Queens Spur 23-24 Nov. 2024

[Baeng72]

This will be a long, rambling description of an old unfit guy biting off almost more than he could chew on a hot day.
It was a lot of type 2 and 3 fun, but I did decide to go on a hot day.

Day 1. Upper Howqua to Mt. Buggery. 11 Hours walking with breaks.

I left Upper Howqua just after 8:30am on pretty warm day, and ambled along to Queens Spur rd.
Apart from the blackberries, I enjoy strolling along the Howqua.
Queen Spur rd was not a jumble of fallen trees as I'd expected. Someone has taken a chainsaw and cleared up almost everything in the intervening year. A big thank you.
I made it to Queen Spur rd/Stanley Name Spur junction in a little under 3 hours, feeling pretty hot under the sun and with little to no breeze.
After a good break, I decided to continue along Queen Spur rd.
It was scrubby and scratchy dry terrain at first, but not too much fallen timber, but that didn't last.
About half a km of battling with the thick scrub, the fallen stuff became dense and lots of squeezing under, over, around was done.
The track is pretty easy to follow, you can see the cutting into the hill of the benched track.
It heads downhill for the best part of a km, which makes it a little easier, then it starts rising slowly before the south branch of the King River.

Queen Spur track sample

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It gets a bit greener near the branch, which is the same that passes Stanley Name Spur campsite, and isn't far as the crow flies, but I wouldn't try to walk directly between the 2 points.
After a break, and filling up all water containers, I immediately pushed through a heap of big fallen trees.
That got a bit better, and it was back to scratch head high stuff mostly in dry terrain.
It greened up a bit after a while, and few of *&%$#! blackberries that are everywhere near a creek between the two branches of the King River.
I got a bit misplaced after this. I think I was pretty much cooked from the heat and just followed a contouring animal track to a nice green open area and another waterway.
I thought the Avenza App/GetLost topo combo was confused by the surrounding hills, but it was I who was confounded and I'd arrived at the north branch of the King River, but didn't know it.
I realized this after a few minutes and backpedaled a few hundred meters to near the previous waterway, then saw where the benched cutting peeled away to the right and had started to rise.
I followed this through more head high scratchy stuff and fallen trees and got to the right place on the north branch of the King River.

King River, north branch I think.

After this the track heads away from the river and upwards through more scrub and lots of fallen timber.
At about 1300m, I saw what looked like an animal track and left the Queen Spur road and headed up onto the spur.
This animal trail (I guess it was an animal trail) was easier than the road walking.
Not long after I was on the spur proper and soon came up to a point where I saw lots of bluffs and Mt. Buggery towering above.

Queen Spur bluffs, Mt. Buggery

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If Queen Spur road hadn't been such a pain, and I hadn't really been up for a walk I might have packed it in and headed back some point here or soon after.
But I was too far in to go back, or committed, or something like that.
I found that each Bluff could be managed by going to the right, and finding a not too exposed scramble.
One bluff was bit tricky with pack on, but I scrambled up sans pack, and used some cord I had to pull the pack up after me.
Anyway, this pattern, of approach bluff, go up on right, repeat went on for about an hour.
The Spur narrowed worryingly at one point, but near the top it widened out, and the bluffs became pretty docile and easy to walk around on the right.
I eventually got to top of Mt. Buggery, there were some campers already there, so I didn't let massive screams of relief as I was inclined to do.

Day 2. Mt Buggery to Upper Howqua. 7 hours or a bit less.
The forecast had been for late rain on Sunday, but when I checked Saturday night (good reception on Mt. Buggery) it had changed to rain and storms by lunch time.
So, I got up early, didn't sleep great even though I had a nice spot.
I hadn't done the northern section of the traverse between Mt. Buggery and Mt. Howitt, so didn't know what to expect.
After a while I made it the first 'tooth' of the Crosscut, and it was pretty much daylight.
I was already a bit stuffed from the previous days exertions, but had to press on to try and get to Upper Howqua before possible storms and what I thought would be difficult driving out on Bindaree and Circuit roads.
It was slow going on all those ups and downs, but nice views.

Crosscut Saw

Made to West Peak on Mount Howitt in a little over 3 hours, then headed down Howitt Spur.
I went as fast as I could without someone whipping me, and a few hours later I was crossing the Howqua branch and then kept on pushing to Upper Howqua in steady rain.
I didn't realize it, but leeches were enjoying a free meal on me.
Anyway, the drive out was fine, so I probably needn't have went as hard.

Here's a video of my travails. I don't think it's that interesting, but I put in a lot of the Bluffs on Queens Spur to help anybody who might want to try it.
https://youtu.be/dQNak8FTqKI

[paidal_chalne_vala]

An Outstanding effort. I have long wondered about doing this route and have heard horror stories about it too. I salute you !

[Baeng72]

Thanks.
I think you'd do it and find it a bit easier, not least because you'd do it on a cool day and check GPS.
I think it'll be first and only time I do it. I probably said something similar about Prom. Northern Circuit.

