfast - Suitable plastic screw top jars. Left: 800ml/27.1 fl oz recycled supplement jar, 66g/2.3oz. Right: 560ml/19fl oz Peanut butter jar, 48g/1.7oz. 1 large resealable mylar bag for seed mix, or package each day’s serve into a ziploc* 500ml screw top plastic jar (800ml-1L jar for two) Small re-useable, re-sealable mylar or silicone bag, or ziploc for rehydrating berries Small re-useable, re-sealable mylar or silicone bag, or double ziploc for kefir grains Small plastic sieve (illustrated is 60g/2.1oz, but Robyn now uses a 10g/0.35oz nylon one as found on Amazon, Temu etc) Camping spoon Bowl or mug with a larger diameter than your sieve *Alternatively, estimate your 60g/2.1oz of seeds and 40g/4.1oz milk powder by calculating the requisite number of camp spoonfuls at home, or by adding seeds or powder to a marked camp cup; this reduces plastic. If doing this, mix seeds thoroughly before scooping them out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a06b4a7-8097-464c-b1cf-fbbcdbbd5e1e/IMG_3013.jpg More Recipes - Robyn’s Ultralight Backpacking Kefir Breakfast - Adding seed mix to strained kefir milk Adding seed mix to kefir milk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a9dd44df-649c-4c89-b430-6fb13285a3b2/IMG_3015.jpg More Recipes - Robyn’s Ultralight Backpacking Kefir Breakfast - bowls of kefir for breakfast Yum! https://slowerhiking.com/slower-hiking-recipes-part-2/backpacking-carbonara-recipe monthly 0.5 2025-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d3b25859-dd88-4f8a-aa1a-c740b7d28600/finished2+L-2714.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - Backpacking Pasta Carbonara Real carbonara in camp, no artificial colours or flavours! And no cream! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/09e4a74a-9144-4578-91e3-1a8f6df89a23/testing.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - testing samples in slower hiking’s test kitchen Test batches in the slowerhiking kitchen: guanciale vs bacon, rendered guanciale fat vs bacon fat vs chicken fat, home made stock powder vs commercial, short vs long pasta. I used up the fat with sediment for these test batches: your rendered fat will be perfectly clear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/804629dc-03e5-4200-83ae-4b4575493d04/bacon+bits_.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - Bacon bits packet Australian “Bacon” Bits… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/df4665c0-1f3e-4dd0-8b1d-7f3ec9eea781/bacon+bits+ingredients.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - Aussie Bacon bits have no bacon in them …without the slightest hint of pig and virtually no protein! However, a good calorie count for hiking! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b08cddfe-2b7f-4af8-ba09-81a63462079d/saute+mushrooms.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - To intensify flavour, saute in scant water until they have given up their juices and are beginning to colour. To intensify flavour, saute in scant water until they have given up their juices and are beginning to colour. Spead onto a dehydrator tray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bb0016a2-5932-4c18-9af5-66107f9af40e/fried+guanciale.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - guanciale If using guanciale, spread in a large cold frypan (preferably non stick or well-seasoned iron). Heat on medium-low until fat has rendered out and guanciale is crisp; this may take 45 minutes or more. Tip guanciale and fat into a very fine sieve or cloth into a small warm jug. The liquefied fat should be completely clear without sediment. Pour liquid fat into an ice cube tray; you should have 180- 230g (6.3-8.5oz) divided into fourteen individual cubes if packaging for one, or 7 cubes if packaging for two. Cool in fridge, then cover surface tightly in clingwrap as soon as set. Place in freezer. Once hard, take fat from freezer and, working quickly, remove one at a time from tray, place into a small bag and vac seal. This is fiddly but essential because excluding all air greatly extends shelf life on trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/84da57e1-77b2-49e6-88d4-b3ab171d9050/vac+sealed+guanciale.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - vac sealed rendered guanciale Also immediately after rendering, divide diced guanciale meat into seven portions if packaging for two, or fourteen portions if packaging for one. Place into appropriately sized vac seal bags and vac seal tightly to exclude all air. Freeze. Use several for first-night carbonara meals on trail and save the rest for home use — it’s delicious in almost anything! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78d2d888-38ba-4400-8d2f-904012a2e5f9/dehydrated+becon_.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - dehydrated bacon If using bacon as the meat in your carbonara for eating later in the hike (with the fat from rendering guanciale), very finely dice the meaty loin part trimmed of all fat and spread onto baking trays. Bake in a moderate oven until dark brown but not bitter. Roll tightly in paper towel for two hours to absorb any remaining fat (there should be almost none). Spread on a dehydrator tray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8fc08ecc-97cf-46b1-a34e-9e587c4baa64/in+dehydrator.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - dehydrating pasta Spread pasta onto dehydrator trays. This image also shows reduced stock, which you may have done previously from our recipe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fdb40bb5-8226-43e2-8ff8-d90016171373/dehydrated+pasta+p.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - dehydrating spaghetti If using spaghetti, curl it into open flat nests so they’re easier to manage and less likely to break when packaging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/352031fe-298b-460e-804e-0e714613a63b/bacon+-2264.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - pasta and bacon bits in separate packaged parcels Place your bacon bits into small reusable mylar sachets or folded baking paper in a large double ziploc or reuseable storage bag and freeze, ready for packaging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c36694a1-3a35-4f84-a07a-33bf8220c260/packaged+carbonara.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - packaged up carbonara meals vac sealed ready for storage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52762468-c07f-42ed-b856-cc806c1df194/ingredients+ready+for+packagaing.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - prepared components ready for compiling Spaghetti, rigatoni, bacon, guanciale fat (yours will be packaged), stock powder/bone broth powder, egg powder, mushrooms, oxygen absorber sachets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/076ebb04-f6c1-4b92-a1f0-3ffbb389f913/ingredients+in+campL-2689.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - vac sealed bag opened up with components laid out next to it on camp table in hut Slit open vac seal bag and remove powder sachets, oxygen absorber, and bacon/guanciale/fat packs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b311044b-8497-4713-8a8b-43cceea8b4a9/egg+powderL-2697.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - mixing egg powder in cold water While pasta rehydrates, mix egg powder with 75ml/2.54oz cold water in a cup. Commercial egg powder is raw; it will cook later with the heat of the sauce and pasta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bbc7c77b-f9ea-47d4-8f5a-255b2f0db9e4/add+gunciale+P-2705.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - adding guanciale to nearly rehydrated pasta Mix guanciale or bacon through pasta. Reseal and return to cosy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e846a960-c6d9-4173-a251-4edbd7c311d8/mixing+P-2704.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - mixing the fat and stock with water and heating Add stock powder and guanciale/fat/bacon fat to cook pot with the 200ml of water. Stirring frequently, bring to a simmer. Whisk vigorously with your spork. Add most of the parmesan and, continuing to whisk, heat until melted and emulsified. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad2a17ed-df7b-425c-bfed-30ed1a34a907/finished+L-2712.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - backpacking pasta carbonara ready to eat - yum Real carbonara. This batch was a trifle runny at first but thickened up as we ate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/95083fda-b3da-4b72-8fff-dcc95387f60c/packet+carbonara.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - packet of supermarket carbonara Pimp your pack or make this recipe easier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/32a2bace-d764-464c-8406-a2953325cf30/bone+broth.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - Make this recipe easier: Use quality powdered chicken bone broth powder instead of making your own. Cook your quick-cooking pasta in camp in water and not stock Use commercial bacon bits instead of guanciale or bacon Buy commercial sliced mushrooms Pimp your Pack: You’ll find a plethora of packet carbonara powders or pasta mixes in supermarkets, and you can pimp them to improve the taste and increase calories. Many use milk or cream. add commercial dried mushrooms add bacon bits add bacon or guanciale fat add shaved parmesan add full fat milk powder for a rounded mouth feel add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour instead of parmesan. We still recommend adding bacon fat but, depending on the brand of carbonara powder, you may not need egg powder or parmesan. Check the pack to see what they want you to add, and the fat content and ingredient list to see what’s missing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/200ea921-9001-4561-a35d-fde0fac3a169/dinnertime+L-2711.jpg More Recipes - Backpacking REAL Pasta Carbonara - hiker eating his real carbonara A-Grade Comfort in Camp: benissimo! https://slowerhiking.com/slower-hiking-recipes-part-2/dehydrated-chicken-bone-broth-powder monthly 0.5 2025-09-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/45e58e11-c0a1-4181-943c-87dfb05c37e8/dissolved+broth-2294.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - Chicken Bone Broth A cup of unctuous deliciousness! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9c9e9530-5869-4f8c-96b2-d824ff5e608e/24+hot+soup.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - lunch on the Grampians Peaks Trail Hot soup lunch on a cold day, Grampians Peaks Trail. Use on its own, add to commercial or homemade soups, or to boring supermarket readi-meals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90d811f6-945b-4513-ae01-133d907a1065/ingredients-2318.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - 6-9 chicken frames* 2 sticks celery, roughly chopped 2 leek tops, washed and chopped 2 carrots roughly chopped 1 onion roughly chopped 2-3 knobs garlic roughly chopped 1 tbspn olive oil 2 tablespoons black peppercorns 4 bay leaves 1 cinnamon stick stalks from a bunch of parsley 30g dried porcini or sliced shittake mushrooms soaked in hot water parmesan rinds (optional) guanciale rinds (if making carbonara recipe, coming up next). 3 tablespoons lemon juice (optional) salt and pepper MSG (optional but recommended) You can save up and freeze individual bachelor handbag roast chicken bones and trimmings, or buy raw carcasses all at once. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/76baea37-f0dd-43e5-984b-817497b41690/roasted+chicken+bones.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - roasted chicken bones With a cleaver, chop chicken frames — including previously roasted ones — roughly so they lay flat and jigsaw with a little space between on baking-paper-lined trays. Place in oven until very well-browned, turning once or swapping trays if necessary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9df4b3cc-c4b2-47e9-89e4-1c7bee28df8b/bones+into+stock.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - making the bone broth Tip in the browned chicken frames and their fat, using a silicone spatula to scrape any browned bits from the baking paper. Add the lemon juice if using. Mix well and cover with cold water; for illustrative purposes, I haven’t yet fully covered the bones above. Add bay leaves, parsley, mushrooms and their soaking water, peppercorns, cinnamon stick, half a tablespoon of salt and parmesan/guanciale rinds if using. Bring to the boil over medium-high heat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/767f3e7c-0740-4101-b51d-c6b4d9a21701/skim+impurities+from+stock.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - skimming off the impurities When the stock comes to the boil, skim impurities from the surface, reduce heat, cover and simmer very gently for 7-10 hours. Check every hour or two and skim or top up with water if necessary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7cfe753a-34d9-4084-a057-72904632644b/blotting+fat+from+stock.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - removing the last of fat residue With a spoon or ladle, carefully skim off the fat. Drag a paper towel across the surface of your stock to remove any last vestiges. Pour the collected fat into a frypan and boil until all moisture evaporates, then strain through a fine sieve into a lidded container. Freeze this delicious chicken/parmesan/guanciale flavoured fat for other uses, or use it to top up the bacon or guanciale fat if you’re making our carbonara recipe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5be1f29-b8b7-41b5-9d39-37152cd51bce/P5234765.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - solidify and separate fat in the stock by cooling Alternatively, chill stock overnight so the fat solidifies. Lift off the fat in the morning before reducing stock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3b616535-7655-4bca-b6bc-47ad201781db/reducing+stock2.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - reducing the liquid Pour stock into a wok or large pan and bring to the boil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d007cefc-73a3-47b9-b412-902100f3f13a/reduced+stock2.