Lake Cobbler base camp by 2WD & day hike to Mt Cobbler

[paidal_chalne_vala]

Hi
In the 1st half of Jan.2013 I want to go and set up a base camp at Lake Cobbler(Alpine N.P.) by 2 WD sedan. I also want to climb Mt Cobbler as a day pack hike. Has anybody done this recently? If Yes then please provide up to date details on the road conditions , the campsite and hike itself.
Thank you.

[ryantmalone]

I actually created a thread about 2WD access to Cobbler Lake a few weeks ago. I'm also keen to get up that way soon myself.

http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=11520

As for the walk, not too sure how much has changed in the last 14 years or so, but from memory, the first part of the track leading from Cobbler Lake was fairly indistinct. I remember we lost the track on our way down 14 years ago or so, and ended up bushbashing towards the top of the falls, then followed the creek back to the lake.

Things may have changed though.

As for the climb, its gradual, not too steep, and well marked the majority of the way. Getting to the summit ridge is a simple effort, however to get to the true summit requires a bit of a scramble. Some might say its a piece of cake, but if you aren't great with heights, it may be a little trouble.

I found this pic courtesy of WalkWeb.net, should give you an idea of what to expect.



Either way, its a great walk, really beautiful area, why not make it a couple of days, walk to Spec, down King Spur to Koonica, across to Cobbler and back to the lake?

As for the campsite at Cobbler Lake, I cant help you here, as its been some time since I've been there myself.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

Hi
I'd love to make it a multi night pack hike as you have suggested but I have non pack hikers most likely coming with me so a compromise is necessary. Thanks for the information.

[ryantmalone]

Hi
I'd love to make it a multi night pack hike as you have suggested but I have non pack hikers most likely coming with me so a compromise is necessary. Thanks for the information.

I'll always suggest any day walk as a potential overnight walk.

Should make a nice day walk either way, not too hard, just slightly airy on that climb to the true summit.

Have fun!

[north-north-west]

I was last up there just before the gates opened - end of October. The track to Mt Cobbler - while obvious - was buried under a few thousand tons of fallen trees from the lake to the junction on the ridge. It was passable (obviously, after all, I got down) but *&%$#! hard work, especially as I was carrying a full pack.
It is just a day walk, and usually a short one, but I'd suggest you check with VicParks before you go up to see if any of the timber has been cleared. If not, either postpone the walk or prepare for a very hard slog.

[ryantmalone]

If not, either postpone the walk or prepare for a very hard slog.

Either that, or walk a few kilometres up Speculation Road to the other track to the summit. That might be worth a shot if the track from Cobbler Lake is blocked.

[iGBH]

It is just a day walk, and usually a short one, but I'd suggest you check with VicParks before you go up to see if any of the timber has been cleared. If not, either postpone the walk or prepare for a very hard slog.

Noticed on the PV website that it does say the track is closed due to trees.

So you are right.... does pay to check with PV before you head up there.

[north-north-west]

If not, either postpone the walk or prepare for a very hard slog.

Either that, or walk a few kilometres up Speculation Road to the other track to the summit. That might be worth a shot if the track from Cobbler Lake is blocked.

There are trees down on that part of the track too, but nowhere near as many. One or two spots you have to be careful not to lose the track because of them, but it's still much easier going.

[JamesMc]

If you walk up the closed track, there's a spot where an obvious track veers left but tapes veer right. Follow the tapes.

JamesMc

[Earwig]

I've walked there a few times with mixed results (see my blog below), including getting kind of lost, but I haven't been there for a few years now. The place was still recovering from the 2003 fires when I was last there. If trees are still falling over then I reckon it's still recovering. If your companions are prepared for a bit of track finding and you have basic navigation skills and feel adventurous you should be able to make the summit without any real problems. If it is their first hike I'd pick somewhere else - perhaps The Bluff or something out of Sheepyard Flat.

http://ian-folly.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/cobblers.html

[juz]

Hi,

I walked from the Lake to the Mount on friday. I can confirm that Parks have cleared this track, slashing and chainsawing. It is, at present, in great condition all the way to the top. Very well defined, and easy to follow - a very beautiful walk to an amazing mountain. Perhaps worth noting that timber will keep falling for some time, so it might not be too long till there are a few trees down on the track again. I highly recommend the walk.

In regards the road to the lake, I have a 20+ year old front wheel drive corolla, and didn't spin the wheels or bottom out once, and this includes driving down to the lake. The road is in great condition. There was a crew out doing road works and they have done a fantastic job. Not sure how much longer they will be working.

All in all, a beautiful spot, and access and track wise probably the best time to go in years.

[north-north-west]

Thanks juz,
They've done a good job clearing that so quickly. I didn't think it would get done before the autumn. There was a lot of big timber down.

Now, if they could just take those chainsaws up the north face of MacDonald . . .