Fainter and Fainter

Distance: 42km Days: 2 Elev. gain: 1558m

The Fainters (North and South) are some of the less-travelled terrain in the Falls/Hotham area, allowing for a more secluded and rugged experience, especially during winter. This route climbs up from Big Hill lookout at a fairly reasonable grade before breaking the bushline and opening up to views of Mounts Feathertop, Bogong, and the BHP as it follows the fainter fire trail down to Tawonga huts. Early risers will have the option to summit Mount Jaithmathang the following morning before returning to the trailhead via the same route. This trip involves significant elevation and kms, both of which are much more taxing in snow, so participants will need to be extremely confident in their fitness and their gear, as well as be very efficient in camp to be able to maximise the limited daylight available at this time of year. If participants do not have previous snow camping/snowshoeing experience, it is expected that they have significant prior experience multi-day bushwalking with long days (20km+) and a heavy pack (18kg+). Suitability will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Itinerary

Friday

• Meet at MUMC clubrooms at 6:30pm. Perform gear check and head off.
• Arrive at Big Hill lookout 11pm-12am and setup camp.

Saturday

21km 1077m elev. 8-10hrs

• Pack up camp and head up the Big Hill Firetrail as early as possible.
• Arrive at Tawonga Huts and set up camp (hopefully before dark).

Sunday

21km 482m elev. 8-10hrs

• Optional trip to Mt Jaithmathang summit.
• Return to camp and pack up. Leave by 9am at the latest.
• Return to trailhead approx. 6pm.
• Drive back to Melbourne (return approx. 10-11pm)

Extra Considerations

• Snow camping requires a fair bit of extra gear, so participants will need to be comfortable carrying more weight than typical of an overnight trip (could be as much as 5kg extra).
• Participants will need to own certain gear necessary for winter bushwalking, including warm, waterproof boots, waterproof gloves, down/insulated jacket, etc. This will be elaborated on at the trip meeting.