Howmans Gap to Spion Kojpe

[wazzawalkin]

I am planning to walk a 3 day loop of the Bogong high plains starting at Howmans gap, crossing Rocky Valley creek and up onto Spion Kiopje.
Then walking accross the High Plains to Frying Pan spur and back down to Howmans Gap.

I have been advised the bushfire re-growth has taken over the track up the spur onto Spion Kojpe. If anyone walked that track this summer I would appreciate their observations.

Thanks, Wazza

[kanangra]

Mate I did that spur back in Nov. coming the other way and it was fine. Clear as you like. The creek isn't that easy to cross. There was a loose board when I went through. There is then a narrow foot track that goes up steeply for a way over many fallen logs before it breaks out onto the Fire Trail which although steep is clear all the way to the top.

K.

[wazzawalkin]

Thanks Kanangra,
I had expected a steep climb and I am pleased to hear the track is still visible
Cheers,
Wazza

[Drew]

I'm trying to plan a route for a 3 day hike in that area myself, so just wondering if you could give a few more details on this route? I can't seem to find Frying Pan Spur on my map. If you could give me a few more features/track names along your route and tell me where you camped it would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Drew

[wazzawalkin]

Hi Drew,

I am not sure if your question was directed at me or Kanangra, also I have not walked it yet this a planned walk for early April.

My walk is based on the Howmans Gap, Cope Hut walk from Tyrone Thomas’s 70 walks in Victoria’s Bright and Falls Creek districts.
Assuming you have a map I will just list the high lights.

Starting at Howmans gap you head through the camp, across Rocky Creek, up the Spur, past Spion Kopje and finish the day at Johnston’s hut.
Day 2 follows the AAWT to Cope hut.

On day 3 follow the AAWT to Cope Saddle hut then head north towards Pretty Valley Hut. From here he mostly followed roads down to upper portal of the Mt McKay power station and out to the cars at Howmans Gap. However I believe he has an error in his distances for day 3 and it’s really 5km longer than he listed. So my thought was from Pretty Valley hut follow the roads and a bit of cross country to Frypan Spur and back to Howmans Gap.

Frying Pan Spur track runs generally south from near Howmans Gap and comes out on the north east side of the ski lift area. It should be marked on you map.

If you don’t want to do the big climb on day 1 you could do a loop starting near the Rocky Valley dam wall, up Heathy Spur and coming back via Pretty Valley huts. It’s up to you how you fill in the bit in between

Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Wazza.

[Drew]

Hi Wazza, thanks for that description. My question was for either of you really, as I wasn't sure if you'd done the walk yet. I've only really been looking at the area north of Falls Creek, so that's why I couldn't find Frying Pan Spur.
I think we're keen to do a walk that includes Mt Bogong this time around, but that looks like a good route to keep in mind for future walks.
Cheers,
Drew

[hadders]

Hey Guys,
Just wondering if you have walked this track recently and how accesible it is?
Coming next week with year 12's.
Cheers

[wazzawalkin]

I had planned to do it in late March, but other commitments got in the way
Lets us know how you go.

Wazza.