Kermandie Falls from Bennetts Spur 1/3

Thursday 24th May 2018

Kermandie Falls

I had been to Kermandie Falls a couple of times previously but wanted to tackle it from a different starting point at the end of Bennetts Spur 1/3. This is a forestry spur off Bennetts Road which in turn is off Arve Road from Geeveston. The drive to the start point was quite straight forward and I parked at the end of the spur.
An old track headed off from here down to the Kermandie River and was easy to follow as it was flagged all the way. The river was easily crossed and once that was achieved I was on the Old Hartz Track.

Start of track

Track down near the river

Kermandie River

The Old Hartz Track was in its usual condition with many trees large and small across it which slowed progress somewhat.

Old Hartz Track

Old Railway Cutting

There were lots and lots of different kinds of fungi around and I photographed a few of them.

The falls were flowing well and I stopped for a short time for some shots before heading out to Riawunna Road to find a dry spot to have something to eat.

Kermandie Falls

Cascade below the falls

I walked up Riawunna Road a short distance to see what it was like and it seemed quite reasonable but I was not sure that I could get back to the track that way so returned to the Hartz Track and walked back up to the old railway line. From here there was a marked track down to Riawunna Road so it would have been possible to walk up it and get back on the Hartz Track. Next time. From here it was just an easy amble back to the car.
This was a good walk to the falls. It was a bit longer both in time and distance than the traditional way but that was okay.
Distance: 10.8 kms.
Time: 4'48"
Ascent: 380 metres
Click here to download GPX file.

Mount Faulkner

Tuesday 8th May 2018

On the summit of Mount Faulkner

I parked in Mount Faulkner Road just before the large washouts and headed up the old road/fire trail. It was a gradual grind uphill but quite easy walking. When I reached the plateau section and just as the trail started to descend I ventured into the scrub in the direction of the summit. The initial section was scrubby but did not last long and then I came across moss covered scree which was much easier to walk through than the scrub.

Fire Trail

Moss covered scree

More moss covered scree

As I gained elevation the terrain alternated between scree and scrub and continued like that all the way to the summit. There were some large rocks to negotiate further up near the top and in among these rocks were some small "caves".

Larger scree up higher

I finally reached the summit where it was quite windy and rather cold, so managed a few photos and then sought shelter to have a bite to eat.
Various views from and of the summit.

After a short stay I started down where there were good views of Hobart and the Derwent and after some more scrub bashing I finally reached the fire trail. From here it was an easy amble back to the car.

This was an okay walk but the scrub is somewhat of a drawback. It is not continuous but there is enough to be annoying. Maybe I am getting old. There is no track at all from the fire trail to the summit and it is just a matter of finding the best route.
Distance: 7.9 kms.
Time: 5'49"
Ascent: 740 metres
Click here for GPX file