Access

1 km down the Lower Hollyford Road, there is a small parking area on the left by the start of the track.

Track

Cross the swingbridge over the Hollyford River and begin your climb. The first 10 minutes to the cantilevered gantries above a rushing section of Marian Creek, is well-metalled and of even footing.

The rest of the track is much more gnarled, with rocks, roots and occasional muddy patches. Around 20 minutes before the lake you cross a rock slide that weaves the track to the northern side of the gorge. It is one of those tracks when you think you are nearly there, but the brow of the hill keeps retreating. Eventually, you sense a change in vegetation- ferns to moss and a more stunted tree growth.

Then the lake appears and the climb suddenly becomes worthwhile.

Geology

The Marian Valley is a perfect example of a hanging valley, the remaining legacy of a tributary glacier that met the main Hollyford Glacier. Smaller glaciers possess less erosive power and are less able to incise deeply into the bedrock. They thus meet the main valley glacier at the same height, but do not cut down as deep. When the glaciers melt, the hanging valleys are left perching above the main valley.

Flora

Consolidated screes fan out at the base of the mountains, some devoid of vegetation cover, but most tinged green with tussock, ferns, and shrubs.

European History

Lake Marian was named by surveyor E.H Wilmot after his cousin Marian Little.

Feature

The water is a deep jade green and on calm days reflects the majestic surroundings. A rocky shore on the lake edge offers a choice of spots for a feed, while checking out the waterfalls, waterfowl and breathtaking mountain sculptures. Mount Crosscut, obviously named because it’s jagged peaks resemble the teeth of a crosscut saw, dominates the view.