Gooandra Homestead

Saturday 28 June: Gooandra Homestead snowshoe – M/M.  Snowshoe from the Snowy Mountains Highway to Gooandra Hut. Around 10km. Maps: Ravine and Tantangara. Leader: Max S. Transport: a long way.

2 of us drove via the Boboyan Rd and Snowy Mountains Highway to the Gooandra chain bay. Around 2hrs 15mins each way, so that made 4hrs 30mins driving for a 3hr walk- but soooo worth it.

Further Information

I’d advertised a CBC short notice walk to see if there was any snow at Mt Gingera. My good mate Max S was the only one available. With Corin Rd most likely closed at Smokers Gap, he suggested Broken Dam Hut from Selwyn or Gooandra Hut (which would be more sheltered). I have no chains or KNP pass, so Max most generously offered to drive.

Summary

Distance: 10.3km | Climb: 215m | Time: 9.25am-1.05pm (3hrs 40mins), with 40 mins of breaks | Grading: M/M; M(8)

Track Map

Photographs

Photographs are available, where you can start a large sized slide show.

Video

gpx File

Download the gpx file here.

Track Notes

We two old fellas kitted up and set off walking along the Gooandra Fire Trail. Poles needed, but not enough cover for shoes. It was snowing gently.

The first surprise was the Eucumbene River. Max knew there was a bridge, but didn’t know that the East side was washed out. A skip through the icy water.

A very pleasant wander along the fire trail. After crossing Gooandra Creek we put our shoes on. Took the right fork at the track junction by the signage to Gooandra Homestead. A lovely 400m down to the homestead through the snow.

Max has overnighted here a few times. We had a cappuccino and a sandwich. Very pretty view from outside and from inside through the window.

The snowfall increased as we walked out. A gallah and a couple of rosellas flew by. Certainly more coverage and our inward tracks were already nearly obliterated. We were able to shoe all the way back to the car.

A few cars at the chain bay. One deciding whether to take chains off; another without chains (naughty for a 2WD) waiting for friends to bring some from Cooma; a third stopped to put chains on. A snow plough sped by.

Again, more snow on the road going out but Max’s AWD Subaru Outback coped very well. A stop for coffee at Adaminaby.

A bit of snow on the Boboyan Rd as we drove home.

Huge thanks to Max for providing this experience. A wonderful trip!

Party

2 walkers – Max S (leader), me.