Fire and Flood Explorer
Queens Birthday Weekend...
Peter Bladin and Catherine Lander are taking a long weekend journey into the High Country, starting near Mansfield and visiting Huts and areas damaged in the fires and floods. And, some high altitude that offers a good chance of snow.
Trip Classification: Medium, weather dependant of course, or depending on the previous night.
Meeting Point: Sheepyard Flat 8.45am for a 9.00am departure, Saturday 7 June.
Drive to Mansfield, then east towards Mt Buller for 19 km to Merrijig, 1 km out of town turn south along the Howqua Trk. Drive for 20 km along this road, cross the Howqua river bridge into Sheepyard Flat and turn right to where we shall meet.
Maps: GPS System, Rooftop's Jamison – Licola or Vic Topo 1:50000 Howitt – Selwyn and Tamboritha – Moroka.
Essentials:
UHF Radio channel 15. Vehicle in good working order, front and rear recovery points, snatchum strap and shackles, recovery gear, spare vehicle parts, all terrain tyres at the very least and fuel for 300 km from Mansfield to Melbourne. Clothing to cover dry, wet and cold conditions. Water for dry camp and vehicle if needed. Food and drink, first aid gear and personal medication if needed.
Vehicle Limit: Eight vehicles in total, no trailers.
Trip Notes:
Day one we will travel from Sheepyard Flat to Kellys' Lane, passing through Bluff Hut, Lovicks', King Billy, Howitt Hut, and Caledonia. Kellys' Lane camp is at 1365m elevation.
Day two we travel from Kellys' Lane to the Macallister River, passing through Dingo Hill, Caledonia River and Butcher Country. Macalister River camp will depend on how the day's travel goes.
Day three we will travel from the Macalister River to Bull Plain Rd and then onto Primrose Gap and then home, via Licola or Matlock, time dependant or for those who wish to choose their own path home.
PS: Bring a sense of humour or a RD fire in a can.
Trip Leaders: Peter Bladin and Catherine Lander
Signups & more information
Members please log in and use the link at the bottom of the page to signup. You can also sign up via the Trip Book or by email to trips@rangeroverclub.org.au. Enquiries to trips@rangeroverclub.org.au.
Bluff Hut: The Easter fires last year caused extensive damage to the High Country huts. Some are still off-limits, but the restoration work continues.
Macallister River: November 2007 saw the river turn into a raging torrent. Debris left by the flood is still everywhere.
Macallister River: Many of the river crossings have been changed from the force of the flood.
Track damage: A "hole" new level of challenge to enjoy.
Come and see for yourself... signup now!