[peregrinator]

Thanks for the video. I'm glad you tried that route not me. Sort of looked slightly plausible on the map. But I'll stick to going to Buggery only via SNS and/or Crosscut.

One question: why do you think the video needs music? I reckon it is very distracting and very boring.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

The music is similar to the lift music that Chris Rishworth puts together with his outdoor adventure videos of him cycling, skiing or hiking.
I am intrigued by this route up Queen Spur
and have been for years.
I have put it back into my " in tray " for early Nov. 2025( Cup day long weekend).

No One can take this achievement away from you. You have excelled yourself.

I did the Northern Prom loop three times, so I can handle the hideous scrub bashing :-0
as long as
I am mentally prepared to suffer.
I would also camp the night before at the camp site near the Howqua river North / South Branches confluence.
By doing that you get to start the slog earlier and shave off 3-4-5 kms of the river walk the day before.In doing so you'd be
beating the heat by starting at 7 am not 0830 . That would be the key .

Last edited by paidal_chalne_vala on Tue 26 Nov, 2024 2:40 pm, edited 2 times in total.

[Baeng72]

Thanks!

The music? Somewhere, sometime back, someone suggested it when I was asking how to improve the videos. I put it on, and got a bit of positive feedback.
I did think putting that bit of music on loop was a bit dull, but I was rushing to get it done last night. It's easier if I don't include music, so might skip it next time.
I can easily cut the music and re-upload if folks think it's worth it.
Thanks for the feedback, as I have no idea what makes a good bushwalking video.

[Baeng72]

The music is similar to the lift music that Chris Rishworth puts together with his outdoor adventure videos of him cycling, skiing or hiking.
I am intrigued by this route up Queen Spur
and have been for years.
I have put it back into my " in tray " for early Nov. 2025( Cup day long weekend).

No One can take this achievement away from you. You have excelled yourself.

OK, now I think you're taking the *&^%$#!!
But I'd love to read a report and see photos if you do it. I think someone else doing it in similar conditions would be an interesting comparison.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

Your tenacity in doing these tough hikes is without doubt but your taste in music is questionable.
The idea of us middle aged trampers slogging it up the hills and pushing through the scrub
with the " Chariots of fire" theme playing has some comic merit.

[Baeng72]

Your tenacity in doing these tough hikes is without doubt but your taste in music is questionable.
The idea of us middle aged trampers slogging it up the hills and pushing through the scrub
with the " Chariots of fire" theme playing has some comic merit.

I like it!
The trouble with the internet is some guy will seriously think I mean it sincerely.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

You are okay man. Don't worry about what some chap on the internet says. You are doing impressive things with your life. This video which you have made about your Queen spur trek
is very informative about the track conditions . You have your quest to focus on not dying rather than merely filming the scenery ;-P .

[Camminata]

Great report and effort, the video was very enjoyable!

[Camminata]

I have put it back into my " in tray " for early Nov. 2025( Cup day long weekend).

No One can take this achievement away from you. You have excelled yourself.

I did the Northern Prom loop three times, so I can handle the hideous scrub bashing :-0
as long as
I am mentally prepared to suffer.
I would also camp the night before at the camp site near the Howqua river North / South Branches confluence.
By doing that you get to start the slog earlier and shave off 3-4-5 kms of the river walk the day before.In doing so you'd be
beating the heat by starting at 7 am not 0830 . That would be the key .

I recall you saying you will go up the King Spur this year in 2023 T Man

[peregrinator]

Thanks!

The music? Somewhere, sometime back, someone suggested it when I was asking how to improve the videos. I put it on, and got a bit of positive feedback.
I did think putting that bit of music on loop was a bit dull, but I was rushing to get it done last night. It's easier if I don't include music, so might skip it next time.
I can easily cut the music and re-upload if folks think it's worth it.
Thanks for the feedback, as I have no idea what makes a good bushwalking video.

Baeng, I should have made it clear that I'd previously seen/heard quite a few of your videos, and always learnt something useful from them. I also liked your no-nonsense delivery. Which was why I asked the question about music. Frankly, it just gets in the way of what I want to hear, which are your words. (Not that I mind some bird vocalising or creek flowing ambience that was recorded along the way.)

A good bushwalking video does not need music, in my opinion. More often than not it does not enhance "production values", but actually negates them. Because the music choices available are so hackneyed and irrelevant to what's happening in the bush. (E.g. birds and creeks!) Yet it seems that some people add it just because they've heard some other people adding it. I wondered whether that might have been your motivation. So, I don't believe you need to cut it out from this one at all. I'm sure you've got better things to do.

[Baeng72]

Baeng, I should have made it clear that I'd previously seen/heard quite a few of your videos, and always learnt something useful from them. I also liked your no-nonsense delivery. Which was why I asked the question about music. Frankly, it just gets in the way of what I want to hear, which are your words. (Not that I mind some bird vocalising or creek flowing ambience that was recorded along the way.)

