January 8, 2026
Hackett Hut to Slaty Hut
TA km marker 1897.7 to 1908.5
Hiked today: 10.8 km

The group of 4 from Ireland had decided to hike on to the next hut last night so we said goodbye and do not expect to see them again unless they take a couple of days off in St Arnaud. We both slept well in our tent and again were packed up and on the trail soon after 6am.

First we had a number of creek crossings which required rock hopping. Rob has much better balance and kindly gave me a helping hand midstream. I found the heavy pack’s weight quite destabilising but we made it across without mishap. Then the trail took us steeply up and the ascent continued in this way through the forest for a further 3 hours.

As we left the cover of the trees, Starveall Hut came into view and we were pleased to stop and rest and fill our water bottles. I am glad we didn’t attempt this last night as we both found it very tough going.

We enjoyed a snack at Starveall, taking in the incredible views, but didn’t stop long as we meant to continue the next 3 hours to Slaty Hut. The track continued up now on slate rock to a ridge with breathtaking views right across to the ocean on one side and a close up view of a mountain range on the other.

Then we had the inevitable steep descent followed by a stretch of easy forest walking before we again climbed through forest to reach another peak. Finally over the mountain top we saw Slaty Hut, our planned accommodation for tonight.

Since we arrived before 1.30pm, there was the temptation to continue to the next hut. Weighing it up though, we would have to go a further 5 hours, the last 30 minutes being a side track descending to the hut which we would have to climb back up the next day. We have already done 1460m of ascents today.

The weather remains uncertain – clouds are passing overhead and, at the beginning of the week the forecast was for some rain tomorrow. We hope it holds off to give us good views as we hope to summit Rintoul mountain peaks around midday tomorrow.