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - reduced liquid nearly ready for dehydrating Regularly scraping down the sides, boil stock vigorously until reduced and thick and syrupy enough to spread onto silicone-lined dehydrator trays. Don’t worry about the colour: reduced home made chicken stock and powder made in this way is always is brown, not yellow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/81ba35c8-71bb-4cd2-8267-0d8b155d7b92/spread+onto+silicone+sheets.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - broth spread on dehydrator tray IT’S ESSENTIAL TO SPREAD THE REDUCED STOCK VERY THINLY so it dehydrates properly: spreading too thickly creates a gluey mess that never dries. Dehydrate at 65C/145F. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3aa8b5ec-2ddd-4e2c-8b48-ba7bffb1447b/dehydrated+stock.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - partly dehydrated both ready fro flipping onto mesh tray When it has dried enough to do so, peel stock from the silicone sheets and invert onto mesh to complete dehydrating. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/46c3dbd9-7bc6-4509-956d-dff8519b2202/dehydrated+stock+ready+for+powdering.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - shards of the dehydrated both The sheets are pliable when warm due to all the gelatine but crack easily into shards when cool. Note how thin the bark is: this is what you are aiming for. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/88980cb6-e2a2-4ee7-b6ef-e7bd4525224f/in+processor.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - grinding up the shards Place shards in batches into a spice grinder; this batch from a few years ago was a little thick in places but most of it still powdered. Spread powder onto silicone-lined dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 65C/145F for another 10 minutes to condition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9255510a-6384-4dbb-b6dd-6df8ce7f8ba7/powdered+stock.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - weighing powdered shards Weigh your powder. You know that this amount makes up the volume of liquid broth that you recorded and tasted earlier. Now is a good time to calculate how many grams/oz or teaspoons of powder make up, say, a 250ml/8.5oz cup, or whatever size your backpacking cup, or 500ml/17oz if you plan to use it in recipes. Record the number of g per ml or oz per floz. Cool and place into a sealed container with a dessicant sachet. Shake whenever you pass the bench for the next three days, then package. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ecd74ff-a206-422f-b26a-6eecc10fec6d/powdfer.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - portioning out the broth powder Measuring out powder for storage in small mylar sachets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce766030-85c1-4f00-b135-0b82265822ef/broth+lunch.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - heating up water in camp Bring water to the boil in your pot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7063b88e-4556-4c07-aedf-a3af6aa0b1f9/powder+in+cup-2286.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - powder in cup ready for water Place requisite amount of powder into your cup. Or, add it direct to your pot of water as it comes to the boil. The tiny unpowdered shards are no problem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9313df12-8a60-42b1-acd8-f43a51f2bedb/pouring+water-2291.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - adding water to the sup Pour boiling water into cup and stir, scraping the bottom and corners. This powder dissolves within about 30 seconds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/722ebb77-a7d5-4251-81dc-ddc422ba5929/dissolved+broth+p2-2299.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - cup of bone broth You can practically see the umami! Yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/295c7a1d-3c1f-4663-ac37-25203cd897f8/with+spring+onion-2308.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - dehydrated spring onions added to broth We prefer the broth on its own, but it marries well with all the usual pairings: freeze dried corn or peas, dehydrated spring onions, 2 minute noodles. If you like, add a squirt of olive oil for extra calories. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff8bb1a0-ead2-4c68-b1d6-ff85cd929e1c/cheers-2305.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Bone Broth Powder - drinking bone broth next to lake Geoff tucking in: Here’s Cheers! https://slowerhiking.com/slower-hiking-recipes-part-2/dehydrated-instant-spaghetti-bolognese monthly 0.5 2025-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9defea5e-d363-4198-a2e4-7b6ff13d59ca/IMG_1646.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Sprinkle over parmesan and enjoy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/691aa472-b7b4-4053-b0d1-4f73fbcd4d01/IMG_1911.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Quick enough for lunch on trail! Devil’s Peak, South Australia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b7e755e-a8fe-401e-8775-a53965b1d257/IMG_1328.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Fresh or bottled passata, chillies, leek, garlic, onion, beef stock (or vegan version) onions, herbs and other flavourings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e8eeb454-1d80-48f4-b582-c914549afbd1/tinne4d+tomatoes-3.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out If buying tinned tomatoes, go with the cheapest. These may be a bit less ripe and need a little extra sugar in the recipe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9270197f-9264-4437-9607-b4b6b921d484/IMG_1370.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out *The most authentic slippery texture is with angel hair pasta, which cooks in 2 minutes; counterintuitively, ‘instant’ spaghetti cooks in 8 minutes! If using very thin angel hair pasta, dilute your powdered sauce so that it is runnier rather than thick. Thin Asian egg noodles have a different texture but work well. Choose ones with a 2 minute cooking time; again, a runnier sauce suits thinner noodles. Try instant ramen like the above udon or Korean-style ones if you prefer a thicker pasta. Calories vary with noodles or ramen chosen: quoted figures are for spaghetti. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/783f7e11-d961-4f75-b3af-c8b188f094b7/IMG_1342.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out The ridiculously easy option is to simply buy a jar of pasta sauce. Check that its fat and oil content is under 5%, preferably below 4%. If, when you open the jar, you see oil floating on top, skim off as much as possible with a teaspoon. Skip all the cooking steps and simply spread the sauce thinly onto lined dehydrator trays, then follow the recipe from there. The amount you need might vary according to the brand. Approx 220g/7.8oz should give you your required single serving size of dried powder of 40g/1.41oz (but of course this varies with ingredientsand personal taste). So, for example: if you’re making a batch of eight serves you will need approximately 1760 grams/62.1oz of jar pasta sauce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7e5fc4e0-baae-46c9-89c9-7d48587338d2/continental.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Still too hard? No need to dehydrate anything! Simply gather two minute noodles, shelf stable parmesan, tomato powder, sliced dried mushrooms, plus commercial sachet powder — check the back to see how much meat it’s for — and assemble your ingredients into a bag just before your hike! (Image Credit: Continental) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d3e7d748-e47b-495e-baa5-40db2cffe1f6/IMG_1329.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Heat olive oil in a large non-stick or heavy-based pot over medium heat. Add onions, leek, garlic, chilli (if using) and anchovy (if using) and saute until just beginning to caramelise, stirring regularly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4b0419d0-1d8b-40a4-9ed3-9c43b153fc41/IMG_1331.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Add red wine and cook until half of it has evaporated, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom to release any yummy caramelised bits. Add red wine and cook until half of it has evaporated, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom to release any yummy caramelised bits. Add tomatoes and remaining sauce ingredients except MSG. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7fa238d0-f9fc-4540-81a5-cefa56f7cdfa/IMG_1339.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Use a stick blender to roughly puree the ingredients. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aee1c82b-7b32-45a4-85fd-96990f210cdd/IMG_1345.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Reduce heat to medium low and simmer uncovered until sauce is very thick, stirring regularly. It should be about the consistency you like to eat. Taste and adjust seasonings including MSG. It should taste just a tiny bit too strong and salty, because the beef/TVP and noodles dilute the flavour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3486a87b-3a93-49e6-b35d-b3460549f535/IMG_1365.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Test batches in the slowerhiking kitchen! Different noodles and pastas, TVP and freeze-dried beef absorb significantly different amounts of water for the same weight, so it’s not one size fits all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/96509c4f-bbe5-4b88-ae4a-28ccea169c2f/IMG_1347.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Spread sauce very thinly onto silicone-lined dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 57C (135F) or 74C (165F) if you’ve included anchovy. Once sufficiently dry, peel off and invert onto mesh and continue dehydrating until snap dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/87c715c0-356e-44c2-a80a-99b919f99bb6/IMG_1348.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Once dry, break into shards and powder in a spice grinder. Spread powder onto lined dehydrator tray and dry for another ten minutes to condition. Allow to cool, then place into a sealed mylar bag ready for packaging. Some people just use the shards (aka ‘bark’) but, for an instant version, the powder is best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/33109108-2929-4ce3-946a-3170bd332f23/IMG_1375.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - This test batch was packaged with TVP and noodles together, but on trail separating them worked better. This test batch was packaged with TVP and noodles together, but on trail separating them worked better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b3a5a76f-78b2-4069-84d0-436a1a6a6791/IMG_1611.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out On trail left to right: TVP, parmesan cheese, olive oil, angel hair spaghetti and sauce powder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1498a0bd-7206-4e36-a7f3-9c645188bb67/IMG_1619.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Add cold water to pot and immediately add TVP or freeze dried beef. Bring to a boil. For 800ml/27.1oz on our alcohol stove this takes about ten minutes. When you add the noodle cook time, this was enough to fully rehydrate both the TVP and beef mince. If you have a fast gas stove, just dial it back a little — 7 minutes to boil is plenty using this method. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e6aeb016-3f23-470c-a5e3-a04807da6326/IMG_1614.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out While the water and beef/TVP is coming to the boil, pour powder into a cup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/015efa42-2e3f-40ef-8965-ab038dae2e80/IMG_1627.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out When the water boils, strain about 200-250ml (6.8-8.5oz) into the cup with the powder to make a sauce, leaving enough in the pot to be able to just cover the noodles/pasta when it is added. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d2c2e25-2ffc-4181-be0f-b25adb0ada4b/IMG_1629.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Add noodles or spaghetti to pot and return to the boil, stirring now and then to separate strands. Add a little more water if necessary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7c235e59-86a6-4add-aa45-4185957eff6a/IMG_1630.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out TVP and angel hair pasta.There should be only just enough water to cover everything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f47e78eb-e8ef-4ec9-b504-7458d69d8358/IMG_1631.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Meanwhile, stir the sauce thoroughly, scraping the bottom and corners to ensure that it all dissolves. It will thicken on standing. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more water from the pot, or even cold water. Also meanwhile, use a pocket knife to shave your parmesan (shave edges as if sharpening a pencil). Set aside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/255b6070-1be5-44b9-9c9c-26e7e21f452f/IMG_1632.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Add 10ml/0.34oz olive oil to the sauce and stir briskly to combine. Set aside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c189be2d-fc2c-402e-ae53-4722873b3655/IMG_1640.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out When the pasta is cooked to almost al dente, you should have only a little water left in the pot. Don’t decant this — especially if you’ve used freeze dried beef — because you’ll be pouring away too many nutrients! Just add your sauce and mix it through. Don’t worry if it’s a bit runny: it thickens quite quickly as the noodles absorb extra water as they continue to cook, and still taste great! Avoid overcooked pasta at all costs: oh, the horror! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2595aff3-0a0e-4c36-80eb-218f408a2c03/IMG_1915.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Delicious al dente bolognese with shaved parmesan: YUM! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/467e8db5-2819-4751-a4e8-006011162300/IMG_1651.