Search bushwalks in Greater Melbourne, Page 140

Environment

This easy walk, which is wheelchair accessible, travels through open grasslands that are surrounded by healthy eucalyptus forest. The grasslands have two large ponds, with two black swans on the lower pond. Do beware of the swans defending their territory. Richley Reserve is well maintained and makes this walk particularly attractive. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal & Worimi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Richley Reserve Circuit

750 m circuit

15 min to 30 min

Richley Reserve Circuit

Bus

Starting from the Walnut Paddock car park on The Valley Road, Belair National Park, this walk takes you on a circuit along Minno Creek via The Valley Loop. The Valley Loop follows Minnow Creek between Long Gully and the Adventure Playground, encompassing the shorter Heritage Tree Walk. The trail meanders along the forested banks and lower slopes of the creek, passing a lookout with interpretive signage at the Railway Dam, where ducks can be spotted. On the other side of the creek, the trail follows the contour of the hill just above The Valley Road, passing the Joseph Fisher picnic area. This loop consists of gently sloping gravel trails, suitable for families, prams and most fitness levels, and can be done in either direction. Some sections along the northeastern side of the creek can get muddy after rainfall. Children should be supervised near the dam wall, which can be slippery. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Valley Loop

3 km circuit

45 min to 1 h

Pets

Environment

Turret Falls to The Pinnacle Loop

Turret Falls to The Pinnacle Loop

6.5 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

6.5 km

Circuit

Walk

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

Starting at the Wonderland Carpark on Wonderland Road, Halls Gap, this circuit walk takes you first to Turret Falls, and then up to The Pinnacle. This scenic walk takes you across rugged sandstone slopes to the beautiful and unique Turret Falls. Keep an eye out for native wildlife along the way, including koalas, kangaroos and echidnas. There are plenty of rocky ledges to sit on and take in the views of the falls, and with a bit of careful scrambling, you can make your way right to the base. The iconic Pinnacle lookout is one of the highlights of the entire Grampians region. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Halls Gap and the many surrounding mountain peaks. Past the lookout, make your way through a tall, narrow gorge on the awe-inspiring Silent Street, past the beautiful seasonal Bridal Veil Falls. This walk ends returning through the imposing rock formations of the Grand Canyon. Toilet facilities and picnic tables are available at the Wonderland Carpark, where the walk begins. Keep in mind that the rocky surfaces of this walk can get very slippery after rain. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

This short but steep walk to the base of an attractive cliff is worthwhile. The walk travels through open forest with gum trees and Xanthorhoea trees to eventually follow timber steps steeply to the base of the Monkey Face cliff. This cliff is used by rock climbers and abseiling parties, so be aware that people may be above you. Spend some time exploring the base of cliff before returning the same way. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Monkey Face Cliff Walk

