Last Updated: 29th Sep 2025
In and out of the Avoca
Bealy Spur to Sphinx saddle
Bealy Spur Track, O'Malley's track
Submitted by Ben Smithies
Last Updated: 29th Sep 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 122 ?
Gnarl Factor: 93 ?
44.6km
3125m
3135m
Last Updated: 29th Sep 2025
Bealy Spur Track, O'Malley's track
Submitted by Ben Smithies
Last Updated: 29th Sep 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 122 ?
Gnarl Factor: 93 ?
44.6km
3125m
3135m
Back country - remote
Loop
Mountainous
Native bush
Riverside
Open ridges/tops
Sealed Road
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +14.00%
Average Downhill Gradient: -14.00%
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Not suitable
Slow
12:00
Moderate
8:00
Fast
Start by parking at the Bealey Spur Track carpark. Follow the Bealey Spur track up to the hut. from there continue following the ridge line all the way up to point 1875.
From here follow the North West Ridge down to Jordan Saddle. Head straight down the middle spur and drop into Galilee Creek before the bush starts. Follow the creek until it joins the Avoca River.
Once on the Valley floor, head river along the 4wd track (unmarked but usually visible). After about 3km turn up into Easy Stream and follow it up until you reach the basin at the top of the valley.
From here, Sphinx Saddle should be visible. Head directly up towards it up the scree slope and take a quick break at the top to enjoy the view.
Go straight down the scree into the gully which leads into the Anti Crow River. Follow the river down until it joins the Waimak track. At the road end, you have a 3km road run back to the carpark.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
DoC Carparks at each end, 3 km of road in between.
2 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Very patchy.
Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Snake bandage
Heaps of rivers except for the Bealey Spur ridge section, which has no water after the hut. Ensure sure you have enough water to last for several hours until Galilee Stream.
Summer and autumn only, winter and spring will most likely require mountaineering equipment and avalanche knowledge.
Seasonal Avalanche hazards, lots of slippery river crossings and boulder hopping.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and In and out of the Avoca
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These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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