Distance: 10.5 Km | Duration: 7 Hrs | Grade: Grade 5 | Rating: | Style: Return | Map
About the Walk
Overview
Located deep in the Victoria Range, this iconic walk is a must do for the serious walker!
The Walk in Detail
The walk commences on an old sandy track for 1km before a well signed foot track commences the climb to the ridge line. On reaching the ridge line, step off the track to the left for a well earned rest. Great views of the destination is the reward. The walking is now easier as you follow the ridge line for another 1.5km. Again step to the left for a drinks break with another inviting view. The track soon descends steeply to a creek which you follow into Oasis Camp.
Climb steeply out of Oasis Camp on the other side. Just prior to reaching the ridge line, leave the track to the right. About 150 metres of walking will bring you to the base of a steep gully that leads into a cave through which you can scramble. Follow this gully upwards until you reach a gully on the left. A little rock scrambling up this gully allows you to access the highest point that you can safely reach without ropes and harness. Enjoy a well earned lunch here and take in the sights.
The return is simply a retrace of your path, but the climb back out of Oasis Camp is steeper, and for tired legs, can seem relentless.
The walk is only 11km and should be completed in under 7 hours but adding driving time it will be about a 9 hour adventure.
Getting There
From Laharum, drive south and take the Brimpaen Road across to the Henty Hwy. Continue south for 26km. Turn left onto the gravel Billywing Road and follow this onto Harrops Track and past the turn-off to Buandik campground. After 3.2km past this turn-off, you’ll reach the start of the Fortress walking trail. Park here (Grid Ref 122730) Distance to start: 58km Driving time: 50 min.Walk Precautions
The descent into and out of Oasis Camp, plus the scramble up to the lunch spot should not be underestimated. For safety reasons and the allocated time frame the summit cairn will not be reached, but do not be deterred - the walker will be well rewarded for the efforts.