We visited Grampians National Park on grand final long weekend in September. We stayed at the YHA Grampians at Halls Gap which was great.
On Saturday we drove to MacKenzie Falls. The trail to falls was short but it was very busy. After lunch at the picnic area next to the carpark we decided to tackle 10.5 km Mount Rose Loop.
We started from the Rosea Carpark and followed the loop in a anticlockwise direction on Mt Rosea Track.
The sign reads:
Plan and prepare
The Grampians Peaks Trail is a multi-day long distance walk. Plan carefully for your overnight hike and do not attempt unless prepared.
For further information, maps or to book a campsite call into Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, phone 13 1963 or visit parks.vic.gov.au
The trail started as ascending dirt track:
Trail
… but soon became a series of a large rock steps:
Rock step
After about 30 minutes of ascending we started getting great views.
RocksMore rocks
Finally we reached the summit. By this time clouds covered the sun, it was cold and windy. However the views were fantastic.
View from Mt Rosea
We continued on Mt Rosea Track, turned left to the Grampians Peak Trail and left again to the Burma Track.
We were walking through the forest now.
Trail in the forest
It was much warmer because there was less wind.
The final route segment was on the Silverband Road.
Overall it was a quite challenging hike. We walked 11 km for about 3 hours. We were pretty tired by the end and eager to get back to our car.
If you live in Melbourne and are looking to explore something natural not that far from the city, then the Forest Glade Gardens and the Hanging Rock are great choices – with the former being a relatively easy walk rather than a proper hike and the latter being a trail of easy-to-moderate difficulty.
Start Your Journey with the Not-So-Challenging Yet Vibrant Forest Glade
Just one hour drive away from Melbourne CBD, Forest Glade is perfect if you aren’t in the mood to challenge yourself to a challenging hike or trail. This place, despite being quite accessible, rewards you with the most colourful experience you can hope for – with its 14.5-acre expanse that wouldn’t let you get bored.
All through your journey, you’ll witness vibrant flora and lust greenery throughout the trail. It’s hard to see so much variety in a single place anywhere else.
The path winds through tall trees and thick foliage creating a peaceful environment. The trail is properly planned and marked, and hence easy to follow.
When you get to Forest Glade, take some time to enjoy the scenery. It also features some quiet spots with some clearing, along with old trees all around making it great for a picnic or to relax and take it all in.
You can breathe in the clean refreshing air and listen to the gentle sounds of nature as you’re nestled within nature’s expansive canopy!
Move Further along the Steep to Visit the Hanging Rock Summit
The hike can be finished quite quickly but set aside an hour to fully explore the rock formations and enjoy the views surrounding Mount Macedon. The hike is also pretty steep; fantastic for getting the blood flowing, but you may want to take a break on the way up. Do keep in mind that pets are not allowed for this walk.
The top of the Rock offers a plethora of rock formations to explore, which is ideal for children, as long as you know they can explore securely on their own – it’s easy for them to get lost among all the rocks.
This is a popular hike, and the picnic spots are frequently busy; if you prefer avoiding crowds, go on a weekday. Facilities include free gas BBQs, shelters, clean restrooms, and a small playground. Note that there is a cost to access the reserve, which is $10 per car.
A Piece of History
Hanging Rock plays a key role in Australian lore, as Joan Lindsay’s book Picnic at Hanging Rock mentions. The site’s magical feel and natural charm make it a captivating place to visit and think about its legacy.
Advice for Your Walk
Shoes: Put on tough hiking shoes for ease and backing on the steeper parts.
Drinks: Take lots of water to stay hydrated on hot days.
Food: Bring some snacks to eat at Forest Glade or on top of Hanging Rock.
Plan: Begin your walk early to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful time.
Care for Nature: Stay on marked paths, and don’t forget to take your trash with you to keep these natural gems clean!
A Beautiful Quick Pit Stop Along the Great Ocean Road!
With so many beautiful things to see along the Great Ocean Road it can be challenging to decide what to see and where to spend your time especially if you only have a few days. That was certainly my experience when my wife and I were planning our three-day Great Ocean Road trip in late March. I wanted to see everything but soon realized that would be impossible within our timeframe since many of the popular bushwalks and waterfalls required significant detours from the Great Ocean Road.
I was initially drawn to the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk because it is located right along the Great Ocean Road and looked beautiful from the images I saw online. I’m glad we stopped there as it was a perfect way to start off our morning after leaving from our overnight stay in nearby Marengo.
