Cleve Cole Memorial Hut via Eskdale Spur- grade 4, 16km

Length: 14km return

• ·Duration: 9-10hrs
• ·Grade: 4
• ·Style: return
• ·Start: Camp Creek Camping Area
• ·End: Camp Creek Camping Area
• ·Closest Town: Tawonga
• ·Location: Alpine National Park
• ·State: VIC

Mount Bogong 

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.

Walk is via the Eskdale Spur, via Michelle Hut to Cleave cole for lunch return the same way.

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

• ·Michelle Hut, approximately 2km from the summit down Eskdale Spur. This is a small hut with pit toilet and water tank.

Note: Huts in alpine areas are intended for emergency use only and you should not plan to sleep in them or use the emergency firewood.

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.

For walk grades click here.

For what to bring click here.