Mt Bogong, Overnight Backpacking, Grade 4, 20km

•  Length: 20km
• ·Duration: 2 days
• ·Grade: 4
• ·Style: Circuit
• ·Start: Mountain Creek Camping Area; 8am
• ·End: Camp Creek Camping Area. car shuffle required.
• ·Closest Town: Tawonga
• ·Location: Alpine National Park
• ·State: VIC

Mount Bogong.

Hike up the Staircase Spur, summit Mt Bogong, camp at Cleve Cole Hut, side trip to Howmans falls if hot/desired. Hike down the Eskdale Spur the following day.

Summary

At 1986 metres high, Mt Bogong is Victoria’s tallest mountain, dwarfing all its rivals. The Mount Bogong – Staircase Spur Trail is the direct route up, beginning at the Mountain Creek Picnic Area and ending at the summit of Mt Bogong.

The track to the summit begins at the Mountain Creek Picnic Area and follows a vehicle track to the foot of the Staircase Spur, where the ascent begins through a forest of Peppermint Gums. Bivouac Hut, about halfway along the climb, offers a welcome resting place before the track passes through Snow Gums and out onto the steep rocky ridge leading to the summit plateau.

From the summit, steeply descend via Eskdale Spur, via Michelle Hut to Camp Creek.

This is a challenging WALK that should not be underestimated. During the winter months you should consider this a Grade 5 hike.

During this day trek we will pass through the following huts for breaks.

• ·Bivouac Hut. Staircase Spur, approximately 6km from the trail head and 3km from the summit. This is a small hut with pit toilet but no water tank.
• ·Michelle Hut, approximately 2km from the summit down Eskdale Spur. This is a small hut with pit toilet and water tank.

Water - tanks should not blindly rely on it having water

Walkers must be self-sufficient with food, water, first aid and camping gear,

Getting there - The hike starts and ends at Mountain Creek Camping Area. From Melbourne, drive to the small town of Tawonga (4km north of Mt Beauty). From Tawonga, Mountain Creek Roads heads east for 10.5km to the camping area. There are pleasant campsites and a pit toilet here.

Mandatory gear - for Alpine hiking – head light, Rain gear, thermal top, sun hat, beanie, gloves, map, space blanket, extra snacks, personal first aid, water purification tablets

Mobile phone reception – Reception in spots

Track Description – Steep, Rocky, Rocky steps, loose leaves/sticks, exposed on summit, not all track is sign posted. The exposed treeless plain of the summit offers little shelter in poor weather. Strong winds, fog, freezing temperatures, rain and snow are all common at this altitude. Navigation can be extremely difficult in these conditions so we will turn back at the tree line if conditions are poor or deteriorating.

Total distance: 21402 m
Max elevation: 1975 m
Min elevation: 595 m
Total climbing: 1530 m
Total descent: -1530 m

Be Prepared - This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance. Not recommended for beginners.

https://mvb.org.au/index.php/risk-management/event-management#WhatToBring

 For information on what to bring,  grading of walks please click on event management link

https://mvb.org.au/index.php/risk-management/event-management

GRADE 4

Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited. 

Overnight Event Packing list

Current Medical Information Form Login first  and then it can be FOUND ON THE WEBSITE HERE 

• Bedding 
• Tent (sharing sections of the tent is an option)
• Sleeping Bag
• Bag Liner
• Mattress
• Pillow 
• Bed Clothing
• Thermals - top and bottom
• Second layer - top and bottom
• Warm Gloves beanie and dry socks
• Keep clothing in a water tight bag - zip lock - dry bags etc.. 
• Wet Weather / Cold
• Rain jacket
• Down jacket
• Fleece jacket
• Warm Gloves and Water Proof Over Glove plus a Benie or suitable walk hat.
• Essentials
• Tooth Brush and paste
• Any medication ( please inform leader if necessary Allergies etc)
• Personal first aid 
• Water to drink and prepare meal ( some locations and walks have water on site or en route )
• Leader should inform the group re water supply
• Tablets for water ( be safe rather than get a bug ) ( water purification tablets )
• Toilet paper and trowl to dig appropiate hole.
• Food
• Dehydrated food for weight considerations
• 3 Meals , plus snacks.  per day.  
• Stove (another item that can be shared) 
• Plate and cuttlery 
• Cup for warm drink  your choice
• Extra Items
  Fully charged and credit loaded up phone
  Camera
  The leader must take a rescue beacon
• The club has 1 Personal Locator Beacon and 1 emergency SPOT device and 3 First Aid Kits