High Country Tracks Open until?

[def90]

HI All - I am just looking for a 3rd opinion on the status of the tracks up around Buller / Stirling on the weekend of 23-24 May. Tracks like:
- Stirling track from Buller to Circuit Rd
- Circuit Rd
- Monument TRack
- Clear Hills track
- 16 Mile Jeep Track
- Cornhill Logging track

and others....

We are planning a trip and I want to make sure this stuff is still OK during May, and so far I have 2 conflicting opinions....

BTW - I have sent a message to Buller/ Stirling Management too....

Thanks!
Andrew

[rangieman]

Normaly track closure is the following week after Queens birthday weekend in june;)

[sschmez]

Last years info seems to be the latest available on the parkweb (.pdf)

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources/mresources/src_2007/map11.pdf

it's probably good enough for a general guide, as it seems to be the same as previous years too...



The list and maps for 2008 winter will be available in mid May. The full list of seasonal road closures and corresponding maps for 2007 winter is available below and can be used as a guide.


Stevo

also ....

Map 11 - Mansfield
Seasonal road and track closures
Closed from; 1/5/2008 to 31/10/2008
The Nobs Track
Mt Clear Spur Tk

[waynep]

I'll be in the general area on that weekend too. ;)
The best way to find out latest status of tracks is probably to call the Parks/DSE office in Mansfield directly and ask to speak to one of the Rangers. Those guys are out there all the time and know what's open any given day. You need to phone though - they're not big on email. Early morning is probably best before they go out for the day.

[feral]

HI All - I am just looking for a 3rd opinion on the status of the tracks up around Buller / Stirling on the weekend of 23-24 May. Tracks like:
- Stirling track from Buller to Circuit Rd
- Circuit Rd
- Monument TRack
- Clear Hills track
- 16 Mile Jeep Track
- Cornhill Logging track

and others....

We are planning a trip and I want to make sure this stuff is still OK during May, and so far I have 2 conflicting opinions....

BTW - I have sent a message to Buller/ Stirling Management too....

Thanks!
Andrew


We went for a trip on Sunday basically to see Craigs Hut and some snow.

We went along Buttercup Rd, Carters Rd up past Tomohawk Hut, through Tomohawk Gap, along Mt No.3 Rd/Craigs Hut, past Refuge Hut, Bus Hut & Razerback Hut and then straight into Craigs Hut.

These roads are in good condition but up through Tomohawk Gap to Razerback Hut it appears a dozer has been through pushing and clearing burnt out trees from the sides of the roads. The bushfires have done heaps of damage to the bush and it will take a long time for it to recover. The road wasn't too bad just a bit cut up. It would be a different story with a bit of rain though.

After Craigs Hut we turned towards Mt Stirling using Clear Hills Track on good roads to Monument Track. Both tracks were ok, a little soft in spots and didn't have any problems. A little more rain will make a difference.

We continued along Circuit Rd to Howqua Gap and then took Corn Hill Rd and into Mt Buller. This road was ok and more rocky than the others and finally arrived at Mt Buller.

There was little snow at Mt Stirling but there was a decent amount at Buller.


It all might be a different story in a fortnight :)

[haggisbasher]

Feral...sounds like a great run. you wouldn't have the gps cookies/bread crumbs for it. I suspect my neighbour would like a run like that...and i dare say me!

c

[Cruiser_53]

Hi,
I operate 4wd tours in this area and at the moment all tracks are open except for the summit track over Stirling. I normally go in Buttercup, Tomahawk Hut, No 3, Westons is open, Circuit Rd is good, King River and crossings are fine, King Spur track is a beauty, Monument Spur, Bindatree, 16 Mile Jeep. Bluff Hut, Brocks Rd, Howqua Track are all good. Bit exciting last week with all the snow however nearly all gone when I was up there last weekend. Have fun tracks will close 14 June.
Regard
Cruiser_53

[Cruiser_53]

Just one other note, Corn Hill Logging track down to Pikes can get very slippery when wet, the bottom section is clay, is faily rutted and we've had a bit of rain over the last week. I wouldn't be to keen about taking it.
Cruiser_53

[weeds]

Hi,
I operate 4wd tours in this area and at the moment all tracks are open except for the summit track over Stirling. I normally go in Buttercup, Tomahawk Hut, No 3, Westons is open, Circuit Rd is good, King River and crossings are fine, King Spur track is a beauty, Monument Spur, Bindatree, 16 Mile Jeep. Bluff Hut, Brocks Rd, Howqua Track are all good. Bit exciting last week with all the snow however nearly all gone when I was up there last weekend. Have fun tracks will close 14 June.
Regard
Cruiser_53

any tips for somebody:angel:planning a trip to the high country april/may 08

will be traveling solo at this stage

[Cruiser_53]

Hi, Main thing is to remember at this time we're heading into winter, weather can change very quickly, ie snow etc, tracks are getting slippery so good tyres are a must. Get a good map of the area the Rooftop series are the best and carry a chainsaw, few trees coming down with the snow and wet.
Enjoy the area its magnificant at this time of year but take care.
Cruiser_53

[weeds]

oops meant april/may 09...

chainsaw i have, thanks for the tip on maps, tyres...might need to fit the steeltreks (might be better than bfg at's)

[feral]

Feral...sounds like a great run. you wouldn't have the gps cookies/bread crumbs for it. I suspect my neighbour would like a run like that...and i dare say me!

c


Ok, I run Oziexplorer using Natmaps 250k Premium maps.

