Mt Bogong Classic

Requirements: A moderate level of fitness is desirable as this is one of the more challenging ascents in the area. Navigation isn't too bad however, so happy to take along inexperienced people if you are up for a challenge. As I say, I'm not exactly at peak fitness myself, so i do not intend this to be a fast paced trip!

The track is steep, so those with knee/ankle troubles please be cautious, particular considering the decent. It is similar to the NW spur on Mt Feathertop, although at least has a lot of switch backs on the trail, so arguably not as challenging.

Come join me for a walk I've done dozens of times but still enjoy. A hike up the impressive Mt Bogong via the Staircase Spur. The route itself is quite steep, but you are rewarded with great views from the highest peak in Victoria. (I'm a little out of shape these days, so hopefully I don't slow people up too much!). The camping areas are also enjoyable in themselves.

Trip Plan: We'll leave as early as we can on friday afternoon / evening from Melbourne and drive around 4.5hrs, to camp at the foot of the mountain (not far from where I grew up in Tawonga!). Up early, we'll take the Staircase Spur, a challenging but well travelled route up to the summit. 

From the summit we'll aim to head to the West Peak, but will decide at the time if to do this on the way in or out, depending on weather. The West Peak offers the best views of the Kiewa Valley and is a nice side trip. 

Saturday night we'll camp by the Cleve Cole hut, a glorious stone building i a sheltered area below the tree line. A little further on is a waterfall that I'd like to visit again.

Sunday we'll return via the summit and head back to Melbourne. 

Costs: Expect around $40-50 for car expenses. Plus money for dinner on the way on Friday and Sunday depending on what times we leave.

Cars & Numbers: I'd like a minimum of 3 other people, and beyond that to make sure we have at least 3 per car so expenses are not over the top. 

(UPDATE: I've openned up signups again, but please note I'll still likely only be taking the first 16 people as I don't want this to be bigger than Ben Hur. But you can sign up anyway just incase someone pulls out or doesn't attend the trip meeting. Cheers)

What to Bring: I'll cover this in the trip meeting, but in general this time of year you need to bring decent cold weather gear. The first night is car camping, but the second you'll be carrying tents, stove, general gear, food and water.