Heading up Rees Valley Road from Glenorchy, you start on easy gravel that runs through to Muddy Creek, with snow-capped mountains and alpine views the whole way. It's a remote, unspoiled corner of the Southern Alps, peaceful and a long way from anywhere.

From Muddy Creek on it becomes a series of river crossings, the deepest usually around knee high in good conditions, though levels rise sharply with rain and snowmelt. Muddy Creek itself has a good bit of flow. The main crossing by the huts is the deep one, bordered by soft banks, so plenty of drivers pull up and camp at the scenic spot just before it.

Beyond the river the going is rated very hard and best left for after a dry spell. You can hang left on a grass track that stays above the river, or push on up to where it ends near a whirlpool-like pool and the walkers' swing bridge on the Rees-Dart circuit. That grass track also makes for a quick run back out.

Bring a well-sorted vehicle, expect changing conditions, and pack repellent for the sandflies.