This will be an overnight bushwalking to involving of track walking to 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. Given the elevation and of track walking this trip is only suitable for people who have been on overnight walks previously, and ideally have walked off track.
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!
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
I'll be applying for a camping permit for the Bimberi Wilderness on Thursday so sign ups by then will be preferred. I may bump some people off the registration list to balance experience.
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 Saturday (likely early, probably 7am at uni). 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!)
The current long range forecast has a bit of rain on Saturday and a fine Sunday. If the forecast worsens this trip may be cancelled late in the week.
Yankee hat carpark, cross the plains to Middle creek, up middle creek to the South fork junction, then up the spot towards My Burbidge. Drop off the spur below the 1500m contour towards the creek and follow that to Bogong gap to camp. Side trips up mt Kelly and Mt Burbidge if time permits. Return via same route, or possibly down and over Yankee hat then back to the cars.