The day finally arrived to tackle Queensland’s highest peak, Mt Bartle Frere at a respectable 1,622m. 

Bartle Frere is in cloud 8 out of every 10 days so to get a day with bright sunny skies takes some doing.  Today was the day.

The initial idea was to scout the track so that Joey Jess could give the summit an attempt.  Jess has been asking me to climb the mountain ever since we hit the surrounds around Cairns.  So Hamish and myself (Bushman Bud) arrived at the start of the Western climb at 10:40am.  We knew this was late in the day to start the climb but were pretty confident that we could get up and back if we backed ourselves.  We set a cut off point of 2:00pm for the summit and set off on the track.

The first 2klm or so leads slightly downhill to Bobbin Bobbin Falls, a very picturesque water fall with amazingly fresh water to drink…you have to check out the falls when climbing Bartle Frere.  The falls are about 30-40m high and cascade down through the small gorge.  We left the falls for the return trip so as not to use up valuable time on the way up.

It is at Bobbin Bobbin Falls that the track starts to climb and this continues steadily right up to the Western Peak at 1,450m.  The trail is mostly through rain forest with some scrambling over, around or through large boulders along the way.

We moved steadily with little to no rest arriving at the Western Peak at 1:00pm.  Here we climbed up onto the granite boulders where you are greeted with amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding coastline and Atherton Tablelands.  It is also here that you can get a glimpse of the BArtle Frere peak for the first time…that is if you can work out which peak it is!  The surrounding country is full of small peaks which look like any could be the summit!.

Leaving the Western Peak we had one hour to get to the summit, this was going to be tough going.  We set off with new enthusiasm thinking that the summit was not that far away.  However this section of the track crosses a few saddles so you drop down about 200m before climbing 100m, dropping another 100m and climbing the remaining few hundred metres to the summit.  This makes the last 2klm quite a challenge and energy sapping.  Made worse is the condition of the track which has not been cleared for two years due to lack of funding.  Many times we had to stop to find the track and it is amazing that more people have not got lost on this section of track.  There were times when we were pushing through head height grass hoping to come out the other side and find a track marker…be very careful on this section. 

The last section of the summit is steep with some sections exposed to the sun until you finally arrive at a tree topped summit.  Therefore there is very little view of the surrounding country side other than one rock platform which leads you to spectacular views of the coastline.  These views are simply breath taking and although minimal are well worth the climb.

We arrived at the summit bang on 2:00pm after a torturous hour of hard climbing.  The torture was our own doing simply because we hadn’t left ourselves much time.  A more leisurely climb would not have been so sapping.

A quick lunch, photo and we were back on the track heading down.  Once again we had to retrace our steps several times to pick up the track…QLD parks really need to address this issue.  Put into perspective, this walk is to an iconic QLD location (being its highest peak) and the track was in diabolical condition…this in my mind was simply not good enough.

You always make up time on the way down but on this mountain it is probably not as noticeable due to many exposed tree roots which make the track unsteadyand uneven under foot and therefore at times slow going.

We did make good progress though and were back down at Bobbin Bobbin Falls at 4:45pm.  We wondered down the track about 100m which is steep and probably the last thing you want to do after pushing yourself realy hard for 6 hours.  The legs were a bit wobbly on the way down, but this was made up for easily with the fresh cool water.

Back up to the main track after 20 mins at the falls we were back at the car around 5:30pm.  What a day full of hard climbing and pushing the body really hard.  Got to say I love to trash the body in this way and it always feels good food for the soul.

So all in all, we probably spent 10 mins at the Western Peak, 15 minutes at the summit and 20 mins looking at Bobbin Bobbin Falls.  Soooo, setting off at 10:45 and arriving back at 5:30pm, (less the above) the climb took us 6 hours to complete.

My closing thoughts, certainly not the toughest or steepest climb…that belongs to Mt Bogong (Victoria’s highest peak), so where would I rate the challenge…probably the same as Cradle Mountain.  The downsides, the leaches and the condition of the track, the upsides the amazing (although) limited view from the summit.  Make sure you pick the right day and you will enjoy QLD’s highest peak.

What else can I say…I’am at the top…and you’re not…get out and give it a go!!!!!!!!!!

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

Well we all made it up Cradle Mountain this time around.  Joey Jess (7) on her second run and Orangatang Amy (5) on her first attempt.  We followed the track from Dove Lake to the interection of the Overland Track and Dove Lake Track (about 300m from the carpark).  We turned left towards Dove Lake and followed the lake for 500m before turning right onto the Marion’s Lookout track (a steep track ascending the mountain almost directly up).  From the beautiful vista of Marions Lookout we joined up with the Overland Track and onto Kitcheners Hut and the intersection of the Overland Track, Face Track and Cradle Mtn summit track.  Onwards and upwards to the summit from there, including some great video blogs of the rock scramble showing some of the more difficult and steeper parts. 

