Submitted by Mika Kontiainen on
Despite its somewhat unwelcoming name, this is overnight autumnal bushwalk in the northern reaches of the Jagungal Wilderness Area of Kosciuszko National Park is of moderate difficulty and suitable for beginners. Starting at Round Mountain trail head (~1600m) on the Tooma Road the proposed route goes south west and takes in the length of Cool Plain and the head waters of Ogilvies Creek. It then proceeds to the summit of Mt Toolong (1669m) and south and west along the length of Hell Hole Creek to the Tooma River before returning north to the Tooma Road at Tooma Dam trail head (~1220m) by way of the Dargals fire trail and Pattons Hut. Most of the walk is easy going either along open, grassy sub-alpine valleys or fire trails, with the notable exception being the descent of Hell Hole Creek where it plunges off an alpine plain towards the Tooma River. This section, where the creek drops about 180m in 3.5km, includes a magnificent and unusual set of cascades and waterfalls which, along with alpine meadows, snow gum forests and mountain views, is a highlight of the trip. Aside from a short side trip (no packs) up Mt Toolong (an ascent of about 120m through mild bush), this trip involves few ascents and none of 100m or more. Map: Toolong Range 1:25,000. Distance: 26km.
This trip is suitable for reasonably fit beginners. Depending on your level of fitness, your experience and the weather, this trip is probably of about moderate difficulty. Weather is the big variable. Being early autumn in the high country (we’ll mostly be at elevations of 1300-1600m above sea level) the days are likely to be mild and cool (say about 10-15 degrees) while the nights will probably be cool to cold (say about 0-5 degrees). Snowfalls are possible but unlikely.