Bushwalk Australia

Hi
I am considering trekking up Helicopter spur soon before the new year starts. Has anyone recently found water in Hellfire creek? That is the most important factor regarding whether I hike up Helicopter spur this month and camp near Hellfire creek or just stick with the longer Howitt spur . There is usually reliable water at MacAlister springs .

8-9 Dec 2015, we went out and back to Mt Spec - plenty of water at Mac Springs (and Camp Creek, below Mt Spec).

However, although we didn't go to Hellfire Ck, I spoke to a guy who had just come from Mt Clear the day before (intending to camp at Hellfire Creek). Finding no water at Hellfire Creek, he pushed on to Mac Springs - adding about 5km to an already long day.

I know it rained all night of the 7th and most of the next day but the amount wasn't all that much. The small depression beside my tent was damp but no puddle. Since then, the BoM shows 11mm at Mt Buller on Sunday 20th.

Conclusion : probably some water at Hellfire Creek - but be prepared to push on to Mac Springs if necessary. It's a good walk in either direction and the saddle at Hellfire Ck is a great camp.

I think I will just stick with the Howitt spur track this time.

I think you'll be fine for water at Hellfire after today's rain. There was also 10mm or so at Buller on Monday.

There are two easier routes up that bluff than the one you're on, Bernie.

north-north-west wrote:There are two easier routes up that bluff

.... but, NNW, that's the best bit

We went up there to Hellfire creek and the trip report is in that section of this website.

bernieq wrote:

north-north-west wrote:There are two easier routes up that bluff

.... but, NNW, that's the best bit

True.