Grampians - Major Mitchell circuit

[cam_mcd]

Planning to do the Major Mitchell circuit in April, I've done a number of overnight hikes including Wilson's Prom southern circuit multiples times and GOW but not the Grampians. What are the facilities like at the First Wannon campsite and Jimmy Creek? According to the attached both sites have pit toilets and fire pits. Are there any running streams or water tanks for cooking or cleaning etc? Any shelters or seating? How do they compare to the good facilities at Wilson's prom an GOW?

http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets ... ans-NP.pdf

Thanks

[bernieq]

Jimmy Ck is a drive-in campsite and the Parks website has an adequate description.

1st Wannon campsite has a number of dispersed tent sites and a pit toilet. 1st Wannon Creek is a small (but quite reliable) water source running through the camp area (the creek is between the tent and the trees)

1st Wannon campsite - Oct 2013

The toilet was full (literally) on my last visit (Oct 2013) – I really do hope that Parks have managed to fly it out by now !

There is no fire pit, but there is a pile of ash in a stone circle – I’ve never been here in anything but very cold conditions. The area is relatively open to the prevailing winds and gets very cold at night.

It’s a good walk with some great views.

Serra Range from major Mitchell Plateau - Aug 2009

[bmak]

Also 1st wannon is technically a fuel stove only area now. Doesn't stop people though

[crockle]

I was put off this walk for some years due to it being described everywhere (Parks, walks guidebooks, map insets) as "Hard". It's actually not super 'Hard' -= it's more of a nuggety little walk.

As often gets pointed out, you can make a daywalk of it if you're so inclined, but I would definitely take the time to do the 2 days, spending the night at the Ist Wannon campsite on the plateau.

The Jimmy Creek campsite is very close to the road and as such is nothing very special.

If you are used to Wilson's Prom and the Great Ocean Walk, this will be a little more spartan - no tables, shelters etc at 1st Wannon campsite. Fresh water from the creek though. With a sputnik toilet and individually marked out tent sites, it's pretty civilized for bush camping all the same. You should only use a fuel stove at 1st Wannon.

The walk itself might leave you wondering as to 'where the track is' more than Sthn Prom or GOW. This is mostly to do with an occasional lack of markers on the plateau itself, but getting lost would be difficult - although I've never done this walk in really poor visibility, which wouldn't be that much fun.

In good visibility the views are fantastic - the Serra range on one side and (kind of unfortunately) farmland in the distance on the other. It's still a great panorama .

And walking up on the plateau is a great experience - hope you do it, and have a good time too.