Bushwalk Australia

Sat 15th October 2016. We left Deloraine with plans to drive to the Lake Ada Car Park and walk to Talleh Lagoons, have lunch and return for a night at the recently opened Thousand Lakes Lodge at Lake Augusta. On arrival at the dam wall at Lake Augusta we discovered that Parks had not yet opened the boom gate below the spill way. We turned our vehicle around and drove back to the Thousand Lakes Lodge, checked in for the night's accomodation and met our friendly hosts for the night, Marcus & Lynette. We were offered the use of a mountain bike each to ride to the Lake Ada Car park and then commence our planed walk. With a very strong and chilly wind blowing we rode the bikes across the dam walk getting drenched by the water spray from the lake and leaning our bikes into the wind to remain upright. Carrying our bikes around the boom gate and riding on towards the spillway we soon discovered the reason for the boom gate being closed - water flowing across the road and had been for some time, the water depth indicated, quite a lot of the road had been washed away. End of plan one.

Back at the lodge we returned the mountain bikes and plan two came into operation.

A hike to see Allisons Hut with its recently repaired chimney. We followed the old 4WD track, taking off our gaiters, boots and soxs for the first creek crossing and pushing on to the Ouse River some 90 minutes further on. The Ouse River was flowing very fast and quite deep, so with only about a kilometre to go to reach the hut, we decided to find a sheltered spot, eat our pre-packed lunch and to then return to the warm fireplace and great company at the Thousand Lakes Lodge. Our hosts welcomed us back with a glass of champagne and we enjoyed the glowing warmth from the giant fireplace (the best way to finish any hike). Relaxing in one of the luxurious leather couches with the now warm sun shining though the windows, choosing a record from the vinyal LP collection from 50s & 60s, putting together the 1000 piece jigsaw, reading a magazine or book or joining in the conversation with our most welcoming hosts and fellow guests, were all options we had for the remainder of the afternoon. At the end of the day we enjoyed a sumptious three course meal and a cosy bed. We will be back to attempt both option one and two again.


We certainly recommend starting or finishing your hiking experience in this beautiful alpine country with a stay at the Thousand Lakes Lodge.

Thanks for the heads up. I was supposed to be headed in there next week, but plans may have to change now.

Pazzar wrote - "by pazzar » Mon 17 Oct, 2016 2:45 pm

Thanks for the heads up. I was supposed to be headed in there next week, but plans may have to change now"

I suggest you give Parks office a call later in the week. I know they have it on their radar to have the gate opened as soon as possible.
Hope it is ready for you next week. Cheers Snowball1

Good to see the rebirth of Bernacchi's, even if it is as a private venture.

Just to give an update- the gate has now been unlocked to Lake Ada. Not sure if they will open the gate to Talleh Lagoons any time soon. Still lots of water on the track, and the creeks are quite high. Lots of water sitting around too, so lots of mozzies!

Ada road has been open for a couple of weeks and is in good nick, especially the section around the spillway. All other tracks in the area are still closed. Surprised that Pillans hasn't been opened but - it's perfectly walkable and I'd have thought 4wds could do it easily (except the Julian Lakes crossing on the northern branch; that would drown any vehicle on the market.)

It looks like the bitumen on the Lakes highway may be extended north. They're still only in the prepatory stages but the work they're doing is more than is usual just for grading.