The Acropolis

Date: 22nd March 2021 Summit: 1481m

The Acropolis was to be the final Abel we would climb on this Du Cane Range adventure. The Abels states it is a mere two hours from Pine Valley Hut to the summit. However, we would first have to complete our homeward journey from the Pool of Memories to Pine Valley Hut. With three summits already under our belts in three hot days, plus the full pack walk back to Pine Valley, our climb of The Acropolis would no doubt take a little longer!

Tired legs, excited minds.

Although our legs were tired from a big three days and three summits, we made great time hiking back out from the Pool of Memories back to Pine Valley Hut. After pitching the tent and having a snack we set off for our attempt at The Acropolis. With the good run of weather due to end later in the day, it was now or never if we wanted clear views from the summit!

The enchanted forest.

Leaving Pine Valley hut we started along The Acropolis track. With perfect weather and the forest canopy sheltering us from the worst of the midday sun it, PWS's warning sign at the start seemed a tad overdramatic with its warning - but please do heed them! The first part of The Acropolis track took us through some of the most enchanting forest we have seen. The track wound gently over tiny gurgling creeks and past huge old trees. Fungi of all shades littered the mossy edges of the path and colourful native berries hung from the trees.

Cephissus Falls

In under 20 minutes we had reached Cephissus Falls. No swimming is allowed at the Falls (to prevent contamination) but the icy water filled our water bottles nicely. We wound leisurely through the forest making the most of its sights and sounds. Occasionally old boardwalk would replace the soft forest floor. Sometimes felled timber would act as a bridge over damp ground.

The climb begins.

Until this point the walking had been relatively flat. I knew from our map the first big climb was imminent. The track jacked up suddenly and the forest pad was replaced with gnarled roots and small rocks. The occasional log ladder, cut roughly to form steps made an appearance. So too did sections of deeper mud. Every shade of green was present around us. Spots of white, purple and pink from the fungi and plants looked like forest jewels. It was during this first steep climb that we first saw burnt orange leaves of fagus that had fully turned. Stunning!

With the upwards climb punishing our tired legs, we were quite surprised to see the forest canopy overhead disappear. It was replaced by a large band of fagus. We were both surprised and delighted as the fagus was in varying stages of turning. Another surprise awaited us as we stepped through the fagus - board walk. Great lengths of fresh, newish board walk! A few dollars has been spent here that is for sure, ensuring the ridgeline is protected from erosion. Rising off in the distance was the star of today's hike - The Acropolis.

No way there is a track up that?

The Acropolis loomed large in the distance. From our view below, it looked as if it would be impossible for a track to breach its dolerite-columned fortress. One thing we have learned over the years though, is there is always a way! Views to our west of Mt. Gould and The Minotaur were equally splendid. The boardwalk made for flat, fast travel across the plateau below The Acropolis.

The one thing that struck me about this walk was how many times the vegetation changed. Rainforest, fagus, pandani groves, dry eucalypt forest. It had the works! Leaving the boardwalk behind, we were now climbing upwards again. The terrain underfoot was loose shale, and orange reflector markers guided us along. The low level scrub alongside the track allowed for constant views of The Acropolis above.

To the southern face. A long way to go still!

The Acropolis is anything but "easy". Heading towards its southern face, we realised we still had a long way to go. We were conscious of our weather window but for now the sun was still shining through the clouds. The track stuck below The Acropolis' high dolerite columns heading in a north-easterly direction. Chatting about when the track would breach the rim - as it looked almost impossible - kept us entertained. Occasional patches of scree with cairns would intercept the track; for the most part the track is obvious, but we did note a few false leads to be aware of.

After what seemed like ages traversing below the dolerite columns, the track finally headed up. Initially patches of pineapple grass made the steep climb easy enough, but were soon replaced with rock scrambling. Some boulders required more effort than others to climb. One area in particular towards the top required genuine concentration and care to cross, and we were watching our footings carefully. Those that don't love exposure may need a little extra assistance here!

I spy a summit cairn!

Now on the summit area - finally! - it was a matter of just following the cairns across the boulders to the summit. The boulders were a good size and so didn't present too much of a challenge. Even better, the weather had held! Yipee! All around, 360-degree views laid before us. To our east The Acropolis' highest dolerite pillar stood in front of the ever imposing Mt. Geryon, Mt. Massif and Falling Mountain to our north. Looking to the south and east we could see Lake St. Clair and the Walls of Jerusalem. Too many mountains to mention were scattered off in distant view and it was a mighty grand place to enjoy a late lunch.

After filling our bellies it was time for the climb down and back to Pine Valley Hut. We both agreed it was a mighty way to complete another adventures.

The stats.

Distance: Approximately 9km return from Pine Valley Hut. We would cover 14km as we walked in from Pool of Memories.

Time taken: We were easily at the summit in 2.5 hours. Return to Pine Valley Hut was under 2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate. Whilst the walk from Pine Valley Hut to the summit is for the mostly of good quality track, it is steep and at times exposed to the weather towards the top. There is a minor amount of exposure over some challenging rock shelves prior to the summit. After Cephissus Creek there are no readily available water stops; ensure you carry enough especially in warm weather.

Type of track: Formal and well defined track with sections of duck boarding, reflective markers and cairns all the way to the summit. A handful of braided tracks and rerouting has occurred, but otherwise an easy to navigate climb in fine weather.

Access from: Pine Valley Hut.