Camping at Big River (Mt Bogong area)

[pete0762]

Hi,

I am heading to the Mt Bogong area this weekend and planning to do Howmans Gap - Spion Kopje - Grey Hills - Quartz Ridge - Cleve Cole - Big River - Roper Hut and back via Spion Kopje to Howmans Gap. Done that a few years ago in 4 days quite easily, but my friends want to do in 3 days, so thought on day 2 could possibly camp at Big River. Glenn van der Kniff describes a small clearing 100 m east of the river OK for camping. I cannot recall this possible camping area when I was there a few years ago. Does anyone recollect that or camped there recently?

THanks for your sharing

Peter

[Lophophaps]

There's a reasonable clearing on the true left (T Spur side) close to the river crossing. The Duane side is steep nearly all the way to Ropers Hut. The problem with the clearing is that the toilet areas are quite limited. Depending on how you go, there are two options. The first is to camp at the top of T Spur, which has a lovely campsite and good water. The second is to go to Ropers, up nearly 700 metres, which is flat and also has water.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

Most people find CC hut to Roper hut plenty for one day of hiking on the trail. Roper hut is a really good hut and the camp site is superb.

[Xplora]

There is a huge tree down the middle of the clearing at Big River (near the chain). Still some room for some tents but just as well there were none there when it fell. Just came over the Grey Hills from Spione Kopje and could not find the track to link them at the start. Walked about half a k to where you can see the foot pad on the Grey Hills and after that it was fine. Lots of ants so do not stand still for long. Flies not so bad. There has been some track clearing on that last bit down from Mt. Arthur to Bogong Creek Saddle but most of the branches have been left on the track and are more of a trip hazzard. T spur and Duane have been cleared recently as well. Grey Hills can be a little slow going because of the rocks and foot placement. 3 days is possible but all depends on how much you want to enjoy it and how long you want to walk each day. If your friends are really fit and experienced then you would have a chance but there is no room for any error. I would assume your day one camp would be at Bogong Creek saddle so it would be possible to get to Big river the next day and if you had time and the inclination you could push on to Roper's. That would make the last day easier. Remember there is no water on the Grey Hills.