Track from Hobart to the Snowy Range

[alliecat]

From the ABC today: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-15/new-walking-track-study/3950870?section=tas

Has anybody heard anything about this?

[iaindtiler]

Havn't heard about this one at all, but can't say i'm in the loop anyhow. Interesting idea, though other multiple day walks would come well before this proposed track for myself. Iain

[stepbystep]

Details are sketchy, there's a rather large article in the mockery today, with an exceedingly bad map!

Mixed feelings, I was up Mt Styx yesterday which gives a unique view of the area.

Very exposed in winter and in the article it says it would be an all season walk. Bob Brown has been talking this up for years. It would be quite popular I would think as it is very accessible to Hobart visitors.

[Strider]

Some good debate around this on Nick McKim's facebook page.

[Strider]

It would be quite popular I would think as it is very accessible to Hobart visitors.

If we have issues with the underprepared on the OLT, just imagine the idiots that would attempt this one...

[pazzar]

The view immediately east is not exactly awe inspiring, but it's a great way to showcase our forestry! I think we should leave it alone. I was up in the snowys on Tuesday in snow and no visibility. Luckily I had the gear with me, but or the underprepared tourist, it could be deadly.

[ollster]

OK, seriously, who keeps coming up with half cocked ideas for new tracks that basically go through very average territory? I WANT ANSWERS!

[doogs]

OK, seriously, who keeps coming up with half cocked ideas for new tracks that basically go through very average territory? I WANT ANSWERS!

I heard the Parks staff think tank uses a complicated method for brainstorming. They each drink a 6 pack of beer put a blindfold on and then each person throws a dart at a map of Tasmania. Then they use a pen to link up the points et voila a new track plan. This is only hearsay though
A walking track near Hobart would be great but what would the best option be?? I don't know, but at leadt folk are thinking about it

[tastrax]

Strange that this track did not get a mention in the most recent state government trails document?

http://www.development.tas.gov.au/__dat ... rategy.pdf

[Miyata610]

Strange that this track did not get a mention in the most recent state government trails document?

http://www.development.tas.gov.au/__dat ... rategy.pdf

But it's five years old.

[tastrax]

Thats right but that track idea has been round for years. It just never gets any traction from any interested parties

[tasadam]

Thats right but that track idea has been round for years. It just never gets any traction from any interested parties

Of course nothing happens. We're in Tasmania. Everything takes time and must have at least three times any project's worth spent on feasibility studies at the expense of Parks staffing, hospitals, etc.
How long have they been talking about a Mt Wellington chairlift or cable car, and still no closer (thankfully IMO).
Rant over.

[Ent]

Simple why things take a long time, easier to say no than make it happen. Making anything happens will upset some people so do a feasibility study, develop an impossible set of requirements and nothing happens.

[Stoneycreek]

I've heard one of the reason this track is proposed is that it would utilised existing tracks, eg white timber trail, and this concerns me as the mob who is funding it say that the feasibility study is only going to look at it being a walkers only track, which might mean the track would restrict access to people who currently use it for example trail riders and mountain bike users.
I might be barking up the wrong tree seeing that this is bush walking forum ;-P but I think this proposed track would be of greater enjoyment to tourists and local alike if it (or parts of it ) were designed from the start as a multi user trail.

Have other users had much experience with multi user track and the like?

[stepbystep]

I've heard one of the reason this track is proposed is that it would utilised existing tracks, eg white timber trail, and this concerns me as the mob who is funding it say that the feasibility study is only going to look at it being a walkers only track, which might mean the track would restrict access to people who currently use it for example trail riders and mountain bike users.
I might be barking up the wrong tree seeing that this is bush walking forum ;-P but I think this proposed track would be of greater enjoyment to tourists and local alike if it (or parts of it ) were designed from the start as a multi user trail.

Have other users had much experience with multi user track and the like?

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9470

The Snowy Range would struggle to support shared use and I don't think any walker would be happy sharing a track with a trail bike...

