On this trip we make a couple of new friends: Mts Kelly and Burbidge, both 1700+m mountains of southern Namadgi National Park with spectacular views over the nearby area. Normally a hike through thick scrub, hopefully the recent fires will make going easier.
We take a route similar to John Evans, starting from the Yankee Hat carpark, up the Burbidge spur then across to Bogong Gap where we will camp. According to John, water was available not far from the saddle. Depending on time, we summit Kelly and Burbidge separately with day packs on Saturday afternoon and/or Sunday morning. On Sunday if we are feeling good I'd like to try returning via the ridge to Yankee Hat, otherwise we return the same way we came. Distances: about 10km each day with full packs, plus another 2km return for each of the summits. Altitude: about 600m from the carpark to campsite, plus another 200-300m for each of the summits.
Please be aware of risks associated with hiking in recently burnt areas. We will camp in clearings to avoid falling trees; please also avoid standing under big dead leaning ones! Water may be muddier than usual. While a friend at Icon Water says their data are looking generally good, it might be worth bringing a water filter if you have one.
Since I haven't hiked this route before, I'm looking for people with previous overnight bushwalking experience who can take care of themselves. One or two fit enthusiastic beginners might be OK - contact me if you're unsure. When you sign up, please indicate
- your previous bushwalking experience, if I haven't hiked with you before. If you don't write this I'll reject your registration.
- whether you have a car
- which suburb you live in, to organise transport
- if you do have a water filter, just in case we need it
I'll be applying for a camping permit for the Bimberi Wilderness about a week before the hike, so sign ups by then will be preferred. I may bump some people off the registration list to balance experience or to ensure enough cars.
Official club COVID rules are still to not share tents or stoves. Please organise this gear yourselves. Without needing to organise shared gear I don't see much reason for a pre-trip meeting. Instead I'll just be in touch about where and when to meet for Saturday morning (I'll be stuck southside without a car so would like someone to pick me up!). When packing please be aware that we won't be camping right next to water (so bring enough water carrying capacity for what you need) plus our camp will be quite cold, easily zero degrees and possibly negative overnight (so bring warm clothes!)
See trip description