From here, it was a straightforward walk along the range to Lansdowne Spur on a mix of tussock, scree and snow, and initially we made good progress. I was starting to think that we might not become benighted after all. However, my companion Liz was plagued by repeated cramps in her legs. Rummaging through my first aid kit I found a possible cure – electrolyte powder intended to treat dehydration. We were also running low on water due to a lack of a re-supply along the dry range. Spurred on by the encroaching darkness and an incoming nor’westerly, Liz soldiered on. A final sidle on moderately steep scree with patchy snow brought us to the top of the well defined Lansdowne Spur, which we descended under a setting sun. Near the bottom of the spur, we dropped west into Iron Creek at the 580m contour to avoid bluffs and reached Broken River Hut as the last of the light was fading. We settled in for a cosy night in front of an open fire and a well-deserved meal.

The next morning, we woke to a light pitter-patter on the roof which, given our intended route down the Broken River Gorge, I found less soothing than usual. The gorge’s numerous crossings required a lot of focus, but when not tackling the river we marvelled at the beauty of the limestone formations and cliffs. We came across remnants of an old coal mine and bridges, which, along with the Avoca Homestead built in 1908 and the Midland Railway viaduct near the car park, added interest to an all-around satisfying and stimulating trip.   

– Nina Dickerhof