Lake Tali Karng

It was Australia Day long weekend and time to hit the wilderness for us. We have several places on mind, but being a long weekend and Australians being a very out door nation, we knew all the camping sites are gonna be full. So we had to pick a remote destination and the walk to the hidden lake sounded like it. If it's hidden, it's definitely got to be a challenging route to get to, which means less crowd and no party crowd at all.

There are three way to get to the hidden lake. One starting from the McFarlane's Saddle on the Moroka Rd and following a flat track across Wellington Plain. This is the easiest and as we only planed for one night, we decided, we will take this. That was until we see the actual Wellington river.

The second track starts from Tamboritha Road and follows the Wellington River Walking Track crossing the river 16 times, which sounds awesome and compelling. But as we didnt have water crossing experience, we decided not to take it. But as we saw the river with it's low tided, we changed our minds.

The third is the most difficult track which is via Mt Margaret and that was not our cup of tea. Not when there is a river crossing track.

Leaving Melbourne fairly early, and after few hours of driving on a scenic route, we arrived at the Wellington valley.

Wellington river

The view was so pretty and the it looked picture perfect with the river flowing nice and neat across the green plans. Driving over few bridges, we saw people camping in popular spots and enjoying a dip in the river. Seeing the river water that low, we immediately decided to take the track with river crossings. We weren't prepared for it, we didn't have our dry packs or the saddles, but anyway this is nothing to miss out.

Further down the Tamboritha road, was the overnight campers car park and camp site. We parked the car, stuffed the back packs and headed off.

Oh and we didn't forget to sign the hikers registry.

Our plan was to walk all the way to the lake on day one and camp near the lake. But we doubted it was already past 12 when we started the walk and the river crossings are going to make us slow. We thought we'll decide as it comes and carried on. Seeing the first river crossing I was so thrilled.

As there were lots of rocks, we manged to cross with shoes on this time. But the next crossing, I tried to do the same and failed plus dropped my camera in the river. managed to catch it but it was ruined. It wasn't a very exy model so we didn't lose a fortune.

There after, shoes off. And it's a shame I had to use a phone to capture photos, but they turned out ok. So I'm happy.

It was difficult to cross barefoot, as the rocks were very uneven and it hurt to step on not to mention the slippery tops. So we used our thongs which isn't a brilliant idea but we had no choice. It was so difficult to not let the thong slipped away every time we lifted foot to step over. Luckily the deepest crossing we met, barely reached our knees.

We stopped at a crossing to have a sandwich. That was good, having lunch with your feet in the water.

The river was such a beauty and everything around it was green and lush. I so wanted to take a dip, but we didn't have time on day one, so had to postpone it to the next day.

track on the other side

Apart from the river crossings, the rest of the track remained as any other track you'd find in the area. Nothing special except few nice views here and there.

The only animal we saw was this tiger snake. Even he rushed away before we even started to capture.

View finally

As there is a river crossing for every two miles you walk, the track could never get boring. But there was a bit of a steep climb and we had to walk an hour or so without seeing the river.

Before long there is another crossing. And then back to boring track.

Some places in the river were very deep and we had to walk down the river until we find a safer place to cross over. This slowed down our phase.

A deep section

It was finally the last river crossing and the rest of the walk was on the edge of a small hill.

A few more miles on this track and we were at the junction where the track divides in to two each taking you to the lake via different terrains. One is steeper and the other is a bit longer.

 It was already afternoon and we were tired. Even though its another 5km, to the lake, it seemed challenging and with our heavy packs, it didn't sound like fun. So we decided camp near the junction in a small site by the creek and hike to Lake in the early morning leaving our stuff here.

Creek by the camp site

That was such a lovely cozy camp site without any facilities. A perfect hide out. So we pitched the tent and washed our aching bodies in the freezing water.

Just as we started to make tea, another group reached the site and so we are not going to be alone for the night, which is a good feeling.

Some tea and a nap

After some cookies and a warm cup of tea, we had a nap and then planned the walk for the next day. Soon it was dark and cold, so we had an early dinner and went to sleep. there were strange noises through out the night and I was half awake for the most part. Not sure what sort of animals were they. Best guess is wombats. 

Next day, we rose really early and it was still dark.  But we were so keen on getting to the lake as early as possible. We grabbed light packs with minimal essentials, set off via the Riggall Spur Track. The track is on the other side of the small creek, and imagine crossing that icy water at 5.30 in the morning. After bit of a struggle we made it to the other side and put our shoes back on. The rest of the track was nothing but up hill the whole time. It was a good decision to leave the heavy stuff behind. 

Sun kissed mountains

We managed to capture the first rays of morning sun and the views were pretty. We could hardly stop to enjoy the view as the climb was too steep. We walked really fast though and managed to reach the lake in less than 2 hours. 

First glimpse

There is a steep descend from the echo point to the lake and it was very narrow and slippery and muddy. Near to the end of the descend, you get the fist glimpse of the lake through the trees, which is so ecstatic. From that point on wards, I really don't remember what we passed and my eyes were glued to the lake.  And finally, the trees cleared and there it was. The mystic lake in all it's glory. 

We stood speechless for a while and oh what a feeling!  I never imagined it to be this magnificent. After settling down, we walked to a far corner for a better view and sat down to eat breakfast while enjoying this beautiful creation of God.

After spending a good amount of time, it was with great reluctance, that we left the lake. Plan was to walk the Langan track but finding the track was a bit of a challenge as it was hidden in a far corner.

Lanigan track took us through the valley of destruction and we were back at the camp around 11 am. After having a cup of tea, we hit the track back. Another 16 river crossings and we had the whole after noon left. 

After the hilly section, we decided to take a dip at the first river crossing we meet and so we did. The water was cool and crystal clear unless you mess it with your feet. Then we made pancakes by the river. 

 They didn't turn out perfect but tasted other worldly and just the thought of it gets my mouth watering.

The only significant thing happened in the rest of the track was we getting lost at one place. We crossed the river at a wrong spot and had to walk all over the place to find the track back. Lucky my partner is gadget freak and had the GPS device, else we could have walked in circles till night. 

It was past midnight when we reached home, with sore bodies, bruised limbs but feeling accomplished. This is a hike we will most definitely do again.