Meander Falls area and Huntsmans Hideaway

[whiskeylover]

Did the Meander Falls walk a few days ago and thought we should update some of you who were interested in doing day walks and staying at the Huntsmans hideaway near the carpark. The good news is that the hut is in good condition at the moment (not much vandalism or rubbish).
There is a good supply of large wood for the wood heater, but you will need to bring your own kindling, small wood and paper. If you're feeling generous bringing your own full supply of wood, would be appreciated by whoever supplies it I'm sure - you can drive right down to the hut to unload.
There is a good outdoor shelter and table with benches (seats about 12). There is a great little BBQ area with shelter, although I'm not sure of the condition of the chimney as there is an old flue lying beside it. There are not really many options for tent sites, although I found some ok sites for small (2 person) tents, if you're not too fussy. Probably easier to sleep in the hut unless you're going to be stoned for snoring or something.

You can also tent it down at the bridge picnic area. The new picnic area at the Meander Dam (Huntsmans Lake? - wonder if that name will stick?) is day use only. The dam is now about 5 metres from spilling, so is not full, but getting there. Looks quite weird from Quamby Bluff when you're not used to seeing water over there.

There are plenty of walks that you could do from here. Meander Falls being the obvious one, but also Dixons track up onto the plateau, Split Rock Falls, and if you're more experienced and feeling adventurous Bastion Bluff, Bastion Cascades/Stone hut circuit, with various extra adventures thrown in. From quite close by you can also do Mother Cummings Peak up the South side.

[walkinTas]

...and the falls?

Was there much water? Where they frozen?

[whiskeylover]

Plenty of water but not frozen at all ,still beautiful though .low cloud made the top of the falls hard to see but cleared later making all of the falls visible.If you want to see them frozen, leave early in the morning when there is a good frost .We went up last year walking the 1st bit of the track in the dark but it soon got light and the falls were frozen when we got there. The photo was taken after a few good frosts and the sun was on the falls .