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| The Crosscut Saw |
Distance/Type: Hike 12km / Return
Terrain/Rating: Undulating terrain followed by a slightly uphill ridge track. Medium.
Start / Finish Time: 11:40am / 2:40pm (3 Hrs)
Start / Finish Location: Howitt Trk Carpark.
Trip Summary:
Walk from the carpark, along a disused 4wd track for about 1 hour before reaching Vallejo Gantner Hut/Macalister Springs . From the Springs the track works its way slightly uphill along a ridge to the AAWT. Follow the AAWT track left over Howitts Plain up to Mt Howitt..
Head back the same way to the carpark.
Trip Details:
There are many ways to access Mt Howitt but via Howitt Rd is definitely the easiest.
The Mt Howitt carpark is a further 20 minutes along Howitt Rd from the Bryce Gorge carpark.
The carpark has picnic tables and a pit toilet and plenty of flat area to camp.
The track to Mt Howitt starts through the gap in the fence.
The track to Mt Howitt starts through the gap in the fence.
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| Howitt Track start. |
As with most walks in the Alpine National Park there is the obligatory intentions book to sign at the start.
The first half hour of the walk is typical alpine surroundings for the area, going through a few cycles of snowgum forests and plains. The path is easy to follow.
About 4km (50 mins) in, reaching a fork in the track, you can take the left branch direct route to Vallejo Gantner hut (10-15mins) or head straight ahead & take the alternative slightly longer route.
The first half hour of the walk is typical alpine surroundings for the area, going through a few cycles of snowgum forests and plains. The path is easy to follow.
About 4km (50 mins) in, reaching a fork in the track, you can take the left branch direct route to Vallejo Gantner hut (10-15mins) or head straight ahead & take the alternative slightly longer route.
With this walk I've taken the longer (20-25min) scenic route which bypasses the hut and joins the track about 100m past the hut at Macalister Springs.
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| Longer scenic alternative track to the right. |
The bypass track is rather faint at times. If you lose the track try to retrace your steps or if you reach the gorge edge just head left along it. Within 20-25 mins you will rejoin the main track as it narrows its way back onto the main track further on at Macalister Springs. (See Map below)
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| Alternative camping area with views of Crosscut Saw. |
Along this track there is a pretty non-official campsite with nice views of the Crosscut Saw and beyond.
It is only 5-10 mins to walk to the hut, toilet and water source from the springs if required, from here.
It is only 5-10 mins to walk to the hut, toilet and water source from the springs if required, from here.
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| Heading back down to the main track at Macalister Springs. |
The bypass track joins the main track at Macalister Springs which is just down from the hut and has a nice campfire area. Always treat the water from these springs.
Once back on the main track at the springs turn right and head along the ridge towards the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT). This is a well-treed slightly uphill narrow ridge track and takes about 15 mins to reach the AAWT junction, which has a marker.
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| Macalister Springs. |
Once back on the main track at the springs turn right and head along the ridge towards the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT). This is a well-treed slightly uphill narrow ridge track and takes about 15 mins to reach the AAWT junction, which has a marker.
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| Track along the ridge. |
This is a lovely part of the walk with spectacular views of Crosscut Saw and Mt Speculation on your right.
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| View of Crosscut Saw. |
At the AAWT junction we head left and walk across the Howitt Plains for 10 mins before heading up the slope to Mt Howitt.
In early spring there may still be remnants of snow on the eastern edge of the plains.
In early spring there may still be remnants of snow on the eastern edge of the plains.
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| On the AAWT heading up to Mt Howitt. |
I've hiked twice to Mt. Howitt & for some reason I've been swamped with blowflies each time.
Both times have been warmish weather, so I'd suggest taking insect repellant with you have low insect tolerance.
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| View from Mt. Howitt. |
The view from Mt. Howitt is spectacular with views of Crosscut Saw and Mt Speculation along the AAWT track to the East. Head back the same way you came to Macalister Springs.
Continuing on along the main track you reach the majestic Vallejo Gantner Hut.
Continuing on along the main track you reach the majestic Vallejo Gantner Hut.
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| Vallejo Gantner Hut. |
There is a fireplace inside and it has multiple levels of space to sleep if needed in emergencies.
There is also plenty of flat area for tenting around the hut.
A special mention to the nearby toilets sitting on the southern bank here. They have a perspex window and open out to views over the valley. Probably the most spectacular view you'll see sitting on a wilderness loo in Australia.
Remember to sign out of the intentions book. :)
Track Map:
There is also plenty of flat area for tenting around the hut.
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| Howitt Track toilet. |
Head up the main track, back past the track junction and within a hour you are back at the car park.
Remember to sign out of the intentions book. :)
Track Map:
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