Safest easiest multi day hike

[Evie87]

Hi,

I want to spend some time hiking. I'm not as fit as I would like to be. I'm youngish (28!) I did smoke, till recently. I have mild asthma, and just finished backpacking Cambodia for a month so I've done a hell of a lot of stairs and walking. I have done 2 day hikes in groups,(My difficult/grampians) but would like a chance to walk alone.

I'm looking for somewhere easy, where its possible to camp, easy exit points. High probability of meeting other hikers, easy terrian. Good for beginners. I know day hikes would be optimal. But I prefer to be "walking somewhere" and camping along the way.

Or am I asking for too much cotton wool? ^.^

[Eremophila]

Hi Evie,

The Great Ocean Walk meets your criteria:
- easy terrain
- plenty of other hikers (you need to book campsites online)
- plenty of exit points
- well-appointed campsites: large shelter for cooking/hanging out, toilet, water tank, good tent sites.

Have a look at the FAQ's booklet on this website which is very helpful: http://www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/g ... toceanwalk

Once you get hold of the map it's much easier to plan.

Wreck Beach is a nice easy 1/2 day walk, park at Wreck Beach car park, do the beach section (at low tide!), lunch at Devil's Kitchen campsite then return along the inland trail. I reckon it was about 6km.

If going overnight, you can drop your car at your finishing point & then use one of the shuttle services to get back to your starting point.

Oh and DO get yourself some knee-high canvas gaiters. There are tiger snakes aplenty.

Whatever you choose, enjoy!

[Lophophaps]

Agree regarding the GOW and gaiters. I don't see many snakes and have never been attacked but long solid gaiters are essential in my view.

If you have the time, consider a longer trip on the Bogong High Plains. I say longer because it's a fair drive and by staying longer the cost of the drive is spread out over a longer period. The High Plains is mainly flat, has a heap of tracks and routes, and is close to exit points. If having a heavy pack is an issue you can go away for three or four days, then resupply at the car, and go for another like stroll. Here's one trip.

Drive to Pretty Valley. Head wst to Mt Jim. Side trips to Tawonga Huts and the peak there, used to be Niggerheads, can't spell the new name. Side trip to Youngs Hut. East to Ryders yards and then straight up the west side of Mt Cope, picking up water in the aquaduct. There's nice campsites on the summit. On to Cope Hut and then Wallaces Hut via the aquaduct. Return via the pole line to just north of Cope Hut, then either cross country to Pretty Valley or follow the poles.

That's 4-7 days, depending on pace, inclination and weather. You are within an hour or two of a good road or track, there's mobile reception from the high points, camping spots abound and water is easy to find. No major climbs. You can shorten the walk at any time and are perhaps four hours from the car at most for 80% of the trip.

[north-north-west]

Drive to Pretty Valley. Head wst to Mt Jim. Side trips to Tawonga Huts and the peak there, used to be Niggerheads, can't spell the new name.

Jaithmathang. I still call it Niggerhead.

In fact, you can go either on track or off all the way to the Fainters. Brilliant area and pretty easy going. Even with a full pack the Fainters are within a day of Tawonga Huts and there is some fantastic camping out that way.

You can add another trip by doing a circuit the other side of Rocky Valley; Heathy Spur track, up to the Timms Spur lookout and back via Watchbed Creek. An easy two days but can be extended by visiting all the huts in the area and following the pads over the Nelses.

[Eremophila]

If you're interested in the GOW, check out the blog which is linked in this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=46&t=22220

Great trip report and photos.

[Evie87]

Thanks heaps guys, - GOW looks perfect,. though I understand there has been a terrible bushfire, should I just call the local Parks Information to find out about hiking accessibility'? Thanks again!

(OH that blog is really recent, should have the info I need. Perfect!)

[paidal_chalne_vala]

The Bogong High Plains or the Southern Prom would be safe and easy.