Show all

Alum Creek to Black Range

todo
Length: 13 km
Walking time: 4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min
Climbing: 744m
Descending: 123m
+
-
Overview

Starting from Alum Creek camping area this walk follows the dirt Glen Chee Road beside Little River before heading uphill and Black Range Road to the Black Range Campsite. Enjoy the variety of vegetation as you climb. If you keep a keen eye out and are super lucky you might see a koala resting in the trees alongside Black Range Road. It is a solid hill climb and a bit of a road slog so take your time and stop to enjoy the creeks and views.

+
-
Facilities

Creek Crossings
The road fords Alum Creek about 50m from the start, this is usually a very small creek and can be steps over. After 750m the road fords Little River 3 times, with about 100m between each crossing. These road crossings are normally wet, but walkers have created tracks just to the side of the road to cross using the small boulders to keep feet dry when there is a small amount of water. Take care to not slip and never enter fast-moving water, These crossings can flood.

Water
Carry enough water for the whole walk. Water can normally be collected from Alum and Little Creeks (except during prolonged dry periods). There are no other water sources until the tank at Black Range Campsite. All water sources need treatment before consumption.

Signage
The start and end of this walk is well signposted with trackhead signs. Intersections are signposted and there are regular 'throw-over' signs about every 1km.

Toilets
There is a toilet at the start and end, both Alum Creek and Black Range campsites have well-maintained pit toilets.

Seats
There is informal places to site on the side of the road. There is are a few bench seats at Alum Creek and a covered picnic table with seats at the Black Range campsite.

Shelter
There is a small picnic shelter at Black Range Campsite.

Mobile Phone Coverage
Mobile phone coverage is very limited - carrying a PLB is recommended.
Telstra: There is very patchy but some mobile phone coverage from about 3km into this walk then along the Black Range Road until Beefsteak Creek Fire Trail. No coverage from there, nor at Black Range Campsite.
Optus: No coverage.

+
-
Track Conditions

This whole walk follows a clear dirt road with with 4 creek fords. There are many bends and steep sections. Be mindful the road is open to the public so expect some traffic.

+
-
Hazards

Although most people complete walks safely we need to be aware of and respond to the many potential hazards that a bushwalk presents, this page just looks are some of the more unique risks to this walk.

This walk is exposed to extreme weather (flooding rain, hazardous wind, thunderstorms, hail, icy conditions and extreme heat). Carefully study weather forecasts and current conditions before starting this section and heed BOM warnings. It is recommended that you postpone your walk during days of Total Fire Bans or when there are nearby fires. Also, postpone your walk if there is extreme weather forecast such as thunderstorms. Ensure you and your group are well enough prepared considering the potential conditions you could face.

It is recommended that you carry and PLB and know how to use in case of a life-threatening emergency outside of mobile phone coverage areas.

Walking on even quiet roads presents a traffic risk, walk in a way that maximisers your visibility to drivers and keeps you clear of traffic. This walk follows a road that can become especially busy on long weekends with four-wheel drivers and dirt bikers, care is needed especially when walking in large groups. Some bends are very sharp limiting vision and cars travelling downhill on dirt roads at speed may struggle to stop in time.
After prolonged rain or after a heavy downpour Alum and especially Little Creek can become unsafe to cross, never enter fast-moving or flooded water ways.

Alum Creek Reserve campsite
Tucked away in a pleasant gully this is the least used campsite on the Six Foot Track, but us a lovely spot.
Black Range Camping Ground
This is a large and lush campsite on the Six Foot Track. Plenty of place to pitch a tent. There is a toilet, water tank and sheltered picnic table.