Gippsland High Country Tours
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One of the outstanding spring trips last year was Mt Tingaringy & Errinundra for Walkers which highlighted just how fickle the weather can be on the highest peak in East Gippsland.
It seemed our only reward for a lengthy climb up Mt Tingaringy was a white-out of cloud at the summit and a blast of icy wind and rain. Then out of the mist emerged the sight of a lovely wallaby, sitting very upright and watching us – no doubt similarly emerging from the mist.
Curiosity seemed to overwhelm it’s fear and it sat quite still allowing us to pass. The weather made amends for the rest of the week, giving us perfect spring days for walking in Errinundra National Park.
Just how green can the new growth of tree ferns be!! Birds sang and bathed in a mountain creek while the immense eucalypts stood majestically above us.
The washed-clean bush sparkled with spring wild flowers including the crimson blooms of the Gippsland Waratah and views from a couple of lookout points were spectacular.
Wildlife Research - Alpine National Park
My Broad-toothed Rat research project at Forlorn Hope Plain commenced this spring. Not like the introduced rats, these native rats are placid little herbivores whose conservation status in Victoria is Near-threatened.
This project comprises a population study of Broad-toothed Rat and also a post-fire study, monitoring how and when these endearing little mammals return to part of their habitat on the Plain which were burnt in the 2003 Alpine Bushfire.
You can participate in the project by joining Bushfires and Wildlife Ecotour in either spring or autumn. You will be combining a holiday with a great learning experience and making a valuable contribution to the conservation of native wildlife.
The setting is pretty special too… a peaceful sub-alpine plain which will boast lots of wildflowers in spring, a bubbling mountain stream, and a naturalist guide to share with you many amazing facts about animals that call the mountain environment home.
New walking tour
New walking tour for spring! Eastern Peaks Walk is a fantastic walking tour exploring the lesser-known eastern unit of the Alpine National Park.
No ski lifts here, wildlife are more abundant than tourists and you will be assured there will be time for solitude to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere.
Lots of moderate-challenging day walks explore remote rugged peaks, marvellous snowgum woodland and open grassy plains.
The highlight is a challenging day walk to the summit of Mt Cobberas No 1 in the Cobberas Wilderness Area. Here the air is clear and fresh and the silence of the mountains will astound you.
“We followed the track through snowgum woodland, before emerging on an enormous exposed rock area with sweeping views opening out before us.
Gazing across the Snowy River Valley, the mountains plunged into deep valleys. Beyond, the distant mountain ranges fade into the blue haze. Mt Kosciuszko however, stands out clearly on the horizon and the snow looks close enough to touch…. There too is the Cobberas Range, the destination for Thursdays walk, I can’t wait!”
Two nights are in basic but cosy high country accommodation and the other 3 nights are camping. This is easy camping, with all equipment supplied and lots of help to put up the modern tents which even include fly screen windows, to allow ventilation without over-friendly insects.
We do all the catering so you are not rostered for potato peeling, just sit back, enjoy the sunset and take in the serenity of the sub-alpine environment. Awaken in the morning to birdsong and fresh mountain air… another day …. another great walk!
