Sunday 28/1/2024 Perisher Valley – Porcupine Walking Track – Porcupine Rocks – “Ngarigo” Creek – Trapyard Creek – Wrights Creek – Spencers Creek – Charlotte Pass Village
Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Ngarigo Country
Participants: Beth Davies, Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies, Pablo Urena Vega
Now on our way to Tasmania, a side trip to visit our Jindabyne family gave us the opportunity to go on a local walk today. Beth suggested Charlotte Pass to Perisher Valley but settled for the reverse when I suggested we keep the sun at our back. So, after dropping one car off at Charlotte Pass Village we drove back to Perisher Valley, leaving the second car in front of the Ski Tube Terminal, as there were work-related closures at the track head.
Max elevation: 1918 m
Total climbing: 478 m
Total descent: -454 m
Average speed: 4.01 km/h
Total time: 04:37:36
A short walk along the road soon had us at the track head, walking around the fence enclosure to the track. Along the banks of the water reservoir were numerous screens projecting young plants, no doubt to help stabilise the reservoir wall. Today had started out a very fresh 5C but was already feeling warm by our 9:40am start. As we walked away from Perisher along the stepping stone-dominated track, we occasionally looked over towards the ski lodges and hills beyond. Today we had fine weather and an occasional very light breeze.
We headed past the occasional granite tor, wildflowers and snow gums as we approached Porcupine Rocks for the third time in recent months. A least today we got there and didn’t feel as if might be blown off our feet like we did last September. Today we had views over the Thredbo Valley and down to Lake Jindabyne, although at a distance there was a heavy summer haze about limiting the views. We briefly wandered around Porcupine Rocks before backtracking to join the Charlotte Pass to Perisher Valley Track and continuing towards Charlotte Pass.
Pablo and Beth at Porcupine Rocks
Once we had descended to “Ngarigo” Creek at 1740m we had excellent views across Thredbo Valley to Moonbah and Round Mountains to the east. Beyond the creek, there is a climb of 160m through a large grove of closely packed snow gums. Approaching the top we stopped to enjoy a brief lunch break in the shade, as by now it had become a warm afternoon.
Post lunch Pablo and Beth left the oldies behind, likely getting a little bored with the slow pace. Ignoring the age gap, I like to think it is more my frequent photo stops that make the speed difference, not the aging, slowing body.
Back to Charlotte Pass Sue and I were contented to have completed the one-way walk from start to finish as in September our loop walk from Perisher was very windy and we did not have enough time to reach Porcupine Rocks from Charlotte Pass when we tried it later that month.
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, indigenous history, white history and other walks in the area (Gemini)
Nestled within the heart of Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales, the area encompassing Porcupine Rocks, “Ngarigo” Creek, Trapyard Creek, Wrights Creek, Spencers Creek, and Charlotte Pass Village unfolds a captivating tapestry of mountain vistas, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. From dramatic rock formations and glacial valleys to vibrant subalpine meadows and historical sites, this region offers a multitude of experiences for nature lovers, adventurers, and history buffs alike.
Landscape Features:
Porcupine Rocks: These awe-inspiring granite tors, sculpted by millions of years of weathering, rise majestically above the landscape, offering panoramic views and unique climbing opportunities.
Glacial Valleys: U-shaped valleys like those carved by Trapyard Creek and Wrights Creek showcase the erosive power of glaciers, creating a sense of ancient history and dramatic landscapes.
Subalpine Meadows: Vibrant wildflowers paint the slopes during spring and summer, transforming the landscape into a colourful spectacle. These meadows provide vital habitat for diverse fauna.
Charlotte Pass Village: Nestled at 1750 meters above sea level, this historic village offers stunning alpine vistas and serves as a gateway to winter sports and scenic explorations.
Geology:
The diverse landscapes of this region are a testament to its ancient geological history. The towering tors of Porcupine Rocks are composed of granodiorite, formed millions of years ago from magma deep within the Earth’s crust. Subsequent glacial activity sculpted the valleys, leaving behind U-shaped landscapes and fertile meadows.
Scenic Highlights:
Panoramic Vistas: Hike to the summit of Porcupine Rocks or viewpoints along Trapyard Creek and Wrights Creek to be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and meadows.
Wildflower Displays: Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours of the subalpine meadows during spring and summer, particularly along Spencers Creek and the slopes near Charlotte Pass Village.
Stargazing: Experience the magic of the dark sky devoid of light pollution at Charlotte Pass Village, witnessing the brilliance of the Milky Way and constellations.
Winter Wonderland: During winter, the snow-covered slopes transform into a skier’s paradise, offering exciting downhill and cross-country opportunities.
Historic Charm: Explore the heritage buildings and sites within Charlotte Pass Village, gaining insights into the region’s past and its development as a popular tourist destination.
Local Flora:
The diverse habitats within this area support a rich variety of plant life:
Subalpine Meadows: Wildflowers like billy buttons (Craspedia spp.), snow daisies (Celmisia spp.), and gentians (Gentianaceae spp.) paint the slopes in vibrant hues during spring and summer.
Snow Gum Woodlands: Hardy snow gum trees (Eucalyptus pauciflora) dominate the subalpine woodlands, providing habitat for various bird and animal species.
Wet Heaths: Shrubs like bogong heaths (Ericaceae spp.) and sphagnum moss thrive in waterlogged areas, creating unique ecosystems.
Riparian Vegetation: Along waterways like “Ngarigo” Creek, reeds, rushes, and sedges provide important habitat for aquatic life and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the area.
Local Fauna:
Keep your eyes peeled for diverse Australian wildlife while exploring this region:
Mammals: Spot agile wallabies and pademelons grazing in the meadows, while wombats and echidnas might emerge at dusk. Look out for the elusive platypus in the streams and creeks.
Birds: Listen to the calls of kookaburras, honeyeaters, and parrots amongst the trees. Raptors like wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax) soar through the skies, while smaller birds like the flame robin (Petroica phoenicea) flit through the undergrowth.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Basking lizards and skinks may be spotted on sunny rocks, while frogs like the spotted tree frog (Litoria punctata) croak near water bodies.
Indigenous History:
Evidence of their connection to the land can be found in archaeological sites and oral histories, revealing their deep understanding of the environment, seasonal cycles, and sustainable practices.
Porcupine Rocks and other prominent features likely held spiritual significance for the Ngarigo people, serving as sites for ceremonies, storytelling, and connection to their ancestors.
Understanding and acknowledging the ongoing cultural connection of the Ngarigo people to this land is vital for respecting and preserving its rich heritage.
White History:
European exploration of the region began in the early 19th century, and initially focused on finding grazing land for sheep.
The discovery of gold in the mid-19th century led to a gold rush, bringing significant changes to the landscape and cultural fabric of the area.
Charlotte Pass Village was established in the late 19th century as a skiing destination, reflecting the growing popularity of winter sports in Australia.
Over time, the focus shifted towards conservation and sustainable tourism, leading to the establishment of Kosciuszko National Park in 1966.
Acknowledging the complex history of the region, including the impact of colonization on the Ngarigo people, is crucial for understanding its present and future.
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