TR- Mt Bogong Overnight

This weekend past a mate and I opted for a change of scenery. Foregoing the usual drive west to instead, traveling into the more mountainous regions to the east. The Alpine National Park makes up .... of Victoria and the highest of its peaks is Mount Bogong, colloquially known as "The Big Fella"

Packs on backs at 10 am we left mountain creek campground. Our plan was to take the "Stair Case Spur", summit, trudge to Cleve Cole Hut and then return via the Eskadale Spur. Perhaps a little ambitious given our starting time but we neither of us would like to deny a challenge.

Making pace we reached the Stair Case. This route follows a steep ridge on which one must negotiate a number of large 'steps'. More appropriate for a giant we would find ourselves climbing steeply to a thankful rest which comes just when you think it's getting too tough...

The weather at this point was lovely... Beautiful and sunny, light winds and warm temperament. This would change....
Lunch was had at Bivouac hut, where we met our first snow.

The hut itself offers shelter to those in need, with a burner and water from the tank. Unfortunately, some rather disrespectful individuals have decided it may be better used as a urinal and left the inside smelling absolutely atrocious... Perhaps this is a deterrent to stop "light weight" campers...?
The snow thickened along the path and the trees thinned. The huge mountain ash were soon replaced by snow gums and small shrubs

As we reached the tree line things began to change... The wind picked up and so too did the cloud.... We were yet to notice the temperature.

Passing the alpine poles were came across the Gadsen Memorial. Not far from the summit this is dedicated to three skiers who perished here in the winter of 1943

With bad weather slowing our progress we decided to leave the summit for morning. Camped just below we bunker ed down...

It was cold, very cold.....

This decision was not disappoint. The uncomfortable nights sleep was rewarded with some of the most amazing views Victoria has to offer :-)

 

But all good things must come to and end so we packed up our camp and made our way down... Still...

Mount Bogong is Victoria's largest mountain. Nothing by "real" mountain standards however the climb is steep and requires a good deal of fitness, yet it is an enjoyable undertaking. As a day hike it is certainly possible, climb the Staircase Spur and return the same way. A circuit (overnight) can be done (as we did) with the addition of Eskadale Spur. This track is much steeper then the Staircase but not as long. It should be noted that being in an "alpine" environment one should expect snow and bad weather at any time of year. That said, we highly recommend this walk to anyone looking for a little more adventure a little further from Melbourne :-)


Images Copyright of J. Chiew 2012