Tingaringy & Errinundra for WalkersGradeModerate/Challenging.4 nights accommodation. 3 full days of walking including a challenging long day walk with steep uphill and downhill sections. An exciting new walking tour to explore Errinundra National Park during spring while Waratahs are still in bloom. Walk through tall forests of immense eucalypts and ancient ferny rainforest. Includes a long full day walk to the summit of Mt Tingaringy to appreciate views and spring wildlfowers. All walks with day packs only varying from 2-4 hours in duration to the full day walk taking in the beauty and atmosphere of this remote and special part of East Gippsland. The pace will be leisurely with lots of time to stop and discuss many aspects of this magnificent and diverse environment. Day 1: Melbourne passengers depart Spencer Street Railway Station, Melbourne City at 7.47am for the train journey east to Bairnsdale, arriving at 11.30am. Here you will be met by your tour guide. Joining time in Bairnsdale is 11.30am with lunch together nearby in Bruthen before we drive to Orbost where you will see the Snowy River, quiet and sluggish as it nears the sea. Today is a travelling day as we make our way into remote areas of East Gippsland. Settle in for an afternoon of travelling as we follow the Bonang road, winding slowly up into the mountains through ever changing forests. Reaching The Gap Scenic Reserve you are likely to get your first glimpses of the beautiful crimson blooms of the Gippsland Waratah (Telopea oreades). As the afternoon draws to a close, we have crossed into New South Wales to the small country town of Delegate. Here the hotel with it’s classic country atmosphere will be our base for the next three days.Day 2: Today we have a full day to explore Mt. Tingaringy. Whether we walk to the summit of Mt Tingaringy or walk in the forests on the lower slopes around the mountain will depend largely on the weather conditions on the day and track access. Mt Tingaringy is the most easterly peak in the Alpine National Park. At 1448m, the summit is not high enough to be classified true alpine, however snow falls in winter and it supports sub-alpine vegetation of snowgums and heath with wildflowers featuring on both the summit and lower slopes in spring. If weather and track conditions permit us to attempt the walk to the summit, we will be walking along a Four Wheel Drive Track which climbs 450m in elevation to the summit, returning by the same track.... downhill all the way.(Full Day Walk, approx 18km return climbing 450m in elevation) As we walk the forest type changes with the elevation. On a clear day the 3600 panoramic views from the summit are stunning, Mt Kosciuszko, The Cobberas, and Errinundra plateau. This is rugged dry country, much of it very difficult to access, so spare a thought for the early surveyors as I tell tales of their work in the area.(If we are unable to attempt the walk to the summit we will get in a full day of walking on tracks walking through a range of forest types around the lower slopes of Mt Tingaringy approx 16-18km return) Return to Delegate and a hearty hotel meal.Day 3: Today we drive into Errinundra National Park for another full day of walking. The elevated Errinundra Plateau is dominated by tall wet eucalypt forests, much of it old growth forest including some specimens many hundred years old, sometimes occurring over an understorey rainforest forming what is known as “mixed forest”. In Errinundra National Park we commence today with a walk along Aspens Battery Track (5-6km, approx 2 hours) where we walk through forests of changing eucalypt types.Gaze up at tall Errinundra Shining Gums and Alpine Ash, admire the buttressed trunks of very old Peppermints and dazzling white-trunked Mountain Gums. After lunch our walk continues (6km approx 2-3 hours) to complete a delightful loop walk along Goonmirk Rocks Road and following Rooty Break track beneath Errinundra's old growth forests of immense Shining Gums where ancient Mountain Plum Pine is also found growing to a size unknown elsewhere. Feeling a little weary after a full day of walking and exploring Errinundra National Park, one of East Gippsland’s hidden gems, relax in the vehicle on the return drive to our accommodation.Day 4: Packing up and leaving Delegate we drive back towards Errinundra National Park for a day combining short - medium walks. Start with a very pleasant walk along Errinundra Road which takes you through a pristine part of Errinundra National Park in the Brodribb River Catchment. (up to 7km, approx 2 hours) Here you will enjoy magnificent