Hikes:
Graveyard Track on the Mighty Mitta Mitta
The Tombstone Track on the Mighty Mitta is also known as Graveyard Overlook or O’Connell’s Overlook. The track has been in ‘informal’ existence for more than 100 years and one of names by which it is known is for one of the founding families of Omeo.
The track starts at the old quarry at the hairpin bend less than a kilometre north of the Anglers Rest campground and the Blue Duck on the Omeo Highway. Over the past few decades the track has been used by the few hikers and locals who know about it, Mittagundi and other school groups doing abseiling, and Packer’s Horse Rides. The walk takes 15- 25 minutes depending on fitness and how many flowers need sniffing.
A limited amount of parking is available along the road at the quarry, more just down the road at a turnout or, if one has a high-clearance vehicle, there’s a rutted dirt track a few 100m north that takes one to the banks of the Mitta at the old Winter Classic Takeout. The track actually starts at the first big gum tree north of the quarry. It’s hard to miss.
Two very short sections of track are eroded; the rest of the track is good and it is hard to lose the path. On your way out to the wonderful overlook you will come to an eroded gully. Keep left and bear uphill. The only other potentially confusing spot is right at the end, where you’re obviously reaching the edge of the main river canyon. Here, keep left down a few rock steps, then head out to the rocks in front of you for a great view of the Mitta Mitta River, Graveyard Rapids directly below and Mt. Wills in the distance. It’s an awesome place for taking a break and taking photographs. The view is one of the best in Victoria.
The abseil rocks are just to the right. But BE WARNED about clambering up those rocks: there is no protective railing and the sheer cliff is an 80m drop. Don’t go near the edge, especially with children who aren’t able to appreciate the danger. If you go here, you need to be aware of the risk and manage it for yourself and your companions.
You can return the way you came. Alternatively, you can take a rough track down the hill northwards (upstream) to the river. This will take about 10 minutes. After that, there are two options. You can turn right (downstream) and see the rapids which are very close and are probably the most technical white-water on the river. Or you can go left (upstream) for a 15 minute walk along the river track back to the Winter Classic Takeout site. If that’s where you left your cars the walk is over. If not, you can walk up the rough dirt road back to the highway and turn left for about 200m back to the quarry. Be VERY CAREFUL along this road because it is used by caravans, log trucks, and motorcyclists.
Friends of the Mitta have been working with Parks Victoria for over two years to formalise this track. Due to funding and resource issues for this very remote region of the Alpine National Park the negotiations are ongoing. The good news is that there are several very dedicated and committed rangers keen on making this wonderful track to the overlook a reality. We’re presently trying to work out how to keep the track discreet and pristine whilst providing interpretive and safety signage in order to avoid unsightly railings.
I hope many more people will now know about it, visit it and enjoy it.
Jeffe Aronson, Friends of the Mitta
Mount Ned Track: Click Here!
Horses:
Just up the valley (a nice walk or 3 minute drive) is Helen Packer's Horse Adventures.
Click HERE to book with Packer!
Biking (both sorts):
This is the perfect area for mountain bikes or motorcycles. Great dirt and paved roads abound. Best to bring a map or guidebook: too many to note here.
Fishing:
Best trout fishing in Australia, if you ask me! Stroll down to the waterfalls below the rental (80 meters downhill), and up or downstream, or drive to any number of awesome spots along the Mitta Mitta or nearby Cobungra rivers.
If you want to have a fishing guide, here’s the best; Charley May!:
Click HERE to go to Chuck’s website.
4X4 driving:
LIkewise to the biking: too many off-road tracks to count, but some of the best in Australia.
Great picnicking anywhere you look, or go out for an overnight campfire (watch out for fire-ban days) just about anywhere.
Rafting & Kayaking:
Bring your own boat, or lilo/air-mattress in low water. Some of the best whitewater in Victoria, class 2, 3, or 4, depending on water levels. Or book a trip with us via this website!
“Dislocation” rapids, Mitta Mitta river