Maits Rest Rainforest Bush Walk Details:
800m, 30 min circuit
Grade 2 easy, no steps, gentle slope
Mostly shaded
Approximately 2 hours and 50 minute drive (213km) from Melbourne CBD
When we arrived at 10am on a Sunday there were only a few other vehicles in the parking lot. Before heading on the trail, I enjoyed reading the signs and learning about the carnivorous and endangered Otway Black Snails which can be found in the area. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any black snails during our bushwalk but we did hear the lovely sounds of various birds overhead.
Welcome Sign at the Beginning of the Trail
The trail was in excellent condition and was very easy to follow. It is a combination of natural ground, metal and wooden boardwalks, and a few rest-stops with benches. The trail is very beginner and family friendly with minimal elevation changes and a few informative signs to read along the way.
Clearly Marked Trail to Follow
The trail is mostly shaded but we were fortunate to see the sun shining through the tall trees overhead at several points along the trail. There is also a wonderful variety of flora to see and appreciate along the trail.
Sun Shining Through the Flora
When I bushwalk, I love to stop and admire the beauty of tall trees such as the one in the following picture. According to the welcome sign, some of the trees in this area are over 300 years old and were left behind by loggers for future generations to admire.
One of Many Large Trees Along the Path
The path has a few twists and turns but overall is very easy to navigate as shown in the following image.
Easy to Navigate Trail
Another highlight of this trail is this old hollow tree shown in the following image. I imagine many animals have called this tree home at some point! I find it truly fascinating how trees can survive and continue growing even when missing a significant portion of their trunk.
Interesting Tree Along the Path
The whole walking trail only takes around 30 minutes to complete and is a wonderful pit stop along the Great Ocean Road. Be careful when exiting the parking lot back onto the Great Ocean Road as it can be difficult to see oncoming vehicles.
I hope you enjoyed the post and thanks for reading!
Just an hour’s drive west of Melbourne, the You Yangs Regional Park is a gem that I highly recommend to anyone for a simple half or full day hiking trip. The You Yangs offers a range of different walks that you can go on, and even mountain biking trails, however the one that we went on were the Big Rock Walk and to the actual Big Rock itself.
Upon entering the park, you will be greeted by the eucalyptus and manna gum trees which are signature to this area. The drive from the gate of the park to the carpark is not long, but can be longer than expected, as you pass multiple signs for different carparks and routes, so be sure to check which carpark is the one you want to park at for which walk you want to go on.
For the Big Rock Walk, it is a fairly easy hike that is about three kilometres long, or about a one hour return from the Park Office Carpark. It is pretty relaxing but I would say it was rather uneventful for us. If you go around the Big Rock and make your way back down the same way, you will complete the walk.
If you do not want to make that hike around the Big Rock, make sure that when you drive in, you follow the signs all the way to where it states “Big Rock Carpark” as it will bring you to the Big Rock which is a whole attraction in itself (without the hike!).
The Big Rock is exactly what its name suggests – a huge rock which, when you are there, not sure where it starts and ends. When I first saw it, it reminded me of images in the Jurassic times when everything was just huge beyond imagination. It is clear that this rock has been here for as long as this park has been, and is an amazing stop to end your visit to the You Yangs with.
The climb up the rock is a little steep, so even though it is only a ten minute return walk from the Big Rock Carpark, when you think you have reached the end of the Big Rock – walk some more where you will then find yourself standing on the extension of what you thought was the Big Rock and find yourself being treated to one of the most stunning and panoramic views of the west.
If you go just before Sunset (which is absolutely when I recommend you to be there), you will realise that this is undoubtedly one of the best places to get sunset views. There is a 360 degree panoramic view all around with brilliant views towards Geelong, and makes you feel like you are on top of the world.
We also found these abseiling hooks that were drilled into the side of the rock – just staring at them gave me the chills thinking how someone could abseil down that way but I am sure this is spot is a hot favourite among the adrenalin junkies.
200 photos and a gorgeous sunset later, we made our way back to the car and drove out of the park.
There is also a picnic area with multiple benches around and an outdoor barbecue provided for use (we tested it and it seems to work), it was also pretty clean, so on a warmer night that would be a perfect spot for a summer picnic.
The beauty of the You Yangs is so understated, which, if I were to be selfish, is good that it is never crowded there, yet a shame that many have yet to experience all it has to offer. With its large range of hikes ranging from easy to high difficulty, it is certainly worth one’s while to make that trip down, which I can assure you won’t regret.
Just when we thought our adventure was over, we spotted some kangaroos and emerging from their daytime hiding spots – no better way to end the day!
