Mt Cobbler Circuit

Distance: 27km    Days: 2    Elev. gain: 1300m

At just over 1600m Mt Cobbler packs various aspects of the Victorian alpine experience into one location, providing a great introduction to overnight bushwalking in the Alpine National Park. With sweeping views over the south-western section of the park, the plateau contains a huge variety of terrain, from alpine scrub and rock, to snowgum forests, and even Victoria’s longest single drop waterfall. Whilst this trip is definitely beginner-friendly, it should be noted that overnight hiking demands a higher base fitness level than day walking, especially due to the weight of an overnight pack, and this walk in particular has a significant climb (~500m) to get up to the plateau. For this reason, I have listed it as intermediate; however, I am happy to accept beginners on a case-by-case basis, provided you are fit and keen enough. Snow is also a possibility at this time of year, so if you don’t like the cold, perhaps this isn’t the trip for you.

Itinerary

Saturday

13km 1000m elev. 5-6hrs

• Meet at MUMC clubrooms at 6am. Perform gear check and head off.
• Arrive at Speculation Rd trailhead by ~11am. Start walking
• Side trip to Dandongadale falls. Potential for swimming in the river or lake.
• Camp at Mt Cobbler track intersection with summit trail.

Sunday

14km 300m elev. 3-4hrs

• Optional trip to Mt Cobbler Summit, perhaps for sunrise
• Return to camp and pack up. Leave by 10am at the latest.
• Return to trailhead approx. 1pm.
• Drive back to Melbourne (return approx. 6-7pm)

Extra Considerations

There are no toilets and no water at the campsite we will be staying at. Participants will be encouraged to use the drop toilets at the 4wd campsite at Lake Cobbler as well as fill up water there. More water is available the following day on the descent off the plateau.