3 day in Howqua?

[ErichFromm]

I'm cheating a little as haven't yet read all the other threads...

Wanting to do a 3 day (2 night) hike. Initially was going to do Grampians or Feathertop but they're closed. Haven't been to Howqua before. Rough roads are out.

Without knowing better I was thinking of parking at Sheepyard Flats and then doing bluff and Richies hut circuit.

Any suggestions on better options or routes I could take?

[Hallu]

Feathertop isn't closed. Some tracks are, but the Razorback is open, Federation Hut too.

[ryantmalone]

Feathertop is open, but water quality is questionable. Due to the fire retardant dumped on the whole area, I'd only go if you're prepared to carry water in.

An alternative would be the Fainters and the Niggerheads on the opposite side of the valley if you want the same epic views.

[Hallu]

Yeah you can see some areas are entirely pink (rocks and trees) because of the retardant.

[ryantmalone]

That's correct. The entire length of the Razorback was pink when I was there a week ago, plus NW Spur up to the spring, and most of Bungalow Spur.

Got some photos that I should dig up around here somewhere...

[ErichFromm]

Last I looked Feathertop was open and the razorback but every other route was closed out (the park map I saw was all red with just the single track).

No suggestions for Howqua?

[ryantmalone]

Last I looked Feathertop was open and the razorback but every other route was closed out (the park map I saw was all red with just the single track).

No suggestions for Howqua?

Razorback, and Diamantina are both open. That was confirmed within the park last weekend.

As for Howqua, a classic route is to go up Helicopter Spur, do Magdala, Howitt, and drop down Howitt Spur. That makes a fairly easy three days if you want to explore a bit.

Another good one is to drive into Cobbler Lake, walk the Speculation road to Mt Speculation, drop down via King Spur, and do Cobbler whilst youre at it.

Both of these have good roads suitable for most 2WD's as well.