Introduction Wander across alpine meadows with summer wildflowers at your feet, enjoy the stately snowgums, sculptured by the wind and from lofty peaks- gaze across a sea of mountains.
The superb ridge-top walk along the Razorback to the summit of Mt. Feathertop and return is tackled as a long day walk (22km), so you do need to be fit. Alpine National Park walking at its best.
Carry only a light day pack on this and other walks as our overnight accommodation is in a cosy ski lodge at Dinner Plain Village.
Add some interesting local history especially around Omeo and a visit to a boutique winery and you have a really memorable walking holiday.
Itinerary Day 1 - Mon Melbourne passengers depart Spencer Street Railway Station, Melbourne City at 7.47am for the train journey east to Bairnsdale, arriving at 11.30am. Here your tour guide will meet you. Joining time in Bairnsdale is 11.30am with lunch together nearby at the township of Bruthen. After lunch we set off to travel a picturesque route along the Great Alpine Road, which follows the Tambo River to Swifts Creek. Rich in history, we will enjoy tranquil river scenes and hear tales of days gone by. At Cassilis, once a prosperous goldmining settlement visit the Mt. Markey Winery, producers of award winning cold climate wines, an excellent fruity honey mead and Stout. We will also begin to see evidence of the summer 2003 bushfires and take the opportunity to discuss how different vegetation types have their own system of regenerating. See nature dealing with the "disaster" very efficiently, the regeneration is healing the scars quickly. We drive on up into the mountains, arriving at the unique Dinner Plain Village late afternoon. Here the distinctly Australian buildings, inspired by early cattlemen's huts, blend harmoniously with the surrounding snowgums. Settle into our rooms at Currawong Lodge with time before dinner to stroll around the village taking in the variety of unique architecture. (LD)
Day 2 - Tue Today's walk is a good "warm-up" for Thursday's big walk and offers a good variety of scenery as you familiarise yourself with the mountain environment. The walk to Mt. Tabletop is 12 km return on a narrow, sometimes rocky walking track with both uphill and downhill sections We walk off from Dinner Plain and will take lunch with us making it a leisurely walk of around 5 - 6 hours return. Mt. Tabletop is a distinctively flat plateau in a largely untracked area at the headwaters of the Dargo River. The walk takes us through a lovely alpine snowgrass plain and follows a narrow but well-defined walking track through snowgum woodlands and up the long gradual ridge to the summit. A splendid place for some solitude and to absorb the serenity of the mountains before the return walk. After returning to Dinner Plain mid afternoon, free time to relax at the lodge or wander around the village. (BLD)
Day 3 - Wed Today is an easier day to enjoy short to medium length walks as we further introduce you to the ecology of the Alpine area. This morning we follow a management track out to Mt Loch (8km return walk on a rocky track, gentle gradients) Weather permitting you will have breathtaking views of surrounding mountains including Thursdays destination, Mt. Feathertop. Look too at how the bushfire burnt some patches here and left others. Many plants will be exhibiting profuse flowering following the fire. Return to Mt Hotham village for lunch and this afternoon a couple of short walks and some history. We visit and discuss the habitat of the Mountain Pygmy Possum (Burramys parvus), Australia's only Alpine dependent mammal and our only true hibernator. A short walk takes us to the summit of nearby Mt. Hotham where you can take in the expansive vista before you, range upon range of mountains extending as far as the eye can see. Return to Currawong Lodge for the evening meal and a relaxing evening in the spacious lounge. (BLD)
Day 4 - Thu Rise early for breakfast and pack your lunch, drinks and coat in a daypack ready for today's adventure. A short drive past Hotham Heights is the set off point for our Mt. Feathertop walk. We will be walking what is known as the Razorback Track, arguably the most scenic high ridge in Victoria, if not Australia. Most of our walking is above the tree line and there will be some Alpine Wildflowers to enjoy along the way. The total distance of the walk from the carpark to the summit and return is 22km, following a rocky, narrow, but well used walking track. Walking time is around 8hrs that does not include our lunch break or time at the summit for photos, so this will be a very long day! (Usually 9-10 hours) The Razorback Track is an undulating track following the ridge so there are both uphill and downhill sections along the way and the last km to the summit involves a steep climb. The 360o views from the summit (Elevation 1922m) are nothing short of spectacular! Spend some time here to absorb the panorama around you before our return walk. (See also notes following itinerary). Tonight, after dinner, treat your tired muscles to a relaxing soak in the large spa at Currawong Lodge. (BLD)
Day 5 - Fri A leisurely start today and an easier day as we head homeward. Give the legs a stretch on a short walk before we depart, then after an energetic and memorable week on the "roof" of Australia, relax in the vehicle for the drive back to Bairnsdale, stopping on the way to explore historic Omeo where you will purchase your own lunch. Time in Omeo to look around the town and take in the local history at the interesting Historic Park. Arrival in Bairnsdale is approx 3 pm and Melbourne approx 7.30pm. (B)
Graded: Moderate/Challenging Classic lodge accommodated walking tour, includes a challenging long day walk. Walking on the roof of Victoria with a lovely balance of short and half day walks, although the highlight is a challenging full day walk to Victoria's second highest peak, Mt. Feathertop (1992m).
Accommodation 4 nights lodge accommodation at Currawong Lodge, Dinner Plain in twin-share or double rooms, each with an ensuite.
Meals: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Group size: Limited to 10 participants led by 2 bushwalking guides.
Important Notes
1. This trip is subject to the influences of mountain weather. Changes to the itinerary may occur at any time in response to weather conditions or ability of participants to cope with the terrain. Alpine weather is very unpredictable. The walk to Feathertop along the Razorback is very exposed and could be quite dangerous in poor weather conditions.
2. Difficulty Level. In bushwalking circles this walk is usually graded Moderate. I feel that Challenging may be a better description for less hardened walkers. Your fitness is important!
3. It is important you give serious considerations to a regular program of walking in preparation for this trip. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it. A suggested minimum program in the month prior to departure would be- Daily walks of around 2 km, with a longer walk (10km minimum) once a week. Try to include hills (steps help too) and uneven ground if possible.
4. Detailed pre-departure notes including suggested packing list will be provided approx 3 weeks prior to departure.