treeferns beneath stands of tall forest, usually boasting good shows of Gippsland Waratahs in Spring. Meet the vehicle and drive on into Errinundra National Park.One of the unique features of Errinundra Plateau are extensive areas of Cool-Temperate rainforest, where Southern Sassafras and Black Olive Berry become the dominant canopy with an understorey of ferns and mosses. Although much of the rainforest in inaccessible, a wonderful boardwalk has been constructed along a margin, giving a glimpse of life in this ancient type of rainforest. This short walk (approx 40 min) is an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in the cool-temperate rainforest. Comprehensive interpretation boards are provided and you are encouraged to take your time and absorb the forest at your own pace. If time permits after lunch, we may take a short walk up Mt Morris, (2km return, climbing steadily up and descending on return) for views across the mountains towards Mt. Tingaringy. If the views are obscured by low cloud, you will find ample consolation in the typically "Errinundra" atmosphere of tall forests shrouded by mountain mists. Late afternoon sees us travelling down south through the National Park close to Mt. Ellery and returning to Goongerah and Orbost. At the end of a very full day, we arrive in Orbost and our Motel accommodation for the night.Day 5: This morning a leisurely start and a morning to walk around Orbost with a mix of culture and nature. Our wanderings will take in Orbost’s Sensory Gardens, some historic sites and the banks of the Snowy River where you can learn of the restoration works in progress. We conclude at the new Orbost Exhibition Centre which is the permanent home of the Australian National Collection of Wood Design. The gallery also features a monthly exhibition of art works by local artists plus a display of woodwork including fine furniture pieces. Leaving Orbost we travel to Nowa Nowa to puchase lunch and the opportunity to tour another gallery featuring tree root sculptures and gemstones or take a short walk, before we leave. Arrival time in Bairnsdale is around 3pm and Melbourne, approx 7.30pm. Accommodation3 nights hotel accommodation at Delegate (basic country hotel with shared bathroom facilities), and 1 night motel accommodation in Orbost.
Tingaringy & Errinundra for WalkersGradeModerate/Challenging.4 nights accommodation. 3 full days of walking including a challenging long day walk with steep uphill and downhill sections. An exciting new walking tour to explore Errinundra National Park during spring while Waratahs are still in bloom. Walk through tall forests of immense eucalypts and ancient ferny rainforest. Includes a long full day walk to the summit of Mt Tingaringy to appreciate views and spring wildlfowers. All walks with day packs only varying from 2-4 hours in duration to the full day walk taking in the beauty and atmosphere of this remote and special part of East Gippsland. The pace will be leisurely with lots of time to stop and discuss many aspects of this magnificent and diverse environment. Day 1: Melbourne passengers depart Spencer Street Railway Station, Melbourne City at 7.47am for the train journey east to Bairnsdale, arriving at 11.30am. Here you will be met by your tour guide. Joining time in Bairnsdale is 11.30am with lunch together nearby in Bruthen before we drive to Orbost where you will see the Snowy River, quiet and sluggish as it nears the sea. Today is a travelling day as we make our way into remote areas of East Gippsland. Settle in for an afternoon of travelling as we follow the Bonang road, winding slowly up into the mountains through ever changing forests. Reaching The Gap Scenic Reserve you are likely to get your first glimpses of the beautiful crimson blooms of the Gippsland Waratah (Telopea oreades). As the afternoon draws to a close, we have crossed into New South Wales to the small country town of Delegate. Here the hotel with it’s classic country atmosphere will be our base for the next three days.Day 2: Today we have a full day to explore Mt. Tingaringy. Whether we walk to the summit of Mt Tingaringy or walk in the forests on the lower slopes around the mountain will depend largely on the weather conditions on the day and track access. Mt Tingaringy is the most easterly peak in the Alpine National Park. At 1448m, the summit is not high enough to be classified true alpine, however snow falls in winter and it supports sub-alpine vegetation of snowgums and heath with wildflowers featuring on both the summit and lower slopes in spring. If weather and track conditions permit us to attempt the walk to the summit, we will be walking along a Four Wheel Drive Track which climbs 450m in elevation to the summit, returning by the same track.... downhill all the way.