Sunday 28 February 2022 – Saturday 5 March 2022
The Mount Hotham/ Dinner Plains Camp was held between Sunday 27 February and Saturday 6 March 2022. Nineteen members from the BBBW attended and enjoyed fine weather for the five full days of walking, where eleven walks were on offer.
The walks varied in difficulty from Hard / Medium to Medium / Easy, but each came with its challenges, whether that was the many uphills (and downhills) or just the snakes, of which there were many, apparently.
Those attending have praised the work of the organisers, Barry and Jill and assisted by Rob and special thanks must go to them; and of course, those that volunteered to lead the walks.
Many of the campers have submitted photographs and accounts from each day’s walking, which have been attempted to be captured in the Camp Report below. Thanks to those contributing photographs – Donna F, Amanda, Barry, Karen G, Helen, Ian and Rob and to those providing walk reports – Barry, Jill, Rachael, Rob, Karen, Helen, Lin, Ian, and Brian.
DAY 1 — Monday 28 February 2022
There were three walks on offer- Spargo Hut, Brabralung Trail and Silver Brumby Hut.
Spargo Hut
The medium/hard option was the 15 km walk to Spargo Hut via Mt Loch and Derrick Hut, taken on by eight walkers, led by Barry.
One of Barry’s first warnings was ‘beware of snakes’ which proved apt, as soon discovered by Rachael, when in a bit of a compromising situation – according to Lin’s walk report. And this was not the last tiger snake to be seen that day, with reports mentioning two other such sightings.
The walkers enjoyed low alpine plants, some in flower as they walked over Mt Loch to Derrick Hut with views back over the Razorback Track to Mt. Feathertop. After Derrick Hut they backtracked to find Barry’s track to Spargo Hut, which had apparently improved in the 10 years since Barry had last walked it. It was now a well-defined downhill trail – even whipper-snipped in places.
Spargo Hut was well worth ‘a look-see’ being an old rusty corrugated iron hut with great old artefacts still in place. The group lunched by Swindlers Creek, with some taking the opportunity for a swim. A welcome bridge was also a new addition, that Barry marvelled at. Things then hotted up with the sun now out, as the walkers took on the steep grade until Cobungra Ditch, and then up again to the Hotham Alpine Village, where a cool drink at ‘The General Store’ was welcomed by all.
Brabralung Trail
A slightly easier option had eight walkers, led by Jill, take on the Brabralung Trail from Mt Hotham to Dinner Plain – about 13 kms in all. The trail followed an ancient indigenous pathway which is now a well-maintained compacted gravel trail, being a shared walking, cycling, and running track. The trail meandered through snow gum woodland, wetland bogs and open snow grassy plains with wildflowers abundant, including the grass-leaf trigger plant. The group enjoyed great panoramic views of the high country along the way from Wire Plain, Whiskey Flat and JB Plain with the group taking a visit to the old JB Plain Hut.
Silver Brumby Hut
Four walkers set off on a 6km trek to visit the Silver Brumby Hut, scene of the iconic 1993 movie, ‘The Silver Brumby’, starring Russell Crowe. The original hut built for the movie was burnt in a bushfire and was later rebuilt. The hut is located next to Swindlers Creek which provided a scenic backdrop for lunch.
DAY 2 – Tuesday 1 March 2022
There were two walks on offer -a 12 km medium walk to the Tabletop Mountain cliff face and back, and an easier option – but still 15 kms, following the trail to Carmichael Falls, Precipice Creek Plain, and the Montane Track to return.
Tabletop Mountain Track
Tabletop Mountain is a remnant small mesa of basalt capping near Dinner Plain. It is 1600 m asl.
Eleven walkers, led by Barry, set out from JB Plain Hut on a foot track through the grass, marked with orange triangle markers, to pick up the Tabletop Mountain Track Head. The trail then led across relatively flat open grassland before diving into snow gum. After a short 200 mtr drop to a saddle with a nearby creek, the track slowly climbed 200 mtrs up and onto the approximately 10-hectare flat top of the mountain. The grass sward was thick and, in places, shoulder high so it was found useful to stick to what appeared to be a foot track rather than try to bush bash (or as Ian’s report questioned, maybe ‘grass bash’?). The track ends at a broken low cliff line of basalt that surrounds the mountain, giving very good views, particularly to the east.
From there the walkers could see the whole area is a patchwork of past bushfires post 2003. Much of the fire was intense and, in some places, there being a total tree kill. The walkers enjoyed lunch at the cliff top before retracing their steps back to camp.
