Snowy River National Park 15/16th Nov 2014
Friday
We intend to set off early Saturday so please try to get there on Friday arvo. Let me know if you cannot make it so we can organize to meet Sat morning.
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Arrive at my place Friday and setup camp.
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Short brief about trip on Friday night, tea, fire, few drinks all fun.
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I have decided to change the camp area to the bottom of our property for more space. It is flatter and sheltered from the wind. Will update photos shortly.
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I have also hired a porta toilet from Coats which will be there for all to use. If you want I would love it if each one of you could dip in $15ea to cover the cost of it. Other than this there is no cost at all. I think it is best for the girls/kids and it is too far to our house for number 2s. There will be plenty of fire wood and a generator if required. Obviously as mentioned before you will need to bring your own food, drink, camping gear and 4WD.
Saturday. Up early...
I have uploaded 3 files.
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Map outlining the trip and its direction.
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Jacksons crossing over the snowy.
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Haunted Stream
Dedick Trail The trip starts from Buchan which is about 45 mins from My place. It is all black stuff north till we hit a little town called Seldom Seen (when you get there you will know why it is called Seldom Seen) From there we turn off onto Mickillops Rd (Marked as red on the map) This is dirt road but some caution is required along here as there is steep drop offs on the side of the road (no barriers) and it is in most places only one car width wide. Some amazing views from this road. After we cross the Mckillops Bridge we come across the Dedick trail on the right. This is approx 2.5 hours from my place. If we leave camp early we should have all day to travel on Dedick Trail and some of its side tracks. The Dedick Trail is marked in black on the map. At the end of the Dedick Trail we hit Yalmy Rd, this is a good dirt road and we stay on this until we get to the Varneys Track.
Jacksons Crossing After Yalmy Road we turn off on Varneys Track. This takes us down some hills into the snowy valley. I have included a map of the Snowy river crossing. This is quite easy when the river is low however it can be tricky. We will try to mark the crossing out the week before we do the tirp. We went out there a couple of weeks ago and in was not passable. But by Nov it should be ok and only 300mm or so average depth. The crossing needs to be taken seriously though as it has its dangers. If you are not confident on this crossing ask one of us to go across with you. It is daunting when you head out into what seems way too much water even if it is shallow. My son Joel and I know the crossing qute well, we will do it first then come back and take about 5 across at a time. After the crossing we head back to Buchan on the Jackson Crossing Track, we stay on this until we get to the Running Creek Track (marked as Green on the Map) This is steep and rocky but should be fine in dry weather (great fun when wet) At the end of the climb back out of the valley we return to Buchan on the Basin Rd. Depending on time we will divert for more tracks closer to home then eventually back to camp at my place.
Sunday. Up whatever time and packup.
Leave our place and head to Haunted Stream. I have marked the track as black on the map. This is about 45 mins from my place. We go through some private property for a while then make our way down into the valley. Please note this is not really a place for a camper trailer. So if you are bringing one you should leave it at my place then return to my place to pick it up. The track can be difficult at times but mostly simple. Heading into the valley the track has many large drop offs that are almost straight down for 100 meters or more. Once down to the stream it involves MANY crossings (40+) so please if you do not want to get your 4X4 wet do not come on this trip. You have been warned. It is one of my favorite tracks of all time. The scenery is magnificent and lush forest surround us everywhere. We should be back to Bairnsdale for lunch however I would pack lunch in case we take longer than normal. Those who want to head off early can do so from Dawson City (the end of the track) and work your way back to Bairnsdale or Stratford. If you have trailers you can follow me back to my place and head off from there or you can stay Sun night and head off Monday morning that is up to you which way you go.
You can call text or email me on the following.
Mobile: 0488 115 653
Email: dave at 4wdtrip dot com dot au
Requirement