It's Iconic -- Snowies Iconic Walk project

[Telemark Phat]

You guys have done amazing work @Myazma and others. Part of me wishes we didn't need this track but the mountains are popular and people will wreck it if they walk/run/bike/whatever in the wrong spots the wrong way, so it's a great resource I reckon. And really well made. Something to hang your hat on and be very proud of.

Ecologically the raised walkways are the best option. People tend to stay on the raised walkways more, they don't have a boundary for invasive species to establish themselves and they don't create a movement barrier for small mammals and reptiles. Aesthetically they suck, but I really support their use on marked "sacrificial" trails in the highcountry.

 

[skifree]

Aesthetically they suck

The platform should be copper so it oxidises green to blend in better.

 

[Ramshead]

I actually think the rust colour blends in pretty good. I mean the bit I walked went most thru mint bushes and such so it’s not like it was camo, but it seems a sympathetic colour

 

[Telemark Phat]

Its gotta be raw steel or stainless, the nickel in gal steel is toxic to alpine flora.

 

[skifree]

Its gotta be raw steel or stainless, the nickel in gal steel is toxic to alpine flora.

What about copper?

 

[Telemark Phat]

What about copper?

Exxy. I've no idea how alpine flora respond to copper but copper toxicity is a serious problem for soils in organic and bio-dynamic orchards. The only pesticide they can use is copper sulphate.

 

[Rabid K9]

Amateurs.

Double width bitumen entire way, with a 10m cleared 'hazard reduction' shoulder either side.

Signs mounted at 2.4m to maximise view impediment, seats for fat people & smokers every 55 metres, half that distance on gradients 1:1 & above.

 

[Rabid K9]

In all seriousness, recycled plastic composite is a commonly used inert material used in sensitive environments. I despise working with it though, horrible tactility, too hot to touch above 18 degrees.

Swarf & cuttings don't burn well on the campfire either.

 

[Telemark Phat]

In all seriousness, recycled plastic composite is a commonly used inert material used in sensitive environments. I despise working with it though, horrible tactility, too hot to touch above 18 degrees.

Swarf & cuttings don't burn well on the campfire either.

How does it go with ~200 potential frost days a year?

 

[Jacko4650]

Amateurs.

Double width bitumen entire way, with a 10m cleared 'hazard reduction' shoulder either side.

Signs mounted at 2.4m to maximise view impediment, seats for fat people & smokers every 55 metres, half that distance on gradients 1:1 & above.

There is one thing for sure; these new alpine tracks are being taken up in vast numbers. Parking will soon be the big issue. For example, where will people park to take advantage of the new track 100m down the Charlotte Pass road. Both Choppers were working flat out the whole time we were in the area yesterday, the walks are going to get more and more attractive as each one finishes.

 

[coolair]

There is one thing for sure; these new alpine tracks are being taken up in vast numbers. Parking will soon be the big issue. For example, where will people park to take advantage of the new track 100m down the Charlotte Pass road. Both Choppers were working flat out the whole time we were in the area yesterday, the walks are going to get more and more attractive as each one finishes.

New ski tube extension.

 

[robbo mcs]

There is one thing for sure; these new alpine tracks are being taken up in vast numbers. Parking will soon be the big issue. For example, where will people park to take advantage of the new track 100m down the Charlotte Pass road. Both Choppers were working flat out the whole time we were in the area yesterday, the walks are going to get more and more attractive as each one finishes.

I'm not sure sure they have thought that far ahead

Part of the plan was to emulate multiday walks with overnight stops, like many they have in NZ and Tasmania. The thing is, access to many of those walks is restricted in terms of numbers, bookings etc. That is never going to happen here, because all the overnight stops are easily accessible by car for day hikers.

Regardless of new walks, the parking and road access at Charlottes has been becoming an increasing problem. Post covid it might be worth parks thinking of having a shuttle running from Perisher carpark at peak Christmas and school holiday times? Over the other side of the valley, cascades trail/DHG car congestion can be an issue at peak times as well.

 

[Myazma]

Different individual parks must have different material standards, werewonly allow raw steel while the Royal NP has plastic walkways. Some of the steel supports have been driven down 8m to gain a solid footing, no concrete allowed.

