Date and time:  Thursday 21 April 2022 to Saturday 23 April 2022

Description: This is a mid-week trip and families are welcome

Travelling via Sheepyard Flat we climb up to Bluff Hut and Lovicks Hut to bush camp amongst the snow gums.  Following King Billy Track down to the Macalister River we then climb up to the Howitt Plains passing the scree slopes.  The historic Howitt, Guys, Kellys and McMichaels Huts will be explored along the track and we plan to enjoy some stops and short walks to appreciate the high country scenery.

No trailers.

No pets please as we will be travelling in National Parks.

Weather:  Alpine environment, potentially cold and wet.  Review the Alpine weather forecast leading up to the trip and bring appropriate clothing, footwear and camping gear.

Equipment:  You will need a vehicle with high clearance and low range.  Recovery gear including a snatch strap and rated shackles, recovery boards, a 5 watt UHF radio, first aid kit, full roadside assistance cover, a full fuel tank at Mansfield, boots, clothing and camping gear suitable for cold alpine conditions and possible wet weather. Satellite phone if you have one.  Cooking gear and all food and water for the trip plus emergency stocks. Driver training is recommended and a good knowledge of how to use your vehicle’s traction and other aids. 

Trip Standard: Medium with possible hard sections.

Fuel:  a full tank ex Mansfield

Distance:  Melbourne to Mansfield 188 kms.  Mansfield to Licola approximately 200kms. Licola to Melbourne 241kms.

Duration:  3 days

Convoy limit: 7 vehicles

Meeting arrangements: BP Service Station, 145 Mt Buller Road, Mansfield for the driver briefing at 9.00am sharp.  If you plan to get coffee beforehand then you will need to arrive a little earlier.  We will aim to finish about 4.00pm on Saturday

Trip Leaders: John & Prue Hasler.  Email:  p.thwait@bigpond.net.au