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Instant Spaghetti Bolognese - Make it stand out Spaghetti bolognese atop Dutchman’s Stern for lunch! Doesn’t get much better than this! https://slowerhiking.com/slower-hiking-recipes-part-2/dehydrated-vietnamese-pho-style-soup monthly 0.5 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/350b52ca-9b09-4745-96fc-9843116265c1/dehydrated+pho.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - pho Vibrant, tangy soupy slurpy flavours in camp! Yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d27b934-1452-4cb2-beda-cf64c66717c9/Lee+Brand.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - Pho is available as paste, cubes or, powder Pho is available as paste, cubes or, as here, powder. (Image Credit: Lee Brand) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/602c6098-a678-472b-93a2-fcf7a1226c22/ajinomoto+beef+pho+powder.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - Vietnamese pho powder Google Vietnamese pho powder for options in your region.(Image Credit Ajinomoto). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/87d06674-f64c-4a80-a6d8-ddb73033c454/different+pho+broths.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - Testing different broth options Testing different broth options. One was too fatty, the other too watery, but the third was Goldilocks just right! The stock cubes weren’t our favourite but are vegan, so choose them if you want no animal products in your soup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/af35f1a2-e02e-4727-a0f7-4037361b1a9c/bich+chi+food+rice+stick+noodles.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - rice stick noodles You can find umpteen different brands and thicknesses of rice stick noodles even in ordinary Australian supermarkets, and even more in Asian marts. (Image Credit: Bich Chi Food Co) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41b4fa8c-0820-4497-8ff6-b24cb63d52e4/Lee+Brand+AceCook.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - Instant rice noodles Instant rice noodles are also easy to find in Australian supermarkets. They simplify preparation in camp because they rehydrate within a few minutes and come in a more compact bundle that’s easier to fit into small pots. (Image Credit: Acecook). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad65d492-b933-4cb8-a0c7-98c9ab7beec5/beef+fillet.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - trimmed beef fillet Beef fillet, trimmed. We rarely eat beef — this is certainly the largest piece we’ve bought in decades! — but it did work in the recipe. Leaner cuts are even better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4a4660a0-a1eb-4762-ad5b-2b8835599289/black+locust+katahdins.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - Freeze dried beef Freeze dried beef (Image Credit Black Locust Katahdin Farm) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b001d343-100e-4fc7-be09-e5f611eb2c51/back+country+cuisine+beef+mince.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - freeze dried mince Foodies should avoid freeze dried beef mince because the texture is wrong for this soup. Unfussy folk can go for it! (Image Credit: Back Country Cuisine). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/255c3c3f-9ed7-4040-871b-c699a3865ae0/beef+jerky.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - testing Beef jerky Beef jerky is another option and, although also expensive unless you make your own, is widely available. Cold soaking the jerky for two hours before heating softens the texture though it will always be quite chewy; there was little difference between brands. We found it chewier than our own dehydrated cooked beef. Kangaroo jerky or any jerky made from Australia’s game/pest animals (goat, deer, camel etc) is significantly more sustainable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/30c760d8-cadc-4e4c-a19d-b4e4ea1d5143/vegan+beef.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - vegan beef slices These vegan beef slices rehydrate almost instantly and are ideal for soups like this (Image Credit: Annhien food). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/dee00138-05cb-4910-8ea0-d75a43ca4b30/koya+dofu.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - freeze dried tofu Koya dofu, or freeze dried tofu, rehydrates almost instantly too, soaking up the flavours of the soup like little sponges, so much so that you might need a little extra liquid (Image credit: Tsuruhabutae) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8fce645f-5377-4c1a-8826-1188a3904faa/beef+pho.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - test serve Our recipe makes 10 serves, but I assembled two of them fresh at home (above) for dinner to tweak the proportions; you could do the same instead of using our quantities if you wish, weighing all your individual ingredients. The texture of the vegetables in the rehydrated version is almost indistinguishable from the fresh. The flavour of the herbs changes, of course, but home-dehydrated ones taste more similar than do the flakes and powders you buy in jars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/442f0bbf-d4d0-46a5-81d6-57238e95bd43/pho+ingredients.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - ingredients on table The paste is jarred and the noodles are dry but everything else is fresh! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b38af1f9-5951-4618-ae97-ea3b625ec949/boiled+beef+slices.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - Boiled meat Boiled meat in a colander ready for rinsing with hot water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e66ec342-603b-4c8b-b745-3fe31dab2476/pickled+vegetable+ingredients.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - bean sprouts and zoodled carrots Mix bean sprouts and zoodled carrots in a large plastic container. Sprinkle over two tbspns salt, mix well, cover and refrigerate 3 hours. Remove, mix through sugar, lime juice, and mirin, and return to fridge overnight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e402cdd-defd-4d3a-a047-c081455935e4/carrots+and+beanshoots+in+dehydrator.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - bean sprouts and zoodled carrots in dehydrator The next morning, drain in a colander, rinse with cold water, drain again, and spread onto mesh dehydrator sheets. The vegetables will taste salty but don’t worry because a lot of it will be drawn out when you rehydrate them on trail. Dehydrate at 57C/135F until completely dry. Place into a lidded container ready for assembly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/904e3edd-1440-40c7-86e0-f262a11534ff/dehydrating+pho+ingredients.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - Dehydrating Thai basil and chilli, Pho paste, beef and spring onion. Dehydrating top to bottom: Thai basil and chilli, Pho paste, beef and spring onion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fecf984a-9c0b-4a48-bd99-c37c452ac799/dehydrated+pho+paste.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - dehydrating pho paste If dehydrating pho paste, spread it thinly onto silicone or baking-paper lined mesh. Different pho pastes have different dilution rates. Most are 1-2 tbspn per 3 cups water. Weigh one tbspn of paste and spread it onto a corner of a silicone sheet, then fill the rest of the sheet. Dehydrate with the trays of beef slices at 74C/165F, peeling off and inverting onto mesh when firm enough to do so. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5f46b94-6989-45bd-85fc-81bcfa45b825/pho+paste+in+spice+grinder.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - make powder in a spice grinder Once dry, break into shards and powder in a spice grinder, keeping your 1 tbspn separate to weigh. Ours lost about half its weight in water so that 1 tbspn equalled about 16g/0.56oz of powder. Spread powder back onto a silicone-lined sheet and dehydrate for another 10-15 mins to condition. Place into a lidded container ready for packaging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2717348f-915f-46eb-bc12-97824100f5a8/dehydrated+pho+ingredients.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - ingredients ready to be assembled Assemble ingredients. Top row, L to R: rice stick noodles, dehydrated vegetables. Centre Row L to R: green onion, dehydrated beef, pho powder. Bottom row L to R: dehydrated thai basil, dehydrated mint, dehydrated chilli. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/22e0ef0d-5bf5-46ec-b665-0a7cb23b1d50/packaged+pho+ingredients.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - packaged up meals in serves for two Into your sous-vide bag, place your rice noodle bundle(s). Tuck in your bag of meat and chillies, your sachet of pho powder, and your bag of vegetables and herbs. Par-vac seal (sealing too tightly can cause the noodles to poke holes in the bag). If you’ve noticed any fattiness in any of your meat or powder, store in the freezer and use within 3 months. Storing in the freezer also helps retain the fresh flavour of the herbs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da495119-4d86-4065-8708-eb2da9698d45/pickled+cold+soak+vegetables+and+herbs.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - rehydrating the veggies Two or three hours before you expect to eat dinner, slit open the top of your bag and remove the dehydrated meat and vegetable mix ziplocs. Add water to each of them to just cover, reseal and tuck back into your vac seal bag (if they leak, your noodles might get a bit soggy but nothing worse will happen!). Or use your cold soak jar. If using jerky, add water to just cover and tip in the chillies (soaking the jerky softens it a little). Reseal or fold over top of bag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9261b48c-9205-406b-8e9a-e99df502303b/pho+broth.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - rehydrating the meat Half an hour before dinner, pour meat and chillies with their water into your pot, sprinkle over pho powder, top up to just under 5 cups (for two) and bring to a boil. Bring to the boil, then put pot in its cosy and soak for 25 minutes. If using freeze dried meat, or vegan beef, put the dry ingredients, plus chillies, straight into your pot and add 5 cups water. Freeze dried tofu and vegan beef rehydrate very quickly, so simply cook this soup ten minutes before dinner time; it won’t need a long soak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/70067890-ce3f-4473-9610-b143c3dd21c6/vac+seal+bag+with+rehydrating+rice+noodles.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - rehydrating the rice noodles Rice stick noodles are normally soaked for 10-15 minutes in room temperature water (or just a few minutes in hot water, but with a tendency to go soggy). Twenty minutes before dinner, pour water over the rice stick noodles. Close bag and set aside. Check noodles occasionally for doneness, and drain as soon as they are al dente. Pour over some hot water to warm them if you like a really hot dinner. If using instant rice noodles, prep them later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8d5be16a-7f21-473c-9738-e3efe195c8ad/holding+pho+in+pot.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - pot of pho on the trail A Vietnamese restaurant on the trail! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/370a238b-cecd-4843-b134-ec53083c25a5/pho+in+the+wild.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Vietnamese Pho Style Soup - time for dinner Chúc ngon miệng! https://slowerhiking.com/slower-hiking-recipes-part-2/dehydrated-cold-soak-ancient-grains-salad monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d0c28743-08ca-49d9-8c54-8e74f2d519b5/IMG_0711.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Ancient Grains Salad - Ancient Grains Salad Delicious and nutritious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f89eeb2e-87f3-4277-9ccc-47dc48089b35/IMG_0705.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Ancient Grains Salad - Fresh ingredients Fresh ingredients https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c473157c-16aa-434e-8131-4629b4b56110/IMG_0588.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Ancient Grains Salad - The following amount suits dehydrating in a 9-tray Excalibur dehydrator. 2 cups puy lentils 1.5 cups spelt 1.5 cups pearl barley 1 cup quinoa 2 large red onions finely diced 5 tomatoes diced into 8mm cubes 2 large cucumbers deseeded and diced into 8mm cubes 50-70g/1.8-2.5oz freeze-dried feta Dressing*: 6 cloves garlic, crushed juice and zest of 3 large lemons 3 tspn black pepper 8-10 birdseye chillies or to taste (optional) 1/2 cup mirin 2 tbspn red wine vinegar 2 tbspn aged balsalmic vinegar 1 tbspn dijon mustard 1-2 tbspn caster sugar or honey 1-2 tbspn salt or to taste pepper olive oil (added in camp). *if you have a favourite dressing recipe, you can use it, but omit the oil and avoid mayonnaise (high in fat and contains egg unsuitable for dehydration). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3e284765-373a-4731-b3af-ef4b88ae3b07/IMG_0587.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Ancient Grains Salad - mixing the par cooked grains getting ready to add the salad https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c51824fe-24dc-4699-a6ed-7b318f87383e/IMG_0591.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Ancient Grains Salad - Dehydrating trays https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0b3368ce-6e05-4a68-a6b6-7e6709a1349a/IMG_0593.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Ancient Grains Salad - dehydrated salad mix ready for weighing and packaging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7aa08e9e-4f3c-4077-b4ca-875c29defa34/IMG_0598.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Ancient Grains Salad - portioning the salad with separate cheese sachets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/657bef57-35f6-4ffb-8705-5e7dc0e91538/IMG_0601.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Ancient Grains Salad - Vac Sealed meals Ready for storing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6e7f77ba-2975-4a1d-8b85-74294ad1a817/IMG_0700.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Ancient Grains Salad - rehydrate the salad with cold water allow 3 hours to fully rehydrate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3196fe88-fd5f-4cf6-ac5c-48ea1e79f31a/IMG_0718.