Carmichael Falls and the Precipice Plain / Montane Track
Six walkers led by Ed, took on an easier option from camp by following the walking trail from Dinner Plains to Carmichael Falls. Initially the walk traversed a wide track behind settlement houses, before commencing down a steep 700 m path that was made a bit slippery from overnight rain. It was early morning and the group enjoyed walking in avenues of attractive lichen covered gums, shrouded in the morning mist. At the end of the trail, they were greeted by a platform to view the falls, twin cascades over a basalt cliff, and the valley beyond.
After returning up the path to the beginning of their descent, the walkers set off on the Precipice Plain Walk to a terrific lookout point across the remote Dargo Valley. They perched on a small rocky outcrop to enjoy morning tea amid low growing alpine grasses and a section of dead alpine trees that have sadly not recovered from bushfire.
They then returned along the Montane Walking track, through tall alpine grasses, which included board walk sections, and were delighted when they spotted a table in cleared (mowed) grass. A perfect venue to enjoy lunch. After lunch, a Copper Head snake was spotted blocking their path on the boardwalk but was soon moved on. Then crossing onto private land – surrounded by National Park they followed a narrow, winding, undulating path – the prettiest section of the walk with lots of wildflowers and grasses and attractive stands of alpine trees, as they returned to camp.
DAY 3 — Wednesday 2 March 2022
There were three walks on offer this day. A revisit to Mt Tabletop, a medium / hard walk up Mt Blue Rag, and a hard walk to Mt Feathertop and back.
Tabletop Mountain Track (revisited)
Today four walkers, who were not keen on taking on the harder walks offered that day ‘gaitered’ up to follow the track to Mount Tabletop cliff top, as the previous group had done the day before.
After direction from Rob as to where was the actual start of the walk, which was far from clear, they headed off to the cliff top – not to be disappointed!
With Ed on the GPS, it was a relatively straight forward walk out and back to Mt Tabletop. The group reached their destination, albeit with some slippery slopes and craggy rocks to traverse to get there, but with wet trousers, they enjoyed the great views on offer- celebrating (according to Helen’s report) with a chocolate treat.
The walkers reported that although fires in 2003 and 2020 had badly burnt some areas (including the view) some trees and shrubs were fighting back, but it was the grass that had definitely won the battle!
The walkers gave thanks to Martin for making the walk happen, Ed for being GPS master, and Karen for keeping the group together on this good 5 hour walk.
Mt Blue Rag
Four hikers set off to tackle the 16 km medium/ hard Mt Blue Rag track. This is a famous 4WD track that follows the crestline of the hills for 8 kms before plunging 1000 m downhill to the Wongungarra River. The group wisely decided on avoiding the last section. Still, they started this walk thinking it would be a ‘pleasant crestline stroll’ but soon realised there were some serious hills, which explains the 4WD interest. Donna survived a few kms of these before wisely electing to return to the car. Rob, Ian, and Lin doggedly proceeded on, with the intent to reach Trig 1718. There was bit of bravado between Ian and Rob as they headed off as in a race. But as the accompanying photos show the reality of the return journey involved very steep hills that almost did the three walkers in. Still, they did get some great views in all directions on the journey and can happily say they ticked that ‘bucket list’ entry off. Amusingly the group met seven serious 4WD vehicles who, whilst admiring their effort for walking up and back to the trig station, thought them mad, considering there was a perfectly good road to drive there!
Mt Feathertop
Five intrepid walkers set out from Diamantina Hut, fully clothed to address the 30 km/hr + winds on the open and exposed ridge lines that took them on one of the most spectacular walks in Australia.
Although initial conditions were uncomfortable, the group soon settled into a pattern that allowed them to enjoy the famous scenery that Razorback Ridge offered. The sidewards breeze of considerable strength kept them cool and the flies away, whilst spotty rain allowed them to make full use of their wet weather gear.
The group quickly moved from spur to spur with caution on the ridgelines. They were occasionally blown by the wind sweeping across the saddles and happy to take brief stops in the shelter of the trees. The spirit of the group lifted as they continued to get closer to the base of M. Feathertop.
Lunch was experienced at the Cross, which can boast one of the most beautiful gums on the track. A few visited the hut prior to the ascent. Whilst the 1.5 km ascent looked daunting, with the happy chat and full tummies, it was knocked off quickly. The group also could not believe their luck at the top at the 1922 m summit of Mt Feathertop. They had clear views that allowed them to see Mt Buffalo and all the surrounding hills, mountains, and the valley on a 360 rotation. They could even sit among the daisies out of the wind, to be present in the moment. They then began the descent and retraced their steps back over the ridgelines with the sun occasionally joining them and the wind dropping. They covered over 24 km, 870 mtr elevation and were a very tired and satisfied group at trek’s end.
