Major Mitchell Grampians Hike - ANZAC 2013

Major Mitchell Circuit

Day one

My planned solo hike to Major Mitchell plateau had been a long time coming. The last time I did this hike was over 6 years ago, and was a truncated hike starting at Mt William car park. My plan this time round was to do the whole three day circuit commencing at Sheep Hill car park, and heading in a counter clockwise direction. 

Upon dropping into the Rangers Office to register my walk, I was advised by staff that there was no water at Jimmy Creek camp site and Major Mitchell plateau, and therefore had to carry enough water for three days! This threw a spanner in the works as I didn’t want to entertain the idea of carrying that much water, particularly when I was advised two days earlier by another staff member that there was water at the top. Following this new advice, I decided that I would shorten the walk by commencing at Jimmy Creek campground instead. This way I would only need to carry enough water for 2 days.  

Jimmy Creek campground is a large open site with enough space for over 20 tent easily, located about 25kms south of Halls Gap. When I reached there I was surprised to find that the campsite was serviced by running water from taps – I was not happy with the incorrect advice provided! Anyway what’s done is done. After repacking to account for the reduced days, and packing about 4.5 litres of water, I commenced my walk. The beginning of the track to Major Mitchell is located about 250 metres down the road from Jimmy Creek campground.

Beginning of trail from Jimmy Creek

 

The track starts off as a gradual climb over rocky ground. After 6 kms (1.5 hours) of uphill walking, Stockyard Gap was reached. The climb from here then got more difficult, with steep incline and rock scrambling taking nearly an hour to get to the plateau. The views of the plateau though were amazing with the Serra Range to the west. It was also extremely windy. After some rock hopping and further climbing I finally reached the top of the plateau. It was another 4kms along the plateau before I would arrive at my intended destination, First Wannon Hiker Campsite. It eventually took over 5 hours of difficult walking before I arrived, and by then I was quite tired. 

Major Mitchell plateau to the right, and Serra Range in background

I was hoping for the campsite to be empty, but that was not the case with a few other hikers already there. A few more arrived after me, all approaching from the opposite direction. Although there were signs of creeks, all of them were dry at the time. The throne style outdoor toilet I recalled had been replaced by a standard pit style toilet. The campsite is set in a depression on the plateau and is surrounded by gum trees, with enough room for at least 7 tents. After dinner it was off to an early night.

First Wannon Hiker Campsite

Sunset on the plateau

Day two

My plan today was to walk to Sheep Hill car park via Mt William, and then hopefully hitch a lift to Jimmy Creek, thereby avoiding the need to hike the additional 13km along the fire trail or main road. The walk towards Mt William started off with a short 800 metre walk on top of the plateau, before descending steeply down to Boundary Gap. After a bit more of rock scrambling I reached Boundary Gap in half an hour, and then it was another 45 minutes of steep climbing to the top. This part was a lot easier than I remembered from the last time I was here – maybe it was because my pack was lighter this time round. All up it took approximately 2 hours to reach the summit of Mt William and then was an easy 15 minute walk down to the car park. 

Approximately 300 metres from the car park was meant to be where Sheep Hills track recommenced but I could not find it. I must have missed the turn off and after a bit of searching and bush bashing I was able to spot the trail where I eventually joined. The walk down to Sheep Hill car park is mostly downhill on an easy trail. After about 1.5 hour walk I reached a creek which had running water and space where a tent could be pitched if required. The bridge over the creek though had been damaged and completed washed off its moorings, so I had to cross via some rocks instead. After a further 2km walk on a flat track I eventually reached the car park (all up taking about 5 hours from First Wannon camp site). Just before the car park is another creek crossing, again with the bridge way off its moorings. It is possible to camp here but not ideal as the ground is rocky.

I managed to hitch a ride to Jimmy Creek campsite with a guy in a Jeep off to do some four wheel driving at Harrop Track. I was most delighted for the lift and was surprised that it didn’t take as long as I thought to get a ride. Only two other vehicles had refused to pick me up before I managed to flag this one down.When I arrived at Jimmy Creek, I was ready for a well earned rest. The site enough had a bush shower which I happily made use of. All up the walk was challenging but worth all the effort required to experience the beauty of Major Mitchell Plateau.

Jimmy Creek Campground