Lake Tali Karng via McFarlane Saddle & Wellington Plains

About Lake Tali Karng

Lake Tali Karng is a hidden jewel nestled deep in the mountains of Gippsland, fed by snowmelt waters of the Wellington Plains. The lake is believed to have been formed about 1,500 years ago when a massive rock slide collapsed into the valley, damming the waters of Nigothoruk Creek above Wellington River. Interestingly, this makes Lake Tali Karng the only deep water highland lake in Australia which was not formed by a volcano or a glacier. The water runs underground from the lake to emerge as the infant Wellington River 150m below in the Valley of Destruction.

This is a trip which is ordinarily completed as an overnight hike between November and April, so this is an opportunity to experience a corner of the high country which receives very little attention during winter. 

For this reason, this trip is an advanced hike and requires participants to be independently equipped for exposure, rapid weather shifts, and potentially snow. While it is not expected that the snow line reaches down to 1400m, trip numbers will be quite limited and we will be vetting sign ups to make sure that you've got the experience for this.

But do not let that put you off! If you think this is something you want to join, sign up and let us know your experience :)

Friday 14th August

Drive from MUMC clubrooms to MacFarlane Saddle campsite (approx 4 hours 30 mins of driving). Camp the night there.

Saturday 15th August

Walk from MacFarlane Saddle to Nyimba Camp via Wellington Plain Track

Distance: 8.5km | Time: 2 hours | Ascent: 147m | Descent: 179m

• Possible detour on the way up to Mount Wellington (2h return) or Picture Point (1hr return). We could also do one of these side-quests on Sunday on the way back to McFarlane Saddle.

• Currently thinking of descending to lake via Riggall Spur Track and Echo Point Track, then ascending via the steeper and more direct Gillios Track. We’ll assess based on conditions. 
• Possible detour to The Sentinels, Taylor Lookout, or Valley of Destruction depending on conditions and group progress.

Sunday 16th August

Pack up, hike back to McFarlane Saddle from Nyimba Camp (2h) and drive back to Melbourne (4.5h).

Distance: 8.5km | Time: 2 hours | Ascent: 179m | Descent: 147m

• Possible detour to Mount Wellington and/or Picture Point on the way back to McFarlane Saddle.