On the weekend of Sept 11 – 13, thirty-one walkers descended upon ‘Clack Clack’ Caravan Park near Corryong for walks within the surrounding area. This was our second visit to the area, having visited back in 2024 during the same time of year.
The reason for a subsequent return was because storm damage in one area of the Burrowa Pine Mountain NP prevented us from doing planned trails. The trails have now been restored, and infrastructure, such as bridges and stairs, improved. In addition to this park, the Mount Mittamatite Regional Park was included as a walking destination.
The group met on Friday evening at 8pm in the camp kitchen for a briefing about Saturday’s walks. For those who hadn’t visited before, the 11km, Grade 4, Pine Mountain walking trail was suggested as a must do walk. Many walkers who had completed this hike the time before were once again sold on my brief about the hike, and its wonderful views. No need to throw in a bonus set of steak knives to sell this iconic ridge walk.
Four hardy walkers (possibly ill-informed) chose the short, but equally hard, Pimple Hike, which follows the ridge track towards Mount Burrowa. They would then drive onto Mount Mittamatite Regional Park in the afternoon. An easier option for all other walkers was exploring the trails and views in the Mount Mittamatite Regional Park.
The walkers for the Burrowa Pine Mountain NP assembled at 8am and departed shortly after. Unlike our last visit, we chose the Cudgewa Bluff and Cudgewa North roads, with substantial dirt sections, rather than navigate the likely pot hole ridden roads via Tintaldra and Walwa.
The final short drive along Pine Mountain Track which leads to the start of the Pine Mountain walking track was slow. We witnessed one watchful, wary, wide-eyed wallaby, waiting wisely as we went by. The starting point was reached about an hour later after our departure. Following a group photo, where it was difficult to get one member to not block the trail sign, (Sonia), we began walking.
It wasn’t long before we reached Rocky Knob. Despite not having walked far, it was decided it was a great spot for an early morning tea. Clear blue skies allowed expansive views over the other side of the Park, and the Cudgewa Valley below. We think we decided which landmark was the Pimple, where another group was hiking. After a break we continued towards another rocky outcrop which is about three kilometres from the start.
This is a more demanding climb to this point, with a total elevation gain of 300m. During this part of the hike, Daryl and Andrew found a short detour which afforded fantastic views over the mountain towards the valley below, and NSW. It was mentioned to the others to experience the sights as well. As some of us moved on, Sandi who was now at the lookout point in question, was heard to call out, “I can see three wedge tail eagles”. However, without photographic evidence this is in some doubt.
One final short rock section necessitated poles being put away, as hands and knees were needed for the short scramble. My previous effort here two years ago left me with a small hole ripped in my favourite pair of Columbia trousers. Not this time, and I didn’t even have to take my trousers off to avoid a repeat dilemma. The walkers had now reached a greater than 900m elevation peak, with imposing and sprawling views.
The group now divided into two. Medium walkers stayed to enjoy the view a little longer before returning the way they had come. The rest of us continued towards Pine Mountain. From here much of the immediate hike is over large flat rock areas. Occasional orange markers and cairns assisted with navigation. We were fortunate to have had a period of dry weather, and so lichen and moss on the rocks were not as slippery as last time. After this rock section a denser foliage path was encountered. The walking became easier as the track levelled out significantly.
The final climb towards Pine Mountain summit was again over large flat rock areas in an exposed space. At the summit a group photo to mark the occasion was taken, which was then followed with lunch. This gigantic rock monolith is reputedly one and a half times a s big as Uluru. Views of the Murray River, and surrounding valley towards New South Wales, were relished.
After lunch we began to return via the way we had walked to the summit. We encountered another couple of hikers who were almost at the peak. Unfortunately our return was hampered by my sudden onset of leg cramps. Numerous muscle groups at different times presented problems all the way back to the start. I consumed enough electrolytes to benefit the entire Corryong seniors football team, but to no avail. I think we stopped nearly a dozen times, and lost at least 30 minutes. My group wouldn’t hear of us splitting up into two smaller groups to return. Like the musketeers it was “all for one and one for all, united we stand divided we fall”. However at this stage I was the only one falling.
During all of this Trevor was waiting for us at the end because he missed out on a seat with the medium walking group driving back to the caravan park. He must have wondered what we were up to because the two hikers we had encountered earlier had passed us again, and were already back at the start. Finally, at 4.30pm, we had returned to the starting point. The almost 11km hike was very rewarding, but a challenging day hike. More so for some of us than others.
Meanwhile the four walkers who chose the Pimple walk were walking a little further than planned, due to some boggy sections of road, before reaching the official car park. The track began with a short descent, and then a gentle rise before becoming steeper and continuing on as such for some distance. It’s less steep in places, but still climbs steadily towards the pinnacle.