430 m return

20 min to 30 min

Monkey Face Cliff Walk

Box Forest Waterfall Circuit

Box Forest Waterfall Circuit

10 km circuit

4 h to 6 h

Starting from Lamington National Park Road, O’Reilly, this walk takes you on a circuit in the heart of Lamington National Park mostly via the Box Forest Circuit Track, visiting the iconic Elabana Falls, Box Log Falls, and the Picnic Rock area. As you start hiking through the beautiful forest containing 1000+ year old trees, you’ll be welcomed by the harmonic birdsong. Then, you’ll hear the soothing sound of water gushing down as the refreshing air around the cascades fill into your lungs. The lovely waterfalls hidden amidst the dense forest are exceptionally beautiful after rain as they are at their strongest. The Picnic Rock near Elabana Falls is a great spot to have a little picnic -hence the name- and swim(depending on the conditions). You may be able to spot some Lamington Crayfish, the spiny blue crayfish also known as ‘Yabby’ amongst Australians. The Box Log Falls are also worth stopping by as the setting of this little waterfall is quite picturesque, even more so than Elabana Falls according to some. The circuit itself other than the falls goes through a scenic forest that’s teeming with wildlife, teasing you with easterly views along the way. Although it’s best to view the falls after some decent rain, leeches become more abundant in such conditions. Wear long sleeves and pants to make this less of a problem. Keep in mind that you may run into some red-bellied black snakes as well, especially in warmer months. The track can be muddy in sections, and some rock scrambling/hopping may be required to reach the base of the falls. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from Chalcot Road, Anstead, this walk takes you on a circuit in the woodland of Moggill Conservation Park, crossing Little Ugly Creek and Pullen Creek along the way. Expect a quiet and serene walk amidst thin, picturesque trees. The sound of eastern whipbirds will accompany you throughout the track, but you’ll have a chance to spot rare bird species such as the black-breasted button-quail and black-chinned honeyeater as well. The lively forest is also home to koalas, bandicoots and lace monitors, so have that camera ready at all times. Parts of the track are quite steep and slippery, so grippy hiking boots with ankle support are recommended. Hiking poles may come in handy as well. Try to avoid the track after decent rainfall as the creek crossings may become dangerous due to the water level and speed. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Moggill CP Circuit

7.9 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Pets

Environment

Cape Baily Lighthouse from Cape Solander Dr

Cape Baily Lighthouse from Cape Solander Dr

5.5 km return

2 h to 4 h

Following the cliff line of Kurnell, looking out onto the South Pacific Ocean, this is one of the most secluded walks in Botany Bay National Park. The coastline is a popular whale watching spot during the spring. This area provides great views along the coast and out to sea. Baily Lighthouse is a great spot to sit and enjoy the views. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Bus

Starting from the car park at the end of Pincham Road, Warrumbungle, this walk takes you to the Febar Tor and Macha Tor via the Goulds Circuit track, then loops back to the start. Get ready for a preview of the Grand High Tops as you get closer to the viewpoints Febar Tor offers panoramic views that include the Breadknife, Bluff Mountain and the Belougery Spire. On the other hand, Macha Tor provides you with views of the Crater Bluff and a different angle of the Breadknife. Keep an eye out for wallabies, especially in the morning and afternoon. You can also spot some crimson rosellas and king parrots around. Both the Febar Tor and the Macha Tor require scrambling up rocks, yet the scramble up to Macha Tor is quite steep and recommended only for experienced and fit bushwalkers. Let us begin by acknowledging the Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi & Wailwan people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Goulds Circuit

7.1 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

Environment

Heathcote to Engadine via Audley

Heathcote to Engadine via Audley

14.9 km oneway

5 h 15 min to 6 h 30 min

14.9 km

Oneway

Walk

5 h 15 min to 6 h 30 min

Covering a large section of central Royal National Park, this walk goes through the heath and scrub along a well managed and signposted track. The walk loops from Heathcote Railway Station around to Engadine Station. With public transport at both ends, toilets and water at both Uloola Falls and Reid's Park, this track has ample infrastructure to keep a walker out for a day, without losing the sense of getting away from it all. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Swim

Environment

Mount Bogong via Staircase Spur

Mount Bogong via Staircase Spur

18 km return

8 h, 11 h to 2 days

Starting at the Mountain Creek Campsite, Alpine National Park, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Bogong and back via the Staircase Spur Trail. At 1986 metres high, Mount Bogong is Victoria’s tallest mountain, dwarfing all its rivals. The track starts by following a vehicle track to the foot of the Staircase Spur, where the ascent begins through a forest of Peppermint Gums. About halfway along the climb hikers can take shelter and rest at Bivouac Hut, before the track passes through Snow Gums and out onto the steep rocky ridge leading to the summit plateau. From the mountaintop, there are incredible views in all directions. The exposed treeless plain of the summit offers little shelter in poor weather. Strong winds, fog, freezing temperatures, rain and snow are all common at this altitude. This hike requires a sufficient level of equipment, fitness, experience and self-reliance. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Platypus and Rock Pool Circuit

