Bushwalk Australia

Hi,

We're planning 3 days in the Walls at the end of November (hiking in from the car park at the end of Mersey Forest Road, then using Wild Dog Creek as a base camp). Could anyone give me an idea as to how busy it is likely to be then - especially the platforms at WDC (we'll be there on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday) - and the likelihood of snow at that time of the year? (I'm aware that we should expect anything at any time and will be prepared for all conditions but just curious as to the likelihood of snow at that time).

Thanks!

Cheers,

JB

In 2006, the 5 days 3/11/06 to 7/11/06 inclusive, shows a total of 31 parties commencing a walk.
85 people.
It can get busy.
We were 4 of them.

OK, sorry to scare you off.
Have a read of this post and you will understand why there were so many people...
Runners, support crew, media, maybe spectators too...
We didn't know.

Anyhow the weather we had was good - got a bit of rain one day but overall quite acceptable. Still can get cool at night up there but a fantastic place.
If you are only going for a few days you should be able to get a pretty good idea of the weather forecast before you head in, if there is any uncertainty you can gear up for anything. And the advantage that if it does pack it in and you decide a retreat is prudent, half a day and you're at the car. Don't wait for the snow to get a foot thick before retreating, it could get a lot thicker by the time you're on your way. But snow like that is unlikely and such a storm would show up as a possibility on the forecasts.
Camping availability - the logbook near the start is going to be your best guide (or the number of cars at the carpark).
There are other areas where a camp is possible, some areas are off-limits to camping due to regeneration or possible degradation of sensitive areas. Best to check with the ranger that looks after that park - I think it's Mole Creek.

Hey Adam,

Thanks for your response, much appreciated!

As soon as I read the first part of your response I Googled "Mark Weber Challenge" to check the dates for this year - fortunately (at least for walkers after some peace and solitude ), there is no Challenge this year. Must have been a bit of a shock for you guys! For us, it would've been like doing a coastal walk along the Northern Beaches here in Sydney on a weekend - people everywhere, shark patrol helicopters .... not what we're after in the Tassie wilderness!

Will check with the rangers to determine other camp sites should WDC be full (we're hoping the fact that we'll be there on a Sunday and Monday night will reduce the risk of this).

Will also be checking the weather forecast in advance. (I read somewhere else that Liawenee is the closest point to the Walls - just a little warmer and drier).

Can't wait! (We're also going to Cradle Mountain, BOF and Freycinet Peninsula).

Cheers,

JB