Hotham Huts hike. Derricks/ Spargo's/Silver Brumby huts

[paidal_chalne_vala]

Hi
I am looking at doing a quick overnight walk along the Hotham huts track as a circuit from Davenport fire trail or starting at The Mt. Loch Carpark. The First Sunday and Monday in June will be the dates. I assume carrying snow chains up to Mt. Hotham could be wise in June. What is Spargo's hut like for pitching a tent for the night next to it?. I think there is a stream for a water source nearby. Any additional information will be welcome.

[neilmny]

PCV carrying chains is a good idea.
I think there is an issue with camping at Spargo's in that, if I recall correctly, it is in the Mt Hotham resort boundary and camping is not permitted.
But then again????

[paidal_chalne_vala]

Hi
Derrick's hut is also within the resort boundaries too. People have camped there in summer and snow camped there in Sept./Oct.The Ski season does not start until Mid. June.If one sets up a camp at JB hut and just did the huts hike as a day walk with an early start, then that could work too. I am still thinking about going UP the Diamantina spur . I have gone down it and now going UP it is on the list but the weather in early June could be cool and clear or just feral and nasty.

[neilmny]

Derrick's is just inside the boundary and a short wander towards Dibbin's would be out of the resort.
You would be pretty stiff to get sprung out there anyway. Not that I advocate disobedience

[Lophophaps]

Providing one is discrete, it's possible to camp nearly anywhere. I cannot see any problem with a leave no trace walker camping at Derrick or Spargos. PCV, discrete means no big fires, no explosives and no fireworks. A combination is also frowned upon.

[neilmny]

If you do succumb to temptation PCV and get sprung, don't let on your ardent opposition to their proposed new walk as it could turn ugly

[Lophophaps]

If you do succumb to temptation PCV and get sprung, don't let on your ardent opposition to their proposed new walk as it could turn ugly

Totally agree. It's important to delegate, perhaps to people like this:

FHAC opposition team.jpg (36 KiB) Viewed 11943 times

[paidal_chalne_vala]

JB Hut located is outside of the resort. I have not been there for years. Please jog my memory as to whether there is a water tank at JB hut or not. I seem to remember that there was one there.From JB Hut one could just drive back up to the parking spot near the trail head and visit Spargo's hut that way , without the huge overnight pack.
As a Oz Alps hut fancier I do need to inspect these huts before the resort opens for business and we will all have to pay to drive up there.

[neilmny]

Yes PCV it has a water tank.

Come to think of it there is something strange about JB...this side is corrugated iron and the other side is clad with vertical boards
(Both photos taken the same day within minutes of each other.)

JB Hut.jpg (196.88 KiB) Viewed 11906 times

JB other side.jpg (187.66 KiB) Viewed 11906 times

[paidal_chalne_vala]

JB Hut for walk in camping here I come and a day walk to Spargo's hut. A plan is forming!

[Lophophaps]

JB Hut is close to the resort and on a resort track. You might get day trippers, and I'd set up camp in late afternoon, after the day trippers are gone. I never feel comfortable leaving a tent up where day trippers can easily visit. I've had two nasty experiences, and in one case we moved camp due to feeling unsafe.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

Yes, you are right, JB Hut is not very remote. I think I will chance it with camping at either Derrick's hut or Spargo's hut and set up later in the day . The Hotham Huts circuit is about 18 kms in total so breaking it up into 9 kms per day would be easy , weather permitting. There is a small soak near Derrick's hut which one can use a pump up water filter to obtain water.

[stry]

I think the water tank at JB has been "de commissioned" or has no tap or something similar. Perhaps to discourage overnighters or whatever. I wouldn't rely on it for water. So close to the road it's easy enough to carry some as insurance.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

I have snow camped at Diamantina hut before so in my experience the Resort don't police one nighter campers setting up here and there. The snow gum meadows near Derrick Hut are very nice for setting up a tent.Anyway the Mt. Hotham resort does not officially open for business until the following weekend.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

The recent snow and a good weather window has me heading for MT FT via the Bungalow spur this weekend.The Hotham Huts hike will have to stay in my In tray until further notice.