Mid Robinson Hut, Victoria Forest Park

The Upper Grey Valley was living up to its name as we drove down the road on a calm but cloudy Saturday morning. Our destination was the Robinson Valley in Victoria Forest Park, a place we have visited before but where we had camped on the open river flats. This time we were heading for Mid Robinson Hut.

The first section of the walk took us through impressive red beech forest but before long we are walking the perimeter of a fence line. Once past the farm we negotiated a short muddy section and shortly after found ourselves at the entrance to Robinson Valley.

We enjoyed a nice lunch by the river, sadly shortened by voracious sandflies before setting off up the true right of the Robinson. We came to a swingbridge which had us crossing over to the true left.

The track was a no-show in places so we decide to leave it behind and just walk up the open river flats. This proved easy travel until we picked up the track again where the valley narrows as a spur from Mt Hochstetter meets the river.

We continued up the valley, passing through sections where the track has been washed away. Orange triangles mark the way but it felt more like a tramping route than a track as we clambered over and around windfalls.

We arrived at a section where slips had washed the track away and the easiest way through was to walk up the river.

Our thoughts turned to a crackling fire and warm brews at the hut. It’s not a long walk, but on a cold winter’s day we were ready for a warm dry hut. We just hoped there was a good supply of firewood.

Eventually we break out into a clearing and across the river sits Mid Robinson Hut – just a swingbridge away.

We had an enjoyable, warm night in the hut. It’s not a particularly popular spot but the hut is in good condition and it makes for an ideal year-round weekend tramp. The Robinson Valley is also a safe option in wet weather because there are only small side creeks to cross.

The following morning it was even wetter than the walk in. We did enjoy a quick lunch break once we reached the lower valley and a brew warmed us up for the last section of the walk. Before we knew it we were back at the car and driving back to the west coast, the end to a great little weekend escape.

The Robinson Valley can also be reached via Lake Christabel which is also accessed off Palmer road or from SH7 via Rough creek.

– Chris Dyson