Howqua River car camp

Members: Please register for yourself only (ie: DO NOT register for additional guests).

Additional guests:

• go to Murray Valley Bushwalker website
• select the Membership tab to Join and register as a guest.
• Upon registration, it will be assumed they have read the Acknowledgement of Risks.

Non-members: if you have registered for an event, please follow the above instructions.

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From Merrijig, take the Howqua Track and drive for 17 km along the winding dirt road to the very large Sheepyard Flat camping area. The road is generally suitable for caravans, but the 2-way road can become narrow. It is an often used track. Arrive any time on Tuesday 9th March. Bring any camping gear, from swags or tents to campers or caravans. No camping or park fees or camp booking. No school holidays to deal with. Cross the bridge and take the left-hand camping area. MVB plans to be down the far end.

There are drop toilets on site but bring all supplies, including food, drinks, water, power and lights, toilet paper and firewood. There are some good swimming holes in the river to cool off or refresh in.

There is a large range of walks and drives available on offer within the Alpine National Park, Mt Buller and Mt Sterling Alpine Resorts, Mansfield State Forest and the Howqua Hills Historic Area.

We will spend the next 3 days exploring some of these areas. 

One of the walks will involve crossing the Howqua River around 12 times. If you plan to do this walk with the group, appropriate footwear for these crossings is a must. It will be required that you use the same footwear for the dry tracks and the river crossings on the Wednesday walk.

The event will finish on Sat 13th March for the trip home or maybe linger longer. If you are not able to come for all the days or nights, that's OK.

Please advise when you subscribe to this event, or even during the event, if you plan to have a shorter or longer stay. Or even when you head down, let me know of any planned changes to your trip. 

Schedule of events

Tue 9th: Fry's Hut - 3 km return, grade 2.

This short walk goes from the campsite and will start at around 3pm.

Wed 10th: Ritchies Hut - 12 km return, grade 3.

Also known as the high and low track. From our campsite we will drive around 11 km to the 8 mile camp site. We take the high track to Ritchies Hut for our lunch break. We then walk down to the river and head back to the 8 Mile along the low track. This fantastic walk will involve 12 river crossings. The river level will be low at this time of the year and has stepping stones. It is very important to only have footwear that can handle the dry track and the wet crossings.

Thu 11th: Tunnel Bend - 6 km return, grade 3.

This walk also goes from the campsite, but in the opposite direction. It mostly follows the river. At Tunnel Bend, we will break for morning tea. Here, there is the opportunity to enter the tunnel; but you will need wet shoes and a head torch, otherwise dry hiking shoes will be OK if not entering the tunnel. 

Fri 12th: Timbertops - to be advised.

Details still to be confirmed

Sat 13th: Pack up and head home or stay longer if you choose.

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GRADE 2

No bushwalking experience required. The track has a hardened or compacted surface that may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps.

GRADE 3

Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended. The track may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.

GRADE 4

Prior bushwalking experience is strongly recommended. Terrain is rough, steep and potentially uneven ground. Walks may be of long duration and have limited signage.

Bushwalk - Day hike - What to bring  

• Up-to-date ICE (In Case of Emergency) form - ICE Form
• Water - up to 2 litres recommended for a full day walk
• Sunscreen
• Gloves and hat
• Sufficient food bearing in mind the distance and duration of the event 
• Suitable clothing and footwear - note denim pants are uncomfortable
• Wet weather waterproofs - jacket and pants
• Walking poles
• Gaiters
• Whistle
• Basic first aid kit, including your specific medication, eg asthma inhaler
• Torch or headlamp for contingencies