8 December 2012 Licking Hole Creek Quartz Ridge

Licking Hole Creek at the Gauging Station

Maps: Rendezvous Creek and Corin Dam 1:25000

Getting There

This walk was organised and led by me as a private walk:

Saturday 8 December: Licking Hole Creek Quartz Ridge - L/E-M,ptX. In the 1980s, the National Capital Development Commission produced a number of volumes which documented sites of significance in the ACT. One such site is the Licking Hole Creek quartz ridge. Walk the newly cleared Australian Alps Walking Track from Orroral Valley to Cotter Flats. Follow a fire trail seen on Google Earth (but not map-marked) SE an S across the W flank of Coronet Peak to Licking Hole Creek. Inspect the ridge, then follow the creek down to the Cotter River and so to Cotter Hut. Visit an arboretum site marked on the 1st edition Rendezvous Creek map. If hot, options to leave very early, loll about and return at night. Around 35km and 900m climb. Fit and experienced walkers only – a looong way on a looong day. Maps: Rendezvous Creek and Corin Dam. Leader: John Evans - john@johnevans.id.au, 0417 436 877. Transport: ~$12 per person.

Further Information

Doesn't it always happen - the wife organises a last minute cake decorating day. So let's go!

Unfortunately, 30°C forecast for Saturday, between a Friday 28° and a Sunday 27°C.

Just 2 of us in the end, so a private walk.

Walk - Track Notes

A good insert to the junction of the AAWT and the fire trail/service road that goes to the Licking Hole Creek Gauging Station. One sleepy black snake on the track coming up to Cotter Gap. 3hrs 20mins for the 15.5km.

Had morning tea, then headed down Licking Hole Creek. Dense shrub regrowth in places. Crossed from side to side a number of times. No sign of a gleaming white quartz ridge (as Chris L had warned me). We didn't see it 7-8 Jun 08 either. Got to the confluence of Licking Hole Creek and Cotter River, then wandered downstream to Cotter Hut.

Next, we walked Yaouk Trail N-ish to the 1st edn map-marked 'arboretum' site. Sure enough, the remnants of pines/firs on the ground. Then up along the W bank of the Cotter River to the ford. The water level is down - all the stones exposed on the E side of the ford and only 4 steps to get across.

From here, 4hrs (including a 25min lunch break) to do the 15.5km back to the car. A couple of blue-tongued lizards. The afternoon was warm (probably not 30°C), with increasing cloud cover and the occasional waft of a breeze.

Thanks Eric G, a nice stroll.

Distance: 34.7km Climb: 900m. Time: 5.45am - 2.45pm (9hrs), with 45mins of stops.
Grading: L/E-M,ptX; H(14)