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Ancient Grains Salad - salad ready to eat with 5g feta sprinkled on top https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ef044d8-d102-497c-a412-ac88a5dffe64/IMG_0664.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Ancient Grains Salad - supermarket grain mix These mixed grains come prepackaged in Asian supermarkets, but they may not reconstitute well: choose one without glutinous rice and make a little test batch first because, as a salad, it may become claggy once cooked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/925b1bac-26cd-4388-89b9-0143faa0ec20/IMG_0722.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Cold-Soak Ancient Grains Salad - time to eat Geoff enjoying a cool salad on a warm day! Yum! https://slowerhiking.com/slower-hiking-recipes-part-2/dehydrated-pea-feta-and-edamame-risotto monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5c179a7a-540e-49bb-b116-eb3d4c124945/ready+to+eat2.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Pea, Feta and Pearl Barley Risotto - Dehydrated Pea, Feta and Pearl Barley Risotto This recipe uses our favourite freeze-dried feta, pairing perfectly with the nuttiness of the pearl barley and the sweetness of the peas, broccoli, fennel, leek and zucchini. It’s also yummy as a pea, lemon and pearl barley risotto for vegans. Enjoy – this one is a winner! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/44a8f5af-a1eb-43e1-8bae-012adf6e7df2/pack.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Pea, Feta and Pearl Barley Risotto - Nutrition Information Little White Goat Cheese Company’s Freeze-Dried Feta: almost 25% protein and 25% fat, excellent hiking food when combined with carbs from the peas and pearl barley! Using edamame instead of peas increases protein still further. This cheese is also our favourite lightweight lunch when rehydrated (in seconds) with water, a splash of olive oil and a grind of black pepper, scooped up with Geoff’s homemade sourdough crackers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/77fecaf4-c8e3-4545-a8ad-2247e92d471d/sauteeing+vegetables.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Pea, Feta and Pearl Barley Risotto - Sauteeing vegetables in scant oil. Sauteeing vegetables in scant oil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/22252677-2254-4f31-8630-8035e99b3ab1/cooking+pearl+barley+risotto.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Pea, Feta and Pearl Barley Risotto - zucchini and edame beans added to pan This is an edamame batch that maximises protein; peas are sweeter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c10a5739-27ce-48fe-800e-fc1862f67b41/draining+risotto.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Pea, Feta and Pearl Barley Risotto - Removing excess liquid Tip pearl barley mixture into a colander over a bowl to drain excess liquid. Return liquid to empty pan and boil over high heat until reduced and slightly thickened, then pour reduced liquid onto silicone-lined dehydrator tray(s) and place into dehydrator. This step is important because, when this liquid is dried and powdered to add back in, it creates a creamy rather than watery risotto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7bf8044-7a3a-4443-9799-c778da655a7b/drying+in+dehydrator.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Pea, Feta and Pearl Barley Risotto - broccoli added as well Put one serve pearl barley mixture into a bowl and weigh: this is your wet mix A. Place this serve onto a dehydrator tray marked with a spoon. Fill remaining trays with mix and dehydrate at 57C (135F) until dry. Partway through, break up any clumps. This picture shows a rice risotto test batch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f202323-3726-4bdf-b60c-d5648e15b21f/dried+risotto.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Pea, Feta and Pearl Barley Risotto - dried ingredients ready for packaging Rice risotto left front, pearl barley version right and back. We decided the rice risotto was nowhere near as nice the pearl barley version so have given you instructions only for the latter, but you can always substitute if you prefer rice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/640bdce9-75fd-4f23-976f-2624b99fc48a/packaged+risotto.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Pea, Feta and Pearl Barley Risotto - packaged into meal size portions Rice risotto on the left, pearl barley risotto on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a35f1171-4c8c-479c-9747-17728f86d9f4/ingredients.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Pea, Feta and Pearl Barley Risotto - components for rehydrating - ghee, freeze dried fetta and the risotto mix Slit open the top of your bag and separate out the ghee and feta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/67f61c97-eb5c-4ce7-8589-5c55f69e7850/rehydrating.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Pea, Feta and Pearl Barley Risotto - Rehydrating the risotto mix Boil D+ a little extra water, pour into vac bag, close and leave in cosy for 20-25 minutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/26a9df0e-fdf1-4e86-a3bb-3f848add4fc1/in+camp.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Pea, Feta and Pearl Barley Risotto - Adding the ghee once the risotto mix has rehydrated Open bag and mix through ghee, stirring well. Divide into your two portions and sprinkle with dehydrated feta. Enjoy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2557ca6b-5fca-4b1b-9b9d-9b8fb29d65c4/ready+to+eat.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Pea, Feta and Pearl Barley Risotto - In camp enjoying rissotto with freeze dried feta Bon appetit! https://slowerhiking.com/slower-hiking-recipes-part-2/chicken-minestrone monthly 0.5 2025-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/91f8dc00-ed92-47ed-b8bd-7022236428f1/chicken+minestrone+lead.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Minestrone - Make it stand out Delicious and nutritious chicken minestrone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d4938b42-e1d7-4b05-b306-2444f765d00b/Caramelising+leek+corn+garlic+onion.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Minestrone - Sautéing vegetables Use very little oil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4d4a55df-3c98-41ac-acb8-3d9a49fb9029/Adding+chicken+to+pan.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Minestrone - Add the chicken mince And peas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7bb43566-ec52-4368-9ccd-9283aa27f04e/Blotting+fat+from+chicken+stock.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Minestrone - 5. Meanwhile parcook ditalini in chicken stock (or chicken rinse water which has had the fat blotted from the surface) for 5-6 minutes, or approximately half the cook time. Drain well. If using instant noodles, simply package them separately and either add to the soup towards the end of rehydrating in camp, or rehydrate separately. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ad20948-e711-4421-9788-fc7d5b281f15/leafy+veg+herbs.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Minestrone - Make it stand out Add 1-2 tablespoons (weighed) of mixed dried leafy vegetables and/or dried herbs (here spring onion and parsley). Add measured amount of water (B) to reconstitute veg and make a suitably liquid soup, and simmer till veg are soft. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ab472051-483f-4281-8a14-cb4da4d40e65/Adding+extra+flavour+for+individual+serve.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Minestrone - Make a test serve Add measured extra water and soup powder; stir well to prepare the soup for your test serve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f5f6b60c-fc5b-4c5b-bb83-ac6e6bb3b4a8/Helen+McKerral+calculations+sheet+for+Chicken+Minestrone.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Minestrone - My back-of envelope calculations. Note test dry calculations bottom left. These vary depending on the vegetables in your mix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/29004c8d-e2cb-4211-b21e-21d62617de5d/Tray+of+Chicken+Minestrone+ready+for+dehydrating.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Minestrone - A big batch of chicken minestrone ready for dehydrating A big batch of chicken minestrone ready for dehydrating https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c477917c-519f-41c2-97ca-f57a6950be9f/Chicken+Minestrone+mixed+dehydrated+product+ready+for+packaging.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Minestrone - The completed product The mixed dried soup ready for packaging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3ce080c4-8d28-4070-a443-540ee404e489/chicken+minestrone+packaged.jpg More Recipes - Dehydrated Chicken Minestrone - Make it stand out As a guide, our lightish version of chicken minestrone (with less meat) for two people is 220g (excluding soup powder) and in camp we add about 1250ml/42.3oz water, which is the maximum amount our pot holds. https://slowerhiking.com/slower-hiking-recipes-part-2/more-recipes monthly 0.5 2025-04-11 https://slowerhiking.com/lived-experiences daily 0.75 2025-11-28 https://slowerhiking.com/lived-experiences/plus-size-multiday-hiking-part-1 monthly 0.5 2025-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/43618942-cb25-4288-a851-29c4e7553a49/ro+kew-7214.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Mt Jerusalem Triumphant atop Mt Jerusalem on the Walls of Jerusalem Track, Tasmania. All images by Ro Kew unless otherwise indicated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d4b6db76-22c4-4ce6-82ac-ceaf3caf0cc4/IMG_7038.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - three Capes Track On a spur trail, Three Capes Track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6abb5cd5-dc06-464e-9733-f7b81c6ff99e/ro+kew+3-8410.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - When you’re plus-size, you face many negative societal myths. The first is that plus-size hikers don’t belong on the trail or that we’re a danger or a liability to everyone. Whilst that can be true, there are risks for anyone – regardless of size – who isn’t realistic about taking on challenges without adequate preparation. If you’re day hiking, you’ve already taken the first step towards multiday hiking! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b81c634e-7bf7-4d09-90d3-0bd6d4b3c430/ro+kew+9-2902.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Another disempowering and counterproductive myth is that you should hike primarily to lose weight. Being in a significant calorie deficit is fine for walks around the block but, on multiday hikes, it’s potentially dangerous. On the trail, food is fuel. Under-eating whilst hiking many kilometres for several days may be feasible but, if prolonged, energy levels and enjoyment are likely to tank, fatigue and injury risk are likely to increase, and reserves to deal with the unexpected will be substantially depleted. Multiday hiking should be about fun, overall physical and mental health and fitness, rather than about losing weight. You should hike because you want to hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/58541b74-3515-4a85-ae7f-a9a49754a9bf/ro+kew+2-7667-3.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - coastal scenery “Take charge of your hiking journey!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d8e59081-c545-4e8f-b7d1-a8d70f0e1351/wandering+switchback.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - hiking in the snow Multiday and long-distance hiker Wandering Switchback has great advice for new hikers of any size (Image Credit: Wandering Switchback, Youtube). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ea66172-c8d5-4bcb-ba8b-7ae30ac3e41b/ro+kew+5-5811.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - hiking in wet weather Ro dressed for success on a cold and wet day in Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bcbd577e-5435-4950-8fe9-b6c06458ae01/ro15-2.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - plus sized hiker in full wet weather gear Correct clothing choices — here gloves, rain shell, insulation and base layers, gaiters and appropriate footwear at Marion’s Lookout on the Overland Track— are for more than comfort on multiday hikes: they can be life-saving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5f34369d-c920-4dd8-aff1-446f9d5745c7/IMG_8507.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Overland Track Tasmaina Comfortable, practical and effective clothing on a spur trail off the Overland Track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/153c22f1-e10d-48a5-8240-c1b08934fcd7/men-3xl-4.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - man in extra large puffy jacket Enlightened Equipment has inclusive sizing (to 3XL) for their ultralight Torrid Apex synthetic down jackets, wind shirts and more. (Image Credit: Enlightened Equipment) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/beba1392-26c2-4636-8520-6a6bf4ed7d1f/Timmermade+SDUL+1+1.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Timmermade puffy jacket Timmermade have completely customisable jackets for chest, hip, torso, sleeve length, hood etc. so you can get quality ultralight gear to exactly fit you, at a price. They also have more demand than they can fill, so you need luck in their monthly customer lottery! (Image credit: Timmermade). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31e0a3be-9f61-4611-af60-28267d09c1ea/ro+kew+12-2933-3.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Socks can be problematic because manufacturers don’t allow for bigger calves and/or ankles, and overly tight socks can cause hikers’ rash. I pre-stretch them before wearing and again after washing to help them fit better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c6a3c8da-76a1-4c3d-ae00-c940a743af01/IMG_7084.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Sportivas hiking boots Ro in her favourite Men’s Sportivas on the Three Capes Track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/89581e0f-d476-4ace-80b7-29cadb76f158/ro+kew+20-6862.