Mt Byron - Dianas Bath hike

[gbagua]

Edited.

[tomh]

I have walked the area but have never come across any detailed published information; Bushpeople's Guide just acknowledges the route on page 110. To take that route you will need maps Mount Byron (9443-41) and Lacey's Creek (9443-42). Mount Byron has the gantry (705 029), walk back down the road to A break then take K break (roads; condition unknown) and this will take you close to the falls region at about 691 005. Off-track from then on. Dianas Bath is at the southern edge of the map at easting 66 and to get there from Byron Gorge you will need the Lacey's Creek map also but cannot help you with that route as have always approached Dianas Bath from the top of Mount Byron. Navigational skills required. Watch the time also, this will most probably take more than a day. (grid refs. are from my edition 1 of the map which is Horizontal Datum not GDA94)

[gbagua]

Edited.

[FatCanyoner]

I am not quite sure about the meaning of those num. 705 029, 691 005.

They are grid references for the topographic maps.

I don't know the area, but I'd suggest you pick up some maps and learn the basics of navigation before walking off-track. Even when using a GPS (or iPhone) you should have paper maps / compass as a back up (and know how to use them), just in case you end up with flat batteries or a lost / broken device. It seems there are a steady stream of people requiring rescues these days because they try walking with just a smart phone...

[gbagua]

Thanks but not me. I have been hiking, rock climbing and mountaineering since I was 10 years old (originally from old Europe). Australian bush is a lot different than those wild open landscapes I grew up with. Yes, definitively will get a map of the area but didn't know what the numbers were. I still use my common sense are read the terrain when I go hiking

[cookie-monster]

gbagua, would be great if you could post a trip report/photos of your hike when you get round to doing it. would love to know what that walk is like as i have 4x4'd there many many times but never been on foot there. hopefully soon

[gbagua]

Yes, I will upload the gpx file at Every Trail.

Cheers.

[gbagua]

Edited.

[tomh]

There is/?was an old vehicle track to near the top of Mt. Byron and but it's off-track down to Dianas Bath.
Can't answer your timing question - never used the road approach to Dianas Bath.
I recommend splitting your intentions into two day-walks - Mt. Byron/ Dianas Bath and Falls/ Byron Gorge. Both have off-track sections but in using grid references and marked vehicle tracks on the topo maps mentioned you must have the maps in front of you plus an ability to find grid references (eg '602 456') on those maps. Let us know when you do. The Mount Mee forest trail and drive map is useless for our purposes.
You used to be able to 2wd to the foot of Mt. Byron but since a storm about two years ago the state of Mt. Mee roads is unknown and their current state for vehicle use should be checked with QPWS.

[cookie-monster]

^^^ i cant speak for that road in particular, but as a keen 4x4 i can say the roads in mt mee are so graded now ( after being closed for years) that a smart car could use them. on the website they advised me that all are open but i cant speak from experience on that particular road. other 4x4ers have told me the same.. i drove past on the bitumen the other week and saw an Audi driving the mt mee section so that should tell you its pretty damn graded lol great for people in 2wd vehicles to access the bush walks, crap for us who love 4x4ing there too

[gbagua]

Edited.