Brayshaws Homestead Overnighter

We dragged the girls and Mira on an overnight loop walk in the southern section of Namadgi National Park. It was a perfect day as we departed from Brayshaws Homestead. We wandered along Settlers Track to Waterhole Hut. A beautiful undulating path through the snow gums. After an hour of walking we pulled off the track to have lunch amongst some boulders. 

Post lunch Andy assured us it was only a few more km's to the where we were planning on camping. Unfortunately it seems his distance estimation was out by quite a lot....The girls chose the longer flatter option and our campsite required access to water. Eventually we found a spot. It wasn't amongst big boulder, under the snow gums next to a creek but it would do. We had walked 200m off the main track down a spur choosing a grassy spot within a cluster of snow gums. Funnily enough as we were setting up our tents we came across a pair of old rusted glasses...it seems that we were in the middle of nowhere yet someone had already been to this exact spot...what are the chances!!

Once the tents were set up, we followed the creek downstream to a water hole where our feet enjoyed a refreshing dip in the cool water. We took the opportunity to wash off the dirt and sweat and freshen up. Dinner was a simple affair and we were all tucked into bed early. Rain tapped on our tents overnight and we woke to cloudy cooler conditions.

Keen to get going it was a quick breakfast and pack up. Our route back to the car was slightly unknown and would evolve as we wandered along. Again Andy underestimated the distance back. A route choice saw us get wet feet as we decided to go cross country rather than take the longer track option. Following the edge of the open swampy area we were aiming to intersect the fire trail which would take us back near Waterhole Hut. Again the quicker route choice was taken - through the bush to the saddle and on to the track. The track took a long time coming but eventually we got there!

Lollies buoyed up the weary walkers as we ambled along the Waterhole fire trail to Westerman's Hut. The girls energies lifted with the sight of this hut and they strode off finishing the walk strongly. Andy and I followed a few hundred metres behind, arriving at the car right at noon as he had predicted!

Glad that Andy encouraged us to do the overnight hike. It was wonderful to get out into nature again.