Distance: 16 Km | Duration: 5.5 Hrs | Grade: TBA | Rating: | Style: One Way
Best Season: Summer, Autumn, Spring
About the Walk
Overview
A circular walk through beautiful and diverse forest starting on a 4WD track followed by an ascent up a very overgrown walking track then on undulating walking tracks with a moderate climb through snow gum forest. An easy descent on ski trails completes the circuit. Total climbing about 450m. As at August 2012 the Upper Taggerty Road (Track) was closed. It is strongly recommended that prospective walkers check the Parks Victoria website and/or contact the local ranger for current information before visiting this park.
The Walk in Detail
Walk Route: Snowy Hill Car Park – Upper Taggerty Road - Keppel Hut – Gerratys Car Park
From Snowy Hill Car Park the Upper Taggerty 4WD Road is followed through alpine ash forest for about 6km. The start of the very overgrown Gould Track is difficult to find on the right hand side at this point but the track, once found, leads up through thick bush to the well defined but also overgrown East Boundary Track.
Turning west, the East Boundary Track is followed to the Keppel Hut Road. A short distance to the right along the road brings us to Keppel's Hut. The Keppel brothers built a number of huts in this area from 1885. The present hut was built in 1985 and is in excellent condition. It is representative of a typical hut of the mountain cattlemen. A good spot for a lunch break.
Retrace your steps along the East Boundary Track and continue on, climbing through magnificent snow gum forest to the Bullfight Lookout and the ruins of the Boundary Hut, the highest point on the Lake Mountain Plateau.
From there you follow the cross country ski trails, initially along the Hut Trail and then via the Royston Trail to Gerratys Car Park where the walk finishes.
Getting There
Where do we start?: Snowy Hill Car Park, Lake Mountain
How do we get to the start?: Drive through Healesville to Marysville. Follow the signs from Marysville to Lake Mountain and park at Snowy Hills Car Park. A short car shuffle will be required to Gerratys Car Park.
Walk Precautions
In 2007 the walking tracks were overgrown, particularly Gould's Track. Some tracks may be covered in leaf litter, branches and fallen trees. In wet weather these tracks will be slippery. Alpine weather can change quickly. Please dress appropriately.