Davies Plain, Cobberas, Macfarlane Flat in January

Hi Michael, we did most of what you propose in Jan 08. If you are ascending Tingaringy from the west that should be steep but not too rocky unlike the very steep section on the Cobberas Tk which is shown on the Rooftop map. Had a fantastic view of a bushfire to the SW from the top of Tingaringy. This year it's been much wetter and there's been a distinct lack of fires but it only takes 2 weeks of dry westerlies and we could be in the thick of it again. It was 40 plus degrees at McKillops and decidedly unpleasant but an amenable 26 at Native Dog. Do enjoy a beer in the river!
Make sure you climb the Rams Horn about 10km from Native Dog - great views. Cheers, Warrie

Thanks Warrie

I have the "Touring the Australian Alps" map and it shows the Ram's Horn but not the access. Is there a walking track off the Cobberas Trail or is it a cross-country job?

Also do you know anything about the King's Plain Track down to the Murray?

M

Michael,

I will be doing some of the tracks over New Year but in the reverse order.

Native Dog Flat is a good camp site but it does get crowded, 2wd access. If you are looking for a camp site in that area Limestone Creek would be a good place. There is also camping along the Cobberas Tk.

The Kings Plain track down to the Murray is about 7km. The last time I went down there the rack was good but if it does rain it can be a challenge. There is limited camping area and if you have it to your self it would be a bonus. The River at that point is not very wide and the water flows over large rocks.

The Ingeegoodbee climb I have not done but have driven down many times. From memory it was rutted in some places but not impassable. The tight rutted turns might test the Nissan and the driver but should not be any more of a challenge than Billy Goat Bluff Tk.

Have a good trip and a Merry Christmas. You never know we might meet on the track again some day.

Wayne

The Cobberas track in the west - east direction is v. easy.
The Eastern climb from the river had some work completed over 12 months ago and is very straight forward.
Went though the track 1 month ago east to west. A good drive, could be a challenge with a trailer tho.
I would through in a Mt. Pinnibar trip if possible.
Paul.

Take plenty of fly spray.

Thanks for the replies...

See you in the bush.

M

Kings Plain.....a very nice track....visited Easter 2008 in the dry.

It is steep in places & rocky as well. It has a multitude of erosion humps some quite large. Going down was not so bad although as per usual I would prefer sometimes to go a little slower than my Diesel Automatic can allow.

When you get down the bottom, there are a few open spots to park etc & you can then walk a short distance to the river.

On the way up the erosion humps are the most difficult. We had three cars in our group....

Diesel Patrol Manual with AT's - no issues - it had the ground clearence & articulation required although it did scrape a few times under the door sills.
Diesel Prado 90 series Auto with MT's - approach to contour banks had to be the best between not loosing traction due to articulation issues & avoiding bending the standard side steps by going to straight on. This was managed with 1 hump needing a second go. i.e. more speed!
2.4L Diesel Hilux Manual with Road Grippers - plenty of clearence so this was not an issue, tyres lost traction once on the same hump that the Prado had to try again.

If it looks like rain don't go anywhere near it!

Cheers
Richard