REGISTRATION

This is an Advanced hike. You'll need to have walked overnight before, preferably with the Club, in order to join this hike.

Note that dates listed are negotiable, and we can shorten the hike by a day or two on either end if desired.

Registration doesn't guarantee you'll be able to go to the hike, since that's based on the number of 4WD cars we have, your own experience level and so on. Successful registrants will be added to a groupchat where we can further plan the event.

Any questions? Text or FB message me - Daniel Gensemer 0404497812.

PRICE

A $10 gear use fee applies of you borrow club gear. You're also responsible for paying your driver for fuel and of course paying for your own food - we may camp for a night or two at Arkaroola which comes at a small camping fee too. Overall costs should be low though.

WHAT IS THE HIKE?

The basic pitch is that we drive on increasingly rough roads to Paralana Hot Springs, spend a day hiking from there to the heights of the massive granite batholith of the Mawson Plateau and reach a big central waterhole (hopefully) on our first night out. The rest of the days are spent relaxing and exploring before we make our way back the way we came.

The Mawson Plateau is a mountain desert wilderness area about nine hours' drive north of central Adelaide. It's known for its granite boulders, many cliffs and waterholes, and extreme inaccessibility and remoteness. There are no trails, and no cars or farming efforts have ever made it to the plateau. As such it's practically untouched. More info on the Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mawson_Plateau

Walking here can be hugely rewarding, but note that this is an advanced hike. You'll have to walk about 30km/2-3 days with packs on, though we'll have 4-5 rest/adventure days camping at our basecamp waterhole. To come, you need to be self-sufficient while hiking, own sturdy hiking boots, and be able to carry 6-8 litres of water (or 2 days' worth) while hiking 10km a day offtrack.

Weather: Expect 0-10 degree nights and 15-20 degree days. Rain is very rare. Prepare for some freezing nights by bringing a warm sleeping bag!

CLUB GEAR

To borrow gear, you'll have to pay a $10 fee for gear upkeep - we'll contact you about how to pay it. Club gear must be well looked after and be returned dry and with no parts missing. We'll contact you later with details about the gear so we can get it for you.

TRANSPORT

The 9 hours north to Arkaroola can be done with any vehicle, despite a 100km unpaved section. However, a high clearance 4WD is necessary to make the final 35km to the trailhead.

Since leaving times and amounts of time people will want to take making the drive will vary, carpooling to the event will be organised via group chat.

GEAR

As a rule, your pack, fully loaded with food and water, should be less than 1/3rd of your body weight.

Ankle supporting hiking boots are recommended for this hike as it is very rocky.

The most important pieces of gear you'll need for this hike specifically are:

- Means of carrying at least 6 litres of water (or 1 night and 2 days worth)

- Suitable footwear

- Toilet paper

- Head torch

- Spare batteries for everything

- Gaiters for spinifex

- Hiking poles (if you don't bring one you may find some good hiking sticks though)

- Water Filter!

- Entertainment such as a good book or card game! We'll camp at basecamp pretty much as long as we feel like being there (3-5 days) so this is important.

- Hiking solar panel if you have one :)

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