Mt. Tumanang VK2SM/-049.
One evening whilst looking for summits in my local region (Snowy Mountains) to activate, I noticed Mt. Tumanang appeared under the VK2/SM group on SOTA mapping. Although Mt. Tumanang is on the outskirts of the Snowy Mountains region and a long way from Tumut, I decided to attempt an activation. Not being familiar with the roads around that area, I decided to call Rod VK2TWR to ask if he knew which roads would allow access to the summit. Rod was very interested, he suggested a co-activation and access would be easy from the Anembo Rd. A few days later Rod and I met in Cooma where we left his vehicle parked safely at McDonalds, with local knowledge and an eager passenger on board we set off for the hills! From Cooma we drove along the Monaro Hwy for 62km to Michelago. At Michelago we took Burra Road over the railway crossing until turning right into Tinderry Road. After following Tinderry Road 26km, we met the intersection with Jerangle Road at Jingera. From Jingera we travelled the Jerangle Road for 5km until reaching Anembo, then turned right off Jerangle Road into Anembo road. Following Anembo road for 6km we met the junction of Bald Peak Road.
The junction of Bald Peak Road and Anembo road.
We stopped at the junction for smoko prior to turning left into Bald Peak road and entering the Tallagandra National Park. Once on Bald peak road we drove for about 700m before reaching another Tallagandra National Park sign and the Tumanang trail on the left. Note: Logging trucks use Bald peak road regularly, caution is required!
The Tumanang track appears to be little travelled, we encountered trees blocking the track in a few locations, fortunately I had the chainsaw on board! Rod decided to take video whilst I cut the trees saving his energy for the climb 🙂
The track requires 4wd in places along the way, there are two creek crossings, the first requires a bit of negotiation since there is a steep departure angle. At 9km in we met the Crowbilly Creek.
Crowbilly Creek crossing, a steady flow about 400mm deep on the day.
After crossing Crobilly creek the track started to climb for 4km to the summit. The track winds around the edge of the summit as it climbs passing the summit on the right. We drove past the summit to a point where the track turns toward the right. There is enough room to park at this point. Across the road is the start of a saddle up to the summit about 300m. An easy 20 minute walk.
I placed a few rocks on a tree stump to mark the trail to the summit.
The trig marker at the summit. Both Rod and I had enough chasers calling to allow the minimum 4 contacts each to claim the activation. A good day was had by all and we both agreed to return next year to re-activate the summit.
View looking from the access track
Approaching Mt.Tumanang
