02/09/2026. Lawrence. Grade 3. Combined. Leaders: Sandy Webb, Sarah McCormack, Wendy Langley & Val Cayford.
It was a shock to the system to have an extra-early start for the first of the “summer time” tramps, but 33 of us made it.
On arrival at Lawrence, one of the locals informed us that there were some road and track closures in the Gabriel’s Gully area due to fallen trees from the previous day’s storm, but nobody was sure which were affected. We decided to continue and see how things were but changed the placement of the Trampers’ cars.
After a car shuttle for the hikers, resulting in a few things being unavailable because they were no longer at the start of the tramp, including a pair of boots, (“Oh well, Jesus wore sandals” said Alan) and the walkie talkies and things for the trampers’ leaders. Everyone set off from Weatherstons and walked up to the log pile for morning tea where Peter had the most original consumables- some huhu grubs he found in a rotting log.
All continued to the Gabriel’s Gully carpark, where we split up.
Trampers – The 15 trampers started with part of the Interpretive track, then turned off to the start of the beautiful Munro’s Gully track. This turned out to be a lot wetter than when we did the recces, but the mud and slippery surfaces only led to two falls and no harm done.
The track passes through exotic forest, native bush with a few small creek crossings, and finishes in a pine forest where the old mining water races are still evident, before rejoining the Interpretive track back to the car park. But the cars weren’t there as originally planned, so the final leg was back to Weatherstons, which we reached in time to make it to The Prospector for well-earned coffees before the drive home.
Thanks to Sarah for doing all the announcements as my voice was MIA. Distance walked: 12.6k, ascent 539m, and moving time 4 hours. Sandy Webb
Hikers – Some car juggling took time but 18 hikers set off with the trampers and enjoyed a sunny, but at times, very wet under foot hike up to morning tea at the top. Vistas from all angles greeted us on the way down to Gabriel’s Gully (even some green snow) Unfortunately our plans to hike back to Lawrence on the new track were changed due to ‘lambing’ so we wandered around the flat enjoying the Spring feeling. Lunch was a lazy sunbath at the old huts then we hiked back to Lawrence along the road and refreshments at the Prospectors Cafe.
A big thankyou to Raewyn and Phil for their help reorganizing at the last minute. Thanks for joining us. Val and Wendy
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.