Trail Navigator Blog – Page 6 – Nice walks in Victoria, Australia

Trail Navigator Blog

Lake Elizabeth – A Wonderful Refuge from the Heat

With the recent abundance of warm days, I had quite the hankering for a nice cool forested walk. Seeing as though I was heading out to the Geelong region a couple of weeks ago, I thought it’d be the perfect time to finally visit the serene Lake Elizabeth located within the Great Otway Ranges.

With an abundance of tree cover, rainfall and distinct tree trunks embedded within the lake itself, this was the perfect trek for those who wish to retreat into a verdant refuge during some of those hotter days!

Why Lake Elizabeth?

One of the major factors that drew me to lake Elizabeth was the fact that it was almost entirely formed due to landslides within and around the area. This certainly made for a unique landscape – with the lake seemingly melding with the surrounding trails, contrasted with the western portion that saw little to no mudslides.

A view from the banks of lake Elizabeth – showcasing the protruding tree trunks.

The lake’s circuit trail is approximately 4.7 km in length, however, the opening track to the lake is just over a kilometre, so trekkers have some flexibility if they are pushed for time (or can’t be bothered walking all the way around!).

As you’ll soon see though, walking the whole 4.7km at some point is certainly a must as there’s a lot to enjoy from all sides of the lake.

Setting out:

I started my trek from the very convenient Lake Elizabeth campground’s parking and rest area, soon heading due east to begin along the titular walking track.

Although the weather of the day wasn’t too oppressive, I still recall vividly how tranquil and fresh the trail was even at 25 degrees or so. It’s certainly remarkable how much moisture the Otway’s retain during summer – much like portions of Gippsland!

A litany of verdant ferns heralded my entrance to Lake Elizabeth’s cooling track.

It’d been a while since I’d enjoyed the refreshing serenity of Victoria’s rainforests, so I was glad to remerge myself in the Otways after so long. Although a fan of both the rugged Aussie bush and glistening coast, I’d be lying if I said rainforests weren’t my favourite.

The cool atmospheric moisture, coupled with the abundance of overhead tree cover, makes such environments perfect for those who aren’t too keen on the harsh Australian sun (sounds like me!).

Another great feature of Lake Elizabeth in particular is that the lake itself is supplied by the Barwon river, which actually runs along the approaching track. This certainly makes the walk down particularly special.

The opening portion of the river was quite wide and relatively brisk, providing a beautiful backdrop to your trek down towards the main attraction.

A perspective shot of the opening river stretch – the rich grass showing just how cool and wet the area often is.

This particular image is also perfectly demonstrative of the surprising moisture content within the Otway Ranges, even right out of summer during the early autumn!

As you continue along, the river constricts and expands again and again. I was a particular fan of some of the tighter stretches, as these were often littered with more beautiful flora and greater stoned detail within the riverbed.

There were so many spots that I stopped to have a meditational rest at, I’d highly recommend stopping by for a snack or a spot of bird watching!

One of my favourite portions of the river approach – a tranquil stream providing the perfect spot for a relaxed picnic!

The litany of beautiful ferns:

Another splendid constant along this particular track is the absolute abundance of ferns, you’d be forgiven for mistaking that you were up in Queensland’s Daintree, or even New Zealand!

You could certainly spend half your trek just gazing at the intricate beauty of these bad boys, but I promise you, it gets even more enchanting the further you go.

I reckon it took me about 25 minutes or so until I reached the lake itself, and it was certainly a sight to see.

A verdant window onto Lake Elizabeth.

Although not overwhelmingly grand or expansive, the beauty I found within Lake Elizabeth was more from the angle of its reclusive collectedness. When I emerged out from the approaching track, I wasn’t met with the cacophony of rushing water, or the voices of other trekkers. Instead, there was simply the tranquil sounds of the passing wind, the elegant waltzing of the grass, and the soft whispering of nearby birds.

Sometimes life can just get too loud. But here, for as long as you wished, everything was calm and at peace with itself. I enjoyed that greatly.

A view from the kayak dock situated along the trail.

As you can see above, I also noticed there was a ramp for those who wish to kayak/canoe on the lake.
I will certainly be returning with my kayak when I can – if relaxing on the banks was as satisfying as it was, I’d wager doing so within the lake itself would be nothing less than bliss.

Also make sure to spy those tree trunks protruding from the lake, they certainly create a mood of stillness, as well as giving away the lake’s origins!

From there on out, you can either turn back, or continue around the lake. I did the latter and was very pleased to wander for about another 40 minutes or so amongst the ferns and the hidden birds.

Final Thoughts:

After that, I went home, refreshed, relaxed and ready to return to my louder life!

All in all, Lake Elizabeth is a hidden gem of the Otways that I couldn’t recommend more.

It’s serenity, coolness and unique qualities make it a must see for casual walkers and more experienced trekkers alike.

For further information on the walk and the surrounding region, Park’s Victoria’s page on it is a great start:

https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/lake-elizabeth-walk

If adventuring out into our beautiful countryside is something that appeals to you, by all means feel free to check out https://trailnavigator.com.au/blog/ for more insightful recollections of trips along Victoria’s abundance of trails and hikes!

March 17, 2023
Hopetoun Falls: The Best Waterfall On the Great Ocean Road

After spending a few days exploring the majestic coastline that gives the Great Ocean Road its name, we were ready for a slight change of scenery.

We left Apollo Bay and slowly made our way along winding back roads, cutting past the usual “must-stop” locations. There, nestled amongst the lush greenery of the Otways, we stumbled across the beautiful Hopetoun Falls.