Ecologically the raised walkways are the best option. People tend to stay on the raised walkways more, they don't have a boundary for invasive species to establish themselves and they don't create a movement barrier for small mammals and reptiles. Aesthetically they suck, but I really support their use on marked "sacrificial" trails in the highcountry.

Weeds have already established on the track up from Illawong, ie 12months, quick re-estalishment of snow grass appears to be the best option.
Observed a small mammal using the raised metal walkway as a highway. Also saw a kite swoop down and pluck another small mammal from the metal walkway.
Parking is going to more of problem than it is now, must of been 20+ cars 'parked' along the road from the CP turning circle back to the CP entrance at 5 this morning, ie they're just the campers parking overnight, good luck trying to get a park at 10am. Guthega has been similar, especially on weekends.

 

[Jacko4650]

Decided to do the Perisher to Charlottes Pass walk via the Porcupine track the other day. We didn't realise there was no track after the turnoff to Porcupine Rocks, but decided to battle on regardless - what the hell eh! It started easy and then got a bit confusing following the tall cross country markers once the grass subsided for scrub, but just as we were getting a bit wayward, we came across a track recently cut by brushcutter and a whole bunch of pink and blue tags (on bushes, trees, rocks etc). Going was very easy thereafter - until it stopped in the middle of nowhere about 1klm later. We persisted, back to making our own tracks by following the cross country markers again and it wasn't too bad until we came across the vast, flat valley just before Charlottes. Wow, that bog is difficult, tiring and probably not what the punters should be walking on. We eventually bailed as the going was so slow for the relative comfort and safety of the new track being put in from the Charlottes Pass roadway, now perhaps 1.5klm completed. You are not supposed to walk on the (unfinished) track but we had little choice. It took us over 5 hours to walk the 10klm and we were completely knackered.
I can assure everyone that when this track is finished it will be significantly quicker and the views will be sensational. One to put on the bucket list for sure.

 

[Telemark Phat]

Decided to do the Perisher to Charlottes Pass walk via the Porcupine track the other day. We didn't realise there was no track after the turnoff to Porcupine Rocks, but decided to battle on regardless - what the hell eh! It started easy and then got a bit confusing following the tall cross country markers once the grass subsided for scrub, but just as we were getting a bit wayward, we came across a track recently cut by brushcutter and a whole bunch of pink and blue tags (on bushes, trees, rocks etc). Going was very easy thereafter - until it stopped in the middle of nowhere about 1klm later. We persisted, back to making our own tracks by following the cross country markers again and it wasn't too bad until we came across the vast, flat valley just before Charlottes. Wow, that bog is difficult, tiring and probably not what the punters should be walking on. We eventually bailed as the going was so slow for the relative comfort and safety of the new track being put in from the Charlottes Pass roadway, now perhaps 1.5klm completed. You are not supposed to walk on the (unfinished) track but we had little choice. It took us over 5 hours to walk the 10klm and we were completely knackered.
I can assure everyone that when this track is finished it will be significantly quicker and the views will be sensational. One to put on the bucket list for sure.

Route finding is a valuable skill.

 

[zapruda]

Route finding is a valuable skill.

Exactly. I have walked from Porcupine Rocks to Charlotte Pass many times and have never had a problem. Stay high and ignore ski poles that are meant for skiing.

 

[Majikthise]

Yep ^ the poles were the problem.

 

[Skichic2]

A fellow forumite taught me recently about looking for cairns. Great tip!

 

[Untele-whippet]

A fellow forumite taught me recently about looking for cairns. Great tip!

Cairns!!
Get thee to the naughty corner.....

 

[Skichic2]

Cairns!!
Get thee to the naughty corner.....

Got me up Mt Twynam

 

[telecrag]

Don't be fooled by the cairns built by wombats, they are out to get you!

 

[D-eye]

Regardless of new walks, the parking and road access at Charlottes has been becoming an increasing problem.

Can they park in the village? though not a nice hump up the hill to start the day with.

 

[Legs Akimbo]

Can they park in the village? though not a nice hump up the hill to start the day with.

There's not much parking in the Village. About 10 spaces IIRC.

 

[DidSurfNowSki]

Exactly. I have walked from Porcupine Rocks to Charlotte Pass many times and have never had a problem. Stay high and ignore ski poles that are meant for skiing.

Any nice spots to camp out that way ? Weather looks good over the weekend.

