Setting our alarms the night before we awoke before the sun to ensure an early start for a full packed day. We all load into “Captain Jack”, Shane’s 92 Jackaroo to head our much anticipated bucket list trip to the famous Craig’s hut.
We roll out of camp just on sun up just before 6.30am and head towards Mansfield. Arriving in Mansfield we full up both the car and our tummy’s with a servo snack. The drive to the base of Mt Sterling, Telephone Box Junction, is a short half hour or so drive away. We decide to jump out for photo opportunity however poor Captain Jack decided the bumpy road was enough to pop a fuse and would start. An attempt to push start failed however the boys were able to do a temporary fix to get us back on the road. The decision was made to drive back into Mansfield to get the parts required to make a proper fix before heading back up to Telephone Box Junction.
We arrived at auto 1 in Mansfield however not having the part in stock they sent us to Holden. However we turned off the car at auto 1 so a little jiggle and we started again (really glad we made the decision to get the real fix in place). Holden disappointed us with also not having the part however the were confident that we could go down town to Mansfield parts & 4WD. Little did they know this little part would prove to be difficult to find. We are directed out to the edge of town to K & M Automotive where we actually spend a whopping $8.50 and we get back on the road with Captain Jack restored and ready for a day of adventures.
Back to Telephone Box Junction only this time we don’t stop car but proceed on th track towards King Saddle hut. A quick stop at King Saddle hut and we load back into Captain Jack and head towards Craig’s hut. The track is a tame unepsealed road until we take the turn off from the circuit road onto the track towards Craig’s. This track was a little more interesting and suitable for 4WD only. Finally we reach the summit and Craig’s Hut which didn’t disappoint. Luckily it wasn’t a busy day and we pretty much had the place to ourselves so photographing was made easy.
Once inside the hut we placed mums frog (see all photos) inside the hut in a safe spot to watch over all the visitors and had a drink her, of course her favourite drink ~ west coast coolers.
We enjoyed a beautiful lunch with the flies and took the opportunity to take a few more photos including some of a trail ride that happened to ride through while we were there. Finishing up and after fixing poor Captain Jack again (this time another temporary fix!) we travel along the circuit road and head back to camp. We have had pretty good weather during the day however we drive through a heavy rain storm washing the car off saving us a visit to the car wash.
Arriving back to camp & having a booking at the local pub for dinner a relaxed night is planned.