How to Get to Hopetoun Falls

Hopetoun Falls is only a 45-minute drive from Apollo Bay, which made it a perfect stop-off during our exploration of the Great Ocean Road. If you’re coming from Melbourne, expect the drive to take you about 2.5 hours outside of peak times.

We took the most direct route, which took us through the stunning Aire Valley and the Olangaloh Plantation – home to some other amazing gems that we’ll get to soon enough!

Parking at the Falls

Since we visited on a weekday, we were easily able to secure a park close to the trailhead. There is room for about five vehicles in the immediate parking area, with more spaces a slight walk back down the entry road.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, you may have a little more difficulty, but it still shouldn’t be too painful. It was a pretty quiet spot!

The car park is unsealed without allocated spacing. Both it and the entry road were completely 2WD accessible in dry weather, but are known to become more unstable in the rain. Take care of vehicles coming the other way as the road is narrow.

Hopetoun Falls Walking Trail

You’ll find the start of the trail off to the left of the car park. From here, you can decide whether you want to stop at the first viewing platform or continue on down to the base of the falls.

The first viewing platform is more accessible than the full trail, being only 20 meters from the car park and down a relatively gentle slope.

Unfortunately, the view from here was quite concealed during our visit. You won’t get the same awe-inspiring experience as looking up at the falls, since you’re approaching it from the side, but this is still a nice stop if you’re short on time.

Since we had a little more time up our sleeves, we chose to continue on with the full hike.

The descent to the base of the falls is steep but simple. Only a one-kilometre round trip, the track is predominantly made up of stairs. Over 200, in fact!

A passing rain shower had left parts of the trail muddy and a little bit slippery. We managed it without too much fuss, but proceed with caution if you’re not a confident hiker or have mobility issues. There’s plenty of room on the stairs for other hikers to pass you if needed, so don’t rush yourself.

During our descent, we were amazed by the silence and flourishing flora and fauna. We spotted plenty of mature ferns, ancient trees, and even an echidna just off of the path.

It was the sudden sound of cascading water that let us know we were approaching the end of the trail. We turned the corner and found ourselves just meters from the base of Hopetoun Falls. The cool mist from the falls was very welcome after our mid-November trek.

The viewing platform here juts out over the Aire River, and we spent some time peering into the creek looking for wildlife. The creek is a popular spot for platypus spotting, but we weren’t fortunate enough to see any this time around.

There is also a bench here to rest your legs: something I’d strongly recommend before making your way back up the stairs! We had a small picnic and were lucky enough to have the entire platform to ourselves.

Extending Your Walk: The Otway Redwoods

Remember that other ‘amazing gem’ mentioned earlier? On our way out, we found a second hidden oasis that made the drive out even more worthwhile.

Just three minutes from the Hopetoun Falls, marked by nothing but a small car park and a wooden bridge crossing, is the towering Otway Redwood plantation.

We slowly ventured along the 500m return trail, looking up at the out-of-reach treetops in absolute awe. Nearby signage let us know that one day, these might be the tallest Redwood trees in the world! Conditions in the Otways are very favourable for the tree.

Take some time here to explore the creek bed, too. Flowing down from Hopetoun Falls, the water is crisp and clear. We enjoyed clambering across the fallen redwoods that had become makeshift bridges over the top of the water.

The bathrooms here are the closest available to Hopetoun Falls. This is just another reason that these two gems are a must to see together!

Final Thoughts: Is this Victoria’s Most Beautiful Waterfall?

In our opinion, yes!

Hopetoun Falls is easily one of Victoria’s most beautiful waterfalls. The tucked-away location makes for a beautifully secluded, unspoiled walk through nature. Plus, the connection to the Aire River also makes it a spectacular sight no matter the season.

When paired with the nearby Redwood Plantation, these falls are unbeatable. The Hopetoun Falls circuit is a well-paced trail that is an absolute must for any Melbourne local or outdoor lover exploring the Great Ocean Road.

March 11, 2023
Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

This year, I finally completed the Wilsons Promontory Lightstation Walk (the 2 day, 1 night version). The only other overnight walk I’ve done is the Three Capes Track in Tasmania, so this ended up being another great introductory hike.

Wilsons Prom is known to have unpredictable weather, being on the southern-most tip of mainland Australia. Booking for February meant the weather could go either way – but you have to book a few months in advance, so I took whatever was available.

We were granted with a cool 19 degrees, despite it being summer. We checked in at the Tidal River Visitor Centre, parked at the Overnight hiker’s carpark, and caught the free shuttle bus up to the Telegraph Saddle carpark to begin the walk.

As it was overcast for day one, we stuck with the recommendations to conquer the walk in an anti-clockwise direction by taking the vehicle maintenance track. The signage indicated it would be 19.2 kilometres, six hours to the Lightstation.

The track was undulating to keep things semi-exciting, but there wasn’t a lot to see, except for a trickle of water falling over some rocks and some creeks.

Six kilometres in, you reach a few benches at Telegraph Junction. From here, you can head to the coastal walk, but we were saving that for Sunday. Whilst we were here, we spotted a wallaby, who was not phased by us at all.

Telegraph Junction

Another 30 minutes and you reach Halfway Hut, which was recommended for our lunch stop as it had a toilet. We escaped the rain and cosied up into the shelter of the stone hut, which was a welcome rest.

After another 90 minutes, we came at another crossroads. We could continue along the maintenance track for 7.2 km or take the 6.1km walking track. We were suspicious as to why both options would take 2 hours, but we were keen for some adventure.

The walking track was surrounded by lush vegetation, whilst the track was a little damp and muddy. Some parts of the track were so narrow that you had to manouvre through branches. It was definitely harder, with steep, uneven steps at parts – but it was also a nice change to the monotonous track.