 

[skifree]

Any nice spots to camp out that way ? Weather looks good over the weekend.

Yes.

 

[zapruda]

Any nice spots to camp out that way ? Weather looks good over the weekend.

Plenty of nice camps. The whole stretch from Rennix Gap to Charlotte pass is beautiful country with few visitors. You can still see alignments of the old Kosciusko road and other historical relics. Water is abundant as are the views.

 

[Fozzie Bear]

....it wasn't too bad until we came across the vast, flat valley just before Charlottes. Wow, that bog is difficult, tiring and probably not what the punters should be walking on. We eventually bailed as the going was so slow for the relative comfort and safety of the new track being put in from the Charlottes Pass roadway, now perhaps 1.5klm completed......

Johnnies Plain is best traversed in winter on skis. In summer will wander around there fly fishing the small streams, with waders for protection against snakes and for bog hopping.

 

[Legs Akimbo]

Johnnies Plain is best traversed in winter on skis. In summer will wander around there fly fishing the small streams, with waders for protection against snakes and for bog hopping.

Johnnies Plain should also be avoided in winter sooooo boooooring. Cross the saddle into Farm Creek.

 

[Legs Akimbo]

Johnnies Plain should also be avoided in winter sooooo boooooring. Cross the saddle into Farm Creek.

Trapyard Creek

 

[Fozzie Bear]

Johnnies Plain should also be avoided in winter sooooo boooooring. Cross the saddle into Farm Creek.

Is short cut from skiing Foxhole for hopping onto Guthries Poma. Also access to Wright Creek and Stillwell Restaurant ruins or trips down Spencers Creek towards Illawong. AT'ing often requires X-C bits.

 

[Myazma]

The end is Nye, well Stage 2. Down to the 'not built yet' bridge approach over Spencer's creek (should start next week). A few days fixing bits back closer to CP and then over to Stage 3. This section is rock and aggregate and has come up alright but alas I think we may need to post a guard to prevent walkers kicking aggregate everywhere. Will miss working under Twynam. Guthega in background.

 

[Myazma]

Apart for the Spencer's creek bridge Stage 2 is finished. Spending a few days picking and bagging rock from the Island Bend stockpile.

Expecting rain over the next week to slow things down.

Work on the Burrungbuggee shaft has finished and consequently the Gungahlin river is again dammed. Saw a stumpy tailed dingo near the IB dam this avo (sorry no pic).

 

[Jacko4650]

Apart for the Spencer's creek bridge Stage 2 is finished. Spending a few days picking and bagging rock from the Island Bend stockpile.

Expecting rain over the next week to slow things down.

Work on the Burrungbuggee shaft has finished and consequently the Gungahlin river is again dammed. Saw a stumpy tailed dingo near the IB dam this avo (sorry no pic).

We heard a lot of wild dogs when we camped at Island Bend a few weeks ago. Early evening howling between different packs.

Great photo of the raindrops on the leaf btw!.

 

[Myazma]

We heard a lot of wild dogs when we camped at Island Bend a few weeks ago. Early evening howling between different packs.

Great photo of the raindrops on the leaf btw!.

Cheers, couple of parks personnel (doggers I assume by the looks of their vehicles ) came thru IB yesterday avo late, heading for the eastern end, a few shots and they left. Not sure if they were sighting their firearms or dispatching.

 

[Myazma]

Our rock crew have now moved over to Stage 3 and caught up with the metal crew. The metal walkway parts are completed to just north of the Ngarigo gap (eastern end of the Betts creek valley). We started laying rock there on the weekend. Nice views of Thredbo valley and beyond, Paralyser ridgeline and MR from Twynam to Townsend. Three rock crews are working on different sections but I wouldn't think we will finish this season.
MR summer traffic must have been heavy, a small metal crew have gone out to add 'passing areas' (extra grid) to the walkway on My Lee.
Lots of pig damage in this area. Ground cooling has started with hor

e frost most mornings. Walking in from Betts creek, 25mins winner winner chicken dinner.

 

[Untele-whippet]

Our rock crew have now moved over to Stage 3 and caught up with the metal crew. The metal walkway parts are completed to just north of the Ngarigo gap (eastern end of the Betts creek valley). We started laying rock there on the weekend. Nice views of Thredbo valley and beyond, Paralyser ridgeline and MR from Twynam to Townsend. Three rock crews are working on different sections but I wouldn't think we will finish this season.
MR summer traffic must have been heavy, a small metal crew have gone out to add 'passing areas' (extra grid) to the walkway on My Lee.
Lots of pig damage in this area. Ground cooling has started with hor

e frost most mornings. Walking in from Betts creek, 25mins winner winner chicken dinner.

