Day 6: (Thursday 16/03/06) Again, a fine day for walking out, with civilzation becoming more evident with jetboats on the Dart.

The track enters some very pleasant forest then comes out on the open space of Dredge Flat and the rather ominous and steep looking Sandy Bluff ahead. The very steep sides of Mt Cerberus (no, not Cerebus) tower above our left.

There is clearly no option to grunting over the Bluff but after re-entering the bush, the track gradient is surprisingly friendly and the few steep sections have stairs and rails. The view is well worth the effort and even if there was access around the base I would recommend the high level track! I found the forest quite charming on the way down.

Out on another river flat we heard and eventually saw our first jetboat of the day, then a convoy of boats came past and then back, and then after a while another lot .... I suppose everyone has a right to enjoy the river, but our wilderness experience ended with the first boat.

The view over to Mt Nox, the falls from Lake Unknown and the glimpses of Mt Chaos, Sarpedon and Poiseidon Peak were dangerously captivating - but I had learnt my lesson, so I stopped to look and photograph!

At the carpark at Chinaman's Bluff I got all the trampers who had come down the Dart together for a group photo (some had also come up the Rees, others had come over from Mt Aspiring over Cascade Saddle).

Trampers (in picture 674)

• Back row: John & Nick (England), John B and myself
• Middle row: Alan, Scott (USA), Ian, Cathy, Graham & Jim
• Front row: John S, Lora (USA) and Cara (USA)

The Queenstown Lodge had great views, a nice restaurant meal (always great after a week of dehydrated food) and some had a spa while others hit the town.

Overall one of the better tramps, not too onerous, wonderful scenery and a nice finish. I'd certainly do it again given the chance.