Bushwalk Australia

Hi there
I'm doing a 4/5 day loop around Mt Bogong next month. Starting at Falls Creek, heading out to Ropers Hut, Cleve Cole, Mt Bogong, Quartz Rdige. We intend to camp at Bogong Creek Saddle on the third night and then ascend back to the cars at Falls Creek. I have a couple of questions

- which route is better from Bogong Creek Saddle - the Big River Fire Trail/Timms Spur one or the Grey Hills/Spion Kopje?
- can Bogong Creek Saddle accommodate a few tents and where is the nearest water?

Many thanks

LAMEA-Gals wrote:Hi there
I'm doing a 4/5 day loop around Mt Bogong next month. Starting at Falls Creek, heading out to Ropers Hut, Cleve Cole, Mt Bogong, Quartz Rdige. We intend to camp at Bogong Creek Saddle on the third night and then ascend back to the cars at Falls Creek. I have a couple of questions

- which route is better from Bogong Creek Saddle - the Big River Fire Trail/Timms Spur one or the Grey Hills/Spion Kopje?
- can Bogong Creek Saddle accommodate a few tents and where is the nearest water?

Many thanks

Timms Spur is the one with the Crows Nest on it right?

I've done that and it's not too bad. Lots of regrowth but nothing too gnarly. It's less of a track and more of a pad though.

I was walked the Grey Hills and Spion Kopje from Bogong Creek Saddle back in March.

There is room for many tents on the saddle, though if you felt that the helipad should be kept clear there might only be room for a few. You could pitch a tent or two just down by the creek as well.

I thought the Grey Hills was a great route, though they are still suffering from the last fire. A sense of direction for the last leg to Spion Kopje is handy as the foot pad was quite faint.

I haven't done the other suggested route so not sure how they compare.

Good Luck, its a beautiful area.

Did near enough to this circuit in November 2013 except started and finished at Howman's Gap. Camped on the Helipad with no worries. Water is in the creek at the saddle 100m away from the helipad. Grey Hills are the pick imo.

icefest wrote:

LAMEA-Gals wrote:Hi there
I'm doing a 4/5 day loop around Mt Bogong next month. Starting at Falls Creek, heading out to Ropers Hut, Cleve Cole, Mt Bogong, Quartz Rdige. We intend to camp at Bogong Creek Saddle on the third night and then ascend back to the cars at Falls Creek. I have a couple of questions

- which route is better from Bogong Creek Saddle - the Big River Fire Trail/Timms Spur one or the Grey Hills/Spion Kopje?
- can Bogong Creek Saddle accommodate a few tents and where is the nearest water?

Many thanks

Timms Spur is the one with the Crows Nest on it right?

I've done that and it's not too bad. Lots of regrowth but nothing too gnarly. It's less of a track and more of a pad though.

Nope, Crows Nest is on the Grey Hills route.
The track gets cleared every couple of years as a rule. Condition varies from a braided pad to a very obvious but narrow track.

Timms is the ridge east of the Big River. Easier walking but, unless you cut off the fire trail and go over the top of the ridge itself, not as much fun or as scenic. On that loop I'd do the Grey Hills route.

Camping is better at the helipad just up the fire trail from the creek, but don't pitch until getting on for dusk, just in case. Still plenty of room at the official campsite, but. Water is from the creek - it'll be flowing nicely this time of year.

Are you're going down Duane Spur, it might be a good idea to check with the rangers beforehand and find out what the river level is like and whether the chain is in place. The spring thaw can set that thing flowing hard and fast. Be prepared for an awkward crossing.

Thanks for all those replies - fabulous - looks like Grey Hills is the go. I'm also assuming the creek everyone refers to near the helipad is the one to the west or is very obvious from the campsite?

I'll contact the rangers about the chain crossing at the base of Duane Spur.

LAMEA-Gals wrote:Thanks for all those replies - fabulous - looks like Grey Hills is the go. I'm also assuming the creek everyone refers to near the helipad is the one to the west or is very obvious from the campsite?

I'll contact the rangers about the chain crossing at the base of Duane Spur.

Once you come off Quartz Ridge, you will cross the creek before you start walking back up hill to the helipad. From memory I think you walk along the side of the creek a little while before you cross it.
Have a great walk.

Just got back from this walk. It was a fantastic loop and we did the Grey Hills route as suggested by other forum members. The track was a little vague going up Mt Arthur but once on the Grey Hills Spur it was clear and very enjoyable. After climbing the Crowsnest the track stops (a couple of cairns here and there) but essentially you head SW avoiding a steep creek and then make a straight line to the firetrail on Spion Kopje. In fine weather no problem.