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Poles can assist your uphill propulsion by as much as 30%, making it easier for plus-size hikers who are physically lifting heavier bodies. And on descents, stream crossings and slippery or uneven terrain, poles absorb stresses on knees and assist balance. In my opinion, if you’re a heavier person, stronger poles hold up better. I have carbon fibre poles and aluminium ones, but the carbon fibre ones are the relatively robust Black Diamonds with clips, rather than one of the more fragile ultralight brands such as Locus Gear CP3s or Gossamer Gear LT5s, the latter of which I’ve seen shatter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/64ffb159-451a-40d5-81ed-714577406f91/osprey+screenshot.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Osprey’s Extended Fit Backpack Osprey’s Extended Fit (EF) range incorporates a range of design changes to ensure packs better fit larger folk, although in what is likely adjustments for the photo shoot or due to an unloaded pack, the sternum strap and loose hip belt appear to be sitting a little high on this hiker. Be prepared to try on a range of different models. (Image Credit: Osprey). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/154ff754-654c-4629-90fc-62992006e29f/gregory+packs+3.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Gregory Packs Gregory Packs Plus Fit design changes (Image Credit: Gregory Packs) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a6c91c16-4651-4d29-87d1-0c1852431274/gregory+packs.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - gregory packs extended plus sized backpack These design changes allow the pack to fit correctly around the shoulders, chest and arms, and sit comfortably on the hips. (Image Credit: Gregory Packs) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/aab5c4c4-cb2f-4492-b222-d1620901dc41/ro+kew7-2705.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Consider unconventional packs such as Aarn , which carry a proportion of the weight in front pockets on the chest: mine stops me from feeling like I’m getting tipped over backwards. Aarn packs can work even if you have a big tummy or larger breasts, but you need to try one on with weight to see if it is right for you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3af28a3d-5f48-463f-88aa-e04c91fcf624/ro13-2.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - sleeping bag on mat in hut Ro’s warm, comfortable bag and mat in the old Kia Ora hut, Overland Track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/53da0c2c-2d38-4512-9d1a-0e0202a33473/one+planet+extension+gusset.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - One Planet’s Expansion sleeping bag One Planet’s Expansion gusset (below zipper in image) adds 25cm/9.84” and fits most of their bags (Image Credit: One Planet) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9316d187-d534-40ff-a994-72ca7ff10929/western+mountaineering+expander.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Western Mountaineering sleeping bag with expansion gusset Western Mountaineering offers a similar bag-expander. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/03a7aeda-e329-4d46-8ca3-7c91e5a8c94d/mont+size+chart.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Make it stand out Mont Size Chart (Image credit: Mont) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b13115ba-91cd-4fb5-9a29-54a60e1efd32/enlightened+equipment.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Enlightened Equipment’s Quilt Measurement Guide Enlightened Equipment’s Quilt Measurement Guide (Image Credit: Enlightened Equipment). Once you know your own measurements, you then order a quilt to suit: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0091b041-92f0-4f13-9a31-22f5c9d8a8d5/revelation+custom+quilt+enlightenedvequipment.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Enlightened Equipment’s Quilt Measurement Guide and order form (Image Credit: Enlightened Equipment) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/670411d7-9bac-485f-b66b-728fe6b370d4/zenbivy+ultralight+bed.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Zen Bivy Some hikers swear by the Zen Bivy system because it’s most like sleeping in a bed at home, but it is relatively heavy for multiday backpacking. Check weights to see whether it is within your capacity to carry once all the essentials have been accounted for! (Image Credit: Zen Bivy). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/822a7ac7-f911-4c55-9580-79c8867face6/ro+kew+18-5646.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - selection of tents Tents left to right: freestanding dome, and non-freestanding trekking pole tents Tarptent Stratospite Li, Tarptent Dipole and zpacks Duplex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/34ed446c-eab5-4566-ac46-aa0a8e8d97bb/ro16.jpg Lived Experiences - Plus-Size Multiday Hiking Part 1 - Overland Track Celebration As you can see, equipment for plus-size hikers may be trickier to find but everything you need is definitely out there, so you too can enjoy multiday hiking! Stay tuned for Part 2: Training for Multiday Hikes and Staying Healthy on Trail. https://slowerhiking.com/lived-experiences/successful-long-distance-hiking-with-diabetes-type-1-practical-tips-and-how-tos monthly 0.5 2025-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/506167f4-8bb8-4d2e-a5a9-874b7fecac77/Big-Bear-Burro-land-PCT-2019-1536x1151.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Katrina Hemingway and Helen Shepherd Katrina Hemingway and her hiking buddy Helen Shepherd: Diabetes Type 1 is no barrier for either of them! (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/19aac0d5-9618-49a5-bf7a-1d72e003d233/high+mountains.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Diabetes need not stop you Diabetes need not stop you from experiencing trails with views like this! (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d4de3d10-660e-43b0-be9b-ef6283bb4359/Lone+Pine+Lake+PCT+2023+2-2.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Lone Pine Lake Katrina, all smiles at Lone Pine Lake on the PCT (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8892d642-c66e-416d-a507-70b51e91a7d1/jelly+beans.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Jelly Beans Good ol’ jelly beans (Image Credit: Glucojel) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/145c2005-b807-44fe-b645-18d0d8ef0024/snakes.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Jelly Snakes … jelly bears in the US, jelly snakes in Oz! (Image Credit: Allens) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b91639a2-4571-414e-b8d4-031121882b5a/local+hike.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Hawkesbury River New South Wales, Australia Views of the Hawkesbury River in one of Katrina’s local National Parks (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/07ae4723-28a9-4b38-b329-8e2e1dbeac6a/Frio-LBE_with-sharp-bin.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Frio cooling wallet Frio cooling wallet (Image Credit: Frio) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c3147bef-d5a2-43e4-81c5-84210c78a6ca/backpacking.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Frio cooling wallet in backpack I used a blue FRÍO® Cooling wallet, here peeking out of a pocket, for safe insulin storage (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2044475a-166f-48ad-8a39-109ef3fe234d/Testing+BGLs+with+Freestyle+Libre+PCT+2019-2.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Freestyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring Sensor Using my iPhone to get a BGL reading from my Freestyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring Sensor (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/86704769-386b-487c-a687-027004daa558/Leftover-Pizza-lunch-on-trail-PCT-2019-1536x1152.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - pizza Cold leftover pizza seasoned with grand views (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/267d06fe-d323-4760-b4cd-a9f2d6afa666/Food+resupply+Jensen%27s+PCT+2019+3-2.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Resupply on the PCT Resupply on the PCT (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f62b751e-a42e-4790-a06c-91bff086c8c2/trader+joes.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Resupply on the PCT Trader Joes for resupply (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f640ac3b-e58b-4dff-be1f-0489ea35fb29/margharitas.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - margaritas in a track town on the PCT However, there is always time for treats, such as margaritas in a track town! (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c6fdbbe-3c5b-4506-908c-30e31c6057fa/ramen+bomb.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Potato Mash Potato Mash for the Win! (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a93dd9ca-d001-4fab-bd07-6d69c7464704/Birthday+Dinner+at+Eastside+Aug+29+PCT+2023-2.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Town Treats Town Treats. Your exercise levels are completely different on a thru-hike, and town days are different again. You will be ravenously hungry! (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/30bb29e6-a119-434d-87c5-629d77206ec5/high+sierras.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - High Sierras In the High Sierras (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1f8435ed-c374-45b0-aa3d-3352e415d946/Umbrella-Protection-PCT-2019-1536x1151.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - shade umbrella Katrina with trusty umbrella (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d425759e-da08-4ae2-94e8-e1a3f2547fe9/Donahue+Pass+Atop+Aug+22+PCT+2023.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Donahue Pass Atop Donahue Pass at 3,373 m/11,066ft https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/311ae679-5a6f-4e8a-a94a-4ce90299db3c/hypopen.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Hypopen to treat low blood sugar emergencies Hypopen to treat low blood sugar emergencies (Image Credit: Gvoke). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3694dca2-8ae9-49b3-bbc2-9eef71fe9b56/Biggie-Thrupac-PCT-2019-1536x1154.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Inreach Mini Inreach Mini attached to the shoulder strap of Katrina’s pack. This GPS communicator allows you to send smses via satellite independent of cell reception, as well as press an SOS that activates emergency services. (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/53b0bf0e-1e86-40e3-9e08-67921bbb9184/end+of+trail.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - two PCT hikers The PCT attracts hikers from all around the world. (Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/efc940cd-41d2-4075-be15-c7fbf2af3ad2/Donahue-Pass-Sierra-Nevada-PCT-2019-1536x1154.jpg Lived Experiences - Long-Distance Hiking with Diabetes Type 1: Practical Tips and How-To’s - Katrina Hemingway with friend Image Credit: Katrina Hemingway https://slowerhiking.com/kangaroo-island-wilderness-trail daily 0.75 2026-04-03 https://slowerhiking.com/kangaroo-island-wilderness-trail/kangaroo-island-wilderness-trail-planning-and-tips monthly 0.5 2026-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3276044a-6ddf-445b-97aa-4072173d0b99/IMG_2905.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island The Remarkable Rocks formation is just one of many stunning geological features on this trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/64a824eb-7deb-4535-bc9a-b0df43776f5d/Map+of+Australia.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Locality map Kangaroo Island Location Map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/78e6aa1e-cc76-4b7d-8ad9-f080e738f18e/Kanagroo+Island+Map.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - hike location within Flinders Chase National Park Hike locality map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3abbf03f-80c5-47d6-9417-ab6c2d2a9a0d/Whole+of+Hike+Map.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - hike details with elevation map Without side trips it’s approximately 66km/41mi or, with our suggested side trips (Rocky River Beach Outlet, Remarkable Rocks, Sanderson Bay and Hanson Bay), 72km/45mi. We recommend seeing Admiral’s Arch near the tip of Cape de Couedic before or after your hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6f05591b-5f29-4eea-bad8-61efb2c64117/IMG_2538.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Unnamed Lake The ironically named Unnamed Lagoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/05b36642-4f92-42e2-9e5c-1771c95bc475/IMG_3037.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - southern coastline of Kangaroo Island Spectacular coastline, benign here… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7fa8c168-f0fd-4f40-a442-0f0ed52f875a/PA300241.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - southern coastline of Kangaroo Island in wild weather …wild and exposed in different weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3f2babad-5b6c-41d7-9041-032e427d53c9/IMG_2803.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - hiking along Maupertuis Beach Maupertuis Beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/24783f25-a96c-4230-9876-58988e3d6bb0/IMG_3137.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - There’s even a fun little ferry crossing on Day 4! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764034771286-L00WKLR4W8VU5AQMM443/IMG_2502.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Admiral's Arch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764034838967-JR3DZK1LU179WYQPJZ3H/P9183732.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Remarkable Rocks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764034789950-UJCLE0D42H7YJGVN3KG2/IMG_2473.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Kelly Hill Caves https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764033765787-73K5PC564PDDKT7NT7AR/P9143591.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Seal pups https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764033820993-QCRWIDBQHSXKI01HNHKG/P9193778.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Koala https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764033838572-UNSZ7JP3RLMKJYQBEP0C/IMG_3176.