Fletchers Eddy

Tuesday, 31 December 2013

Fletchers Eddy

Tuesday 31st December 2013

Fletchers Eddy

Today, the plan was to walk along the banks of the Huon River and then to Fletchers Eddy, cross the Weld River near Fletchers Eddy, up to Glovers Bluff and back to the car. It was a somewhat ambitious plan as I didn't know if I could cross the Weld, and as it turned out it was not possible. Never mind it was a good walk anyway.
I drove to the starting point on Eddy Road just past the Southwood Mill turnoff and began walking just after 0700 on a 4WD track. Very soon I came across many large water filled pools, but most of these were easily skirted with care. The track led down to the Huon River and followed along close to the bank for about 3 kms. before meeting the Weld River. There were about 4 offshoots that went down to the water's edge and a couple of nice camping spots. A good 4WD would be required to actually drive along this track.

4WD track along the Huon

I spent a little time checking out the river which was flowing quite well. It really is amazing to think where all that water actually comes from. I carried on and after about an hours walking came to the junction of the Huon and Weld Rivers. Judging by the amount of water flowing down the Weld, I knew then that it would be highly unlikely that I would be crossing it. The track then followed the Weld for a short distance before heading away from the river and eventually meeting up with Eddy Road again. I then walked along this for about 2 kms. to a road junction where I turned right and found the track for Fletchers Eddy. I might mention at this stage that it is quite possible to drive to this point in a 2WD car which then only leaves about 2 kms. to walk to the Eddy, but that would be too easy.

Huon River

The Eddy track soon deteriorated and became quite muddy where 4WDS and quad bikes had been churning it up. A small creek had to be crossed and I was sure that I was going to end up with wet feet, but searched around and was able to scramble across unscathed. The track eventually became only quad bike wide and after about 2 kms. I reached the banks of the Weld, and just as I expected, I would not be crossing. I walked along the bank up to the Eddy and stopped for a break. It was quite a nice spot.
I then retraced my steps back to Eddy Road and walked down to the bridge that spans the Weld River, just to get a couple of photos.

Weld River from the bridge

After this I walked back up Eddy Road to a track that went off to the left. I had seen what looked like large white rocks from Eddy Road earlier and I wanted to check it out. As it turned out it was hills of white sandy looking rock probably from an old quarry that 4WDS and quad bikes had been using for driving over. There were old car bits and even an engine out of a car. I followed this track for a while until it met Eddy Road again, walked along this for a time before deviating onto another 4WD track and then back onto Eddy Road again and back to the car. I was quite hungry at this stage, so had a bite to eat and decided that if I couldn't walk to Glovers Bluff, then I would drive there. The road up to the Bluff was quite okay for 2WD and the views from up there were very interesting as I could see where I had walked earlier on. There were good views of Snowy South, Mount Weld, Jubilee Range and of course the Weld River. I didn't stay here too long as it was rather windy and cold.
Distance: 19.5 kms
Time: 5'20"
Ascent: 407 metres
Click here to download GPX track.