Buller Viking walk

[shanewh]

I have the following questions about the Cobbler/Viking region please -

What's it like up there at the moment? Does the veg appear very burnt? I'm having trouble keeping track now which parts of the country have been recently burnt.

What are the flies like at the moment?

Our car isn' suited to dirt roads so I'm thinking of parking at Buller? Does anyone know of anyone who can drop us near the Razor Viking circuit or Lake Cobbler?

Our route hasn't been decided yet but plan to spend about 5 days walking.
Thanks,
Shane.

[shanewh]

None of the 75 viewers to date know anything about the veg up around the Viking?

Bizarre. I blame Apple for keeping everyone indoors.

[eggs]

Safely ensconced in Adelaide.
However, you may like to check out this link - http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=15126&p=202111&hilit=viking+saddle#p202111

and http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=11520&hilit=viking+saddle

[CaptainC]

Parks Vic were going to spend a week track clearing the area in late April/ early May. I haven't heard how it went. Suggest that you ring the Parks information line on 131963 and ask to be put through to the Mansfield office.

[dplanet]

Another option is to drive in via Mt Stirling on the Circuit Rd. Is it doable on 2wd?

[shanewh]

Safely esconsed in Adelaide.
However, you may like to check out this link - http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=15126&p=202111&hilit=viking+saddle#p202111

and http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=11520&hilit=viking+saddle

Eggs I think you meant to write "ensconced", which means to reside in a comfortable and safe place. As for why one would roll their eyes at such a decision seems odd, especially one purportedly involved in a hobby such as bushwalking.
I know you meant well by providing those links but they're old and hence irrelevant. Maybe you should get out more often, away from that hip and happening place you have chosen to reside in?

Track clearing CaptainC? That's a bit sad. Such time and money would be better spent on on-ground weed control surely? Same old story.

Thanks for the idea dplanet; I'll have a look.

[stry]

Unless the track has deteriorated, just about any road going car, even if a little low, should be able to get to Lake Cobbler from the north. You may even be able to drive part of the way from Lake Cobbler to Mt Speculation nowadays - certainly not possible in a car last time I was there many years ago.

Access to Mt Buller is much easier.

The really big fires were 2003/4 and 2006/7, and some of the area that you are interested in copped it both times. There have quite probably been lesser fires since.

What are the flies like ?? At this time of year ?? Are you sure you're in Australia ??

[vicpres]

A 2WD should have no problems getting as far as King River Hut via the Stirling Ring Road. This option is better suited to 2WD than the northern route into Lake Cobbler, which is rougher and steeper.

The Viking area was last burnt in the 2006 Alpine fire. Re-growth was subsequently very vigorous however there has been clearance of the route done in recent years. Check out the AAWT section on John Chapman's web site for more information.

[north-north-west]

A 2WD should have no problems getting as far as King River Hut via the Stirling Ring Road. This option is better suited to 2WD than the northern route into Lake Cobbler, which is rougher and steeper.

Last time I was there, the road down to the river was badly eroded at the top. Drivable, but you'd want to be very careful taking a 2wd down it in the wet. Plus the bridge was under repair, although it was still usable. And the lower part of the Speculation Track is 2WDable also, but you wouldn't want to even think about trying to going up the Staircase, it's pretty rough these days.
I've always found the Cobbler Lake Rd to be in reasonable nick for a gravel mountain road. Bit narrow in places, but easier driving than the Stirling route.

[Drew]

An alternative is to drive in the Gippsland way, through Licola and start and finish the walk at Howitt Plains car park. This is accessible to 2WD. There is plenty of info and discussion of the circuit here: viewtopic.php?f=37&t=8355&hilit=wonongatta+viking