| Trip grade: |
Moderate |
| Trip Dates: |
27 December, 2012 - 1 January,
2013
On request for groups of 4-8 people, from December
to March inclusive |
| Cost: |
$1,450.00 per person, twin/sharing |
| Accommodation: |
A modern ski-lodge in Falls Creek
|
| Maximum group size: |
12 |
Situated in the north east of the state, Victoria's
Alpine National Park is an area of great natural beauty
and rich cultural heritage. It is the highest part of
Victoria rising to 1900 metres. In winter, it is snow
covered above 1500 metres, but snowfalls down to 1000
metres are not uncommon. In summer, the weather is generally
fine and warm, but at least 10o Celsius cooler than
the nearby plains. These warmer months produce a burst
of alpine wildflowers.
The park has three distinct vegetation zones, all of
which are very beautiful. The alpine zone has low vegetation;
open grasslands, herb-fields, small pools and bogs,
with expanses of wildflowers. This is the highest area,
with grand views across the plains.
The sub-alpine zone is characterized by snowgum woodland,
where ancient trees have been sculpted into fantastic
shapes by the wind and snow. Lastly, the mountain forests
of tall alpine ash and mountain ash trees descend into
lush fern gullies. Our walks will take us into all three
environments.
Aboriginal people inhabited the area in the summer
months, and since the 1830s, cattlemen have used the
high plains for summer grazing. We visit historic relics
of these mountain cattlemen on our walks. Gold was discovered
at many locations in and around the park during the
1850 - 60s. Bushrangers were also very active here.
Despite its elevation, the terrain is generally undulating
with short uphill sections to viewpoints. The Australian
Alps Walking Track traverses the Alpine National Park.
The Walking Programme
During the week we will be offering a range of walks
designed to show you the best of the Bogong High Plains
and nearby areas. The walks will also be selected to
take account of the weather and will include:
| > |
The historic Wallace's
and Cope huts, |
| > |
Edmonson's hut and Mt.
Nelse |
| > |
Tawonga huts and Mt. Niggerhead |
| > |
Mt. McKay and the Ruined
Castle basalt outcrop |
| > |
The Rocky Knobs and Bogong
High Plains basin |
| > |
Kelly's and Fitzgerald's
huts, and |
| > |
The tall forest off the
edge of the High Plains |
| |
|
| Included |
| > |
6 nights twin/shared accommodation
in a modern ski lodge |
| > |
Return transport from Melbourne/Wangaratta |
| > |
All meals, including wine
with evening meals |
| > |
Professional leader throughout |
| > |
Local transfers as required,
and |
| > |
All entry and permit fees |
|
