Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From the saddle the route veers off left for 100m, and then begins a quick descent into the
bush and down a narrow ridge. The track drops more than 300m before it finally levels out
in the upper portion of Hamilton Valley, where it crosses several streams.
About 1km from the hut the track emerges from the bush onto grassy terraces along
Hamilton Creek. Impressive Hamilton Hut (20 bunks) sits on a ledge above the creek and
has a commanding view of the valley.
Day 2: Hamilton Hut to SH73 (Bealey Hut)
8-9 HOURS, 14KM, 400M ASCENT, 520M DESCENT
The track heads west from the hut and almost immediately arrives at a suspension bridge
across
Hamilton Creek
, from where you wander up
Harper River
on the true left (east) side
and soon come to a swing bridge.
The track resumes on the true right (west) side, and follows the valley through forest and
open flats for 4.5km to West Harper Hut (five bunks), an old-style hut built in the 1950s.
West Harper Hut is 15 to 20 minutes beyond
Tarn Creek
and is strictly a hunter's bivvy,
with a dirt floor, canvas bunks, a fireplace and even an impressive set of antlers mounted on
the wall.
Keep in mind that the track is well marked with orange plastic triangles. Hunters' trails
abound in the area, especially up side streams such as Tarn Creek, and it's easy to mis-
takenly take one, not noticing the main track resuming on the other bank.
From the hut the track soon arrives at a short gorge, which it bypasses with a steep climb.
In fine weather it is easier to follow the river, fording it once or twice, to avoid the climb.
The track returns to Harper River, crosses
Windy Creek
and becomes more of a route
along the river bed, with rock cairns marking the way. About 3km from West Harper Hut,
ford the river to a cairn on the true left (east) bank and pass a signposted flood route before
arriving at the confluence of Harper River and Long Creek.
At this point
Long Creek
usually looks like the major channel, so an orange marker has
been erected slightly upstream of the confluence to point the way to Lagoon Saddle. Contin-
ue to follow the riverbed for another 500m, until a track on the true left (east) side leads into
the bush and climbs to the saddle. The climb is steady but not steep, and 1½ to two hours
from Long Creek you come to a sign pointing the way to Lagoon Saddle to the west and to
the short spur track to Lagoon Saddle Shelter to the east. This classic A-frame provides wel-
come respite from the weather on cold, wet days. Across the river is Lagoon Saddle Hut
(two bunks), the best place to stay, which has an outside fireplace.