[Stoneycreek]

Sorry not trail bike riders , I meant Horse trail riders and I agree re the snowy ranges, some environments are barely suitable to walkers let alone horse or bicycle.

I'm thinking multi use along the west wellington range and back of lonnavale.

[stepbystep]

Sorry not trail bike riders , I meant Horse trail riders and I agree re the snowy ranges, some environments are barely suitable to walkers let alone horse or bicycle.

I'm thinking multi use along the west wellington range and back of lonnavale.

I'm with ya there for sure

[Tortoise]

I heard the Parks staff think tank uses a complicated method for brainstorming. They each drink a 6 pack of beer put a blindfold on and then each person throws a dart at a map of Tasmania. Then they use a pen to link up the points et voila a new track plan.

By George, he's got it!

[scrub boy]

It's got nothing to do with Parks. I first heard this idea proposed by the Greens as a use for some of the IGA agreement money.

[mjdalessa]

It would be quite a desirable headline I imagine: "*x politician* boosts employment and pulls the tourists with new walking track."

Doesn't matter if we enjoy it or not, it will fix all the states problems!!!

[Stoneycreek]

OK, seriously, who keeps coming up with half cocked ideas for new tracks that basically go through very average territory? I WANT ANSWERS!

while a strong advocate for the track stated " along the East-West Trail which offers magnificent views & a real wilderness experience"

outside of its accessibility to Hobart, what would the proposed track offer bush walkers? I haven't walked any of it, is it any (any of it) good?

[Strider]

OK, seriously, who keeps coming up with half cocked ideas for new tracks that basically go through very average territory? I WANT ANSWERS!

while a strong advocate for the track stated " along the East-West Trail which offers magnificent views & a real wilderness experience"

outside of its accessibility to Hobart, what would the proposed track offer bush walkers? I haven't walked any of it, is it any (any of it) good?

East-West Trail is a fire trail and the most boring walk on Earth.

[stepbystep]

OK, seriously, who keeps coming up with half cocked ideas for new tracks that basically go through very average territory? I WANT ANSWERS!

while a strong advocate for the track stated " along the East-West Trail which offers magnificent views & a real wilderness experience"

outside of its accessibility to Hobart, what would the proposed track offer bush walkers? I haven't walked any of it, is it any (any of it) good?

East-West Trail is a fire trail and the most boring walk on Earth.

If you know what you are looking for there are some very interesting spots this trail gives access to, but ultimately pretty average by comparison to other places. The Snowy Range however is fantastic walking.

[Strider]

If you know what you are looking for there are some very interesting spots this trail gives access to, but ultimately pretty average by comparison to other places. The Snowy Range however is fantastic walking.

Absolutely some good side trips. But the trail itself is nothing special.

Where is the access point for Snowy Range?

[ILUVSWTAS]

Lake Skinner would be the main one. There's also a track to Nevada peak. Or a track to Snowy north from the Maydena side.

[stepbystep]

Where is the access point for Snowy Range?

There are several, all via Forestry roads.

Snowy Nth - off Ted Ransley Rd
Nevada Peak - Maze of FT rds, best passed on via PM, or buy 'The Abels Volume 2'
Snowy Sth - Lake Skinner Track.

Nevada Peak is the pick IMHO especially if done as a circuit with Woolleys Tarn.

[walkinTas]

So, basically if you had a walk from Hobart to the Snowy Range and then on to Maydena, and another walk from Mt. Field to Lake St. Claire, it would be possible to walk from Penguin to Hobart. (Edit: Not quite the length of Tasmania, but ...)

[Strider]

So, basically if you had a walk from Hobart to the Snowy Range and then on to Maydena, and another walk from Mt. Field to Lake St. Claire, it would be possible to walk from Penguin to Hobart. (Edit: Not quite the length of Tasmania, but ...)

I shouldn't say it but through the Denisons would be the logical route for such a walk...

[ILUVSWTAS]

I shouldn't say it but through the Denisons would be the logical route for such a walk...

Why not? After all it's been done before.