Bushwalk Australia

Have planned a circuit around the Big Fella, heading to Bogong Saddle via Big River Firetrail on one of the days but have just seen the track will be closed for aerial shooting. Looking into alternatives and noticed Bogong Saddle can be reached via Spion Kopje Firetrail and Grey Hills Walking Track, which will not be closed.

Is it safe to hike in the area on aerial shooting days? Would appreciate any insights on whether that's a good alternative. Happy to shift the plan back a day if it means avoiding sketchier creek crossings/more bush whacking.

Ta in advance!

You can reach Bogong Creek Saddle from the Falls Creek road. You park at Clover Arboretum near Clover Dam
and walk along Bogong Creek tramway to meet Big River Fire trail which the climbs up to Bogong Creek saddle.
The tramway is on N.P. land so it is not owned by AGL and it is a public access route.
Whether there will be deer shooters in helicopters shooting up that way I cannot say.
I will be walking up Mt. Bogong on the weekend after the March long weekend.
Namely March 14-17th 2025
The announcement regarding deer shooting does not pertain to these dates.

Firstly, welcome to the forum. I saw the chopper yesterday and it seemed to be running along a track that is supposed to be open but there were no shots fired. It may have been checking the track for walkers. My advice would be to wear bright clothing to make yourself as visible as possible. They should not be shooting close to open tracks but if you find they are you should call Parks Vic and get put through to Mt. Beauty. I did that last shoot when it was clear they were shooting close to the track. My partner was actually on it at the time and it was disconcerting for her. Not long after my call it buggered off.

I have watched the helicopter at work and it flies low enough to identify its target and I doubt you look like a deer. I seriously doubt you would have any issue as long as you stay on open tracks.

Thank you for the replies and welcome! Wow that is a bit concerning they were shooting close to the track last time you were out. Thats handy info though I really appreciate it. Weve decided to push our plans back a day anyway. Hopefully can remember to take some pics and then add a forum trip report to my list of firsts on this site