You eventually end up back at the vehicle track, as you embark on your last part of the journey. We were a little behind schedule as our energy was dwindling but luckily daylight savings meant we were not racing against time before the sunset.

The track starts opening up to views of the ocean, but when I spotted the Lightstation in the distance, I realised there was still some way to go.

As you get closer to the Lightstation, you pass a formation dubbed Skull Rocks, not to be confused Skull Rock, which Pennicott Wilderness Journeys takes people on tours to from Tidal River. Just when you think you’re nearly there, there is one last steep ascent to the Lightstation.

Once we made it to the top, exhausted, a ranger spotted us and checked us in. I was surprised to find it so spacious, since there was more than one cottage. We were only sharing our cottage with three people and most of the time it felt like we were the only ones there. There were two showers and two toilets, with plenty of toilet paper and hot water.

The small things made the accommodation feel luxurious for a remote location. A living room was radiating with heat from a gas fireplace, whilst the shelves were lined with an interesting mix of reading material and board games. The kitchen had a fridge, stove, oven, kettle, toaster, microwave and plenty of cutlery, crockery and glasses. The only thing I couldn’t find was a chopping board.

Each bedroom has two bunks. They provide pillows, whilst we brought our own sleeping bags. Even the bedrooms felt spacious – plenty of room to unpack and air out clothes and bags.

The next morning, we joined a lighthouse tour. It’s amazing to see how the parts for a lighthouse have developed over the years – the bulb is tiny! In the cooler months, you can also spot whales migrating around the Lightstation.

By the time we departed the Lightstation after the tour, we were a little behind schedule. We knew the trek back via Waterloo Bay was known to be a lot harder, and longer at 21 kilometres and 7 hours. We also needed to catch the last shuttle bus at 5.45pm, otherwise we’d have to hike even more back to the car.

The “coastal route” still winds through lots of rainforest, but at least it felt more like a hike. The track constantly goes up and down hill, which was painful either way, as we were sore from Day 1. I tried to speed up on the downhill sections to keep the momentum going. Every now and again, we got a glimpse of the pretty coastline, but it was often obscured by trees. We suffered three hours or more of this…

But when we started approaching Little Waterloo Bay, I was stunned. I’d never seen a Victorian beach with aqua water and white sand. I suddenly understood why so many people loved to do overnight hikes here.

We sat and enjoyed some sandwiches, as we admired the view. The only downside was the march flies.

When we resumed, we realised we had to walk across the sand on the beach for a little. Not fun with our large hiking packs.

You then reach another sign that points you back onto the walking path. A lot of this section consists of short boardwalks over swampy areas. The boardwalks were a nice change, but eventually you’re back at a windy, gravel uphill, which was tough with the strong sun rays.

At this point I had gone ahead of my group, to make sure at least one of us gets the last shuttle bus and our car. I struggled in this section without anyone to encourage me…but then I was surprised to suddenly find myself at Telegraph Junction, after less than 2 hours, as the signage had estimated.

From here, I had enough reception on Google maps to estimate our walk back to the carpark and figured we had enough time for a break. So I waited for everyone to catch up for a rest and some snacks at the benches.

With the sun out, the march flies were also out – so we couldn’t sit still for long. It was time for our last two hours back to the carpark (a bit less according to Google).

My feet and legs were very sore by this stage. I must have had blisters as every step was painful, and the maintenance track slowly wound up and down.

Many hikers overtook us and although I know it’s not a race, I was aware that I was slowing us down.

But after a lot of small breaks, we found ourselves back at Telegraph Saddle with a big sigh of relief. I’m proud we accomplished it – but note to self to do more practice hikes in the lead-up next time. We got to the carpark with fifteen minutes to spare – so we sat back at a bench, took in some views in at the lookout and waddled onto the bus.

I’d highly recommend the walk due to the great accommodation you get at the end, and the walk itself is a good challenge. I’ll definitely return one day to see whales and enjoy a bit more time at Waterloo Bay.

March 4, 2023
Emu Bottom Wetlands – Coming back to life

At 32-acres, Emu Bottom Wetlands, Sunbury is one of the biggest dog parks in Outer Melbourne.

There are plenty of amazing walks on Trail Navigator but what if you just want to take yourself, the family or even the dog for a quick stroll? If you live in Melbourne’s north-west I highly recommend visiting Emu Bottom Wetlands, Sunbury, conveniently located near Victoria’s oldest Homestead, Emu Bottom Homestead.

The Emu Bottom Wetlands track caters to a lot of people. On my visit there a last week, I saw some large families having picnics. Lot’s of dogs making the most of their unleashed freedom and being almost Valentine’s Day, there a few hand-holding couples going for a romantic stroll. One brave soul was even flying a drone. As a local, I’ve heard from some of the neighbours that I also heard from one of the neighbours that people have ridden their horses through the reserve (BYO horse of course!).

Welcome to Emu Bottom Wetlands, Sunbury

About:

The Emu bottom wetlands are a large 32-arces allowing plenty of space of adventure, it is the largest dog-friendly park in Sunbury.

History:

Once a sheep farming area during from the 18-1900’s, the Friends of Emu Bottom have been working with the local council since 1994 to get the area back to its former glory.

In almost 30 years, the land has come quite a long way, platypus and a plethora of wetland birds now call this place home. All the recent rain has also injected further life back into the wetlands and it was very pleasant being able to hear the chirping birds and natural crackling of the creek from the path.

The wetlands:

The Emu Bottom wetlands are true to its native land, I have visited some more manicured trails along my Victorian adventures but the dusty grass and rich smell of the Eucalyptus trees that trace the trail sing this is native Australian land.

