Kiandra west circuit day hike + car camp at Three Mile Dam

Using Three Mile Dam campground as a base for two nights, we will complete a long day hike from Mount Selwyn resort to summit Tabletop Mountain, via the Selwyn Trail and Tabletop Mountain Trail North tracks and passing alongside the Nine Mile diggings.

On the return leg we will head north on the Four Mile trail to visit Broken Dam hut, then go off track over ground heavily mined for gold in the back half of the 19th century thru-1930's, to visit the Elaine Mine site and the recently-rebuilt Four Mile hut. We will then re-join the Tabletop Mountain Trail North and backtrack to our parking near Mount Selwyn resort, concluding the walk and heading back to camp to relax for night #2.

Using the long weekend permits us to drive up at a leisurely pace, arriving in the mid-afternoon to set up for night #1, virtually at the trail head for a dawn start (we have ten hours of daylight and will use most of it). Pending interest we'll walk the 3km Goldseekers Track early on Monday as an optional cooldown (the trailhead is opposite the dam entrance). https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/goldseekers-track/visitor-info, then head home.

Given the time of year it is likely to be cold, particularly overnight (avg. daily temps then are 9° day / -2° night), the position can get very windy (at 1430m the dam is among the highest in Australia), and there's a chance of snow in late May.

This hike is long, the setting exposed, and the weather unpredictable. Anticipate a four-season experience on this trip, please ensure you have the fitness and necessary equipment to safely participate, and gear to comfortably enjoy the nights. A list of essential (and optional) equipment can be found at the Tasmanian PWS website. In addition to the 'Essentials', please ensure you have the 'Alpine Walks' list covered also. A number of members will have PLB's.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/Documents/Walker%20Pack%20List%20and%20Alpine%20Safety%20Checklist.pdf