Wakamarina Tramping Group 1 March 2020 picA group of eleven trampers headed off from the Cathedral Steps at 8.30am for Canvastown. After a brief stop to read some of the history of goldmining in the area, it was another 15km to the car park near Butcher’s Flat. After a quick break and change into tramping gear, it was ‘hit the track’.

The first 15 minutes or so of track is along an exposed, rough 4WD track that then enters some native forest before ending in a single walking track in the shade of the trees. After half an hour the group diverted off the main Wakamarina track to follow the ‘Doom Creek Loop’ which rejoined the main track after 90 minutes but closer to Devils Creek Hut.

Doom Creek Loop basically follows the remains of an old water race that fed water to a crushing battery further down the river. The water race was quite obvious in most places and is a testament to the hard work done seeking riches from gold in days gone by. The walk is through attractive native bush in most places with some quite spectacular large trees. There are a few areas of regenerating bush dominated by Kanuka but with young native trees including beech starting to be seen.

After re-joining the main track, it was a further hour and a quarter walk to reach Devils Creek Hut – again through some very pretty native bush. This is a 6-bunk hut set in a lovely grassy clearing. After a quick look in the hut, everyone found some shade outside under the trees to enjoy a latish lunch. Then with an eye on the clock, it was back ‘on the road’ for the two hour return walk.

It was quite hot when we returned to the cars. One car stayed for a swim near the camping area, while the other two headed back with a brief stop at Rai Valley for an ice cream and cold drink

Driving time 90 minutes each way. Walking time 5 hours. Track time 6 hours. Distance Estim18km (Mary’s pedometer!)

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Trampers: Graeme (Leader), Alison, David, Richard, Yvonne, Lou, Mary, Maaike, Kath plus visitors: Chloe and  Anna