Helicopter Spur - Mt Magdala - Mt Buggery (3 day circuit)

[plottwisted]

Hi,
I posted a question some time ago for advice about possible routes around Helicopter Spur (see. viewtopic.php?f=37&t=18472&p=246914&hilit=helicopter+helicopter+spur#p246914)

I'm finally getting around to writing a trip report.

We completed a was a really fantastic route with stunning views and diverse walking. One of my favourite walks in the alps.

Day one, after a morning drive from Melbourne we parked the car at the base of Helicopter Spur, near corner of Bindaree Road and Howqua Rd. We found the start of the track up Helicopter Spur to the right of the drop toilet, however it's not marked and the lower sections of the track are pretty overgrown. The upper sections of the track involved some challenging rock scrambles and the route was unclear at times. However the scenery was stunning and rewarding. We eventually reached the top of the spur and intersected with the Bluff Track. We headed east pasted Picture Point and the turn off to the King Billy peaks where the route joined the Aust. Alps Walking Track. After passing Mt Marjorie, Mt Magdala and Hells Window we found a beautiful camp in a saddle under the gums. There is water in the Hellfire Creek which is a few minute walk down a track to the south. This is the first water available on day one. Note, the track splits to the west of Mt Marjorie and you can either take the high road over the peaks or the lower track which skirts along the north side of the peaks. We took the lower route which gave a stunning view of Hells Window from below. The two tracks re-connect a short distance before the campsite.

Day two we rose and decided to leave our packs at camp and head back to the where the tracks re-connected and walk up to Hells Window for a view from the top. We could have continued to the peaks of Mt Magdala or Mt Marjorie if we wanted, however we chose not to. After enjoying the views from Hells Window we walked back to camp and grabbed our packs. We then continued in a north-east direction past Big Hill and over Mt Howitt. We dropped our packs at the turn off for Crosscut Saw and took this stunning route to Mt Buggery. We then returned along this route to grab our packs and head to Vallejo Ganter Hut/Macalister Springs for camp. There was plenty of water available at camp.

Day three we retraced our route over Mt Howitt to the turn off for Howitt Spur. We returned to our car via Howitt Spur, Upper Howqua Walking Track. The return walk took about 4-5 hours so we were back home in the early evening.

Enjoy.
Kalu

[plottwisted]

View up Helicopter Spur

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View up Helicopter Spur

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Rocky crags on Helicopter Spur

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Hells Window from below

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Campsite night one

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Hells Window from the top

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Crosscut Saw

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Vallejo Ganter Hut

[neilmny]

Nice report and pictures thanks for posting.

[Maxp20]

Hi Plot Twisted, just wondering how long it took you from the base at the camping area to Picture Point? We're heading up that way this weekend and looking for a day trip somewhere.

Thanks