A good bushwalking video does not need music, in my opinion. More often than not it does not enhance "production values", but actually negates them. Because the music choices available are so hackneyed and irrelevant to what's happening in the bush. (E.g. birds and creeks!) Yet it seems that some people add it just because they've heard some other people adding it. I wondered whether that might have been your motivation. So, I don't believe you need to cut it out from this one at all. I'm sure you've got better things to do.

All good! I'm never gonna be a massive channel, nor would I want that. It was just an attempt at improving the videos. Appreciate the feedback!

[Baeng72]

Great report and effort, the video was very enjoyable!

Cheers!

[Baeng72]

You are okay man. Don't worry about what some chap on the internet says. You are doing impressive things with your life. This video which you have made about your Queen spur trek
is very informative about the track conditions . You have your quest to focus on not dying rather than merely filming the scenery ;-P .

Thanks.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

I would point out that the Northern Branch of the King River flows to the Northern side of Queen spur , having emerged from the Horrible Gap
and passes by The Pimple. So yes you met the Southern Branch of the King River but according to the
SV map the other streams were not the Northern Branch of the King river.
Pedantry aside did you find any clearings along Queen Spur road near a water source where
a person or two persons could erect one or two tents?
It may be possible that if one is not time poor that saving the actual Queen
spur climb for day two after resting en route on the overgrown and disused Queen spur road could be a sane option.
Then walking out on day three would be conclusion to this challenging route.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

I recall you saying you will go up the King Spur this year in 2023 T Man

I am plotting my King Spur mission for Dec. 2024.I need a weather window
that is not too hot , not too wet and not too windy.

Do you want to come along ? Send me a PM Please.
I have mapped out the route on my GPS device.

[Avatar]

Great job Baeng! "...should have filmed it[crosscut saw]. Sort of focussing on not dying..." Informative for anyone else who wants to do it. An unflagged scrub route and you'll either get soaking wet with a shredded jacket in the wet with some slippy climbs with exposure at the top or carry heaps of water with a several hours stiff and scrubby climb, no water at the top. Risking dehydration in anything over 15deg. People have simply gone missing around here and it is easy to see why. A campsite at the South Branch crossing would be ideal. I'll allow a couple of bars of the Rocky Theme for effect when breaking out on the top.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

My idea is to camp near the South Branch of the King river and break up the ascent into two days. Moreover starting in October from 8 mile flat and walking up to the Upper Howqua river camp site including creek crossings at Bindaree hut etc. would get you cooler weather with zero crowds but then the hike becomes more like a 4-5 day trip in and out.

[Baeng72]

I would point out that the Northern Branch of the King River flows to the Northern side of Queen spur , having emerged from the Horrible Gap
and passes by The Pimple. So yes you met the Southern Branch of the King River but according to the
SV map the other streams were not the Northern Branch of the King river.
Pedantry aside did you find any clearings along Queen Spur road near a water source where
a person or two persons could erect one or two tents?
It may be possible that if one is not time poor that saving the actual Queen
spur climb for day two after resting en route on the overgrown and disused Queen spur road could be a sane option.
Then walking out on day three would be conclusion to this challenging route.

Yeah, I got that wrong. It appears the southern branch of the King River starts at the confluence of the stream that flows past SNS camp (although I've seen that called the southern Branch) and the other streams I crossed.
Different maps name them differently, but in the end, I was wrong.
So, use my videos, reports as a guide, a useful how-not-to guide at that.
All for entertainment, and don't at me if you die attempting what I did, I could have been extremely lucky and missed the Yowies that await.

Last edited by Baeng72 on Tue 03 Dec, 2024 8:22 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Baeng72]

Great job Baeng! "...should have filmed it[crosscut saw]. Sort of focussing on not dying..." Informative for anyone else who wants to do it. An unflagged scrub route and you'll either get soaking wet with a shredded jacket in the wet with some slippy climbs with exposure at the top or carry heaps of water with a several hours stiff and scrubby climb, no water at the top. Risking dehydration in anything over 15deg. People have simply gone missing around here and it is easy to see why. A campsite at the South Branch crossing would be ideal. I'll allow a couple of bars of the Rocky Theme for effect when breaking out on the top.

My comment about not dying was partially tongue-in-cheek. I'm an uncoordinated lump, so I definitely was concentrating, especially where the spur narrowed, and didn't film as much.
But I think I filmed the route well enough, and probably too exhausted by that stage for fripperies like panic.
I wouldn't go up the Spur if it was wet, already enough difficulty, for me at least.
There was a nice grassy spot where I contoured off the track between the 2nd and 3rd stream that become the King River south branch, so I don't think camping would be difficult. Also thinking about it, the saddle on Queen Spur where the road would meet it, and just below where I got onto the Spur had an open grassy area, just bring water for next day.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

No one will yell at you after they die attempting this tough hiking route. They will be yelling from the funerary urn,if their remains are found and later cremated.

[Camminata]

No one will yell at you after they die attempting this tough hiking route. They will be yelling from the funerary urn,if their remains are found and later cremated.

Headstones of the fallen on Queens Spur

[paidal_chalne_vala]

I have recently done King spur, or should I say it did me.
Queen spur is next !!!