For this trip I used Graig Lewis & Cathy Savage - Getaway 4wd book and used their High Country Huts trip as a reference. We only used the north of the Howqua River area as we were running out of time.

I have all the waypoint files using the book as reference, the Track file from Mansfield to Tomohawk Gap and then Tomohawk Gap to Melbourne :eek:

I'm not sure if this is the info you need but the waypoints does have a list of GPS co-ordinance's with it.

I don't even know if you can copy & paste them here or I could just send the files via email.


Let me know if this is what you want.

[def90]

Thanks Guys....

I will have my new D3 by that weekend but will also be doing some K's on my bike which is pretty nimble even in the wet...

Seems the only track closed for now is summit track over Stirling...

Apprecite all the comments - thanks cruiser for the up to the minute update, and those Maps are very helpful Stevo.

I called also Parks and they said pretty much everything was open for now...

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Weeds,
In the Vic High Country, some tracks close on 1st May each year & others on about 14 June. You need to check the tracks for your planned route.

If you visit the area before May, you should have no problems (unless there has been heavy rain in the area).

Best Wishes,

[weeds]

Hi Weeds,
In the Vic High Country, some tracks close on 1st May each year & others on about 14 June. You need to check the tracks for your planned route.

If you visit the area before May, you should have no problems (unless there has been heavy rain in the area).

Best Wishes,

just waiting on the boiling billy crew to get back so that i can order there book on the high country and a map or two

at this stage i will be entering the high country around the 22/23 april after we walk to the top of mt kosciusko

[hiline]

just waiting on the boiling billy crew to get back so that i can order there book on the high country and a map or two

at this stage i will be entering the high country around the 22/23 april after we walk to the top of mt kosciusko


weeds post a thread in the huts section with your date your hoping to have
and i'm sure we could organize a trip with you ;)
or even show you some of the stuff we do up there as a group off here

[Bushwanderer]

just waiting on the boiling billy crew to get back so that i can order there book on the high country and a map or two

at this stage i will be entering the high country around the 22/23 april after we walk to the top of mt kosciusko

Hi Weeds,
This suggests that you will be entering VIC across the Murray R. at Tom Groggin. IIRC, the Davies Plain area, just up from this crossing, closes from 1st May.

Is there any way that you could move your trip forward? On the other hand, if you plan on travelling straight through & returning via another route you may be OK.

Best Wishes,

[weeds]

weeds post a thread in the huts section with your date your hoping to have
and i'm sure we could organize a trip with you ;)
or even show you some of the stuff we do up there as a group off here

will do


Hi Weeds,
This suggests that you will be entering VIC across the Murray R. at Tom Groggin. IIRC, the Davies Plain area, just up from this crossing, closes from 1st May.

Is there any way that you could move your trip forward? On the other hand, if you plan on travelling straight through & returning via another route you may be OK.

Best Wishes,

thanks for the heads up

if only i had a map so i knew where you are talking about

will be returning a differant way more than likely

after we climb mt kosi megs will be flying to geelong while me and the boys cruise the high country, will be picking megs up in either geelong or sydney

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Weeds,
Sorry about the cryptic nature of my mails.

To give you a taste: The most popular way to ascend Mt Kosci is the take the Crackenback Mtn Chairlift from Thredbo. From there you walk a well-defined pathway to the Mtn & return (let me say that there are some other GREAT walks in the area for you consider if your party is that way inclined). One thing to be VERY aware of is that the weather at Thredbo & that up on the main range can be VERY different. Further, the weather can change quickly & so you need to be prepared for anything (including strong winds, hail, sleet or even snow).

From Thredbo, the logical way to enter the Vic High Country is to take the road around to Tom Groggin campground (the rd actually continues on to Khancoban). From Tom Groggin, there is a ford across the Murray R. (the border between NSW & VIC in this area). From there, you are essentially entering the VIC High Country.

Do you have any maps of the area? If so, let us know and we can be a bit more specific with our info. If you don't, HEMA have a new (5th Ed?) VIC High Country map, which is great for planning (and probably navigating) the high country. I suggest that you need that as a first step (probably available from most 4wd & mapping outlets).

I look forward to hearing of your plans as they develop.

Best Wishes,

[weeds]

I look forward to hearing of your plans as they develop.

Best Wishes,

thanks mate....first up is a map and book from boiling billy.....they are out researching at the moment, might also grab the map yo have mentioned

will keep you posted

[Disco300Tdi]

Kelvin, PM me your address and I will send you mine (on loan)
You can return it when we catch up when your down here..:D

[weeds]

Kelvin, PM me your address and I will send you mine (on loan)
You can return it when we catch up when your down here..:D

how are you going to find your way around high country than, would n't want you getting lost going to the huts.....

pm sent

[TuffRR]

Why is the Stirling summit track closed atm?

[Disco300Tdi]

how are you going to find your way around high country than, would n't want you getting lost going to the huts.....

pm sent

Its been a while since I have had to use the map up there..(wanna buy one)..:D:D

[def90]

Not sure why stirling track is closed....actually for the loops we are planning that will mean we have to spend a bit more time on circuit road etc...

Anyway, I am locked in - staying on Buller Friday and Saturday night and we will get out and do some K's in the D3 and on the bike....Am I looking forward to that weekend or what!!

I can give a real update on the tracks when I get back anyway...

Does anyone know if there is vehicle [bike or 4wd] across the back of Mt Speculation, Mt Buggery to the bluff or is that walking only?