Mt Mitchell (Cunningham’s Gap) – DW M 3 C

10-11km return on the same track up and back with about 3hr walking time. We will park and meet at The Crest carpark at top of Cunningham’s Gap to start walking at 9am.

The trail starts across the road from the carpark and is a steady uphill on a formed track as we climb up the northern flank of Mount Mitchell. As we climb we will (weather permitting!) have great views of Main Range, Scenic Rim and nearby mountain peaks. We walk through several rainforest sections, and also more open eucalypyt/grasstree forest. Climbing steeply around the West Peak and onto the saddle between the peaks, we’ll eventually end up on a small area above the sheer cliff on the East Peak where we will have morning tea/early lunch. After resting and admiring the views, we will return back down the track the same way we came. Probable stop for coffee in Aratula on the way home (or lunch if the timing is appropriate).

There are a couple of parts towards the top where the track passes quite close to a steep drop-off… you may want to be aware of this if you don’t have a head for heights.

Bring usual daywalk gear, plenty of water, snacks/food, comfortable boots, warm jumper (it can be cool at the top of the mountain!), raincoat/poncho for unexpected showers, hat, insect repellent, poles may be useful, and a change of clothes if travelling in someone else’s car.

Please advise in the comments section when signing up for this walk if you need a lift, or can drive and offer a lift to others, or if you prefer to drive yourself and meet us there. Carpooling will be arranged closer to the time – probably by the weekend/Monday prior (note if you sign up the day before the walk we may not be able to offer a spot in a carpool).

Leader – Leah Stephens 0499 234 616. If you need to contact me on the day of the walk or night before, please call or text me on this number, as messages on Meetup can be unreliable.