Walkers: six walkers from Launceston, and Michael J and Marg F
Photos:
Report:
This 80km track was developed by the North West WC of Tasmania between 1974 – 1984 to link with the Overland Track. It takes in the Dial Range, Gunn’s Plains, Loongana Range, crosses Black Bluff Range and Speeler Plains and finishes at Cradle Mountain visitors’ centre. There are no facilities after a campground on the first night. Camp fires are permitted at some sites. Water is not always available at these sites.
We had great Autumnal weather, clear skies, little wind, great company, lots of laughs, and put in plenty of effort. But no lingering aches or pains or blisters. Just a good bruise or two...for me anyway.
Day three took us all day to cautiously traverse the Leven Canyon, all 7km of it. We faced a thick rope climb up an embankment which looked impossible to me, carrying a pack. But the rope which must be climbed would be climbed...with a bit of help from friends (thank you) confidence emerged.
At other points steep ladders, a set of stairs and a tethered chain assisted us.
On day four we were up at 6am, eating breakfast by moonlight as it would be a long walk and steep climb to 1200m. We lunched by the deep waters of the mountain tarn Paddy’s Lake. Black Bluff (1339m) towered above. Michael, Carolyn, Rodney and Harvey scaled the Bluff for a magic view of the wilderness. We others rested at the saddle, content to gaze up looking for eagles and to take in the clear view of Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff on the southern horizon.
We reached our final campsite at Bare Mountain not long before the sun went down with an orange and pink glow. Then stars appeared as the sky darkened. We rugged up to combat the frosty atmosphere.
In the morning our tents were coated in frost and ice. There seemed to be no hurry to finish the walk next day as we basked in the fine weather, never tiring of the landscape. There were no clouds to shroud Cradle or Barny.
It was a privilege to walk the trail, a remarkable experience and adventure. I was in good company to be guided through the tough spots.
John Chapman details the track and features coloured maps and elevation charts. NWWC has walk notes (and a map) which can be accessed via www.nwwc.org.au
Marg
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