True to its name, there are a few points to access the creek and sections of the path that have rough terrain. There are some easily-accessed sections of Jacksons creek in the wetland that are perfect for yourself or the dogs to wade in on a warm day.

Jacksons Creek, Emu Bottom Wetlands, Sunbury

I’m glad to have come here after a heavy rainfall this year. Jacksons creek which runs through the wetlands is looking healthy and surrounded by greenery which is a start contract to drier parts of the park.

Accessibility:

There is a designated carpark that runs off Racecourse road offering, parking and access to the park are free. The track starts off as gravel but it does thin out to create a natural pathway.

Front of Emu Bottom Wetlands, Sunbury

I highly recommend wearing closed toe shoes on this track as there is a lot of gumnuts, sticks and other tree droppings naturally dropping on the main path. Running shoes also provide a bit of extra grip in area where the gravel track is very fine.

There is only one main path with a very short tracks to access the creek. By all means go as far as you feel comfortable and return back the way you came. There’s no need to worry about getting lost in this park.

This trail is highly effected by the weather, I would travel here on excessively hot days – or if you go early morning or in the evening. The sun is strong here, so best lather up the sunscreen. As I said earlier, closed toe shoes! No one likes getting a stick stuck in their foot.

Path for Emu Bottom Wetlands, Sunbury

The park does start off very wide but as you meet up with the creek and follow the bend, the track does get more narrow. I decided to jog my way through the path and clocked up about 2.5km from the car park to the entry point for the emu bottom homestead.

The best bit:

As the track started to narrow and I wondered if I was still in the reserve. I came across this mesmerising entrance, the large eucalyptus trees were much needed respite from the sun my jog and urged me to keep exploring. The backs of peoples properties on one side and the trickling creek along the other, I knew I was tantalisingly close to something exciting and was rewarded with the historical Emu Bottom homestead.

The back end of the trail, Emu Bottom Wetlands, Sunbury

There was potential to keep running but by doing that the Emu Bottoms Wetlands had officially ended and a new unnamed trail began. I had worked up a bit of sweat and decided to head back.

In the end:

This track is great for a Hume local who wants to go for a quick walk. Set up a picnic at the Wetlands or treat yourself at one of the many local Sunbury cafes that are only 5 minutes down the road.

I’ll definitely be coming back here to show the place off to a relative and recommending the place to local dog owners.

This place is a sure-fire hit with the pooches.

Jacksons Creek, Emu Bottom Wetlands, Sunbury

If adventuring out into our beautiful countryside is something that appeals to you, check out more of our blog for more insightful recollections of trips along Victoria’s abundance of trails and hikes!

Like the trail? For more trail trips by this author, click here.

February 26, 2023
A Remarkable Surf Coast Walk – Torquay to Bell’s Beach

An Introduction to the Myriad of Walking Trails Along the Surf Coast:

A spectacular view of Victoria’s Surf Coast.

I knew Victoria’s Surf Coast was renowned around the world for it’s immense natural beauty, however I never truly realised how amazing the walking and cycling trails along the sea were!

Having recently moved more inland, I’ve had quite the hankering for a walk out along the coast. I was talking to my dad about this, only for him to recommend a set of trails along the Great Ocean Road he completed some time ago.

Intrigued, I drove down to Torquay’s Fisherman’s Beach to check out my options.

Upon arriving (as well as after consulting the extremely helpful Surf Coast Walk website*), I found out that there’s an entire litany of picturesque, pristine trails and paths running all the way from Point Impossible right through to Fairhaven!

*which can be found at the bottom of this post

The Flexibility of the Walking Paths Available:

A great feature of the Surf Coast walking trails is that you can easily trek according to your whims of the day. I personally walked as long as time (and my sun protection!) permitted, ending up about 9km one way. Experienced trekkers could easily increase this to a maximum of a whopping 44km if they walk/cycle all the way from Point Impossible to Fairhaven.

Similarly, beginners (or those simply wanting a lighter fare) could even just select any limited number of the 12 trails, which range from 1km to about 8km in maximal lengths!

My First Leg of the Surf Coast – Fisherman’s Beach to Point Danger, via Yellow Bluff:

An example of the rustic sandstone cliffs reminiscent of Yellow Bluff.

With a large carpark, and close access to Torquay’s vibrant esplanade district, my Fisherman’s Beach starting point turned out to be perfect.

Blessed with lovely weather, I set out west along the immaculately maintained walking path. This stretch was a very pleasant walk, completely flat, and close to public toilets and the local angler’s club.

I continued along, making sure to savour the fresh sea breeze on such a nice day.

It felt like no time at all (approximately 1km) until I reached my first checkpoint of the day – the beautiful, jagged protrusions of the Yellow Bluff.

The majestic scale of the Yellow Bluff beach head.

This was certainly a happening spot, with another expansive carpark, children’s playground, as well as a myriad of trendy cafes and restaurants in close proximity. There was even a dog café, the perfect pit stop for those with a canine trekker friend!

After stopping for a light snack, I continued along to Point Danger. The area up and around here provides a great opportunity for appreciating the poignant beauty of the nearby war memorial, as well as for strolling leisurely along the rustic beach.

A beautiful retrospective view of the Torquay Esplanade.

I opted for a bit of both, and soon found myself on the way to the next check point.

Point Danger to Bird Rock:

This trail was slightly longer, racking in at approximately 3km, and is full of fun for everyone. There’s ample opportunity to walk along the beach, inspect rock pools, enjoy the surf, or even simply observe the unique native flora littered around the place.

As someone who loves a good bit of gardening and plant spotting, I enjoyed browsing the eclectic range of succulents scattered along the beach head.

I recalled being offered a taste of this particular plant (see below) by a local Indigenous elder on a school excursion many moons ago. He said it’d be the perfect salty addition to a summer salad. However, I certainly cannot vouch for its taste, nor nutrition, supposing I’m even thinking of the right plant!

The salty succulent I may or may not have consumed years prior. I can’t recommend consuming it without proper knowledge of the species!

All I can remember is my then 14-year-old self-wincing at the saltiness, but perhaps it’s simply an acquired taste!

It wasn’t until I reached an inviting set of stairs down to the beach itself that I snapped out of my nostalgic daze.

A flight of stairs, enticing my descent onto the sand.

Although I have a tendency to become irritated with sand, the hint of rock pools were too great a temptation for me to not proceed down!

Afterall, what’s more fun than spying out some sea life in these little pools, pockets seemingly from some far-out oceanic civilisation…

I rushed down with the same curiosity that often captured me at 14.

And….after walking up and down several fields of rock pools, I hit the jack pot.

A master of disguise at work.

Unfortunately I’m not much of a fish expert, so have no clue what sort of fish this one is, however, I was nonetheless entranced by its clever colouring! In fact, it took me several inspections to actually see the little guy, its spotted back providing the perfect camouflage against the sand and brown-beige aquatic plants.

I then proceeded to stroll along the absolutely immaculate beach.

The pristine reflective sands of one of several of the Great Ocean Road’s surf beaches.

Yep, this was the type of beach people all around the world wish was in their back yards, how lucky we are to have such a treasure.

I’d imagine this would also be a great surf beach for those who have a little more dexterity and balance than me!

You can easily continue walking along this beach until you reach the Bird Rock lookout. I did just that.

A lovely cape vista from Bird Rock lookout.

I should probably say lookout(s), as I discovered there’s a nice stretch of observation decking running along the beach front for a good 300 metres or so.

I would recommend climbing up the ‘Little Bird Rock Lookout’ first, then proceeding to the main lookout by continuing along west.

You could spend quite some time exploring and enjoying these vantage spots themselves. There’s even some beautifully placed seating here and there, providing the perfect spot for a picturesque picnic on the go!

What is heavenly bliss if not enjoying your favourite food with a close companion, whilst drowning your eyes in the azure expanse in front of you…

A front seat view of the Surf Coast’s sparkling sea.

Bird Rock Lookout to Bell’s Beach:

The remainder of my trek was about 3km, and was once again filled with an abundance of interesting plant life and stunning vistas.

A collection of lovely purple flowered natives.

I particularly liked this hidden gem about a kilometer and half along. The rhythmic lapping of the water became louder as you walked along the boarded path, which was very tranquil and relaxing indeed.

A picturesque boarded path out onto Bell’s Beach.

I’d also urge the reader to keep an eye out for any sea life in the shallows here. I did see a crab, but the little bugger was far too quick before my clumsy attempt to take a photo could be made!

You can then take this board walk up again to a more trail like area, extremely pristine nonetheless.

A return to the sandy trail.

It was from here that I reached the terminus of my journey, another lovely spot for rock pool perusal, hidden amongst the sandy cliffs that make the Great Ocean Road so special.

A window onto Bell’s Beach.

Another chance for rock pool browsing!

Final Thoughts

My custom selection of trails ended up amounting to around 9km, and took me about a 2 hours, with time spent basking in the extensive vistas, as well as inspecting those rock pools!

An important aspect to remember when planning for Surf Coast trails is the fact that the trails are of course linear, so make sure to factor in return distances and time.

My entire trip was 4 and bit hours, but as I said in the introduction, the beauty of the Surf Coast walks is that you have a lot of liberty in picking and choosing which trails to trek along.

Overall, I would highly recommend giving this particular stretch of coast a go! There’s certainly a lot of accessibility, with frequent toilet pit stops, car parks, and even cafes at certain points.

The abundance of rock pools and interesting beach plants also provide the perfect activity for those with kids (or even just child-like curiosity!) to enjoy.

Considering all of the above, the entire length of the coast from Point Impossible through to Fairhaven offers something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced trekker, a cyclist, or simply someone looking for a forgiving walk, you’ll be set!

For Further Information:

If you wish to learn more about the litany of walking paths and trails along the Surf Coast, Parks Victoria, the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee, along with the Surf Coast Shire council have put together a brilliant website detailing each of the trails: https://www.surfcoastwalk.com.au/

The website also has a great map feature, so you can plan for the particular walk(s) you wish to adventure out onto!

If adventuring out into our beautiful coast and countryside is something that appeals to you, by all means feel free to check out https://trailnavigator.com.au/blog/ for more insightful recollections of trips along Victoria’s abundance of trails and hikes!

I had a fantastic time rediscovering the best that our immaculate coast line has to offer, and will certainly return in the future!

February 25, 2023
Plenty Gorge North

Plenty Gorge Park is located north-east from Melbourne. We decided to try the Plenty Gorge North walk. It starts from the car park at Hawkstowe Recreation Reserve in South Morang.

These three walks start from the Hawkstowe Picnic area but we had a longer route ahead of us.

The trail started wide and convenient.

The track became narrow when we reached the gorge. It was obvious that it was used by mountain bicycles. We met couple of the cyclists during the whole walk.

The trail follows Plenty River.

Great view on the gorge.

We passed an orchard. Farm Vigano restaurant was nearby. We decided to come back to it later.

The house in the process of rebuilding mesmerized our party.

Grey kangaroos

Unexpected cactus next to the trail.

On the way back we stopped to treat ourselves to some wild blackberries. There were a lot of them.