(Full Day Walk, approx 18km return climbing 450m in elevation) As we walk the forest type changes with the elevation. On a clear day the 3600 panoramic views from the summit are stunning, Mt Kosciuszko, The Cobberas, and Errinundra plateau. This is rugged dry country, much of it very difficult to access, so spare a thought for the early surveyors as I tell tales of their work in the area.(If we are unable to attempt the walk to the summit we will get in a full day of walking on tracks walking through a range of forest types around the lower slopes of Mt Tingaringy approx 16-18km return) Return to Delegate and a hearty hotel meal.Day 3: Today we drive into Errinundra National Park for another full day of walking. The elevated Errinundra Plateau is dominated by tall wet eucalypt forests, much of it old growth forest including some specimens many hundred years old, sometimes occurring over an understorey rainforest forming what is known as “mixed forest”. In Errinundra National Park we commence today with a walk along Aspens Battery Track (5-6km, approx 2 hours) where we walk through forests of changing eucalypt types.Gaze up at tall Errinundra Shining Gums and Alpine Ash, admire the buttressed trunks of very old Peppermints and dazzling white-trunked Mountain Gums. After lunch our walk continues (6km approx 2-3 hours) to complete a delightful loop walk along Goonmirk Rocks Road and following Rooty Break track beneath Errinundra's old growth forests of immense Shining Gums where ancient Mountain Plum Pine is also found growing to a size unknown elsewhere. Feeling a little weary after a full day of walking and exploring Errinundra National Park, one of East Gippsland’s hidden gems, relax in the vehicle on the return drive to our accommodation.Day 4: Packing up and leaving Delegate we drive back towards Errinundra National Park for a day combining short - medium walks. Start with a very pleasant walk along Errinundra Road which takes you through a pristine part of Errinundra National Park in the Brodribb River Catchment. (up to 7km, approx 2 hours) Here you will enjoy magnificent treeferns beneath stands of tall forest, usually boasting good shows of Gippsland Waratahs in Spring. Meet the vehicle and drive on into Errinundra National Park.One of the unique features of Errinundra Plateau are extensive areas of Cool-Temperate rainforest, where Southern Sassafras and Black Olive Berry become the dominant canopy with an understorey of ferns and mosses. Although much of the rainforest in inaccessible, a wonderful boardwalk has been constructed along a margin, giving a glimpse of life in this ancient type of rainforest. This short walk (approx 40 min) is an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in the cool-temperate rainforest. Comprehensive interpretation boards are provided and you are encouraged to take your time and absorb the forest at your own pace. If time permits after lunch, we may take a short walk up Mt Morris, (2km return, climbing steadily up and descending on return) for views across the mountains towards Mt. Tingaringy. If the views are obscured by low cloud, you will find ample consolation in the typically "Errinundra" atmosphere of tall forests shrouded by mountain mists. Late afternoon sees us travelling down south through the National Park close to Mt. Ellery and returning to Goongerah and Orbost. At the end of a very full day, we arrive in Orbost and our Motel accommodation for the night.Day 5: This morning a leisurely start and a morning to walk around Orbost with a mix of culture and nature. Our wanderings will take in Orbost’s Sensory Gardens, some historic sites and the banks of the Snowy River where you can learn of the restoration works in progress. We conclude at the new Orbost Exhibition Centre which is the permanent home of the Australian National Collection of Wood Design. The gallery also features a monthly exhibition of art works by local artists plus a display of woodwork including fine furniture pieces. Leaving Orbost we travel to Nowa Nowa to puchase lunch and the opportunity to tour another gallery featuring tree root sculptures and gemstones or take a short walk, before we leave. Arrival time in Bairnsdale is around 3pm and Melbourne, approx 7.30pm. Accommodation3 nights hotel accommodation at Delegate (basic country hotel with shared bathroom facilities), and 1 night motel accommodation in Orbost.