Platypus and Rock Pool Circuit

4.1 km circuit

1 h to 1 h 45 min

Starting from the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Centre, Carnarvon Park, this circuit walk takes you to a scenic rock pool along Carnarvon Creek, visiting a Platypus viewpoint along the way. Best viewed after sunrise or before sundown, the platypuses of Carnarvon are waiting for you to capture good photos of them. You’ll get lovely views of the gorge as you make your way to the rock pool, so remember to lift your head up every once in a while. The said rock pool has a surprisingly wide and sandy foreshore, where you can sunbathe and have a relaxing picnic after a good swim. Remember to bring some insect repellent to protect yourself from the mozzies(Australian slang for mosquitoes). Expect to get wet feet in the creek crossings, and try to avoid midday hikes under the blistering sun. Let us begin by acknowledging the Bidjara & Karingbal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Swim

Environment

Isthmus Hill and Bald Head Hike

Isthmus Hill and Bald Head Hike

12.3 km return

4 h to 6 h

Starting from the Isthmus Hill and Bald Head carpark off Murray Road, Torndirrup National Park, this hike follows the ridgeline of the prominent Flinders Peninsula via the Isthmus Hill and Bald Head tracks. A short drive from Albany in the South West of Australia provides an opportunity to immerse yourself high above the unyielding power of the Southern Ocean on an ancient peninsula in the Torndirrup National Park. While the park draws plenty of tourists to see natural attractions like The Gap, Blowholes and the Natural Bridge, the Isthmus Hill and Bald Head Hike is the true star of Torndirrup. The first section of the hike is uphill as you climb to the top of Isthmus Hill (121m), where you are greeted with views of Salmon Holes Beach to the south from the bare granite surface. Along the way you will get stunning views of King George Sound, hear the chorus of the waves crashing against the granite cliffs and smell the unmistakable scent of the peppermint trees that line the trail. The hike ends at Bald Head, a round headland of domed granite sloping down into the ocean, rewarding walkers with breathtaking views of the coastline and the Southern Ocean. This is a tough hike to complete, requiring a decent level of fitness. The trail is a mix of boardwalks, sandy tracks, packed limestone paths and hard granite sections, with some steep and challenging sections. The route is fairly well marked with cairns along the way. While it may look like an easy trek, the terrain can be tricky, especially in wet weather. The weather can change rapidly in winter, and during high winds and storms the trail is closed. Keep in mind that the beaches on the side are unpatrolled and may have strong rips(currents). Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the car park at the end of Crosswells Road, Snug Tiers Nature Recreation Area, this walk takes you to Pelverata Falls. Enjoy a pleasant hike through the Snug Tiers to Pelverata Falls, one of Tasmania's tallest waterfalls, cascading 114 metres down a vertical dolerite gorge. Leaving the car park, the trail initially passes alongside farmland before entering dense eucalyptus forest. Boardwalks cover some of the muddy areas as the trail meanders through a section of rainforest, and towards the end, handrails are provided at some steep rocky areas. The trail climbs along a large rock spree before a short steep descent towards the lookout platform, which provides an excellent view of Pelverata Falls and the creek below. The falls are particularly impressive after heavy rains and are often drier in the summer months. Below the lookout is a steep side trail leading down to the creek, recommended only for experienced bushwalkers as the rocks are dangerous and slippery, especially in wet conditions. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Pelverata Falls

6 km return

2 h to 3 h

Environment

Carrington Park to Leura Forest

Carrington Park to Leura Forest

2.5 km return

1 h 30 min to 3 h

This walk starts from Carrington Park and winds down into the valley below, to Leura Forest. Leura Forest was a pleasure ground in years gone by, and now boasts a nice little picnic area with a shelter, picnic tables and seats. This is a great spot for lunch. Take some time to explore the forest before climbing back up the valley the way you came. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Bus