Nice pond with ducks.

Garden by the Le Page Homestead

We walked 14 km total. It took us 4.5 hours but that’s including stop for a lunch. Everyone were pretty tired by the end but still happy. It’s a great walk where you feel like you’re away from civilization even though you are still within Greater Melbourne.

This walk on Trail Navigator website: Plenty Gorge North

February 12, 2023
A Hike up Mount Rosea

I had the distinct pleasure of doing a hike in the Grampians last month. On a road trip through the state of Victoria, I was hard-pressed to miss a trip through one of Australia’s most internationally renowned parks. The trail that I had chosen to embark on was a hike up Mt Rosea. We were promised soaring views of the Grampians themselves, entertaining rock hopping up to the summit, and the chance to see some unique Australian wildlife, and my oh my, I was not disappointed. That morning we had started rather late and had only ourselves to blame for having to face the scorching Australian heat. Nonetheless, wrapped up head to toe in long clothing, a wide brim, and with a generous serving of SPF 50, we plowed on.

The Summit of Mt Rosea

Our hike started through the forest moving slowly up. Continuing for about an hour, I was struck by the beauty of the surrounding area, and, with a deep breath in, I realized the sensory beauty that the forest of the Grampians provided. The towering trees, with their leaves ranging from deep green to light emerald, created a natural canopy overhead, with sun light filtering through to provide a dazzling, dancing display of light on the forest floor. The ground itself was covered in a thick carpet of ferns and mosses with delicate fronds brushing up against my hiking trousers saying hello as I hiked along. The air was filled with the sweet scent of eucalyptus and the earthy aroma of the forest floor. The sounds of birds chirping in conjunction with the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze helped create a symphony of nature where I was the lone member of the audience.

I hiked on, approaching a clearing in the forest. A hear a crackle of some twigs underfoot and look down. There are no branches where I currently stood. Looking to my right, I almost shout out. An emu! A real-life emu! I have lived in Australia for a couple of years now and have never seen an emu in the flesh. Breathtaking in its size, seeing an emu for the first time is something that I will never forget. With its brown feathers, at first instance, it seemed to blend into the backdrop behind it. It was not until I had stopped and stared at it for a little while, not until the Emu had turned its head to look at it, revealing large, curious eyes, that I was struck by a level of intelligence and curiosity that shined within. It meandered around for a minute or so, before its long legs, powerful and sturdy, propelled it away, carrying it off into the distance before it was swallowed by the landscape in its entirety. I continued my hike onwards.

My Encounter with an Emu

Soon, I was out of the forest and had started to approach the sandstone peaks of the Grampians themselves. I must admit, this trail was one of the most enjoyable I had been on in a while. We began hiking up the sandstone formations themselves, slipping in and out of the cracks in between jagged rock formations and scrambling up some rather large boulders. I love hikes like these, which keep you on your toes, forcing you to problem-solve your way toward an end goal. The boulders started to get larger, with sections where I was on my hands and knees trying to traverse different sections. The rock itself was brittle and covered in patches of moss and lichen that were growing right onto the rock. This was part of the walk that was most amazing. In those kinds of instances, I often find this extremely meditate. One wrong move and you might injure yourself! So an acute level of mindfulness is not only extremely necessary but a lovely side-product of this kind of hiking.

The Sandstone formations of the Grampians, covered in interesting Lichen

At one section of the hike, as I was in this miniature valley of these sandstone formations, I was struck by the texture of the rock itself and what was actually on them. moss and lichen had grown all over over the rocks themselves, changing the color of the rock from a straight grey to a quillwork of pastel white and green blotches. Although rather unassuming at first, when you stop and think about this it is quite spectacular. These lichens grow at a rate of 2mm a year. Some of these lichen coverings spanned over a meter long! It grows on hard rock, drawing sustenance from the air and moisture, a testament to the plant’s resilience and adaptability. The sight of a lichen is a reminder of the beauty and wonder that can be found in even the most unexpected of places, and truly inspires a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world.

Every so often you would get to a flatter section of the trail that would be on the ridgeline of Mount Rosea itself. Here was where there were some truly breathtaking views. Looking out over the edge, a bit nervous to get too close, you could look far into the distance of the festinating terrain around you. The cliffs of the Grampians spring up around you, covered in a shawl of very distinctive green vegetation. The further you look, the view changes into rolling farmland, punctuated by lakes in watering holes. By the time we were at this point of the walk, the weather had turned rather quickly. There was no longer dazzling sunlight but brooding clouds that filled up the entirety of the sky. From a height, this had the effect of creating a rather epic landscape. In its way, the grey sky added to a sense of beauty and helped make the green trees below pop even more. Nature itself seems brooding, surly almost which made me feel a sense of awe and reverence for its vastness and power.

As I got to the summit of Mount Rosea, I was happy, somewhat relieved (it had started drizzling now), and slightly tired! This was an out-and-back trail and I knew I had done most of the hard work! This was a climb up that I was not going to forget anytime soon.

The view from the top!

This walk on Trail Navigator Victoria: Mt Rosea

February 4, 2023
Kilmore’s Monument Hill Reserve – a Sensational Escape to the Countryside

If you often feel the need to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Kilmore’s Monument Hill Reserve long loop is the perfect meditational adventure.

Having recently relocated to the humble town situated approximately 60 kilometres north of Melbourne, I was eager to get out and explore the landscape of my new home.

I’d naturally heard that the Monument Hill Reserve was the place to go for a newcomer, what with its abundance of breathtaking vistas, historic sites, and mobs of fluffy kangaroos. After exploring the place myself, I’d definitely concur that it’s a must see for both absolute beginner and experienced trekkers alike!

Although I’d put off the ~7 km walk (the Monument Hill long loop itself is ~4 km, but I managed to extend this with my wanderings) for several weeks due to the constraints of the move and my studies, I finally managed to set off early one spring morning.

The Out Set

I begun my trek from the designated start point just off from Anderson Road with a welcome from a group of the regulars:

My curious onlookers – a common site along the trails of Kilmore and the surrounding region.

Kangaroos were a very rare sight indeed amongst the more urban existence I once knew, so certainly provided the perfect stimulus to jog me out of my early morning daze.

After spending a significant time gawking at this group having their breakfast, I continued on with renewed vigor up and along the opening trail.

The opening approach to the long loop trail.

The weather certainly waxed and waned along the way, with the above azure skies routinely facing interspersed opposition from intruding clouds. I wasn’t fussed though, the crisp air and the bounty of scenery to admire kept me in high spirits.

Not too far from the designated start point was a nice summary of rare and threatened flora and fauna to look out for along your way. Unfortunately, I wasn’t terribly successful in spotting any of the species shown below. However the search itself was part of the fun, so I’d certainly recommend keeping an eye out!

Another point of interest, particularly for those interested in admiring the local flora and fauna.

It’s about 1.7 km from there on out to reach the trail’s titular monument, so I continued along, cherishing the soothing sounds of the local birds chattering amongst themselves.

The Uniqueness of Australia’s Bush

Having recently returned from a month-long backpacking stint in Japan, involving lots of wandering around the nation’s pristine countryside, I remember being struck with awe regarding the huge difference in both aesthetics and cadence of the natural environment between the two countries.

Theirs is one of the beautiful orange hues of deciduous trees, expanses of verdant rice fields, and very little instance of horizon-spanning open land. Ours is one of vast flatness (at least in relative terms, as I quickly discovered!), marsupial oddities, and rugged wilderness.

The mottled autumnal mountains of Arashiyama, Japan provide a keen contrast to the vast expanses of inland Victoria.

Although I’d admit that the Japanese countryside could certainly be construed as more merciful and less harsh than the Aussie bush, I reckon amongst all the beige and muted tones of eucalyptus lies a truly special environment. One home only to those of us in Australia, something that surely must be treasured!

I reckon such an environment can only truly be appreciated on trails like this one, on a crisp spring morning, with little evidence of human endeavour for miles on end.

A Historic Attraction

After considering these differences for a little while as I walked along, I quickly found myself at the main attraction.

The historic Hume and Hovell Monument, standing tall amongst the surrounding eucalyptus.

The Hume and Hovell monument, pictured above, is a lookout tower from the old Kilmore Gaol, repurposed in the 1920s by local residents to commemorate the 1824 expedition of Hamilton Hume and William Hovel. Hume and Hovel’s expedition passed through Kilmore, and was one of the first British expeditions of discovery that penetrated the Victorian inland. Thereby playing a pivotal role in establishing the state itself.

The view from the top is certainly impressive, but I’d best warn that the ladder up is quite treacherous, so climb with caution, especially on wet/frosty mornings!

In hindsight, I reckon this would be the perfect spot for a quick snack or even a morning coffee!

Panoramic view from the top, unfortunately with a bit of cloud cover!

The Final Leg

After spending some time enjoying the view from the top and learning about the monument’s history from a nearby plaque, I set back off for the remainder of my hike.

I continued along, reaching a maximum elevation of about 500m, which provided even more stunning vistas of the surroundings.

The rolling hills surrounding Kilmore, shining vibrantly after a season of plentiful rains.

The trail then descends again, looping back north-west to pass by the Kilmore golf course, which proved to be another popular grazing spot for the local roos!

The Kilmore golf course, shrouded in a bit of mist, a popular gathering spot for the local wildlife nonetheless.

The golf course itself is beautifully maintained, but I assume not much mowing is required considering how popular it appeared to be with the local wildlife!

Having walked the extent of the long loop, but still having a little bit of time to spare, I then thought to have a quick stroll up around the golf course, as well as along the reservation’s short loop. The short loop would be perfect for those who don’t wish to complete the full 4+ km loop, simply involving a trail cutting straight across to the monument from the start point.

I was glad I did spend the extra time in the area, as I came across this beautiful little creek.

A quaint creek I stumbled across on my final wanderings.

Resting here amongst the tranquil sound of trickling water was the perfect way to wrap up the morning. It was here that I again reflected on the beauty of my surroundings with renewed appreciation.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the trek itself would’ve been around an hour, but with all my gawking and reflecting, took me soundly above this mark.

Not a minute overspent though! This was definitely something I needed, as for far too long prior I’d spent most of my days solely amongst the drone of the commute and the chaotic loudness of Melbourne. This hike provides the perfect respite for anyone who feels the need to get back out into nature, definitely a course I’d recommend highly!

If you wish to learn more about the Monument Hill Reserve, the local council’s page is a good start: https://www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/our-region/parks-and-playgrounds/monument-hill-reserve-kilmore. This page also involves links to fact books concerning the huge diversity of flora and fauna you can inspect. I’ll be reading up on some of the local amphibians and fungi before my next jaunt, that’s for sure!

If adventuring out into our beautiful countryside is something that appeals to you, by all means feel free to check out https://trailnavigator.com.au/blog/ for more insightful recollections of trips along Victoria’s abundance of trails and hikes!

This certainly won’t be the last time I visit Kilmore’s Monument Hill Reserve, with tranquil scenery and local fauna to boot, what’s not to love?

January 29, 2023
Plenty River Trail

We went for a short walk on Sunday. Even though we live in the area for about 18 years we never walked to the northern end of the Plenty River Trail.