Last Saturday we were visiting Moonlit Sanctuary in Mornington Peninsula. We decided to go for a walk in Warringine Bushland Reserve after the lunch.
We started from Hastings, a small town on the Western Port Bay.
Pelican statuesYachts
The sign reads:
THE JETTY PRECINCT
By the time the jetty was built here at “Star Point” in 1864, there were over 40 fishermen operating in this part of the Bay.
The earliest fishermen had moored their boats in the tidal reaches of Kings Creek to the north. Amongst them were the Wren brothers who lived in a hut near today’s foot- ball ground. They were kept busy carting their fish along the muddy track to Frankston and beyond.
When people returned to Melbourne from the gold fields, a huge demand for food was created and the fish and oysters of Western Port Bay were very popular. The new jetty became the focus of activity and a fish shed was built in 1866 to handle the produce.
At its peak the jetty area was a mixture of sights and sounds as the fishermen went about landing their catch and mending their nets. They were a hardy lot-mostly foreign-born from England, Scotland, Wales and Sicily. By 1870 the area had two hotels, a general store, post office and the beginnings of a town known as “Hastings”.
We began our walk on a wide, dirt earth trail.
Soon, the boardwalk started.
Marshland
Infosign:
COASTAL WETLANDS
Coastal Wetlands can be broadly defined as sheltered coastal areas in marine environments that are either temporarily or permanently inundated by both tides and freshwater run-off.
An extremely important and productive ecosystem, coastal wetlands are second only to a rainforest in terms of biodiversity and support a broad range of flora and fauna perfectly adapted to living in an environment with an extremely high salt content. Many fish species utilise the wetlands as nurseries for their young and migratory and shoreline birds favour the wetlands as a breeding, feeding and roosting site.
Small organisms within the wetland break down plant material from aquatic vegetation thus providing the fuel that drives the wetlands. The wetlands also serve as the kidneys of our waterways by filtering out pollutants and keeping our waters clean.
The 4 km walking track to Jacks Beadle will take you through mangroves, sea grass meadows and salt marshes – three of the most important vegetation communities in Westernport and the backbone of these wetlands.
Prior to European settlement mangroves and salt marshes extended virtually uninterrupted along the fringes of Western Port with mangroves 100m wide in places and salt marshes extending almost 1 km inland! Today while many of these communities have been lost, Warringine Park protects one of the largest examples of remnant coastal wetland in Western Port.
Another infosign:
A BIRDWATCHERS PARADISE
The Coastal Wetlands of Warringine Park form part of the Western Port RAMSAR site – one of just 10 sites in Victoria recognised as a wetland of international significance. The wetlands have an unusually high range of vegetation types including mangroves, sea grass beds, salt marshes, paperbark scrub, lowland forest and grassy woodland.
Such diversity provides important foraging areas, roosting sites and breeding areas for the many migratory, shoreline and terrestrial birds that make Warringine Park such a bird lovers paradise. Prolonged drought has meant that many of Australia’s prime waterbird sites have dried up making the Warringine Wetlands an important drought refuge for waterbirds over the summer months.
Over 190 bird species have been recorded in the park Including waders (twenty-five species), waterbirds (forty-eight species) and terrestrial birds (122 species). Several species migrate to Australia from Europe and Asia including the Eastern Curlew which spends its breeding season in the swamps and marshes of Siberia and Mongolia before wintering at Warringine. Latham’s Snipe spends summers at Warringine and other sites along Australia’s east coast before returning to its breeding grounds in Japan and the Eastern Asian mainland.
Warringine Park provides habitat for other significant species including the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot, the threatened White Bellied Sea Eagle and the near threatened Lewin’s Rail. Locally significant species Include Brown Quail, Southern Boobook, Spotless Crake, White-necked Heron, Royal Spoonbill, Pacific Gull, Swamp Harrier, Brush Bronzewing and Sacred Kingfisher.
Board walk through grass meadow
Finally we reached the Jacks Beach.
Jacks Beach
Sign reads:
JACKS BEACH
Managed by the Crib Point Stony Point Committee of Management. Jacks Beach is named aller the Jack family who settled near this site on the Bilten/Crib Point foreshore in 1908. The Jacks originally deriving their income from farming and limber getting and family members later become some of the first employed to clear land for the Flinders Naval Base.
There were 14 children in the family, notably Hector and Leslie who were known locally as Biddy and Blinker. The brothers were renowned for swimming the narrow channel between Jacks Beach and Sandstone Island (Koolamadoo) in freezing winter temperatures to go rabbiting on the Island!
