Bushwalk Australia

Hi all, next January, myself and 3-4 others plan to hike from WoJ to Narcissus via Dixons, Ball, Adelaide, Meston, Junction, Artemis, Eros (east side), Payanna, Mt Spurling and then roughly west off the plateau, exiting just north of the suspension bridge over the Narcissus River. Our alternate plan after Junction Lake is to hike via Never Never to OT then south. We are planning for 6 days and wonder if anyone might have any latest 'heads-up' tips for us re: river crossings, 'the route', navigation oddities, top spots to camp etc? Last February, myself and 4 others hiked up the Higgs Track to WoJ via Nameless, Gwendy & Daisy with few problems. Despite some crappy weather, we had a great time; especially when off track. Many thanks to all.

Yes - I think your route is OK in the time - but you may need a spell of good weather as you don't have too many spare days up your sleeve. But you do have several options to shorten the trip - time wise via Never Never or a descent to Du Cane Gap from the Traveller Range.

Another possible route would be WOJ, Lake Ball, Chinaman Plains, Ling Roth Lakes, Mts of Jupiter - then to Spurling. This is a bit more direct and through great country. It would be easier to approach Spurling from the Mts of Jupiter than from Lake Artemis.

Dave

Many thanks Dave. Your blogs & your webpage captivate & inspire me - thanks for showing many 'the way' to the wilderness

In March we spent 5 nights travelling from Lake St Cklair to WoJ this was as follows:
Day 1 stayed at Narcissus (due to bad weather) had planned to camp on top of DuCane Gap - easy day 4 hours
Day 2 Narcissus to Lake Artemis (tough / long day 10 hours)
Day 3 Lake Meston (4-5 hours)
Day 4 and 5 Dixons Kingdom
Day 5 Wild Dog Creek

The weather was good and the only tough day was to Lake Artemis as we struck some heavy scrub neat Lake Metrope!

So 6 days would be fairlty straight forward assuming weather is reasonable.

You can always exit via Du Cane Gap or Never Never if you are runnign short of time.

Day 2: S-N?

Day 2 is fine S-N - according to the ranger we spoke with. As indicated the original plan was to go from Lake St Clair to top of DuCane - again my understanding is that this is allowed. There was bad weather so we stopped at Windy Ridge - when ranger came around we informed him of the trip and he was fine.
In hindsight we shold have stayed outside in tents due to the mice / rat issue at the hut and plenty of loud snorers!