Looking for an overnight hike

[JohnStrider]

Hi folks,

Time for me to start extending my hikes from day hikes to overnight hikes, and eventually moving into multi-day hikes. I was looking at the Prom southern circuit, but I think that would be something for a little later on. Particularly as it seems like I would need to go on a 3 day hike to get the most out of it.

Anyway, open to any and all suggestions. I've got most of my essentials sorted (still waiting on my quilt from Mass Drop), just need to pick up a few other things.

Thanks in advance.

JS

[Lophophaps]

John, much depends on where you are. For example, if you are in Mildura then a walk in East Gippsland is not viable. Have you considered a base camp? This would sort out your gear and any shortcomings in a friendly manner. For an initial two or three day walk, there should be tracks most of the way, reliable water, free campsites, not too much climbing or descending, nothing too technical such as rock scrambling or river crossings, and good escape routes. I'm very conservative, and suggest that you be so as well until you have a good idea of your limitations. I'm not keen on The Prom as it is too regimented and too expensive.

The Grampians has heaps of walks. Snowy Plains, Bogong High Plains has some lovely flatish walks. Apart from these major areas just look at a guide book and pick a place.

[Hallu]

Being in Mildura would the best to start overnight walks, although not in summer. The mallee country, especially Murray Sunset, Wyperfeld and Hattah-Kulkyne has 2-3 day walks that are mostly flat, and only require limited navigation. If you live near Melbourne, I'd start with a walk in Brisbane Ranges, Lerderderg or the Cathedral Ranges. I think the easiest would be the 3 day walk in the Brisbane Ranges, but it's a one way walk so you need a shuttle.

For a good guidebook, go buy Weekend Walks Around Melbourne by Glenn Tempest. Regarding the Prom' (southern circuit), unless you're in a storm, it's not that much harder than the walks I've mentionned I reckon. Otherwise just walk to Five Mile Beach from Five Mile Road Carpark, it's easy as hell, straight on a 4WD track. You can see Vereker Outlook on the way in, and check out Miller's Landing (high tide is better) on the way out.

[neilmny]

If your looking for something simple to check out your gear, Mount Stirling is a very nice walk with great views and stacks of camping spots.

[JohnStrider]

Perfect. Thanks very much guys. Appreciate your suggestions and recommendations. Will have a look at Weekend Walks too.

Should have mentioned I'm located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

[Earwig]

The Prom Southern Circuit is best as a two night - three day walk. The hike in and out to Sealers Cove is a really good first overnighter though. Easy navigation, good campsite and no real hard walking.

[JohnStrider]

The Prom Southern Circuit is best as a two night - three day walk. The hike in and out to Sealers Cove is a really good first overnighter though. Easy navigation, good campsite and no real hard walking.

Thanks for that, EW.

[Eremophila]

Couple of sections of the Great Ocean Walk? You do need to book campsites and they're $30/night.
There's a private shuttle service which helps with access.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

Some people say Pretty Valley to Tawonga huts in The Bogong High Plains/Fall's Creek region is a suitable beginners'

overnight hike .It can be combined with a day walk to
The N*gg*rheads if you use the Tawonga Huts campsite as a base camp.
It is n't that far from the Pretty Valley car park. Even in Winter it is close enough to an exit point so
you can get out trouble in about two hours of walking .

[north-north-west]

The Baw Baw is a great intro to overnighting in the Vic Alps and not very far to drive. Go into the Mt Erica carpark and start from there, get yourself up to Pillock Saddle and then back the next day.
Wonnongatta Moroka is a bit further out but still a doable Friday night drive. Wellington River or MacFarlane Saddle into Tali Karng, or MacAllister Springs/Howitt/Crosscut from the Howitt carpark. Stirling's a good suggestion, you can walk as far as Craigs Hut quite easily and camp near there. Or even (for a harder walk) up Buller via the West Spur and camp on top (wonder if that's legal?).

[paidal_chalne_vala]

The Prom is a good place to start your overnighter hiking experiences. I am off to the Prom this weekend to walk the Little Waterloo Bay/ Refuge cove/ Sealers' cove circuit.

[PTC]

An easy hike we take the new scouts on is the Ada Tree. If you have two cars then hike down from Big Pats Creek near Warburton. Or start at Starlings Gap and do an overnight loop from there. Either end up in your car or hike all the way to Poweltown. Its only short hike which can be done in one or two days. Its about 90 mins drive from the eastern suburbs. Easy navigation, close to the 4wd tracks if you need to go out and get help and water from the river in the middle. Nice forrest to hike along with old logging ruins scattered along the track. Downside is it can be quite muddy and there are leaches all along there.

Here is the link to some info on it

http://www.experienceyarravalley.com.au ... powelltown

[JohnStrider]

An easy hike we take the new scouts on is the Ada Tree. If you have two cars then hike down from Big Pats Creek near Warburton. Or start at Starlings Gap and do an overnight loop from there. Either end up in your car or hike all the way to Poweltown. Its only short hike which can be done in one or two days. Its about 90 mins drive from the eastern suburbs. Easy navigation, close to the 4wd tracks if you need to go out and get help and water from the river in the middle. Nice forrest to hike along with old logging ruins scattered along the track. Downside is it can be quite muddy and there are leaches all along there.

Here is the link to some info on it

http://www.experienceyarravalley.com.au ... powelltown

Heading out next weekend and this trail looks perfect for camping but also as a practice run for the kilometres I'll be doing in NZ over the Xmas/NYE period later this year.

I think I'll start at Big Pats Creek, walk to the Latrobe River campground, camp there and then walk back to Big Pats Creek. Should be around 27kms in and another 27kms back out.

Looking forward to it