Western Port has a rich history of fishing and many locals including the Jack brothers, derived an Income from fishing. The pylons visible from Jacks beach are all that remain of a jetty built by the brothers to moor their fishing boats. Also on the beach is a stone tanning pit made by Biddy and Blinker. Wattle bark was used in the pit to preserve fishing ropes and nets.
Fish were abundant in the Bay due to vast seagrass beds that provided a valuable nursery environment for juvenile fish, crustaceans and molluscs. Sadly, much of this precious habitat has been lost through coastal development, dredging and increased sediment loads from water pollution however remnant sea grass meadows can be viewed from the boardwalk north of Jacks beach.
JACK BROTHERS TAN PIT
This trough was used by the twin brothers Blinker and Biddy Jack to tan their fishing nets and lines which were made of cotton. Tanning was done by boiling wattle bark before soaking the nets in the boiling mixture. The Jack family lived at the entrance to this reserve at the turn of the century.
We enjoyed walking in the sunshine. It took us 2 hours and 10 minutes to walk 10 km.
We started from the Fairfield Park Boathouse because it was closer. The car park there was full so we had to park at Yarra Bend Road (next turn from Heidelberg Road).
The weather was perfect – warm and sunny.
Yarra Bend Park signDights Falls
Dights Falls was named after John Dight, who built the Ceres flour mill there in 1841.
Studley Park Boathouse
We reached another boathouse – Studley Park Boathouse.
Kanes Bridge
The sign reads:
WATER OVER YOUR HEAD
In early December 1934 the flooded Yarra River devastated this area of the park.
The water level rose to such a height that Kanes Bridge was swept away. The present bridge was re-built in 1935.
The rush of water also swept away the original canoe club and dislodged the boathouse from its stumps. The steel poles you see measure the water height during floods.
Another sign:
STOP AND LISTEN
More often than not you will hear birds before you see them. Listen for a few moments. How many different birds can you hear?
This woodland supports many birds. The raucous screech of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is easily identified. A musical ‘chick-a-chick-a-chick’ tells you that a Willie Wagtail is present. Look for tree hollows, favoured nesting sites for Rainbow Lorikeets and Red-rumped Parrots.
WHY IS THE YARRA BROWN?
The Yarra’s natural catchment has clay soils so the river is always brown. But that doesn’t stop it from supporting abundant life.
Circular ripples on the surface tell us of feeding fish such as European Carp or Australian Grayling. Eastern Long-necked Tortoises sun themselves on logs.
Little Black Cormorants, with wings stretched out to dry, and Pacific Black Ducks, are among the water birds often seen.
The trail became narrow as we walked along the Yarra Boulevard. It is definitely not suitable for prams there.
After about half an hour we reached Bellbird picnic area and flying fox sanctuary.
The sign reads:
Sanctuary by the river
Riverside trees are ideal roosting sites for flying-foxes. The river makes navigation easy, and the flowing water moderates the climate, preventing frosts in winter and keeping the bats cool in summer. It is not surprising that the colony is occupied throughout the year: lovely river, tall trees and the safety of living in a park.
On warm days you may be lucky enough to see Grey-headed Flying foxes taking a high-speed belly-dip in the river. This aeronautical feat allows them to cool down and get a drink by licking the water from their fur.
Almost all flying foxes were sleeping. It was still great to observe them.
Overall, it was a wonderful walk with beautiful scenery. It took us 2.5 hours to walk 10.5 km.
Surprisingly you can get to the water. Most Melbourne catchments are fenced and access to the water is prohibited. I think you are still not supposed to swim or wade in the water.
Solar power plant
The trails goes next to a solar farm with lots of panels.
The reservoir has weird irregular shapeYou can see Melbourne City in the distanceTrail
The trail was wide most of the time. Sometimes it would get narrow.
We walked around the reservoir clockwise. I think it was good decision – we saved impressive views over the reservoir till the end.
The sign says:
Melbourne Water
Most of Melbourne’s water comes from uninhabited, forested catchments. Melbourne is one of the few cities in the world that has protected water supply catchments. Melbourne Water manages these catchments to protect our drinking water.
Our water is safe and pleasant to drink, and undergoes minimal treatment – it is better to start with the highest quality source.
A key part of Melbourne Water’s responsibility is to encourage the sustainable use of this precious resource.
Water treatment plantView from the damBirds flying low in V formation
In the heart of Victoria lies a hidden gem, quite literally, known as the Emerald to Cockatoo Rail Trail. It’s not just a hike, it’s a time machine that transports you to an era where steam trains chugged through the lush eastern Victorian landscape.
