Bushwalk Australia

Hi there folks,

Planning on doing my first overnight camp this weekend up in Warbuton on the Walk Into History Trail: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/__data/asset ... istory.pdf . However, as should always be done when preparing for a hike, I checked out the weather for the weekend and it is going to be 31 on Saturday and about 19 on Sunday. The CFA have deemed that Saturday is 'Very High' on the fire danger rating.

CFA: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-rest ... -district/

BOM: http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/melbourne.shtml

For those of you who have done plenty of hiking and camping in this sort of weather, is it still safe to do so? I'm keen to still do it, but I recognise the potential dangers involved.

Thanks in advance,

JS

I am not familiar with the country that you are walking in but just focussing on the temperature - The hottest part of the day this time of year tends to be later afternoon so if you can start and finish early on Saturday it should not be too bad. Based on your forecast it looks like it will cool down quite a bit overnight for a mild Sunday.

You also need to factor in water and access in case things go pear shaped but walking on a hot day is more about comfort than danger.

Edit to that - I am assuming you are sensible and well prepared and will not flout fire bans etc

The Yarra State forest forbids anyone to walk the trail on a Code Red fire rating day. I plan on starting my hike on Saturday morning at around 7:30. It's a 27km walk, so I should be finished sometime in the early afternoon.

It should be fine John. Use a fuel stove and light no fires.
There's a lot of days in Jan Feb part of the season that have the very high rating.
Just keep an eye (and a nostril) out for smoke. Look into your exit options before you go.
FWIW I think this applies where ever you go at this time of year.

Again just to the temp and not the fire risk: 31 degrees is fine. I've hiked in much hotter. As long as you have enough water and a good hat you'll be fine. If you are expecting to sweat alot perhaps also take a few electrolyte (salt) tabs (I use gastrolyte). idea being that drinking just water is not enough to replace what you sweat out...

And good luck - hope you enjoy your first overnighter!

That area is one of the wettest in Victoria, so no problems about water. Haven't been there this summer, but I suspect with a reasonable amount of summer rain, the Yarra Ranges rainforest ground and vegetation is still reasonably moist, and is not about to spontaneously combust. But there is always that element of chance....

Be aware that you will lose mobile signal as you drop southwards off the ridgeline at Starlings Gap, so probably a good idea to check fire conditions at that point with the CFA app http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/fireready-app/

Also, nasty fires in Victoria are generally propelled by a north wind, and fire moves much faster uphill than down. If there is a fire in the area, returning to Warburton may not be a good option. There is usualy a fair bit of traffic through Starlings Gap so you may be able to hitch a lift there in an emergency, or continue on to Powelltown.

ErichFromm wrote: As long as you have enough water and a good hat you'll be fine.

That area is so heavily timbered that a hat is almost not necessary.

I 2nd the gastrolyte option.

Agree with gastrolyte.

I have been using since recommended by paidal.

I would think 31C would be fine.

Appreciate all the helpful tips and advice. Will go out today and get some gastrolyte.

Cheers everyone

The cfa often say very high fire danger. Most days in summer there is but i wouldn't let if worry you unless a code red day. If its a code red day you probably wont enjoy the walk anyway. Stay safe.