Bushwalk Australia

Looking for an update re the sections closed on the SFT. Any intelligence on its current status would be welcome as trekking over from SA. In addition is there a phone signal down in the Megalong Valley?

Phil

I assume you have seen the NPWS alerts page
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/th ... cal-alerts

Seems like the closure will go to the 10th May. Could be longer though. Not sure I would travel 1400 km to do this walk particularly. Maybe consider some other options. BTW no phone signal in the valleys last I was there but it is available as you get some altitude in many places. Not that I would be checking regularly though. Mostly I turn my phone off when walking. One of the joys of being out bush and certainly one of the annoyances when someone's phone rings.

Agree that the six foot track isn't worth traveling interstate for.

I'd suggest doing the Mount Solitary traverse in the Jamison valley and Mt Victoria to Blackheath in the Grose Valley. Both trips are fairly easy tracked overnighters and you will see some of the best scenary in the blue mountains. Note there are some closures in the Grose valley as well.

Another option which is more of a challenge navigation (significantly) and terrain wise is Kanagara to Katoomba or vice versa. The further challenge with that one is getting to the start and picking your vehicle up at the conclusion of the walk.

Thanks for the input all above. A two pronged approach as came over to visit junior, so thought I’d do the walk as well.
Track closed after Alum Creek, so walked there and back. Intensive re routing and step building of a section between the Megalong Valley Rd and Cox’s camp. Only met two other walkers on the way so appreciative of the peace and quiet. Clear and very crisp nights with the heaviest dew/condensation I have ever encountered, one would have thought it had rained during the night it was so damp on grass, tent and foliage.
Think a previous party must have struggled and pulled the pin as I came across three discarded Target type tents and poles still in their bags. One along the track, one at the Bowtels Bridge, complete with a rolled CCF pad, one onion and a can of peas, with another at Cox’s CG.
What the!?
All in all a pleasant tramp. Will check out the Grose Valley etc next trip.
Phil

Double post

Congrats on making a new plan to walk despite the closures. Glad it was nice and quiet for you.

That is a bit creepy finding the abandoned gear.

I found a cheapie tent, a complete "kitchen" bag with plates, cups, utensils and even full size salt and pepper grinders on the side of the big "up" between Alum and Black Range when I walked it a few years ago too. I figured someone cracked the poo poos with their heavy load and ditched it, it was a weird find too.

someone cracked the poo poos

Never heard before but love it! Think there was a thread a while back where people posted about the strangest objects they’d encountered on their walks. The salt and pepper grinders would have to be up there with the best!

Phil

Could also be people who do not pack well and it falls off or out of their packs. Lots of inexperienced people do this walk. The K mart tents suggests newbies.

Granted Xplora but three maybe more than just misadventure