Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
470m climb from the car park (or two hours from Somers Saddle for those coming in the
opposite direction).
From the hut the track skirts a rocky outcrop and enters subalpine scrub as it gradually
works its way closer to the vertical north face of
Mt Somers
(1687m). Within one hour,
about halfway to the saddle, you pass beneath a bath-shaped rock pool at the foot of a small
waterfall. This is
Maidens Relief
, and it makes for a pleasant place to rest and enjoy the
view of Mt Winterslow (1700m) across the valley.
The track continues to the head of the valley, passing through tussock and subalpine
scrub, and becoming a 4WD track before rising to Somers Saddle. At 1170m, this is the
highest point of the circuit and is reached two hours from Pinnacles Hut. If the weather is
clear you are rewarded with vistas of the Mt Winterslow, Old Man and Taylor Ranges, al-
though the saddle is often covered in cloud.
Continue west along the 4WD track as it makes a steady descent. After 1.5km you begin
skirting a branch of Morgan Stream and then cross the small creek to its true left (south)
side. Within 10 or 15 minutes you pass a side track that can be followed back down to the
stream to view the
Water Caves
, impressive rock formations carved by the strong current.
Eventually the 4WD track reaches Morgan Stream and you cross it at a well-marked ford.
Just downstream from here is a pleasant spot that is often used as a campsite. On the other
side you follow the 4WD track as it climbs a ridge and then descends to Woolshed Creek.
Directly across the creek is your hut for the night. Built in 2006, Woolshed Creek Hut (26
bunks) replaced the classic Mt Somers Hut, which had separate sleeping quarters for
trampers and musterers.
There are great soaking opportunities nearby. Cross Woolshed Creek and follow the track
downstream (south) to
Spa Pool Waterfall
, via a ladder. This impressive cascade drops
straight into a deep and wonderful pool at the confluence of Woolshed Creek and Morgan
Stream. A little further up Morgan Stream is
Emerald Pool
.
ALTERNATIVE START: WOOLSHED CREEK CAR PARK TO WOOLSHED
CREEK HUT
2-3 HOURS, 5KM
The original 17km alpine crossing from Woolshed Creek to Sharplin Falls is an easier tramp
than the circuit, and avoids the exposed areas on the southern flanks of Mt Somers. Arran-
ging transport to and from each trailhead is more of a logistical challenge, but you get an
opportunity to view the mines and mining artefacts that litter this segment of track.