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Rosenberg's Goannas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764033898365-P1UNC8UURP9H29S9ZREN/IMG_3340.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Blonde echidna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764033925458-U2H1NZP2O5E6MA480LJ5/P9203792.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Caladenia valida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764033950869-U5JAWGSGLSKYGV034LM3/P9223809.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Bush pea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7343340b-6649-4f57-b2eb-a6550336bc2e/IMG_2634.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - sandy track on day 1 Primarily smooth with some gravelly substrates on days 1 and 5. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8983d412-683b-4633-88d1-e9f961bb3c80/IMG_2753.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - rock scrambling on way to Rocky River Outlet Descending to the mouth of Rocky River doesn’t even really qualify as scrambling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/09e475fc-4b18-47c9-8e60-9ba2cc63b2d1/IMG_2768.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - track to Rocky River Outlet These two images comprise the trickiest section of the entire trail, so not particularly difficult. And because it’s a spur trail, you can skip it if you wish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764029322482-DC4MAM58Z0GFYM8JLEAO/IMG_2798.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764029384014-3BNCWQYM5C925DLI68DM/IMG_2858.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764029420750-6SFIWP4Z2G642SS8QHMW/IMG_2862.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764029456004-UV6WY9TRIST8GVTW9N9I/IMG_2941.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764029518437-OWQE1HYM33WMHIVIYMRE/IMG_3038.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764029554908-851RMRFNI9FO2D3HGRS2/IMG_3042.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764029589250-XC8WTAEWD90VOTFAIVDH/IMG_3093.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764029650857-X158R4ZQLHYEN98RL8GK/IMG_2776.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764030115810-Z4AFVXERXX741NX7AB16/IMG_2824-2.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764030155231-MBLK2KWAS28ZKZBVAV6Z/IMG_2836.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764030211283-9M14XRS28YZQ46UZ7831/IMG_3111.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764030263263-Z8IDLESHH4R0TN7XP8QI/IMG_3097.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/31ae6610-9fd2-4f6d-a6dd-53f47d140f80/IMG_3290.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Many wildflowers Our friend had no trouble completing the trail with our itinerary. NB: the pants are synthetic, not jeans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764056243126-ZPYOZ17QH711R9KYJIY6/IMG_2526.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Excellent signage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764056278468-SZAZI0D59NM8HJ4E3F6Y/IMG_2842.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Posts on cliffs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764056331519-WQQ7FF0D42KPHGCLY1QD/IMG_3231.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Campground tracks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764383189007-8D1TKI9UKE5JP1AG2SLU/IMG_2807.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Beach exit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764057188707-CW38N4NRJV1Z1QY420PE/PA280116.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Original hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764057257092-7HYCSXFNLR6BS1FWCL3F/IMG_2863.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Modified hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764060211082-ZESF9BFUTF3PHDA8HJBL/IMG_2719.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Slow combustion heater https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764060266690-LI141V1ZXSYRD9RTBAYQ/IMG_3234.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Steel cupboards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764061046966-WN5QSEJ5B8ZOQWE3GYSM/IMG_2690.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Outdoor tables https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764060197892-5ES72VNVF5S9IFCYQTY6/IMG_2691.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Luxury long drop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764060702975-UFAFCJBZD04N6ARGN4E0/IMG_2681.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Tent pads https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764062087876-BPX3X0C4NAUF5WOUUPMN/IMG_2680.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Tent platform https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b5e99b03-1ba7-4037-804f-160b6b697d76/IMG_3216.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Grassdale Hut Warm puffies, waterproof shells, beanies and gloves on a cold spring evening in camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1765166558628-QPNIP4SNGQQZKSIKXSL3/IMG_2528.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Cleaning boots https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1765166588185-C6BCBMCCQEVKP7YCQI41/IMG_3087.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Respect signage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c53eb38c-5314-4ca6-9a50-79dd0271fedf/IMG_3019.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Bus Stop Geoff pretending to wait for the bus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f33cb486-a67a-4583-ae0a-5d6c170e9591/PA300296.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - red wine and chocolate When we hiked the first time, there was an option to have your pack dropped to you each night: these treats were kindly delivered by some hikers doing this! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c030b083-ce69-4e94-af2a-00c38ca69c1d/IMG_2426.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Kangaroo Island Ferry On the ferry at Cape Jervis; Kangaroo Island’s northern cliffs visible on the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a433a08c-e5c0-4fdd-b32f-a4d581e0e0b7/P9153639.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - A male Superb Fairy Wren attacks the nasty challenger reflected in our car window where we’ve parked for a short day hike. Encounters like this are typical of the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b8fce232-9fbd-4c47-95ac-6c5f35016d8c/P9233827-Pano.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Black Swans and Cygnets on way to Cape Willoughby Wild black swans and cygnets in a random roadside paddock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764569053667-YGOCCVZ39MVDNRAJQYBO/IMG_2432.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Barn Owl at the Raptor Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1764569060558-KZO8XQZ7VOKZTZP0S96O/P9143575.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Seal Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0739dd8c-7796-4efa-bded-0c583b899b06/Cape+de+Couledic+Access+Map.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - If visiting beforehand, consider dropping a food bag in the steel cupboards in the hut if you want to significantly lighten your pack on Days 1 and 2 of the KIWT. The hut is just 300m along a vehicle access track from Cape de Couedic Road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8a3bf5b0-f5ed-458d-a2b5-486c7c6d4da9/P9163691.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - small waterfall on Rocky River Rocky River Cascades https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/34311efc-1e62-4804-805a-50a9aa8049b1/IMG_2757-Pano.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Rocky River outlet to sea Rocky River mouth https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/efbfcf23-7bcc-41eb-9bdc-3ebb81733dce/IMG_2950.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Seat for watching seals along Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail Watching a seal colony below the cliffs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/105e3301-8ada-4431-bd04-2e99c316dd07/IMG_3071.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - cliff top walking Sweeping drifts of grass and views https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3be2fed2-5a2b-4498-959a-306fc65eac65/IMG_3295.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - track toward Kelly Hill Caves Heading inland on the last day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f51b830-b6a0-424f-9bc9-aedef72c30af/IMG_3148.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: Planning and Tips - Maupertuis Beach Turquoise water and golden sands. Stay tuned for Daily walk blogs, coming soon. https://slowerhiking.com/kangaroo-island-wilderness-trail/flinders-chase-visitor-centre-to-snake-lagoon monthly 0.5 2026-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ad5fbc6-6be3-4969-af7e-1d480def79b3/P9163691.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Enjoying cascades along Rocky River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/35f25e0c-4bb9-482c-9649-e8f1b36f4cbd/Kanagroo+Island+Map_Daily+Blogs.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Hike Locality Map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01936f49-f0ed-4bb0-85de-145e8cb3f4e8/Day+1+Vistors+Centre+to+Snake+Lagoon.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Details for Day 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a8d68914-efe9-4e46-9ae1-f22b9cf8e521/IMG_2512.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out The hike begins behind the Visitor Centre through tall stringybark forest with a lush understorey of bracken and shrubs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5c9d56a-cf3d-43ac-8301-21ee893f81f4/P9163662.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Keep your eyes peeled for rare orchids — here, Caladenia valida — in spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ea94e1d2-a0fd-464c-86b9-49ca00c1a018/IMG_2557.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Black-eyed Susan (Tetratheca insularis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/06ddfe41-17f6-4b9d-86fa-f6087debfadd/IMG_2525.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out The trail is well-marked. Of course carry your map, but intersections are signposted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/88c38096-4dfe-4139-ab15-deef92f98445/IMG_2538.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Be prepared for all weather. It has lightened off now but, just moments before this photo, rain was bucketing down. We have chosen quality rain shell jackets and rain pants and recommend you do so also even in shoulder seasons. Nights are cool and rain shells double as an additional warm layer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7bc43dc9-20d5-4f5d-b416-3f1678ddcd89/IMG_2554.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out After the forest earlier, the terrain opens up with low heath dotted with scattered mallee, re-shooting from the 2019-2020 bush fire that devastated so much of the island. However, as you can see, the native vegetation has bounced back. The circular lunette that was discovered after the bushfire, and whose crest you partially traverse, is now scarcely visible through the regrowth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cfddfe51-93e2-4069-9256-a29c40092be7/IMG_2565.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out The red splashes of colour are Common heath (Epacris impressa) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/664d7b42-2e05-4cbc-9d1b-c669ecdec357/IMG_2571.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out When you near Rocky River Campground, the trail joins the Platypus Trail loop: excellent underfoot as you can see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/89d38765-87d6-477a-955b-d9ea53762e04/IMG_2581.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Viewing platforms are scattered around the pools, but you’re more likely to see platypus at dusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cb75923a-0f6a-47e2-91d6-72f7e92f031b/IMG_2584.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Platypus were introduced to Kangaroo Island and appear to be a success story, unlike the koalas that were too successful and which have been enormously damaging to the native eucalypts and the locally endemic wildlife that depends on them. Worse, the animals are unhealthily inbred with poor genetic variation. Culling has been attempted many times but, because koalas are so cute and popular, the government has had problems effecting control, even though the animals are as detrimental as other exotic pest species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2901350b-7611-4878-94ce-623b3f1a28fc/IMG_2596.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out The only truly slippery section of track after the showers earlier; we could see evidence that even kangaroos had skidded! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/99414d73-5506-4eb3-a2db-de5f198bca7d/P9163697.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Pink Fairy (Caladenia latifolia). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4ce64323-f22e-4650-89ec-36a6e772fca7/IMG_2611.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Just before the trail intersects Wool Bay Road, you’ll find a little picnic table with lovely views over the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5b98194-141c-4b00-a9c2-2c128bcef4fa/P9163669.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Blue Fairy Orchid (Pheladenia deformis); they grow only along a few kilometres of track today and nowhere else that we could see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a4e35e19-7d13-4483-8f75-b116c1e68048/P9163665.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Mayfly orchids (Acianthus caudatus) in this section too: they usually grow in dappled shade and their colour makes them tricky to spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b9fbd7c8-bc33-4dee-b14b-4bf43e9f33f9/IMG_2625.