Wild Dog Tier

[naturelover]

Hi. Just wondering if anyone has a route to Wild Dog Tier that is better than the one described in the book (Abels) which sounds boggy and rather unenticing.
As that book's advice is not always the best, I thought I'd ask before setting out.

[stu]

Can't remember the Abels route off hand & i'm at work; but we went from near the Lake Augusta Dam (end of the Lake Augusta Road), across Wild Dog Plains & up & along from there.
From memory it wasn't too boggy (a couple of interesting creek crossings, but they'll likely be low at the moment) & was a very easy open walk the majority of the way, couple of small scree slopes...and we did it in winter I think.

[frenchy_84]

I assume the Abels has the route from Lake Augusta? As a kid we went to second bar lake a fair bit from either Lake Augusta or from Staggs Creek/Deep Lake (meander falls track). I would say that the Staggs creek was more interesting way of getting to the area but it would be longer when going on to the summit of wild dog.

[Azza]

I think I did it in winter from the Lodge, it was a cold day either way and wasn't boggy at all.
Had to cross a couple of creeks, but apart from that it was completely open walking.
You can pretty much choose your own adventure up there.

[Tortoise]

A couple of guys from Boots 'n' All strongly recommended going via Sales Lake. I've only been to the said lake at this point. Easy peasy walking on-track and past the beautiful rivulet to the lake. Apparently easy off track all the way from there.
Oh, and there's a huge hole in the middle of the access road, marked with a stick a few months ago. Long walk if that road gets closed. I took up the offer of someone guiding my wheels to straddle the hole iirc.

[naturelover]

Do you mean up Bessels Road, Tortoise? The road looks steep for driving. I like the look of the route that would take place - nice and steep for walking. I'd actually get to climb to Wild Dog Tier instead of meander. Like. How bad is the road (apart from the hole)? I'm even looking forward to it now (I was regarding it as a bit of less-than-savoury homework).

[Tortoise]

Do you mean up Bessels Road, Tortoise? The road looks steep for driving. I like the look of the route that would take place - nice and steep for walking. I'd actually get to climb to Wild Dog Tier instead of meander. Like. How bad is the road (apart from the hole)? I'm even looking forward to it now (I was regarding it as a bit of less-than-savoury homework).

Yep, Bessels Rd it is. i had no trouble in my old Forester. The Hole did make my heart go pitter patter, but that was the only bit. A bit of bushiness on the sides in places I vaguely recall - not too much though. I couldn't believe that I'd been here for this many years and had never heard of the delightful spot, so close to civilisation!! An ideal first overnighter for young kids. Don't get too excited about the climb, though.

pm coming too.

[naturelover]

You mean it's not a decent climb? There seem a nice lot of contours on the map.

[north-north-west]

I've done it twice from Lake Augusta (second time as part of a loop through the CP & Walls Abels). It's not really boggy, just a couple of creek crossings on the flats. Quite a pleasant walk, actually. There is even a pad up the ridge, and once up there you can wander around a lot. Great when the scoparia's in flower.

edit: Hmmm. That Sales Lake route looks like fun. How far down the road is the hole?

[Tortoise]

You mean it's not a decent climb? There seem a nice lot of contours on the map.

Just not compared with walks you've done in recent times, I was thinking. Definitely climbier than the other route, and it's the way I plan to go.

[Tortoise]

Hmmm. That Sales Lake route looks like fun. How far down the road is the hole?

Wish I didn't have a colander for a brain. A few kms maybe?? I remember thinking it'd add a fair bit to the walk. I'll see what I can find out.

[doogs]

Been up twice, it's not particularly boggy and a straightforward walk. Head from the lake to the left (west) end of the mountain. Walk up a rock flow (scree), nip round the back of the mountain and wander along flat open ground until a small climb to the top.

[Tortoise]

An update on the Bessels Rd access to Sales Lake: this picture was taken 3 weeks ago - early Sept 2016.
Unfortunately The Hole is now impassable by normal people in vehicles. Will update if it changes, but I'm not holding my breath.
For the location of the said hole, please see http://natureloverswalks.blogspot.com.au
Around 4+ kms from the start of the walk.