Vic Alps 4X4 Trails?

There are a few things which bother me here:

You are posting to an internet forum which (these days) mainly deals with caravanners and families who frequent the well trodden trails (ie Birdsville Track) and stay in serviced campsites - and you're doing this to enquire about safety features in some of the toughest country in Australia at the toughest time of year - where, if you make the wrong mistake, you're dead. Hhhhmmmm...?

Second: Limestone Creek is one hell of a long way from Mount Baw Baw - about six hours by vehicle *on sealed roads* - probably two or three days by 4WD tracks.

Third: the High Country huts are not "4X4" huts, they are either huts built for the emergency use of High Country workers and travellers or, occasionally, by other groups. I'm not being pedantic, I'm simply concerned you seem to be unaware of details of shelters which may save your life if you get into trouble.

To answer your questions: No, in general, the huts are never locked - with a few exceptions for private huts.

No, there are no regular road/track marking type snow depth poles I have ever seen - just assume it's all deep.

Additionally:
*do not* assume all the huts you see on maps are actually there on the ground - many have been destroyed by fire or fallen to the wrath of time.

*do not* assume they will have any firewood or kindling available, most (all?) will not and finding it under snow isn't easy.

May I ask? Are you Australian or an overseas visitor? And do you have any previous experience of the High Country, especially in winter?

I'm after specifics, like fire trail names and club hut names, not only general info and advice.

I know it's a bit like sticking my neck out posting questions like this but I appreciate any info

: )

There are to my knowledge only snow posts on sealed roads. Many roads and tracks are closed in winter. The Interactive CD of Victoria has all the mapping information you need. Many locations you are not allowed off roads or tracks even on foot.

Terra.
Welcome to the forum, I wish there where more people like you doing interesting stuff. Adverse comments are from people who are not capable of doing such a thing. I can not tell you which huts are locked in winter but I hope none as it would destroy the argument for these huts being allowed to exist in a state park. As for the snow depth, I think it will be zero for most of your walk. Eric.

There are some good maps available in the EO shop for bush huts as well as some adventure and activities maps. Good scales too. They will be a great compliment to the topos I will be carrying.