 Bushwalking or Hiking?
(General information)
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VICTORIA (VIC):
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Beginning in the north-western corner of this state known as Mallee Country, one discovers some widespread national parks such as the Wyperfeld, Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray-Sunset National Parks. The Wyperfeld is made up of a huge expanse of open areas and wildflowers in spring. Exploring the park is easily done by the series of walks including the Brambruk Nature Trail leading from the Wonga campground. The park is also home to the mallee
fowl which resembles a turkey-size bird resting on mounds up to five metres high. |
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The Hattah-Kulkyne provides a haven for hundreds of bird species as well as the red kangaroo whilst the Murray-Sunset which is made up of true desert country in parts, includes riverine plains and a variety of native fauna. Travelling south into the Grampians National Park and central-west of Victoria, this area is a mix of ancient mountains, plains
and farming land. The Grampians date back some 400 million years and this truly unique environment contains gullies of ferns, forests, cliffs, creeks, lakes, waterfalls and swamps. Some stunning bushwalking trails can be found here. For the avid rock climber, Mt. Arapiles, which forms part of the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park, is considered one of the best places to climb across some 365 metres of sandstone cliffs.
Tours are also available. |
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The south-western coast is one of Australia’s scenic destinations, with the area’s main touring route, the Great Ocean Road, traversing a landscape of coastal limestone formations and rugged cliffs interspersed with sheltered bays and wild beaches. Conserved in the Port Campbell National Park, are the eroded and desiccated limestone cones known as the Twelve Apostles. However, according to the ranger-in-charge at the great Otway National Park,
“the only way to see some of the really amazing places is to walk on this track”. The track referred to is the recently completed Great Ocean Walk extending 91 kms between Apollo Bay and Glenample Homestead (near the Twelve Apostles) and hikers are asked to walk from east to west. It took almost 5 years to complete and there are seven campgrounds (no more than 15 kms apart) accessible only to walkers, who should register to use these and applications are recommended to be made about 6 weeks in
advance. To walk the whole track could take between 5-8 days, but it can also be enjoyed in sections of half, one or three day walks. Apart from the beautiful scenery along the way, there are also many interesting historical features including shipwreck artefacts and the oldest lighthouse on mainland |
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Australia, the Cape Otway Lighthouse, which also provides accommodation for those hikers who prefer not to camp. To the north can be found the Mount Eccles National Park where excellent walking trails and camping are available. Located within the park is a complex cave system and a large swimming lake all enclosed within three volcanic craters. Taking a northerly direction, one comes upon what is known as Spa and Garden Country north west of
Melbourne. This area offers a profusion of bushwalking choices including the Organ Pipes National Park, Hanging Rock – an impressive rock formation created when solidified lava eroded, and made famous by the book “Picnic at Hanging Rock” and subsequent film of the same name. Various walking trails afford wonderful views and the Discovery Centre tells of the story of this site. Close by, the Lederderg State Park consisting of rugged ridges and the Lerderderg River that formed the
spectacular gorges in this 14 250 hectare park. |
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To the north, the mighty Murray and Goulburn Rivers converge close to the Barmah State Park and Forest. Walking tracks take in various Aboriginal sites and the state’s largest river red gum forest. The general Melbourne area offers a prolific number of walks including the Maribyrnong River Trail, the Gellibrand Hill Trail, the Sherbrooke Falls Trail, the Wirrawilla Walk,
the Lawson Falls Circuit and the Tanglefoot Track. |
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Nearby to the south-east, sits the spectacular Mornington Peninsula featuring the Mornington Peninsula National Park. The park stretches along the south-west coast of the peninsula and a 32 km walking track runs from Portsea Surf Beach to Cape Schanck with its historic 1858 lighthouse which offers accommodation.
The area to the east of the peninsula is the Gippsland plain featuring the Tarra-Bulga National Park offering lovely rainforest walks and Baw Baw National Park. The name comes from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘echo’ which is very appropriate for this alpine park. The eastern section is very popular in the warmer months with both bushwalkers and wildflower enthusiasts. These beautiful coastal parks contain 150 kms
of walking tracks. The north-eastern corner of Victoria is known as High Country with the Victorian Alps forming part of the lower reaches of the Great Dividing Range. This area features both the Alpine National Park and the Mt. Buffalo National Park, the state’s oldest. Walking tracks are set among streams, waterfalls and forests of mountain ash
and snow gums. The Mt. Buffalo Chalet provides cosy accommodation. |
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Mt. Feathertop, located within the Alpine National Park and near the town of Bright, has two huts, both built by walkers for walkers. The most popular track here is the Bungalow Spur that is well graded as it was originally created for horses. |
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The Spur leads to the Federation Hut, which is a tin hut that is not ideal to stay in. A better alternative is the grassy ridge next to the hut that provides excellent camping. The next most popular track to the mountain is to follow the crest of the razorback from Mt. Hotham to the Federation Hut. It involves less climbing but the longer approach is subject to weather conditions and can be dangerous at times. Another popular track on
the mountain is the North West Spur which is an extremely steep climb (or descent) to the MUMC Hut. An excellent two day walk is to follow the Bungalow Spur from Harrietville to the Federation Hut, then visit the summit and Little Feathertop. The next day either return down the Spur or visit the Hut and follow the north West Spur into the valley. |
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YHA Bushwalking (Victoria) - Home Page
Includes booking and contact information, walk profiles, gear advice and the Youth Hostelling Association.. Tourism Victoria
Victoria visitor information such as accommodation, reservations, and local events and activities Parks Victoria: Welcome page
ParkWeb has been developed by Parks Victoria to enable visitors to better appreciate the parks, rivers, marine areas and heritage properties it manages on ... |
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