Starting from Stoney Creek Road, Kamerunga, this return walk takes you to the summit of Mount Williams where the fuselage of PA-31 Navajo is, visiting the North Peak along the way. You’ll be following Smiths Track for the first third of the walk, then go off-trail along the ridgeline for the rest of the climb. Expect a challenging hike up the ridgeline through the interchanging vegetation, only to find the historic plane wreckage of the PA-31-310 Navajo, along with the memorial. The plane crash happened in 1986 as the pilot miscalculated the route and hit the ridge whilst going through the cloud, leading to the death of all the 6 persons on board. May they rest in peace. As you go through the narrow track up the ridge, keep an eye out for colossal trees that have majestic buttress roots. You may run into cassowaries along the track as well. After around 750 metres of altitude, you’ll notice the environment get more humid as you hit the cloud line, especially if it’s overcast. The amount of leeches can go crazy after this point, so use gaiters and deet to protect yourself from them. Since you’ll be going off-trail, prepare well and start early to allow time for mistakes. Bring a topographic map and a GPS device to be safe. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Warning This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills. Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.
+
-
Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Kamerunga Road, 91 then drive for 3.5 km
Turn right onto Stoney Creek Road and drive for another 330 m
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Stoney Creek Road and drive for another 780 m
+
-
Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From Stoney Creek Road(25 metres west of Rock Creek Crossing), head towards the green “Smiths Trailhead” sign on the other side of the barrier along the dirt path. Head down the steps with railings to join the track, then follow it as it takes you deeper into the woodland. About 1.9kms in(16° 53′ 3.366″ S 145° 39′ 54.216″ E), turn sharp left at the intersection to head towards the North Peak to continue along Mount Williams and PA-31 Wreckage from Kamerunga Track. Remember to look for the pink and blue markers along the trail for guidance.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Stoney Creek Road & Smiths track Start heading along Smiths track (a walking track).
After another 1.8 km turn left.
After another 1.6 km pass the "North Peak" (on your left).
After another 2.5 km come to "Mount Williams".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 5.9 km to get back to the start.
+
-
Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Mount Williams and PA-31 Wreckage from Kamerunga
Grading
Class 5/6
Very challenging
Length
11.9 km
Time
4 h 30 min to 8 h
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Signage
No directional signs (5/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required
High level of bushwalking experience recommended (5/6)
Bushwalk
4 h 30 min to 8 h
{{title}}
After another 1.6 km pass the "North Peak" (on your left).