DAY 4 — 3 March 2022
There was only one walk on offer today – the Cobungra Ditch Track
Cobungra Ditch Track
Ten walkers from the camp went out for this 13 km trek – billed as ‘medium’ difficulty.
Starting beside the Great Alpine Road near Mt Hotham, the ten walkers descended via the Davenport Access through light mist, before turning onto the Cobungra Ditch Track.
For the next 10 kms, the group followed the course of an abandoned water race, a ruin from the gold mining era of the district. It once provided water for the hydraulic sluicing operations of the Cobungra Gold Mining Company.
It was flat and easy walking, soft and grassy underfoot and a welcome change for the many tired legs caused by some challenging walks in the previous three days. As the group ambled along behind leader Rodney, there was time to admire the views across to Hotham Heights and the surrounding hills and to marvel at the remarkable engineering feat that this water race represents.
Beginning in December 1883, 120 men toiled for eighteen months, mostly with pick and shovel, to complete the project. Today “The Ditch” remains as an important monument to the district’s pioneers.
Morning tea was taken on the track and later the group enjoyed lunch and relaxed at picturesque Murphy’s Creek. As usual, there was plenty of chat and photography as they moved onto the Brandy Creek Mine access road and took a last steep ascent to the cars.
DAY 5 — Friday 4 March 2022
Two walks were on offer today both bearing the name “Dibbins Hut”- one was “long” – 15 kms and billed ‘hard’ and one was “short” – 10 kms and billed ‘medium’. The short one is also now called the Derrick Hut walk.
Dibbins Hut (long)
Only four of the campers were prepared to brave this 15 km walk that included a 1.5 km descent and ascent covering 1000 m.
The first few kilometres retraced previously walked ground. After a quick stop at Derrick Hut and meeting the first of the ultramarathon runners training that day, the team continued along a scenic ridge adorned by many beautiful gums. Martin was very surprised to meet a tiger snake – not because it was on the track, but because it was at shoulder height, as it chased the insects on top of the bushes. Thankfully, it moved on quickly.
The group then continued to begin the long descent down to the Cobungra River plains and the restored Dibbins Hut. Whilst the log hut heralded the chance for a few photos, it was the draw of a swim in the river that led to lunch being had, with an ice-cold restorative swim. It was here the walkers again met their ultramarathon runner, who had been up the other side and back and was on her way home. Who can really do that? She shared her photos of the brumbies but left with the walkers pondering changing their tactics and also attempting a run to the top of the hill – leading to much heavy breathing and a quick rethink. Then to their surprise two more runners emerged from the bushes, had a quick chat, and then trotted off to the ascent. Inspired by the feats of these newly made friends and after wetting their shirts, twice in 200 metres, the group attempted yet another jog along the plain.
A quick evaluation, though, highlighted the unenviable fitness of these marathon runners, and the walkers were happy now to just methodically climb out of the valley. Their new found friends had lightened the mood and the absurdity of their endeavours added to euphoria in the group, and made for a happy and laughter filled return journey back to the car-park for the last day of the camp. Thanks again Barry for an amazing walk filled with joy.
Dibbins Hut (short) AKA the Derrick Hut walk
Nine keen medium walkers joined the four (die) hard walkers to check out Derrick Hut and surrounds on a beautiful sunny day. The ‘hard’ walkers soon showed what they were made of and set off ahead as their goal was a good bit further and steeper beyond the medium walkers’ planned destination. The medium walkers made their way on a fire trail, then on paths past ski tows and way markers for cross country skiers, and past stands of wind stunted snow gums interspersed with wildflowers.
The modern Derrick Hut, complete with a loo-with-a-view made for a great rest spot. The hut is named after Charles Derrick a well-known local who unfortunately died after getting caught out in a snowstorm.
The group continued towards the steep valley where the others had gone ahead to see Dibbins Hut but this trek for the medium walkers was curtailed when leader Rob received a phone call from Barry (leading the hard walkers) to advise they had a close encounter with a large tiger snake.
Preferring to avoid any trouble the group turned back to Derrick Hut early. As consolation, Rob suggested a detour to Mount Loch which four of the group took up. It was a lovely hill with excellent views, a survey marker, diverse flora, and a far too friendly wolf spider. As usual the Razorback and Mt Buffalo range dominated the horizons. Returning to the cars the group had clocked up 15 kms on this 10 km walk.
END