Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The descent is noticeably steeper than the climb, and it includes a short series of switch-
backs before finally reaching a swing bridge across Homer Creek. From the middle of this
bridge you get a good view of
Little Homer Falls
thundering 60m into a pool in the stream.
The track remains level until, after around 30 minutes, it swings back to the Hollyford and
crosses a swing bridge over Rainbow Creek.
The track stays with the Hollyford for 2km before it meets the
Pyke River
. You never
really see the confluence of the rivers, but you'll know you've reached the Pyke when the
water flows in the opposite direction to the Hollyford. The track passes Pyke Lodge, which
serves as accommodation for guided trampers. After crossing Chair Creek you come to a
suspension bridge over the Pyke River.
If you're planning to stop for the night, skip the Pyke bridge and continue up the true left
(east) side of the river for 20 minutes to Lake Alabaster Hut (26 bunks), on the shore of
scenic
Lake Alabaster
, where a skinny dip could be had if you move like lightning to out-
wit the sandflies. The track continuing northeast along the shore of Lake Alabaster is part of
the
Pyke-Big Bay Route
.