Nearing the top it levelled out somewhat as you reach the large rocky outcrop known as the “Pimple”. A rather unfortunate name, but most likely better than the Boil, Zits or Blackheads. Which incidentally would make a great name for a teenage punk rock band. The trail continues around the rocks where a sign reinforces the name of the peak, where lunch was now taken.
The views from the summit, which is over 1000m, were of clear blue skies, with Mount Mittamatite in the distance beyond the Cudgewa Valley. The walkers then returned to the start via the same route. The walking track itself is littered with leaf, stick and recent brush cutting matter. This afforded some very loose forest matter underfoot to negotiate more carefully on the steep descent. The walk ended up being almost 5km, with an elevation gain of about 400m over the 1.5km ascent. Satisfied with this achievement, the group then travelled to Mount Mittamatite for some less strenuous hiking, but equally rewarding vistas.
Saturday also included two groups of walkers transversing the trails on Mount Mittamatite Regional Park. One group was walking about 7km on the 4WD road to take in numerous views, while the other used a car shuffle to complete a similar experience. The notable viewpoints were from the inconsistently marked Tower Loop Nature Trail at the summit, which incorporates Falcon Point and Reg’s Ledge.
The views from this side of the Park are towards Tintaldra, the Murray River and NSW. The southern side of the park afforded panoramas of Corryong, Mount Elliot, located above that town, and the snow-capped Australin Alps in the distance. These were observed from the viewpoints of the Southern Lookout and Embury’s Lookout. Once they had completed their walks, a short stop at Farrans Lookout was also taken on the drive back to the caravan park.
Dinner was held Saturday evening at the Corryong Courthouse Hotel where numerous animated conversations took place. With no fact checkers present, one can only imagine some of the stories that were shared.
Sunday was a later start at 9am to facilitate those who were packing up to head home after the planned walks. Today’s walks would feature the Bluff Falls Nature Trail, which was closed last time we were here. So our convoy of ten vehicles set off. It was unfortunate we didn’t have CB radios amongst the entire group for communication. I can imagine the handlers of our group. Rubber Duck (leader); Windbag (the driver who won’t stop talking); Blinky (the driver who leaves the indicator on accidentally for kilometres); Einstein (the driver who misreads a map) and Taj Mahal (you know who you are with the portable monster home on wheels).
We arrived at the spacious car park at Bluff Falls campground and day picnic area. Today the two groups would set off together. Those undertaking the longer hike would go a little further onto Campbells Lookout. The shorter hike would be to the Falls only and return via the dirt road. I was pleased to have an easier day of walking with my leg muscles still wondering what on earth was I trying to do to them.
The Nature Trail walk closely follows the Bluff Creek, which is fed from Bluff Falls. The trail was a little boggy in patches, which was a good sign for the expected water flow at the Falls. We walked through fern gullies, and alongside tall Blue Gum trees, with the sound of birds singing. Over 180 species of birds have been recorded in the Park. Not today. Some information panels with details about the local flora, fauna and history provided additional interest for the group. Helen was particularly interested in the native orchids, one of too few wildflowers, spotted along the way.
As we neared the Falls, the trail became rockier and steeper, and our group undertook morning tea on some well-placed steps near the foot bridge at the base of the Falls. After enjoying something to eat amongst the splendid setting, we continued on. A set of new sturdy steel steps had been constructed which made the ascent to the dirt road at the Falls more easily manageable. A group photo was taken at this viewing point, before retuning via the dirt road to the car park for lunch.
Meanwhile Jeanette was leading the longer hiking group towards Campbells Lookout. After their shared enjoyment of the Falls, the trail continues on a narrow and sometimes rocky path into the gorge which then meets an 18-step ladder. Daryl had the most entertaining time climbing the ladder in his unique hiking shoes. Essentially, they have individual toe pockets, like a hand glove, which offer a light and distinct barefoot feel over the ground. Not so great on a ladder with rather narrow rungs on which your feet uncomfortably are to step onto. Nevertheless he made it up, and later down, with minimal concern.
After the ladder the trail continued through the gorge, with some scrambling required where necessary to reach a small bridge (in need of repairs) over the creek. A sign post directed the group to Campbell’s Lookout. This is a rocky escarpment that overlooks the steep cliffs and scree-covered slopes of Cudgewa Bluff. Here some of the group took their break while others returned to the bridge to eat there. Everyone regrouped at the bridge, and returned via the way they had come. Once back at the main falls lookout point everyone returned to the cars via the dirt road.
The Nature Trail, Bluff Falls and Campbell’s Lookout concluded the weekend. By all accounts it was a great weekend of diverse walking trails, with numerous wonderful views from many points of interest and lookouts. Thanks for all those who participated.
[Michael Braendler, with additional walk reports from Jeanette Farquhar, Chris McLaughlin and Rod Davis.]