La Franchi's Hut Circuit

La Franchi's Hut Circuit - 13.2 Kms

May 27, 2021

U3A Hike No 152

After the photos there are links to: Historical Notes. Gpx File Download. Interactive Map. Track Notes and a YouTube Slideshow.

Hike Report by Martin

We were a small group of eight for this “non-core” hike and our mission - to explore La Franchi’s Hut, trek into Walker’s Gully Falls (both Upper and Lower) and search out Stevenson’s Hut.

Our start point was the corner of Werona Road and Rodoni Track. The day was overcast with a slight chance of light precipitation, so we donned our wet weather gear and took off north along Werona Road. We soon came across a 4WD track on the left which we followed until it split into two tracks. Taking the right-hand track, we continued west and then north, until we reached a west leading 4WD track. This track took us along the southern ridge of Sugarloaf Gully and continued on to skirt open farm land. Up until this point we had been surrounded by natural bush, and along the way discovered an impressive fungus growing high in a tree.

Continuing along the Track we came across the McLachlan Creek, crossed over Brown Snake (none were to be seen) Gully and made our way to La Franchi’s Hut, which was set in an open meadow that is often frequented by campers. Here we enjoyed morning tea and an opportunity to explore the area.

We soon headed off again to find Butterfly Track which continued alongside the McLachlan Creek. Our next destination was Walker’s Gully Falls - a series of small waterfalls that only have water flowing after reasonable volumes of rain. Arriving at the jump-off for the lower falls, it was just a short off-track trek to see each of the three waterfalls. Some members of the party decided to remained behind on Butterfly Track for a break and comfort stop while the others went exploring. Sadly, no water was to be found.

Continuing on a short distance, we came across another track leading to the right. This track took us up and down, through a series of gullies and climbs, until we found Stevenson’s Hut in a small clearing. Not much of a hut, more of a ramshackle lean-to with a ridge pole and a small fireplace.

We continued along the track, up a very steep climb to re-joined the Butterfly Track at the top of a ridge and followed it north until we reached Sulky Track. At this point we had arrived on the edge of the pine plantation that ran alongside Butterfly and Sulky Tracks. A short walk along Sulky Track and soon back on a 4WD track that took us back down into Butterfly Gully, across a creek and then back up the hill to the ridge that ran along Walker’s Gully.

There was a short diversion to go off track again to look at the Upper Walker’s Gully waterfall, but again there was no flow and little to see – but the trekking was fun. Back on the 4WD track, we soon found ourselves on back on Walker’s Track and followed this until we reached Werona Road. As we walked up Walker’s Track, we turned around to see the magnificent vista/views out towards Kooroocheang.

From here it was a short walk north along Werona Road and back to the cars for lunch and conversations about how great the hike had been.

Thank you, Gordon, another great day our in nature.