Upper Portals; Mt Barney National Park

Another perfect winters day and another stroll in the scenic rim, in particular Mt Barney National Park. Circumstances meant this walk evolved from an overnighter to Monserrat Lookout, then a day walk along the Monserrat Circuit before I finally settled on the track to the Upper Portals. The change in plans came about after a later than scheduled start and was hastened when I decided not to risk the drive up the 4wd track to Cleared Ridge in my 2wd car. What ensued, was a two hour slog up a track that rises nearly 700 metres over a little more than 5km at its highest elevation.


It was worth it though, as it was almost a cloudless day and the views superb across to the twin peaks of Mt May and Mt Maroon further afield. Lake Maroon shimmered below and Mt Barney dominated the skyline from Cleared Ridge. The numerous creeks along the way were ice cold, but thankfully the levels were quite low so I ended up with nothing more than frosty feet. The water wasn't too high either at the portals so I was able to scramble downstream a little way past cauldron shaped depressions in the rock, to an area where steep sided rock slabs lead down to the creek, before returning to the slabs that mark the start of the Upper Portals.


It was a  little cool on the return journey as the sun had dipped and was no longer reaching the valley floor. Cleared Ridge was a little warmer, but I wasn't looking forward to the steep descent back to the car. However, I knocked it off fairly quickly, despite my knees complaining loudly and loosing traction a couple of times on the steep pea gravel sections. All up, a little over 18km and nearly 800 vertical metres of climbing; a nice workout, but disappointed I didn't have more time for an overnighter in Barney NP.   














Mt May Campground to Upper Portals; Mt Barney National Park at EveryTrail

Mt Maroon Summit Climb

The Cotswold track to the summit of Mt Maroon begins at the end of the Cotswold unsealed road, crosses private property through a gate that leads up a small hill. After passing a few dams you continue up the ridge as it gradually becomes steeper. A track follows the steep eastern ridge-line so that you are continually gaining elevation. Eventually you come across Egg Rock that juts out over the valley below offering unhindered views to the North and East. The track then begins to flatten out and descends briefly as the imposing 200 meter North East face comes into view well know for its climbing routes in particular the Ruby of India.

As you pass the impressive North East cliff face the track ascends very steeply up a prominent gully that requires some scrambling. As you up the gully it tapers off into thick scrub. You then follow the winding track for 100 meters until a small seasonal creek is reached, which is a traditional camp site.

From this point there is a worthwhile lookout point to venture up to before crossing some rocky slabs that require a short scramble up to the summit of the South Peak and 360 degree unhindered views of the scenic rim and beyond.