The Rock Shelter

Walk-16-1

NB. The following information was current at the time of the event

Distance:  20 Km   |  Duration:  7 Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 4   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Return

Best Season:  Summer, Autumn, Spring

About the Walk

Overview

This is a spectacular Fedwalk. The walk over Mt. Tamboritha* and parts of the Long Hill Track afford spectacular views of the high country. The Rock Shelter is a remarkable end point for the walk. The routes of several other walks such as Mt. Reynard, Long Hill and The Crinoline may all be seen from vantage points along the route.<br /> *Mt Tamboritha is the traditional name in the Braiakaulung language.

The Walk in Detail

Beginning at Tamboritha Saddle we walk 0.5 km northeast on Dingo Hill Track before turning westerly onto an unnamed 4WD track for a kilometre through the wet forest transitioning to snow gums and snow grass. There are some great views of Mt Wellington and the Wellington Plains. The 4WD track ends as it enters an open plain and intersects with the MMWT; with the tree-topped Little Tamboritha (1,468m) clearly visible to the left (southwest), turn right and follow a foot pad north easterly for 250m, watching for the turn through the snow gums and then north along a well-defined footpad 0.5kms to the cairn marking the highest point of this walk; Mt Tamboritha (1509m). From here there are great views west to The Crinoline and northeast to Mt Reynard. The occasional cairn and track markers are found along the entire route but are not reliable. From here we head north on the MMWT for 1.5km (there are some great viewpoints along this section) to the point where it meets the Long Hill Track which, at this point, is a 4WD track. Here we turn left (southwest) and the track descends slowly at first then more steeply before suddenly ending after a further 4 km. From this point, we continue west following a rough pad along the ridgeline, narrow in places, for the next 2 km to the Rock Shelter. We are now 11 km from the start. It is worth exploring both the north and south sides of the site. If time is not an issue and the group is fit, another 0.5km further on (west) is a great view of some very exposed cliff lines. The return journey initially involves back tracking along the outward leg and includes a very long steep climb. However, we pass the turn up to Mt Tamboritha, where we picked up Long Hill Track, and continue on for a further 1 km to the point where it intersects Dingo Hill Track. This last section also forms a part of McMillan’s Walking Track. At the intersection we turn right (south) and walk the last 2.5 km along Dingo Hill Track back to our starting point. The walk is largely along well-defined paths or a 4WD track. It is a long walk with significant total ascent/descents and is best suited to fit walkers. No special equipment is required; however, Mt Tamboritha is quite exposed and a warm jacket/coat could be worthwhile and hiking/walking poles may help for the long descent and climb.

Getting There

From Licola Village cross the bridge heading south and immediately turn left onto the Tamboritha Road. Follow the road for 37 km to Tamboritha Saddle. There is plenty of parking here and this is the starting point for our walk.

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

Licola
No
Southern Alps
2021

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