2017 Trip Note

Pack Carry: 9-12 June 2017 - Hattah Lakes – Queen’s Birthday Weekend 2017

Contributor: Richard Hanson

Source: "The News", July 2017

Photogallery: Hattah Lakes – Queen’s Birthday Weekend 2017

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Why would 19 of us travel 503 kilometres to walk 48 kilometres in the sand and sleep in the cold? There is probably no explaining it but I’ll try.

We camped at the main Hattah camping ground which was great, it had toilets and tables and we had a very nice fire thanks to Ray who carted the wood up from Melbourne (as we were not allowed to collect it there).

Hattah–Kulkyne National Park is quite arid with rich orange sand and many lakes that were full of water. This was not always the case as Ian told us they were dry when he was last here in 2013. After a change in government policy and substantial expenditure on infrastructure “environmental” water is now allowed to flow down the Chalka Creek to replenish the lakes again.

After 17 kms going cross country and via the “roo” fence we arrived at the Murray where we camped high above the river with another nice fire. We spent the next day walking 14 kms past massive River Red Gums generally quite high above the Murray River. Again we camped on the banks of the Murray this time with a fire on the sand bar next to the river where we discussed why all the birds and planes were flying to Adelaide or Perth and other equally important things.

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Having campfires every night was fantastic and kept us from going to bed at 6:30. It also allowed us to experience beautiful full moons and the stars we can’t see in Melbourne. Thanks to those who brought the wine, especially Meredith who generously brought two bottles to share.

Whilst it was cold at night, during the day it was warm enough to entice three of us (not me) to swim, including Paul who swam to NSW. Mostly we were walking in shirts enjoying up to 18 degrees. Not bad for the middle of winter!

Thanks to Ian Mair for leading us so well and introducing us to a very different landscape. And yes it was definitely worth the drive and the cold.