Someone at work ran the Australian Alpine Ascent Ascent race a couple of weekends ago.
She said there were so many runners that all the bush walkers were forced to walk on the windswept feldmark over Mt Lee to escape the relentless line of competitors.

 

[skifree]

Someone at work ran the Australian Alpine Ascent Ascent race a couple of weekends ago.
She said there were so many runners that all the bush walkers were forced to walk on the windswept feldmark over Mt Lee to escape the relentless line of competitors.

That’s very shitty.

 

[Untele-whippet]

That’s very shitty.

Yup.
Money talks.
Buy a NP for a day.

 

[skifree]

Yup.
Money talks.
Buy a NP for a day.

Sounds like poor organisation or management somewhere in the process to me.

 

[Jacko4650]

Our rock crew have now moved over to Stage 3 and caught up with the metal crew. The metal walkway parts are completed to just north of the Ngarigo gap (eastern end of the Betts creek valley). We started laying rock there on the weekend. Nice views of Thredbo valley and beyond, Paralyser ridgeline and MR from Twynam to Townsend. Three rock crews are working on different sections but I wouldn't think we will finish this season.
MR summer traffic must have been heavy, a small metal crew have gone out to add 'passing areas' (extra grid) to the walkway on My Lee.
Lots of pig damage in this area. Ground cooling has started with hor

e frost most mornings. Walking in from Betts creek, 25mins winner winner chicken dinner.

Are these piccies over toward Porcupine Rocks @Myazma ?

 

[Myazma]

Are these piccies over toward Porcupine Rocks @Myazma ?

Yep ish, couple ks south

 

[Jacko4650]

Yep ish, couple ks south

Wow, moving pretty quick then. Great work! Views down into the valley are awesome.

 

[zapruda]

Yup.
Money talks.
Buy a NP for a day.

That was two running events in a row up there. The Main Range has become the sacrificial lamb for the NSW high country. I can’t fathom how it’s acceptable. With commercial tour operators running “10 peaks” walks that have well and truly hammered a foot pad over sensitive areas including the feldmark, their more than visible tent sites in Wilkinson’s creek valley, and the 1000 people per hour passing through Rawsons pass, that place is well and truly cooked. I saw cars parked past the turn to CP over Xmas and Guthega felt like a Westfield on Boxing Day.

What’s next? These new tracks are indication of what’s to come. The area between Twynam and Tate are now well and truly in the sights of SMBC as well as the hordes that will use the new track. Before long we will see a formal track up to pounds creek.

We won’t know what we have lost until it’s gone sadly.

 

[Myazma]

Perks of the job, the crew that camped out on Lee, finished on Thursday, had a swim in Clubbie and then got flown back to Jindi - jealous as hell. Meanwhile cracking on south back towards the Ngarigo gap with views over CP to MR

 

[Myazma]

Cold and cloudy in Jindi, could be interesting day weather wise.

 

[Myazma]

Was the coldest day so far this season, cloud and windy. Everything gathered up in anticipation of snow tonight

.

 

[rowdyflat]

There is one thing for sure; these new alpine tracks are being taken up in vast numbers. Parking will soon be the big issue.

yeah its funny people seem to love a safe manufactured track.
A natural track will be infrequently used but when signs go up and there is some sort of man made surface it has an instant attraction.

 

[Legs Akimbo]

yeah its funny people seem to love a safe manufactured track.
A natural track will be infrequently used but when signs go up and there is some sort of man made surface it has an instant attraction.

The environment loves a safe manufactured track. As an example, if you do the Kosciuszko summit walk there are places where you can still see the old "natural" track under the grating. It is a furrow well over 30 cm deep. It's paths or closure in many cases.

 

[Myazma]

This is Chris, at the start of a day this week, he loves his job and camping on-site, for long periods.

 

[Legs Akimbo]

This is Chris, at the start of a day this week, he loves his job and camping on-site, for long periods.

Are there any recent unsolved murders in the high country? Particularly with a star picket through the heart.