Upper Yarra Track Update

 

Diminutive Thomson River
Diminutive Thomson River

After camping the night in the Block 10 Rd (Toorongo), we headed off along Newlands Rd towards Mt Whitelaw Hut (ruins) to investigate the section of the Upper Yarra Track which we wanted to ascertain was ‘clear’. This road is pretty much the most beautiful road in Victoria: an easy and pleasant walk (turn back when you feel like it, or camp out in a sunny spot somewhere on the many crossings of the diminutive Thomson River, or at the trout-filled dam just off it to the North about two km in).

 

 

Diminutive Thomson River.
Diminutive Thomson River.
Frangipani Saddle. Sign reads AWT 3km thataway! Skull of lost walker...
Frangipani Saddle. Sign reads AWT 3km thataway! Skull of lost walker…

The track leading from the Saddle is a little overgrown but easy enough to follow as there is a gap between the trees – and others have clearly walked it (albeit irregularly). Unfortunately some distance up the ridge above the Frangipani Saddle we encountered blizzard-like conditions. Della started to become very cold (and wet) so we decided to turn back and returned to the car, somewhat wearied after an approx 18-20 km walk! http://www.finnsheep.com/THE%20UPPER%20YARRA%20WALKING%20TRACK.htm

Lunch: Frangipani Saddle.
Lunch: Frangipani Saddle.

We lunched at the spot where the track diverges from the road, Frangipani Saddle under the excellent shelter of a giant myrtle beech. It is approx an 8 km walk from the gate to this spot. It is another 3km (according to the signpost) to the intersection with the Alpine Walking Track along the top of the Baw Baws, and a further approx 2 km (East) to the Whitelaw Hut ruins (chimney and foundation), a good camping spot with water.

Newlands Rd.
Newlands Rd.
Newlands Rd.
Newlands Rd.
Many large granite tors are a feature of the Baw Baws. This is a small one.
Many large granite tors are a feature of the Baw Baws. This is a small one.
Diminutive Thomson River: numerous small trout abound.
Diminutive Thomson River: numerous small trout abound.
Start Newlands Rd: Off we Go!
Start Newlands Rd: Off we Go!
Tiny was cold and tired.
Tiny was cold and tired.
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