21 April 2024
This walk was undertaken for us to sample part of the new Snowy’s Alpine Walking trail.
After dropping one car off at Perisher Valley, we started this walk from the trail head sign and map at Charlottes pass village. Following the new track across the Johnnies Plains we soon diverted away from the pole line that marks the cross – country skiing route. This new walking track then passes through the tree line up to the saddle just beyond Trapyard Creek. Numerous large snow gums were found that must have been several hundred years old. Sadly, many had evidence of damage due to borers and were not in good health.
Here we found many great views across and along the Thredbo river valley. We could also glimpse some of the main range peaks to the North – east, including Mt Tate, Anderson and Twynam.
The track then wound its way past some large rock outcrops and then along the tops to the headwaters of Betts creek valley. Lunch was had on another rock overlooking the Monaro High plains south of Cooma. We could even make out the wind turbines of Boco Rock area past Nimmitabel.
Further on after Bett’s Creek the trail crossed the cross-country ski trail again but then diverted to the south side of the ridgeline. This was once again very scenic with the trail passing through more large boulders with some short sections of steps to climb up to the junction of the track and side track to the Porcupine. It was here that we got up close to a large male red deer, complete with an impressive antler set. Once he saw us though he did not hang around, but we did hear many calls as we walked onwards.
As we had time and good weather conditions, we took the short diversion to the top of the Porcupine for more great views.
Then we made our way down the last 3km back at the Perisher by a very respectable time, and back in Cooma before dark.
Another successful and very enjoyable walk.