Ngunnawal country
The reviews warned it was steep. Check. We slogged our way up the unrelenting first few kilometres from Corin Dam to Stockyard Spur. Logs by the path provided many a welcome spot to rest our fatigued legs, quads and glutes unaccustomed to such strain after weeks in lockdown.
The reward for such a steep climb is that soon you have the satisfaction of seeing Corin Dam peeking through the trees so very far below. We passed wattle and purple flowers among the tall gums, pausing often to catch our breath.
Stockyard Spur reached and the gradient improves. Time to appreciate the grey forest of alpine gums and the pale green hues of snow grass under foot as we reached higher altitudes. The weather was cool – grey misty clouds creating an enchanted atmosphere as we walked this stretch.
The final lookout before the track joins Mt Franklin fire trail gave us a chance to rest and look back over Tidbinbilla range towards Canberra. We were elated to see Mt Ginini weather station and confirm that the uphill slog was coming to an end, with Pyrors hut not far away. Water had pooled in the lichen encrusted granite in this scenic spot, with snow gums twisting overhead. Those seeking solitude and less keen for the shelter of a hut would find this a lovely spot to camp.
A lovely surprise to run into a friend from ANU Mountaineering Club days on the trail, who reported snow on the summit of Mt Gingera. At the hut were two other families and lots of kids for my son to play with in the alpine arboretum below Pyrors hut.
We set up our tent and had a refreshing cuppa before heading up to Mt Gingera before sunset. What a special place to explore amongst granite boulders and snow gums. Views back to Canberra, over Bimberi wilderness, with Tantangara reservoir and the Snowy Mountains beyond.
Toasted marshmallows by the fire in Pryors hut, a very welcome way to spend the evening as the temperature dropped and wind picked up.
On Sunday morning we awoke to sun and bird song. Leisurely breakfast and time for kids to build spy shacks in the arboretum. A number of keen trail runners were up and about early, with a steady stream of runners and day walkers making the trek to enjoy the beautiful weather and post-lockdown freedoms.
By mid-morning we headed up to Mt Gingera again. A blue-sky day, patches of icy snow still to be found amongst the boulders, and a clear view to the snow-capped peaks of the Snowy Mountains in the distance. When other families arrived snowball fights ensued amongst the kids. We spent so much longer on the summit than planned, as it was just divine sitting in the sunshine with mountains all around.
After lunch we headed back to Pryors hut and packed up, leaving around 1.30pm as we bid our fellow campers goodbye.
The walk back retraced our steps. Pleasant along the Stockyard Spur, then knee-jarring over the final two kilometres, with hiking poles greatly appreciated. We noticed a number of scar trees in the area around the clearing just above the ‘steep descent’ sign.
Seeing glimpses of Corin Dam, sparkling blue in the sunshine was a welcome sign on the descent. Back at the car we enjoyed a fresh apple, boots off and the last squares of ‘celebration chocolate’.
Total distance: around 21 km return. The climb from Corin Dam to Mt Franklin fire trail took us about 4.5 hours on the way up, and under 3 on the way down (including stops). Pryors hut to Mt Gingera took us approx. 1.5hrs return, but it is worth having extra time to explore and enjoy the view at the summit.
It was good to have done this popular ACT walk. However, I won’t be in a hurry to do it again as an overnight hike. A much easier option is to drive up into the Brindabellas and follow Mt Franklin fire trail instead (14 km return). However, the drive from Canberra is long (1.5 hrs+) and the gravel road is often closed in winter due to snow and ice. Time defeated our family in getting to the summit of Mt Gingera on a previous day walk as we’d been a bit slow going getting out of the house in the morning and didn’t want to be driving back in the dark with the risk of hitting wildlife.
Note: A permit is required to camp in this area as it is part of the Bimberi Wilderness. This is to limit numbers to protect the sensitive alpine environment. Permits can be obtained by emailing the Namadgi National Park visitor centre.
Mt Gingera is an alpine environment, so walkers should be prepared for cold wet weather. Snakes are also very common, so consider wearing gaiters.
For further information: https://www.environment.act.gov.au/parks-conservation/parks-and-reserves/find-a-park/namadgi-national-park/namadgi-national-park
