Lake Oberon V's Frenchmans

[Lizzy]

Hiya
I am considering my end of year walk (late Nov/early Dec) and trying to come up withthe best use of my precious time. I probably can fit in a 5-7 (maybe a day or 2more) walk. I have been searching about and was thinking of perhaps walking in to Lake Oberon (WA) via Moraine A and out the same way or instead doing Frenchmans Cap or any other suggestions.
I have done the OT years ago (10 days with side trips including Pine Valley), done a fair few overseas hikes and have quite alot of hikes under my belt in NSW, ACT, Vic, Qld. I have good gear including a PLB, will probably be doing this solo, am not at peak fitness (too much computer time), but Ok afteer the first day of whining ... (hence solo!!)
Cheers
Lizzy

[pazzar]

you could get through the entire western arthurs in 5-7 days. I am doing 5 days at Frenchmans soon, it gives plenty of time to explore the area a bit, and the option of waiting for good weather to climb to the summit.
Southern Ranges is another good walk that could be done in 7-8 days, coming out via the South Coast Track.

[Lizzy]

Hi Pazzar,
Yeah entire WA's is really the ultimate goal- I don't mind solo but some of the family isn't quite as keen. Was thinking at one stage of going into Oberon & if that seemed OK continuing on. Its hard to judge if it would be challenging or over-ambitious...wish I had more time & then I'd do a warm-up walk (say Frenchmans) first & then hit the WAs... you Tasmanians are lucky to have such a variety on your doorsteps!
Cheers
Lizzy

[Azza]

Was thinking at one stage of going into Oberon & if that seemed OK continuing on. Its hard to judge if it would be challenging or over-ambitious...

The track as far as Obereon is pretty good, compared to Frenchmans Cap I think they're probably pretty equal in terms of difficulty.

Beyond Obereon things get rougher, and the days longer and you might need a few metres of rope/cord to pack haul.
You are pretty much committed beyond that point. There aren't really any suitable places to camp inbetween established camp sites, so you can't really call it a day early.

A-K is worth considering that would fix nicely into 5-7 days without putting yourself under too much time pressure.

[ILUVSWTAS]

A good rule to remember is, If you dont like the descent into Oberon, DO NOT continue beyond that lake. Thats the first fun bit of the walk.

[Son of a Beach]

A good rule to remember is, If you dont like the descent into Oberon, DO NOT continue beyond that lake. Thats the first fun bit of the walk.

Too true. Last time I went into there was in a group of 4 and 2 of the 4 literally cried during that section (although I think it was partly exhaustion induced). And as you say, it just gets harder beyond Oberon.

[Lizzy]

Thanks Guys,
Yeah - don't worry, if I do decide to do Oberon I will definitely assess things there and won't be shy about turning back if I am in any doubt about my ability/fitness/etc etc. But it would be nice to get there....
I normally take one trekking pole but am thinking it may be more of a hinderance with all the srambling etc- would you say I would be better to leave it at home?
Cheers
Lizzy

[ILUVSWTAS]

Yes. I'd imagine it would only get in the way from Oberon on, but up to there it may still be useful.

[Son of a Beach]

I'm not a pole user, but I'd imagine that so long as it could be quickly collapsed and stowed it would be worth using for most of the way to Oberon and for some much of the way beyond there.

[tasadam]

As far as Frenchmans goes, if you were contemplating the Irenabyss and beyond, I definitely would not do that solo.
Can't speak for the Arthurs, only been a bit beyond Cygnus myself, due to time & weather.
If you can afford to fly in / out, you could get from Melaleuca down to Wilson Bight in that time, possibly climb Mt Karamu - best view in the world! It's the peak I am standing on when I hear the last minute or so of the song "Dreams" by the Cranberries. It takes you there.