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Lunch at Pardalote Lookout. Dehydrated lunches are light, but the first day is often a good time to indulge in cheese and salami, here with Geoff’s homemade sourdough crackers. Small, light pocket knives are, in our opinion, essential on trail. Many people carry Swiss Army knives but I never used 95% of the attachments so chose a plain knife instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5129c58c-427a-4681-8915-1e15d4b7a898/IMG_2639.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out More smooth, solid path through re-shooting Cherry Ballart (Exocarpos cupressiformis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b634400d-9ef1-4e40-b481-582cf830f5e7/IMG_2645.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out The Cascades: a great spot for a swim on a hot day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9a5d668c-e8b7-46e1-84ca-ab9192bf4382/IMG_2654.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out The trail continues along the river; use the high alternate route if it’s been very wet to avoid creating muddy runoff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69a41c73-7754-46d3-834a-830cb951da6a/IMG_2649.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Schmutz’s sundew (Drosera schmutzii) is found only on Kangaroo Island; it is an amazing thought, really: the only place on the entire planet. The sticky droplets trap and kill insects, which then fall to the ground below the plant to provide extra nutrients. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec2682e3-0b99-4350-b3e0-980688f6761e/P9163682.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Salmon correa (C. pulchella) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a80eb034-99b6-4af6-8b31-801ee0853d6d/IMG_2662.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out Every now and then the terrain opens up, but it is mostly too forested for expansive views (these come on subsequent days). A little further on we climb the lookout tower, but regrowth means that the views aren’t spectacular; winter when the swamp is full would be fantastic for birds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b10c924-7262-4b33-ba6a-56c896aebb7b/IMG_2674.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out The campground happily has both tent platforms and tent pads. The latter are much easier to use for those of us who have non-freestanding (trekking pole) tents; pads are also warmer than platforms. We are using a prototype double wall Durston Gear XMid 2 in a new material. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1a502f50-e2ea-4048-b8a0-a68f57986d69/IMG_2680.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out We have often pitched on tent platforms with our non-freestanding tents. Key is to carry line extensions, a few deck hooks (not screws or cup hooks that damage the platform) and to be prepared with a variety of techniques. With two of us, we can set up in under five minutes even on tent platforms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8ec3d207-135b-4c27-853f-afaa20efdf0c/IMG_2683.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out The hut is positively luxurious by Australian standards; perhaps not by NZ standards, which are more like European Mountain huts. There’s even a slow combustion fire, and wood in a shed out the back! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/474595ef-c930-452d-92c3-3db8e1db184b/P9173698.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out From the picnic tables, watch Tammar Wallabies grazing and, later, listen to the eerie cries of bush stone curlews. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fdba2446-1dbd-496d-afea-5a0ba84afc73/IMG_2719.jpg Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail - Flinders Chase Vis­i­tor Cen­tre to Snake Lagoon (Day 1) - Make it stand out We are hiking in the peak spring season, with only one other couple on trail at the same time: we find that extraordinary for such a fantastic hike. The bush has recovered from the wildfires: the trail is ready and waiting for you! https://slowerhiking.com/home daily 1.0 2026-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1643250613326-PSU168CM7DZ413VR9YDY/Spectacular+Orange+coral+pea+Bibbulmun+Track.jpg Slower Hiking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1652484707501-4VOF387U6L9YR3IJJ43Q/rest.jpg Slower Hiking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1657928010982-6WYLLXAVUBRUQ66IN343/05a_4MP.jpg Slower Hiking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1660947490722-OV0QJBPAVZJXG9AQ7W67/cover+and+seo+mulligans-1.jpg Slower Hiking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/be2edcc8-65c2-4a5b-b12d-f42f76d80adf/DSCN0763_low_res.jpg Slower Hiking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/01c4f641-e1ef-4d83-a142-dbe9b982f273/DSCN1024.jpg Slower Hiking 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Hiking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3276044a-6ddf-445b-97aa-4072173d0b99/IMG_2905.jpg Slower Hiking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1643247372397-8IMA9T226NB4WO2U1W40/01a_4MP.jpg Slower Hiking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f9850873-9ac4-4aaf-81af-35e8cd67ddbe/IMG_5022.jpg Slower Hiking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1c7685c-3ed9-43b7-b0be-e132faf67314/IMG_3017.jpg Slower Hiking https://slowerhiking.com/about daily 0.75 2023-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/82e44e09-7b4f-4273-9eb4-8ec3da8aeb74/Geoff+Fisher+and+Helen+McKerral.jpg About - Why Slower Hiking We are Geoff Fisher and Helen McKerral, a couple of old farts who have been on the planet for about six decades, four of them together. Based in South Australia, we play on the water in our kayak, in the air in our hang gliders and, of course, on the earth in our hiking boots. Although I’m often in the garden, and Geoff hops on his pushbike several times a week when we’re not hiking, neither of us are elite athletes. Definitely not! And yet we enjoy many fantastic hikes at our own pace, which is considerably more relaxed and with shorter daily distances than those of greyhounds averaging forty kilometres per day. If we can, you can too! “Still smiling after 11 days on the track!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/87d42c8b-30b5-4eea-9f0b-35ac5f525840/Slower+Hiking+McKerral+Fisher+About.jpg About - Whatever your hiking speed, we’ll welcome and inspire you with tools to hike at your own pace with extra tips for hiking couples to work as a team. We hope that what works for us as tortoises rather than hares works for you too, and that our tips inspire you to try new treks. “Relaxed hikers reach remarkable places too!” https://slowerhiking.com/contact-1 daily 0.75 2021-12-26 https://slowerhiking.com/bibbulmun-vegetation-gallery daily 0.75 2023-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0c76dee3-1fd8-451e-ae86-36ea64aba24c/Caladenia+applanta+ssp+applanta.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia karri https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ff3f6f44-cb41-4d62-8e7f-8e4be8571319/08d+Caladenia+longicauda+ssp+longicauda.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia longicauda longicauda (White Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/84caf209-c3d5-4c98-9c04-8c5d4cead0e4/Caladenia+latifolia-3.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia latifolia (Pink Fairy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f1df7bb6-d367-464b-894d-5a814b5c7574/Caladenia+applanta+ssp+eruberscens.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia applanta ssp erubescens (Rose Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0ba2bd37-983a-4aa2-9764-8e06ed65acb6/Caladenia+reptans+subsp+reptans.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia reptans ssp reptans (Little Pink Fairy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f6305476-a731-4a4e-837e-14120304731a/Caladenia+latifolia.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia latifolia (Pink Fairy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9ff2e538-caa3-41c6-9281-be449279672b/Caladenia+harringtoniae.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia harringtoniae (Pink Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/02dc7496-70be-49af-a816-e78a54964dad/Caladenia+nana+ssp+nana.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia nana ssp nana (Little Pink Fan) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/752b89a3-3072-4ca8-9261-b5a49fc00f1b/Caladenia+longiclavata+mutant.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia longicalavata (Clubbed Spider) Mutant 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f1d2cd2-ca2f-4b38-bbc9-1ba76f6cc2d9/Caladenia+nana+ssp+unita.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia nana ssp unita (Pink Fan) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3d77b3b-649b-4dbe-91f4-aefed2a86957/Caladenia+ferruginea.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia ferruginea (Rusty Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d42deb8f-eca5-462b-a597-c90b84a8f144/Caladenia+arrecta+2.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia arrecta (Reaching Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/765f1a92-c75c-4e56-9991-572af51da310/Caladenia+flava+sylvestris.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia flava ssp sylvestris (Karri Cowslip) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e5cfc232-3955-492e-bd54-cb00af6c756d/Caladenia+M.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia attigens attigens (Forest Mantis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/52857814-3561-456d-a58f-61bb1b422269/Caladenia+flava.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia flava ssp flava (Cowslip) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ccac418b-85a1-4685-b72d-9d12de52a5e0/Caladenia+x+spectabilis+%282%29.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia x spectabilis (Spectacular Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/94251039-84e8-455f-951a-ac324c0b467e/Caladenia+x+spectabilis.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia x spectabilis (Spectacular Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/69570658-6e86-4565-93cf-a495d3c2267f/Caladenia+longiclavata+mutant+%282%29.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia sp mutant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1b6e07bd-6f18-437b-b46e-a5f50072c85c/Caladenia+chapmanii.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia chapmanii (Chapman's Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/70a2125c-30bb-459a-affa-6712f72aad5c/Caladenia+flava+ssp+sylvestris.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia flava ssp sylvestris (Karri Cowslip) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/adae1d4b-80b8-402b-9fc9-f8607bafba7c/Caladenia+longicauda+x+pectinata.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia longicauda x pectinata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4654e62a-63cd-4477-abde-de9c3b5813d7/Caladenia+sp.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia brownii (Karri Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/64413249-ac08-4ebf-997b-7513d5150e4e/Caladenia+macrostylis.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia macrostylis (Leaping Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c94ee85a-737e-4964-8fdf-75d6ed4d44d6/Caladenia+magniclavata.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia magniclavata (Big Clubbed Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6144a781-f6f3-42d2-8f22-6316ba98844e/Caladenia+pectinata.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia pectinata (King Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b10d3e2f-a9e4-48b2-afc9-0b4e1d20903c/Caladenia+longiclavata.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia longiclavata (Clubbed Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b82b2fbd-3473-4c11-9c49-95c34599b951/Caladenia+arrecta.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia arrecta (Reaching Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bd166254-7d7f-4340-8389-105961f4c764/Caladenia+discoides.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia discoides (Dancing Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bb297ec7-bf83-415d-9e46-587962f825b3/Caladenia+attigens+%282%29.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia attigens ssp attigens (Forest Mantis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/305a9033-ebe6-49d9-87df-d7920f673b01/Caladenia+pectinata+%282%29.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia pectinata (King Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d946695c-4552-4172-971e-b8e531cdba75/Caladenia++ferruginea+x+longicauda.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia ferruginea x longicauda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a9226bb4-0656-48b5-be00-ab896dd74485/Caladenia.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia karri (Karri Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/75056899-e7ad-4e5e-9d4d-1ec17226bba8/Caladenia+longicauda+%282%29.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia longicauda ssp redacta (White Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7ceb8519-22b1-4da6-8b68-da01e01f6a1c/Caladenia+ensata.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia ensata (Stumpy Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d187490e-750b-402c-bc16-1361acbaa4d9/Caladenia+attigens+ssp+gracilima.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia attigens attigens x falcata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ba691da1-3f68-48e8-bae9-44d3ad3e25f5/Caladenia+ferruginea+x+longicauda+2.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia ferruginea x longicauda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6a4f33af-f553-40cd-9dcc-7316dbfc8aab/Caladenis+magniclavata.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia magniclavata (Big Clubbed Spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b170faba-1cfd-411b-a412-17c75c9a4da8/Caladenia+brownii.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia brownii (Karri spider) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/249197db-0ebd-46c8-a560-5f1498c17938/Caladenia+cairnsiana.