We started from a car park at Calparrin Avenue near Greensborough Plaza.

The wide track consisted of concrete slabs. There was an alternative earthy narrow trail next to it.

Rocky bank of the Plenty River

This trail is dog-friendly. We saw just one dog on our walk.

Great view at the river

You can see trees planted recently.

We walked 6.9 km total. It took us 1 hour and 15 minutes.

This is not a trail that you would drive more than an hour to go to but if you live in Greensborough, Watsonia North, Briar Hill or nearby it’s a great walk in nature.

This walk on Trail Navigator Victoria: Plenty River Trail

January 29, 2023
The unique Nobbies Trail, Philip Island

Take the family on a coastal trail walk and explore the Nobbies, the ultimate opener before the famous penguin parade.

When Victorians think of local holidays, they think of weekends away at Phillip Island. I’ve had many weekends away to Phillip Island growing up and one of my main stops is The Nobbies boardwalk trail. Even as an adult, I am still in awe of its natural beauty.

One of the highlights of Philip Island is the beloved and internationally renowned Penquin Parade. Only catch is, the penguins don’t arrive until sunset, which leaves visitors thinking, what else shall I do today?

The Nobbies boardwalk is stones throw from the Penguin parade and the perfect way to build up anticipation for the penguins. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot a few penguins before the show!

Waves crashing around rocks, the Nobbies trail.

Getting there

The Nobbies boardwalk are at the Western Most point of Philip Island, which is a 90 minute drive from the Melbourne CBD. From Philip Island’s main township of Cowes, the Nobbies trail is a quick 10 minute drive, just past the Summerlands. There is very little public transport on Philip Island, getting to the Nobbies will need to be done by car, taxi or tourist bus. Experienced cyclists may enjoy riding to the Nobbies trail.

Known as a popular walking trail, there’s plenty of free flat gravel parking available. The best things in life are free and this trail is one of them.

The trail is a very short one, approximately 500 metres each way which is great for young families and people building up their fitness. The main track is wheelchair accessible but some of the trails smaller paths involve steeps which may restrict people with mobility issues. Because of it’s small number of paths and sturdy barriers, the Nobbies boardwalk is ideal for large groups.

What to bring

There’s plenty of birds and wildlife to watch. Spare yourself from squinting and bringing a pair of binoculars or some coins to purchase time with the fixed public binoculars. Take a camera to shoot some fantastic coastal shots. Bring sunglasses on a sunny day to prevent squinting from the glare.

For those prone to the cold, a jacket to keep the cool breeze off your skin is ideal. Be weary with hats on windy days, to ensure the sea breeze doesn’t blow them away! My uncle’s lucky cap was blown off from the sharp ocean breeze and being the family runner, guess who had to chase it down the boardwalk? Lucky, I got it back before a bird used it as part of its nest.

Take as long or as little as you want

The Nobbies, Philip Island are one of those places you can dash through in 20 minutes, or spend a couple hours. Take some time to soak in the rugged views and spot the wildlife. You can even enjoy for a barista made coffee from the nearby café. Turn the trip into an educational experience for both kids and adults by visiting Antarctic Journey the Nobbies centre.

What exactly is the nobbies trail?

Good question. The Nobbies are actually known as Round island and is a giant uninhabited dome island. Thousands of years of constant barging waves have carved the beauty in what is today seen as the Nobbies. The Nobbies trail is only a few hundred metres from the lookout so you get to see fine details in the island including the cracks of the cliff and the wildlife that sometimes inhabits it

Close up view of waves crashing around Round Island, The Nobbies trail

The epic scenery

Enjoy the rugged coast lines and have pole position of Bass Strait ocean. The Nobbies volcanic rocks and moss green surroundings remind me of the Scottish Highlands and Irish coastline. Stop and inhale the salty sea air and prepare to be slapped by the coastal breeze.

Grassy terrain at the Nobbies

The sturdy boardwalk has been carefully designed to consider the foot traffic of tourists without upsetting the wildlife.

Make sure the kids don’t veer off the path and they learn to appreciate the wildlife from a distance. Take a moment every now and then to stop and acknowledge the birds nesting alongside and even under the board walk. In the past, I knelt down to peer through the cracks in the boardwalk to discover nesting penguins!

The blowhole is another of the key features of the trail. Take a moment to stop and inhale the crisp air and mindfully watch as the waves crash against the cliffs and anticipate the WHAM of water spraying from the blow hole.

The wildlife

The Nobbies boardwalk is great way to glimpse the native Philip Island wildlife in their natural habitat. Most of the animals have adapted to the ongoing visitors and if you keep your eyes peeled, you can see them lurking under the boardwalks and returning from their nests.

Some native wildlife includes gulls, snakes, fairy penguins. From the Nobbies lookout, you can see Seal Rocks which is home to thousands of local fur seals. At the right time of day, you may see some seals lounging on the rockfaces. May to October is whale migration time and if you are lucky to travel to Philip Island during the winter months, you may be rewarded with the sights the humpback and southern whales swimming along the Victorian coastline.

It’s about family

What I love about the nobbies, is it is accessible for everyone. The solid boardwalk makes it hard to lose people. You can stop and start as much as you want and it’s a great way to teach the kids a thing or two about conservation.

Coming back to Philip Island every few years, it’s just as enjoyable as when I was young. There’s a bit more to do now like visit the Nobbies centre and drink coffee like a grown up but the salty sea breeze never gets old. There is a lot more of a conservation and education focus now.

Skipping along the Nobbies boardwalk trail with my own family makes me want to bring them back again.

Like the trail? For more trail trips by this author, click here.

January 23, 2023