Lerderderg Gorge

[mbikeboy]

Just thought that I'd share some important info for everyone...snakes are a-plenty atm, so make sure you've got your gaiters on and your eyes peeled even in the easy areas. Having seen 5 snakes in 45 mins yesterday, they're definitely out and about! Never have I seen such a concentrated snake build-up, so tread heavy and please be alert!!!!

[mbikeboy]

Nearly shat myself on the 3rd sighting...my mate forgot to put on his gaiters after a river crossing and was on point. Conversation interrupted logic, right until he froze suddenly and said snakeI!! We all froze, then after a moment he retreated very slowly behind me while I stomped hard (I was wearing thick pants and heavy boots). I insisted on being point from there-on, and saw 2 other snakes, one being only 10m down the trail! They all were from trackside low laying scrub, and weren't shy. I'm not afraid of snakes, but have a healthy respect for their presence...hahaha! Please be warned about their numerous presence, as it's only going to get higher in the coming months ok.

[trickos]

I've said it once and I'll say it again.
LERDERDERG IS NOTHING MORE THAN A SNAKE INFESTED PIT
Numerous close calls have unfortunately put me and many others off this area entirely.

[Hallu]

That's normal, in October they come out of hibernation and are out and hungry. Worst time to encounter brown snakes for example.

[Avatar]

Had an eyeball to eyeball experience with a fat black tiger down there November 20 years ago.
Thankful I had full canvas gaiters!
Thick grass and scrub. Not long after I retreated.
It's like something out of Indiana Jones down there this time of year. Best left for colder months.
Tigers travel at night so if camping you might want to zip up your inner and check your vestibule in the morning.

Last edited by Avatar on Tue 22 Oct, 2013 2:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Eremophila]

This thread is answering my question of "walks to do during winter"...

[mbikeboy]

This thread is answering my question of "walks to do during winter"...

Don't be concerned mate...just keep your eyes peeled. You're going to have an amazing time visiting new places, bumping into forum members, and enjoying yourself walking the trails.

Don't dismiss your skills through fears, cos I'm poo... of snakes but know how to handled them, and I also have the biggest fear of rats you'd ever imagine!! Nothing in this world makes me more scared or squeamish...am terrified of them, but snakes are ok. I genuinely hate both but can control my fear of snakes...no it's not easy ok! Clearly you live near-by, so if you want to do a hike and camp let me know mate. Happy to do a hike and camp with you matey!

[David M]

How often do bushwalkers actually get bitten by snakes?

[mbikeboy]

How often do bushwalkers actually get bitten by snakes?

Hehe Dave! Never seen it happen in nearly 20yrs of outdoor fun, but being conscious of your environment and the risks is a big factor. Have seen a handful of close calls through inattention, but never any incidents thankfully. Given the number of snakes I saw around Lerderderg, I'm VERY hesitant to take my retriever there, despite how smart and obedient she is. I know she'd love it and not put herself at risk (too much of a clingy sook), but I would never forgive myself if she got bitten...

[peter-robinson]

We had a near miss with a coastal taipan in some scrub off a lake just behind Noosa. I thought it was going to strike but as we backed away it calmed down and wandered off. They do seem to prefer to run away where possible

[Franco]

Just spent 3 days in there and no snakes about at all.
I don't know what you guys are talking about...
( just kidding, the sun was out only for brief periods so too cold for them..)
Plenty of goats ,but smaller groups than I saw before , mostly just a few at a time.
Right at the Weir a couple caused several largish (basketball sized) rocks to fall down just were I crossed about one minute before.

At the moment it is very green, lots of ducks, cockatoos and wombats all busy advertising themselves.
Did not see any wallabie but scared a solitary Eastern grey male kangaroo, first time I had seen one there.
If starting from Mackenzies Flat , I suggest doing the circuit going up the Spur Track, the river walk is a bit rough.
Took me 3.5 hours to reach the Weir along the river , 3 hours coming back via long Point.Blackwood Ranges,TK N1.

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[Drummo62]

I am looking at bushwalking from OBrien's Crossing to Mackenzie flat over 3 days during Easter. Has anyone been in there recently and has any updated information? Even with rain last week I am assuming water will be fairly scarce and restricted to some of the deeper holes in the river. Any details on the track/river conditions and recommended campsites greatly appreciated.