Thurs, 19th November, 2015 Native Dog Flat Camping Area, Alpine NP, Vic (Rams Horn lookout and Limestone Creek)

15 degrees at 7am, overcast with a light shower of rain.

The sun has come out by 8.30 and it has warmed up. Waved by to the guys as they have another 4 hours work cutting out willows before heading back to their homes.

Drove up a rocky 4WD track to Rams Horn (1612m elevation). Steve spotted Warren’s sock he lost (off the top of his truck) when they came up the other day – will pick it up on the way back to send them a photo.

Stopped at the marked ‘carpark’ and walked up the little track.

Magnificent view from the first rocky outcrop.

Steve climbed up further onto the rocks to get a better view.

I stayed and rang Erica as we have phone signal up this high – wanted to let her know we made it to the Murray River.

As we headed back down the road two Brumbies were trotting along in front of us. They weren’t worried till we got a bit closer then they bolted off down the hillside.

Lovely yellow wildflowers add some colour.

Missed Warren’s sock on the way back – but I don’t think he needs it desperately!!

Had a cuppa and packed our lunch to try and get to The Poplars Camping Area on the Murray River via Limestone Creek Track. The Poplars is the highest public vehicle access to the Murray River. A chap was standing at the intersection with 3 phones trying to get reception. He said did we realise how steep it was and we said yes and we were all set. Turn off elevation 1150m. Yes he was right it was very steep but we got down fine – the photo just doesn’t do it justice. He must have walked up – don’t know how!!

Down to the camp area by the creek (940m) – lovely and open but we couldn’t see where he was camped. There is a property beside the track so maybe he was there, not in the campground.

Someone has made the Brumby Bar across the creek.

Though you have to get across the bridge to get there!! Called the Hudson Bridge - carved into the post

Left the creek to climb up the hill to 1000m straight up.

Along the ridge then straight down to cross a little creek at 950m.

Further along we crossed Limestone Creek – only shallow.

Another steep climb up to 110m then down again to 990m – just like yesterday but at least our feet aren’t hurting!!

Along the ridge for a bit then Steve stopped as he couldn’t see down. He got out and walked to the first culvert. He could go down ok but he could see where others had struggled getting back up and they have dug it up. He decided to err on the side of caution as we are by ourselves and we had watched a 4x4 action video last night and saw a truck turned over etc so we didn’t want that for us!!

He came back and took the camera down to show me as I wasn’t walking down there in my thongs. 

Stopped at the ford of the Limestone Creek for lunch. Lovely and cold to soak our feet. Watched a couple of little trout catching bugs. One swam close to our feet too so we could see its markings.

The map where we were trying to go.

Made it back up to the main road – the chap was gone. That was enough 4WD adventure for me!! Saw the grader and water truck having lunch. They finish at 3.30pm so we thought we would pack up and move on in case there was more rain overnight as the clouds are starting to build. If it rained the road would be a bit slushy where they have graded it.

Across Limestone Creek bridge where an old hut is now in ruins.

Back into grazing pastures as we head back to Benambra.

At the intersection of McCallums Road I saw a sign about the mining around here. On my map it said the Benambra Mine operated up until 2000 and the site had been rehabilitated. Maybe someone has started it up again.

Back into Benambra where we unhooked the van to go sightseeing. Getting very hot this afternoon. Drove out on the dirt road around dry Lake Omeo. It has an airstrip on it too.

Looking across to part of the Great Dividing Range.

Mt Cook 1071m.

At the other end of the lake looking back to the Brothers.

Up to Mt Blowhard (800m) for a fabulous 360 degree panoramic view over Omeo Valley. Took a video too.

Looks like they are working in the forestry area.

Steve spotted an eagle souring high above.

Further along we turned back onto the bitumen of Omeo Valley Road to find the Hinnomunjie Bridge which was built in 1910. It is the only multi-truss bridge remaining in Victoria. It is over the Mitta Mitta River.

A timber truck came over the new bridge.

Obviously they get high floods here going by the height markers.

There is a nice camp area near it by the river.

Back to Lake Omeo – I wonder when it last had water in it.

Steve hooked up the van while I walked to the General Store to buy an icecream. Great mural at the back of the pub.

On the road towards Omeo. The next lookout, McMillans, was up a narrow dirt road, so will have to check that out another time. It would be similar views we had at Mt Blowhard.

Turned off (600m) onto the Omeo Highway to head north to Mitta Mitta. Passed lots of foxes, wild dogs and cats strung up in trees – bit gruesome. Poor old shearing shed has seen better days.

Climbed up a steep range for 9km to Bingo Munjie (790m), (munjie must be aboriginal for something – maybe hills). Wound our way along the highway into the Alpine National Park at this height, just very windy like the Gillies Range.

Got to a 180 degree turn where Anglers Rest accommodation/café is located on the Cobungra River.

A camp area is down a bit along the river bank. It is narrow but we got the van turned around and set up near a couple with a camper trailer. The highway is opposite above the river and then our camp and the highway going around the other side. Luckily there isn’t much traffic.

Chatted with Alistair and Janine from Geraldton, WA.

Walked up to the Info Board - Winding its way amongst the folds of the Victorian Alps, the Cobungra River rises below the snowy slopes of Hotham and Loch and rolling plains of Young Top and Basalt Temple. Eventually the Cobungra joins the icy waters of the Mitta Mitta River, only a few kilometres from Angler’s Rest.

Lovely and warm tonight that we could leave the windows open and I took the bedspread off – heaven. With the windows open we can listen to the bong bong of the frogs – they make such a funny sound – can’t remember what Janet said their name was. I worked on my blog and Steve watched a couple of Dan’s scary movies as there is no phone or TV reception here. Lovely and peaceful to go to sleep.