staircase around lake cobler

Fozzy,

The Staircase would be challenging going from bottom to top, which I would assume that is the way you will be travelling. In the wet very challenging, even go as far as saying it would be character building.

The quick way would be the bitumen but that is for 2WD vehicles.

I will be decending the staircase after lunch on Sunday so I hope it is dry.

Wayne

We were up there about 18 months ago and had 3 trailers in our group, we all managed without any problems, would be differnet in the wet though. I wouldnt think it has change greatly from then.

Every time I have done it (many), it was quite easy. I think any 4wd with low range could do it no problem.
There are some rock ledges to climb but nothing difficult.

John D

Did the Staircase in January going from Cobbler Lake to Craigs Hut and back again and it took ages. One way took about 1.5hrs and it is just 10km straight line distance. Going by road around Whitfield etc would probably be quicker. The actual Staircase was a bit bumpy in places and quite straight forward, but it then depends on your vehicle and how it is set up. Could be different if wet, but we couldn't see that it would be that hard.

The staircase is not particularly difficult. Only really one short rough section. Basically just stick to the far left as you go up and it's fine.

I agree with the above - the staircase is not a very difficult track - care required in the wet.

The area is pretty tame. We were there for cup week end last year and most tracks are well formed and relatively easy almost like gravel roads (almost). NB: The track from King Hut to Craig's Hut (called King Hut Track) would be pretty difficult in the wet the rest in the King Hut area would be fine - assuming you have some 4wd experience.

Gaz

Went up in the Jack just before Xmas from Craigs hut across Cobbler Track through the way you are saying. Not sure what you are driving but it was no problem in the Jack.
link text

Went down the staircase about 3 weeks ago from Cobbler to King Hut. No problems for 80 series with 2 inch lift (idled down and did not touch the bottom) and Suzuki Sierra with no lift (idled down with a few bangs and crashes). Going up would be a different matter for the Suzuki, but it looked like someone had spent a fair amount of time before us road building with small rocks, etc, and there was a young couple in a vitara that we passed who had just gone up it, I assume they were the road builders....

Gaday Fozzy.
An easy scenic trip would be Mansfield to Powers Lookout. Down the powerline track to Cheshunt. Rose river rd to Dandongadale then over Goldie track behind Mt Buffalo then down into Porepunkah. Any 4by towing a camper trailer could do it in around 3 hours including photo stops.
If you have a full day to get accross & want to see the sights try Mansfield up to Carters rd over Mt number 3. Down Westerns track to Pineapple flat then follow the King river to King Hut. Up the Staircase to Lake Cobbler then take the Abbeyard track to the Buffalo river. Camp creek & Scotchman's tracks into the Buckland Valley. Around 5 to 6 hours all up & suitable for 4by's with plenty of clearance. If it rains & your tyres aren't up to it, bypass the Staircase via the little Cobbler track,the King river via the Circut rd, the rough section on the Abbeyard track via William's Rd & don't dare cross the Buffalo at Camp creek if the river is up.
Log trucks used to cart timber out of the top of Wonnangatta via the Staircase so it isn't particually steep, just washed out & rocky. Carefull wheel positioning will get most 4by's up even in the wet.
Cheers Craig..........
HZJ105 Vic
PS. It always pays to let everyone know what you drive & previous 4x4 experience so we know what to recomend for you:-))

Hi Fozzy, we did it in a 88 Paj TD, leaf springs, no lift, great low range, and did it easy, and that was going up. Had been told scary stories about the "Staircase" but didn't even know we'd done it till we looked at the map at Lake Cobbler.

Cobbler, IMHO, is one of the gems of the high country

thanks everyone for all your input
cheers
fozzy

I understand that you've got the idea already, but went up the staircase Sunday 17/4. Stock 120 Prado but loaded up with family & gear. Track dry, no problems at the time. Off-side wheel placement a bit hit-miss, but plenty of traction to the left. Rear tyre blew later in the day on bitumen (grand-trek), I suppose it had something to do with the rocks.

About 12 hours prior 4by experience. I'll send you a photo of it thru the w/screen if you like.
darbi