After leaving the carpark about 11:45am we reached the summit of Cradle Mtn at 4:00pm.  The view was amazing with clear skies in every direction.  Unfortnately the metal disc at the summit showing all the other mountain peaks in the park was missing.  Was it stolen?  That would be my bet because it hardly needs maintenance!  It looked as though it had been souveniered similar to the Cape York sign at the northern tip of Australia.  What is happening to this great country of ours when these simple icons cannot be left alone to be enjoyed by all.

Anyhow, descending Cradle mountain we headed back to Marions Lookout and this time decided to follow the Overland Track back to Dove Lake car park.  This track is just as steep (if not steeper) leading down/or up from Marions (depending on which way you are going) so don’t be fooled that it may be the easier if the two tracks to Marion’s.  In fact my assessment is that it was the harder of the two tracks. 

The Overland Track is at least a couple of klms longer but does have the advantage of passing past a couple of beautiful inland lakes including the very quaint Wombat Pool.  We arrived at Wombat pool about 7:00pm and with the setting sun and Cradle Mtn and Marions Lookout in the back drop it was a very dreamy place indeed.

Back at the carpark about 7:40pm made for a long day.  The kids would have benefited taking the steep and shorter track back down from Marion’s Lookout, but hey, thats what happens walking in this great land of ours.

Cradle Mountain is an exciting climb and well worth the effort.  It is one of the places I relate to as a “place of breath taking beauty,” so get to Tassie and give it a go.  Apparently on a clear day the best views are early in the morning…so there is a parting hint.

Video blogs to follow.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivDR5tfTsuo

Black Bluff is 1,336m and is accessed via Taylors Flat on the Lagoona Road (approx 8-9 klms) West of Leven Canyon.  Taylors Flat is sign posted and once you get there you can see signs for the Black Bluff walk.

Half Way Up - I Hope!

Leaving Taylors Flat you walk along the Leven River for about 1.5 klms before heading towards the peak.  The first part of the walk is flat and then a a slight gradient starts as you leave the river.  This continues 1/3 of the way to the peak before you hit a mountain stream.  When wet, water cascades down here so you are walking in water and clambering over slippery rocks.  We had rain the previous 2 days which made the next 1/3 of the climb difficult and time consuming.  Almost immediately after coming out of the mountain stream you come to a plateau and after a few hundred metres you come across the amazing and spectacular view of Paddy’s Lake. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdhJaKJ4YpQ (Bushman Bud)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLUZHYm0sE0 (Girl Power at Paddy’s Lake)

Paddy's Lake - Later In Day

Paddy’s Lake is just over 1,000m above sea level and when you combine the lake and the mountainous Black Bluff in the near distance is makes for fantastic vista.  The track continues around Paddy’s Lake and before it continues upward there is a small clearing and a rock with a great view of the lake.  This is a great spot for lunch or at least a breather.  There is also a bigger clearing further around the lake just off the main track where there is a campsite beside the lake.  This has to be one of the prettiest campsites going around so if you are doing an overnighter enjoy it to yourself.

The last 1/3 of the climb, whilst not as difficult as the mountain stream is rugged and steep.  By this time (once Paddy’s Lake is reached) you are above the tree line so the view is spectacular.  Several hundred metres past Paddy’s lake is the intersection of the Penguin Cradle Mountain Track and the Black Buff Track.  

The last part of the climb circles behind the Bluff with the final 15 to 20m to the peak being a rock scramble.  You are of course met with unbelievable 360 degree views of the surrounding ranges.  At the peak you can gaze over the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park and ranges picking out the famous Cradle Mountain and along side it Tasmania’s highest peak, Mt Ossa.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJwXwDdnJ74 (Bushman Bud)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0-BmhIf8eE (Girl Power Hits Top)

The climb took us 4 1/2 hours to reach the summit, stopping for regular breaks.  The mountain creek section with the kids was slow going and tiresome.  Saying that we all got to the top, Bushman Bud, Joey Jess(7), Orangatang Amy (5) and Lovely Lynda (age a secret!)  The kids getting to the top under their own steam – what more would you expect after doing Mt Bogong only a few weeks earlier.  The kids really are machines!  Awesome effort girls!

Going down was an easy stroll other than the mountain creek section which took some time to negotiate.  This part of the track is made worse because it is quite overgrown in areas.  The creek had dried up a little on the way down so the rocks scramble was not so slippery.  One problem with the track being overgrown is you can’t see where you are placing your feet.

Getting to the rain forest on the lower part of the track is a welcome relief knowing you are not far from the finish.  You then can hear the Leven River ambling by letting you know you have about 1.5 klms of easy walking.

It was a tough climb in sections but the rewards of Paddy’s Lake and the view from above make the experience all the more worth the effort.

The sign from the car park suggests a six hour return, this is wishful thinking for the average person.  We took 3 hours coming down making it 7 1/2 hours in total.  I would leave yourself at least 7 to 8 hours to be on the safe side.

Well I’ve been to the top and back and thoroughly enjoyed it, get out and give it a go, its part of enjoying the great outdoors.  When you are travelling around it is an awesome backyard to have at your doorstep.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9IISnJb2tY

 

 

 

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia