A Return to Snowy Plain gathering was held over the weekend of 22-24 November 2024. Attending members visited Davey’s Hut, Botherim Plain Hut, a number of old hut sites, diggings and other sites of historical interest.
This gathering was organised by Graham Scully who put in a massive amount of time and effort towards the initial planning of walks, historic sites and huts to visit over the weekend. Marion assisted Graham with logistics etc.
He had gathered a great deal of documentation including previous historic photos, maps, GPS readings of historic sites and talks he`d had with some of the old graziers or their families detailing their memories of living in the area. He then loaded these all into his dropbox account, sending out a link for prior reading to all those expressing an interest in attending.
Graham put together and sent out a newsletter to members who had expressed an interest in attending. This newsletter included detailed directions on how to get to the Snowy Plain campground on the Gungarlin River, what they needed to bring and any general expectations regarding personal safety etc.
Marion contacted a few members to assist with booking out the whole campground for the gathering ensuring all members attending could be accommodated together.
Most people arrived on the Friday to set up camp and start looking around and/or relaxing. We had an information briefing over pre-dinner drinks to determine who wanted to participate in the 2 walks on offer. Kirk and Giles leading an off trail walk to visit several historic sites, using GPS way points, and taking possibly 5 hours.
Marion led an easier, shorter walk, visiting Davey`s hut, then off trail to find John Bolton’s homestead site which has a plaque marking the site plus a little history. Aiming to be back in camp for lunch.
Saturday morning, Graham formally welcomed everyone and gave an Acknowledgement to Country. Everyone then headed off around 8:15am with their leaders. Graham had vehicle transport to Daveys hut, driven by Scott, who also did some drone footage of the hut to be added to the 3D imaging of the hut conducted previously. Under Graham`s directions Scott also filmed the home site of Harold Hedger which was close by. Those of us who walked out to Daveys had a lovely visit being greeted by 3 KHA members who offered us muffins to have with our cuppas.
We then ventured off in search of John Bolton’s homestead site which we eventually found, before making our way back to the campground in time for lunch and a rest. The walk was of medium difficulty utilising several brumby trails which reduced the need to push through scrub. After recent rains, the vegetation was fresh and green, with a few wildflowers about adding colour here and there and making it very enjoyable. Scott was able to provide vehicle assistance to a walker who was experiencing some discomfort, returning him to his campsite safely. We carried “walkie-talkies”, which enabled us to contact Scott to coordinate a pickup.
Kirk and Gile`s team arrived back in camp at 2.30pm after visiting Con Bolton’s hut site, numerous diggings and historical sites, a surprise encounter with a dingo and finishing up vis John Bolton’s hut site. The walk was at times hard going and relied on accurate GPS data to find some of the sites including a water race. Though difficult going at times, there were no mishaps and everyone enjoyed the walk.
Saturday afternoon a small group walked to Botherim Plain hut, again vehicle assistance was available, this time by Alan to those who requested it. Graham chatted about the history of the hut and previous works that had been conducted by NPWS staff and members several years ago.
The river provided refreshing soaks and a delightful atmosphere. Even a wombat wondered by at one stage, not too worried about our presence. The campground was very neat and tidy, it is such a beautiful spot. Many enjoyable chats were had around the campfire both evenings.
Sunday morning saw most people packing up but some did choose to extend their stay. We called in at CSIRO hut on the way out to be greeted by Brad, the hut`s caretaker. Graham again gave an informative chat on some if its history.
In summary, 21 people attended the event. The weather was perfect, the venue was beautiful, and a good time was had by all. KHA may consider a similar gathering in 12 months’ time at a different venue if there is enough interest.
Many thanks to Graham for his organisation, particularly for the detail of everything necessary to make this gathering possible and very enjoyable.
Marion Plum
KHA HMO Snowy