by Lophophaps » Sun 31 Jan, 2016 8:00 pm
Kinsayder, welcome to the forum.
This can certainly be done as an out and back walk. I'd allow 5-7 days each way. Starting at the Dargo turnoff is better as it avoids mainly walking in the Hotham Road. With a certain amount of hassle you should be able to arrange the walk to be one way. Drive to somewhere between Sheepyard Flat and the Upper Howqua Picnic area. Arrange a lift to Mansfield, and hence bus, train, bus, bus to the Dargo road. This will be a long day, or days, but it saves going back over the same ground. The terrain east of Barry Saddle is not very exciting. One of the best sections of the AAWT is Barry Saddle to Howitt, and you may be better off looking at a walk around here. the logistics are simpler.
The Omeo bus gets to the start at about 2.15 pm, enough time to make the first tank at The Twins campsite. Then just follow the AAWT to Howitt. From there you can go down Howitt Spur, or over The Bluff and Eagles Peaks to Sheepyard Flat.