Bushwalk Australia

Hi all

This is my first post to this forum.

I'm planning an overnight from Running Creek Reserve to Tobacco Flat and return next weekend (5-7 Dec) - leaving the car at Running Creek Reserve.

Having car camped and walked the first hour or so of the River Walk and also the Feeder Track, I was hoping I could get some information on the length of both these tracks as planning to walk up the river walk one day and then back down the feeder track the next day. Any track notes or recent experience would be great. Planning this as a family trip, note that we are experienced (adults a bit rusty) and well equipped walkers in the Bogong High Plains area (multi day hikes).

Have put in a call to the DSE, still awaiting a reply.

Any help would be appreciated.

Tim

Easy to walk from Running Creek to Tobacco in a day. No big climbs. Good foot pad/track although blackberries may be pushing in in a couple of spots.
Kids, depending on age, could be a bit weary at the end of the day.

I'm always a little unsure when people refer to two tracks. I know of only one. It is possible to follow bits of the river bed, but calling that option a track is wee bit optimistic in my opinion.

The main foot track runs on the true left of the river, comes close to the river in places, and swings 100 to 200 metres away from it in others. This track finishes at Wares Flat, where it intersects the 4wd track/road which comes down from Fry's and then climbs up onto the ridge above the Howqua.

You can follow the 4wd track for the k or so to Tobacco, or wander up the river flats, crossing the river if it's low enough. Much of Tobacco (and Wares for that matter) is private property, but you shouldn't have any difficulty finding a suitable camp site. The true right of the river, between Ware's and Tobacco, is popular for camping.

That bit of country sees a lot of activity hunting deer with trailing hounds, but the season for that has now closed, which should make your weekend somewhat quieter

Just a quick note to say that we didn't get too far towards our goal of Tobacco Flat.

Arrived Friday night in the dark at Running Creek and set up tents, to discover that one tent was missing a pole - don't trust your teenager to 'check' everything is there!

After that minor setback, it rained in the early morning to the extent that our other hand-me-down snow tent proved leaky, mats and bags also wet. After rising and eating breakfast in the drizzle, we opted for car camping and a day walk. Our gear was too wet, or incomplete to trust to a long walk in the very dodgy weather.

The day walk proved enjoyable and mostly we walked (strolled really) in bare feet, thongs or Tevas as we cris-crossed the river in ankle to knee deep water. After about 10 crossing we turned back, the weather turning again. On the way back the sun broke out and we stopped for lunch and pretended we deserved our scroggin. At this crossing we broke out the rods we carried in and tried to catch the large carp I spotted 100 meters up the stream from the crossing - no luck - they didn't like our trout spinners (and there were no trout to be seen).

Returning to Running Creek (3 hour round trip) my wife tripped into the water and was soaked - which was ok, as it turned into a swim/bath!

Weather continued to worsen in the afternoon and despite the drying of out gear (mostly) while were walking, the further rain again made the old tent wet and consensus was a later afternoon pack up and back to Melbourne via the worthwhile kebab joint in Mansfield.

Stats:
Time away from home 29 hours
Time spent driving: 6 hours (give or take)
Time at camp site (including walk): 23 hours
Time walking: About 3-4 hours

Was it worth it? Yes. Will I return to complete what we planned: Yes.

The part of the track we walked was easy to follow, and very scenic. Those who chose bare feet tired of the stones in the river (not sharp but hard work and a bit slippery) so I recommend you walk in shoes or as I did Tevas. We carried our walking boots but did not put them on - might be a different story to walk the whole length and with a heavier pack.

If you want any further details on the above let me know.

The local DSE guy (Tim Vardy) was helpful and returned my call and answered my lame questions!

The best plan is often to modify your plans to the situation so that you come out happy to return another day. Sounds like a fun trip.