This is a two-person bivouac, so it’s a good idea to check and sign the intentions book at Hawdon Shelter to see if the biv is already occupied and to signal your intentions to others.

From Hawdon Shelter, follow the markers through trees towards Hawdon Hut. The track drops quickly to the Hawdon River, which is crossed to continue on its true right towards Sudden Valley where there is a fence and stile. Following the track from here saves time and effort, compared to walking up the main bed of the river. 

This track is soon into the trees and is easy travel on flat terraces. After less than an hour it leads into the river valley again. There’s a marker pole in the middle of the valley, heading into the river bed and angling towards the true left. Once over the river, on the true left, the track becomes a 4WD route. It’s easy walking, but reverts to a walking track before the junction of the Hawdon with East Hawdon Stream. 

The route now enters the East Hawdon and travel is slower going and requires multiple crossings of the stream. (Consider turning back here if it’s raining, or if the initial crossing of the Hawdon River was difficult.)

The East Hawdon has two narrower sections. Finding the track on the true right, which is cut and maintained by volunteers, saves scrambling over boulders in the stream bed. The first and most helpful track entrance going up-stream is around 720m. This bypasses the first ‘gorge’ section and returns to the stream bed around 760m, where a scree slope comes down on the true right. 

From here, it’s an ascent either up the stream bed or, if no track markers indicate otherwise, on the stream’s true right. There’s a speedy section between 800–820m, which avoids windfall in the stream, and another helpful section around 900–940m. 

Local stoat trappers have built cairns indicating the best stream-crossing points, and orange marker tape is on trees in many places. It’s not difficult to follow the track sections, but keep those eyes open. 

After 4–5hr the trail climbs to a small terrace on the true right. The bivouac is here, tucked into the trees. It’s mostly rocky terrain but some small campsites are possible. There’s water from the nearby stream, and further adventures are possible to Mt Valiant at the upper reaches of the East Hawdon. Return the same way to the car park.