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Caladenia cairnsiana (Zebra) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a5d67ed0-b946-4d54-aeb6-d68556dfa983/Cyrtostylis+huegelii.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Cyrtostylis huegelii (Midge) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/05f3e362-983a-4a5e-b2f3-549d853d989a/Cyrtostylis+hueglii+b.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Cyrtostylis robusta (Mosquito) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/3c5fde0e-a9b5-4bbf-bdc6-fb509b738700/Cryptostylis+ovata.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Cryptostylis ovata (Slipper) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/fb5a0c82-7952-4b15-9c1c-386ef9b5a976/Calochilus+uliginosus.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Calochilus uliginosus (Swamp Beard) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/88c127f8-a972-4f3a-b515-899644d942b3/Diuris+porrifolia.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Diuris porrifolia (Small flowered Donkey) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/41d08894-db04-433a-909b-2023a5d39a8b/Diuris+sp+%282%29.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Diuris magnifica (Pansy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b11b1e39-9790-4717-8d63-d1f337826002/Diuris+cruenta.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Diuris cruenta (Kemerton Pansy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/015d71c6-22c2-4016-b394-7645ef13bdf1/Diuris+longifolia.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Diuris longiflolia (Purple Pansy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7fb33424-6716-405c-be0a-86d30b85f354/Diuris+sp.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Diuris amplissima (Giant) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7d6e6337-679d-4e0c-978f-2da8fff2e162/Diuris+littoralis.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Diuris littoralis (Green Range Donkey) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/cde861c1-23d9-4804-8e9d-245666d545da/Diuris+jonesii.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Diuris jonesii (Dunsborough Donkey) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/16a1ef15-392f-4011-a09b-7c987d3188f8/Drakaea+glyptodon.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Drakaea glyptodon (King in his Carriage) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/4f5e3eea-ccac-4fc0-9f4d-26c554bdbedc/Drakaea+livida.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Drakaea livida (Warty Hammer) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5dc29854-c2ec-4dd3-926e-e118d34930a5/Drakea+GRACILIS+X+LIVIDA.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Drakaea gracilis x livida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/410837d4-74cc-4993-9c53-54920c7e6fb8/dRAKEA+GRACILIS.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Drakea gracilis (Slender Hammer) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e7d48acc-6f46-49dd-a7ce-3d33906da1ae/Drakea+thynniphila.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Drakea thynniphila (Narrow-Lipped Hammer) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9aa0fdbf-bbae-4821-8eab-9032c7471638/Elythranthera+brunonis.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Elythranthera brunonis (Purple Enamel) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f3c23bae-8e1a-410b-bbc2-9872d9976977/Elythranthera+emarginata.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Elythranthera emarginata (Pink Enamel) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d3bc5be3-0c70-438c-bcc7-1bc67a3298a7/Leptoceras+menziesii+2.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Leptoceras menziesii (Rabbit) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/625b9d2e-8750-48a8-a0dc-b4d1323013b3/Lyperanthus+serratus.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Lyperanthus serratus (Rattlebeaks) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8a03c45c-62bf-4dd0-bf5a-3becbbad65e4/Microtis+alba.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Microtis alba (White Mignonette) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/f4a31662-47e5-4d5e-8d9c-f74acf3f6cfc/Microtis+atrata.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Microtis atrata (Swamp Mignonette) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/57c92c06-9942-48fd-9897-4b57eca4b53e/Microtis+media+ssp+densiflora.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Microtis media ssp densiflora (Dense Mignonette) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1ec5cd03-b72e-4865-847d-1cd0ecdf218b/Microtis+media+ssp+media.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Microtis media ssp media (Common Mignonette) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/da4cd55e-8c19-4120-b74e-6c9c83f4cef7/Paracaleana+brockmanii.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Paracaleana brockmanii (Brockman's Duck) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2ce33f68-38f7-4d94-8283-2d4829f661d6/Paracaleana+nigrita.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Paracaleana nigrita (Flying Duck) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b92d6dd9-9a4d-4084-83d6-1e61cfe54687/Pheladenia+deformis+2.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Pheladenia deformis (Bluebeard) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ad4abe3d-0e2e-465f-92ed-60ff33b0e5b6/Pyrorchis+nigricans.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Pyrorchis nigricans (Fire)* *better pic from South Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/a3d725a7-4f9f-492b-8784-ae39f9329ae7/Prasophyllum+cucullatum.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Prasophyllum cucullatum (Hooded Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2bf74076-590f-4ca2-8079-e44d1afd2635/Prasophyllum+fimbria+3.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Prasophyllum fimbria (Fringed Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c60fe418-d3cb-4623-9284-988252b84bda/Prasophyllum+giganteum.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Prasophyllum giganteum (Bronze Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/5b747ae8-5ef9-4bf4-9fd4-6e93a56a2c8e/Prasophyllum+gracile.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Prasophyllum gracile (Little Laughing Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1de6a374-c111-4932-9a13-bbf55f30f0a3/Prasophyllum+hians.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Prasophyllum hians (Yawning Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/399d77a8-015a-4e90-8cdf-37286eb3ad8b/Prasophyllum+odoratissimum2.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Prasophyllum odoratissimum (Fragrant Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d075146a-db7f-458c-9744-053c320e2f86/prasophyllum+parvifolium.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Prasophyllum parvifolium (Autumn Leek) finished https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/b39c2d38-0cb0-4fca-82e0-74f3a9f78333/Prasophyllum+regium.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Prasophyllum regium (King Leek) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/1d4e735d-fc1b-41f3-930c-3d4b36a78605/Pterostylis++ectypha.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Pterostylis ectypha (Murdoch Snail Orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6ceb2868-9bff-4776-a88b-b3e62d319d55/Pterostylis++erubescens.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Pterostylis erubescens (Red-Sepalled Snail) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/34fc1ea6-d82a-4978-8047-21b7e370da96/Pterostylis++Dwellinup+to+Collie+19+September.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Pterostylis glebosa (Clubbed Snail) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/bccde57c-c280-4f5e-8f77-ff727817c49c/Pterostylis+barbata.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Pterostylis barbatus (Bird Orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/d3dddca2-086e-4a31-a869-6b73eb628715/Pterostylis+crispula.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Pterostylis crispula (Slender Snail) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/0f4910c3-a7aa-4389-be92-44dfee8ec800/Pterostylis+karri+Leucistic.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Pterostylis karri (Karri Snail) leucistic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2e99b4cc-2c3e-441a-b62e-89642edf4845/Pterostylis+orbiculata.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Pterostylis orbiculata (Small Banded Greenhood) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ec077678-39ca-4f8a-b54b-270f38b51b53/Pterostylis+recurva.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Pterostylis recurva (Jug) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/eb5c9b1b-292f-4f37-be48-e4a7ec968d27/Pterostylis+sp+colony.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Pterostylis sp colony https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/973bc4e2-6bc3-43c3-bc53-4406b8620b08/Pterostylis+turfosa.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Pterostylis turfosa (Bearded Bird) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/c133a32d-d1ea-4605-a8ca-2c295547b958/Pterostylis+vittata+b.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Pterostylis vittata (Banded Greenhood) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2329062c-3a12-4309-a2d3-6f30482e1726/Thelymitra+antennifera.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Thelymitra antennifera (Lemon Scented) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7320fdf8-d47d-4d86-bfa8-100d96214a2d/THelymitra+benthamiana+yellow+form.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Thelymitra benthamiana leucistic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8580101f-28b8-47fa-a639-1dd1d6d762cc/THelymitra+benthamiana.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Thelymitra benthamiana (Leopard) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6ef736c4-df24-400c-976f-0e7663cf9ecb/THelymitra+cornicina.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Thelymitra cornicina (Lilac Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ce65bd20-b504-4c40-bc81-2ab6bf45bb7f/THelymitra+crinita.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Thelymitra crinita (Blue Lady Orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/8aa96d4f-5120-4ebb-aa25-14399977d162/THelymitra+flexuosa.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Thelymitra flexuosa (Twisted Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/736729b2-be63-41a6-b3f9-74cf70458275/THelymitra+macrophylla.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Thelymitra macrophylla (Scented Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2d0a2a34-6f23-46a9-8165-9317d4cc4540/Thelymitra+graminea.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Thelymitra graminea (Shy Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/08a17484-83b4-4843-861c-f0a329d559ee/Thelymitra+%27Southern+Granites%27.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Thelymitra granitora https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/90c713f5-615c-420e-acdb-1028d576aeb1/THelymitra+sp.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Thelymitra paludosa (Plain Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/9f57b576-4844-41d6-969b-b0489e164000/THelymitra+vulgaris.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Thelymitra vulgaris (Slender Sun) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/e6c11045-bd3c-403b-9156-f2b5a4d25006/Cyanicula+gertrudiae+%282%29.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Cyanicula gertrudiae (Pale China) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/7db0febe-69a7-449e-8b7a-e84c5596b889/cyanicula+gertrudiae.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Cyanicula gertrudiae (Pale China) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/6202a965-0cab-4361-bfb7-37e7b0e6801a/Cyanicula+sericea.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Cyanicula sericea (Silky Blue Orchid) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/2f997434-9bdd-4c9d-87bf-77909b1c9987/cyanicula+sericea2.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Cyanicula sericea (Silky Blue) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/ca4215b6-9173-4a93-ad8f-9c094fba2c15/x+me+with+Caladenia+longicauda+ssp+longicauda.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Helena enthusiformis (Happy Helen) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/370c58ae-97a7-41d4-9f0a-7972d492f860/10+Diuris+corymbosa.jpg Orchid Gallery Bibbulmun Track Diuris corymbosa (Common Donkey) https://slowerhiking.com/privacy daily 0.75 2023-05-18 https://slowerhiking.com/terms-of-use daily 0.75 2025-03-15 https://slowerhiking.com/about-us daily 0.75 2025-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/82e44e09-7b4f-4273-9eb4-8ec3da8aeb74/Geoff+Fisher+and+Helen+McKerral.jpg Helen and Geoff - Why Slower Hiking We are Geoff Fisher and Helen McKerral, two old farts who have been on the planet for about six decades, four of them together. Based in South Australia, we play on the water in our kayak, in the air in our hang gliders and, of course, on the earth in our hiking boots. Although I’m often in the garden, and Geoff hops on his pushbike several times a week when we’re not hiking, neither of us are elite athletes. Definitely not! And yet we enjoy many fantastic hikes at our own pace, which is more relaxed and with shorter daily distances than those of young greyhounds: if we can hike, you can too! The outdoors is for everyone, and slowerhiking aims to make multiday hiking a more inclusive space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6070f94c5947937fc9231cee/87d42c8b-30b5-4eea-9f0b-35ac5f525840/Slower+Hiking+McKerral+Fisher+About.jpg Helen and Geoff - Whatever your hiking speed, we’ll welcome and inspire you with tools to hike at your own pace. We hope that what works for us as tortoises rather than hares works for you too, and that our tips inspire you to try new treks. “Relaxed hikers reach remarkable places too!”