This 6-kilometer trail (and a 13km roundtrip), is brimming with history and natural beauty, beckons adventurers and history buffs alike to embark on a hike that’s unique in it’s charm.
The trail follows the historic route of the Puffing Billy Railway, once a lifeline connecting the bustling towns of Emerald and Cockatoo. Today, it serves as a haven for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts seeking solace in the tranquillity of the countryside.
The personality of the Emerald to Cockatoo Rail Trail is one of nostalgia and charm. It’s as if the very essence of the steam era lingers in the air, urging you to slow down and savour each moment.
Along the way, weathered railway sleepers and remnants of old stations stand as silent witnesses to bygone days, offering glimpses into a world of yesteryears. But it’s not just about the past; the trail also boasts breathtaking natural beauty that captivates the senses.
Tall eucalyptus trees sway gently in the breeze, their leaves whispering secrets of the forest. Birdsong fills the air as native wildlife flits among the branches, adding a touch of whimsy to the journey.
Keep an eye out for colourful parrots and cheeky kookaburras that call this home too. As you meander along the trail, each bend reveals a new vista more picturesque than the last.
The Emerald Lake Park, with its tranquil waters and lush greenery, offers a perfect spot for a picnic or a moment of reflection. Take a break by the lakeside and let the serenity wash over you as you watch the world go by.
What sets this trail apart is its ability to cater to all ages and interests. Whether you’re a history buff eager to delve into the railway’s past or a nature lover seeking adventure in the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone along the trail.
Families can enjoy a leisurely bike ride, while avid hikers can explore the surrounding bushland via interconnected trails. But perhaps the most charming aspect of this trail is the sense of community that permeates its atmosphere. You’ll often encounter friendly locals out for a stroll or volunteers maintaining the pathway, their passion for preserving this slice of history evident in every interaction.
It’s also dog friendly! So whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure with your canine or exploring with loved ones by your side, be prepared to be enchanted by the magic of this timeless trail.
Nestled within the enchanted landscapes of Lorne, Australia, amidst Henderson, Phantom and Won Wondah waterfalls, hides the Canyon trail! And, she is not to be missed!
Arriving at the Sheoak picnic area, approx. 2hrs from Melbourne CBD on a sunny Sunday, I was surprised to see a large parking area with only 3-4 cars parked.
The picnic area was well shaded by giant Eucalyptus trees and surrounded by dense forest. It was a large space with plenty of room for lots of people with barbecues, shelters and facilities.
The signage quite poor left me looking around and wondering if I should leave and enjoy a day by Lorne beach? My backpack, curiosity and hiking shoes however, thought we should explore as the Canyon trail had been referred by a fellow hiking buddy.
The trail began with a gentle incline, leading deeper into the forest. Sunlight filtering through the canopies above as the trail twisted its way from rugged terrain into luscious ferns.
The scent of rainforest dew and sounds of bird life intensified as the path continually changed.
From crossing babbling streams, to stepping on bouldering rocks, my senses heightened unsure what we would come across next, as the sound of a waterfall continued to intensify.
Stopping to embrace the diverse geological landscape, showcasing the unique formations sculpted by centuries of erosion, I found myself completely mesmerised.
Moss, ancient ferns, wildflowers all taking refuge in the crevices and cracks of these rocks, while birds and small mammals had made their homes amidst the sheltered nooks and crannies.
From sighting kookaburras, wallabies, and many other different bird species, to crossing creeks, and looking at waterfalls. This spot was truly unique and is definitely one of my favourite trails to date.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual adventurer, exploring this trail promises incredible diversity and really showcases Australia’s flora and fauna beauty.
We had a blast last Saturday! Joined by a friend, we set off on the Red Bluff Sea Cliffs walk, starting from the car park near Hampton Beach.
The weather was perfect — sunny and warm.
Walking on the beach was tough with the soft sand, but it added to the adventure. After about an hour, we made it to the cliffs, which were pretty cool.
Red Bluff Sea Cliffs
The Red Bluff Sea Cliffs are such a neat spot, offering a really interesting landscape. We felt like adventurers as we wandered through.
A highlight was spotting the sunken ship HMVS Cerberus at Black Rock, a super cool piece of history.
HMVS Cerberus
On the way back, we took a different path, turning back at the Half Moon Bay Sailing Club. Instead of the Bay trail, we strolled along an unnamed trail by the bushes, which gave us awesome views of the bay and even a glimpse of the Melbourne City skyline in the distance.
We covered a total of 9 km in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. It was an awesome walk, and we’d totally recommend it for anyone looking for a fun outing in nature!
