East Track, Northern Range and Branding Yard Loop

This loop track starts near the Turntable Carpark, on Turntable Dr, in the You Yangs Regional Park, Little River. It curves along Flinders Peak via the East Track, along the Northern Range Walk, then past the Bunjil Geoglyph on the Branding Yard Trail. Experience a challenging hike in the rocky hills, and be rewarded with magnificent views of the You Yangs and the surrounding plains, as well as the coastlines, Melbourne city and Geelong. There’s a small detour off the main track towards the end, where visitors can discover the Bunjil Geoglyph, an eagle-shaped stone sculpture that commemorates the indigenous Creator Spirit, Bunjil and the Wathaurong Aboriginal people. Dogs are allowed on a lead, as there is wildlife in the area. The walk is great for working up a sweat, and is popular among hikers with some experience. Expect steep inclines and rocky parts with loose footing, and some slippery areas during summer days when the track is dry. Let us begin by acknowledging the Wadawurrung people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Downloads GPX PDF

Safer Bushwalks
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There

Start	(-37.9588136,144.4266354)
Mode	Car
Directions	From Princes Highway, M1 Turn on to Avalon Road Offramp then drive for 650 m Continue onto Avalon Road Offramp and drive for another 140 m Continue onto Avalon Road and drive for another 95 m Turn left onto McClelland Avenue and drive for another 1.3 km At roundabout, take exit 2 onto McClelland Avenue and drive for another 245 m At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Station Lake Road and drive for another 1.4 km At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Forest Road North and drive for another 1.6 km At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Forest Road North and drive for another 4.9 km Turn right onto Branch Road and drive for another 140 m Turn left onto Turntable Drive and drive for another 2.2 km Turn left onto Turntable Drive and drive for another 100 m Turn sharp left and drive for another 20 m

Track Notes

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 4 m continue straight. There is a seat (about 25 m back from the start). There is a sign (about 15 m back from the start).
	After another 35 m continue straight, to head along East Track. After another 35 m pass the sign (5 m on your left).
	After another 750 m continue straight, to head along East Track.
	After another 1.2 km turn right.
	After another 40 m turn left.
	After another 10 m (at the intersection of Northern Range Walk & Saddleback Track (very steep!)) continue straight, to head along Northern Range Walk (a walking track).
	After another 890 m continue straight, to head along Northern Range Walk. After another 1.3 km pass a seat (on your left). After another 145 m come to the viewpoint (7 m on your left).
	After another 410 m continue straight, to head along Northern Range Walk.
	After another 640 m turn right.
	After another 200 m continue straight, to head along Branding Yard Trail.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Optional sidetrip to the Bunjil Geoglyph To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 720 m continue straight, to head along Branding Yard Trail.
	After another 305 m continue straight, to head along Branding Yard Trail. After another 6 m pass a seat (5 m on your left). After another 40 m (at the intersection of Saddleback Track (very steep!) & Branding Yard Trail) continue straight, to head along Branding Yard Trail.
	After another 700 m turn right, to head along Branding Yard Trail.
	After another 75 m continue straight, to head along Branding Yard Trail.
	After another 630 m turn left, to head along Branding Yard Trail. Then come to the viewpoint (15 m on your left). After another 7 m continue straight, to head along Branding Yard Trail.
	After another 6 m continue straight, to head along Branding Yard Trail. After another 8 m pass the shelter (7 m on your left). After another 6 m pass a seat (10 m on your left).
	After another 4 m turn right.
	After another 30 m come to the end.

Optional sidetrip to the Bunjil Geoglyph

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 50 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 50 m to the main route.

Terrain

East Track, Northern Range and Branding Yard Loop

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	8.2 km
Time	2 h 45 min to 4 h

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There is one 8.2 km from the start.

Seat: There are 4 on route, on average they are 1.6 km apart with the largest gap of 4.3 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	-19 m	[seat]
Seat	4.3 km	[seat]
Seat	6.7 km	[seat]
Shelter	8.2 km	[shelter]
Seat	8.2 km	[seat]

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