Hacket Track to Hacket Hut, Mount Richmond Forest Park

A valley walk with serious caveats

Hacket Track follows Hacket Creek valley to Hacket Hut in Mount Richmond Forest Park. The listed outing is 11.4 km return via the same track and 4 hr return, graded Advanced tramping track. DOC warns that the track has been badly damaged and contains many slips, so the route’s condition is central to deciding whether this is the right walk. DOC

The start is the picnic area by the signposted Hacket Track car park on Aniseed Valley Road. From Nelson, follow SH6 through Stoke and Richmond, turn left at Hope, then follow Aniseed Valley Road for 11.5 km (about 15 minutes) to the gravel driveway and car park. Toilets are available at the car park, but not elsewhere along the track. DOC

Bridges and creek junctions

The track crosses a wooden bridge over the Roding River, then reaches a suspension bridge over Hacket Creek after 1 km. It follows the creek through private land to a picnic area at the Miner River and Hacket Creek junction. This junction offers a choice: turn onto Whispering Falls Track, or continue toward Hacket Hut. DOC

Continuing upstream, a sign-posted branch at Browning Stream leads to Browning Hut. For Hacket Hut, walkers should keep to the right-hand track. The hut is a standard facility with 6 bunk beds, heating, mattresses and non-flush toilets; its water comes from the stream. DOC

Slips set the pace

Washouts and slips affect many sections between the car park and the Whispering Falls turnoff. DOC warns of unstable ground, falling rocks and the possibility that more track sections could collapse. Danger signs mark slips; its advice is to move quickly but carefully through those sections and not stop. Heavy rain makes slips more likely, and DOC recommends avoiding the track completely if heavy rain is forecast. DOC

A historic spur, if conditions allow

The Chromite Mine Track branches off Hacket Track not far up the valley from the Whispering Falls junction. This 1.1 km side track leads to a historic chromite mine; the listed time is 25 min. The route description also notes an option over the ridge into the Serpentine River Valley, meeting Serpentine River Road, with 6.2 km (2 hr) from the turnoff to the Hacket car park. These are separate options and should not be confused with the 11.4 km return distance for the main track. Dogs require a DOC permit. DOC