victoria - a walker's paradise

B100

B100

B100

B100

Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape VolneyLion H

eadland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

236

Pa

rke

r

S

pu

r

Ma

rrine

r Rid

ge

Lavers Hill

Wangerrip

Marengo

Paradise

Johanna

Crowes

Hordern Vale

JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps

Cape Otway Lightstation

Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead

S o u t h e r n O c e a n

G R E AT OT WAY

NAT I O NA L

PA R K

O t way

Fo re s t

Pa r k

O t wayFo re s tPa r k

PORT CAMPBELLNATIONAL PARK

T W E LV E A P O S T L E SM A R I N E

NAT I O NA L PA R K

G R E AT OT WAY N . P.

OCEAN

ROAD

GREA

T

GREAT

O

CEAN

ROA

D

OCEANG

REA

T

ROA

D

GREAT

OCEAN

ROAD

Gellibrand

River

River

Ford

Aire

River

Calder

River

Park

er

RiverGreat Ocean Walk – inland route

Great Ocean Walk – beach route

Lookout

Campsite

Point of interest

Lighthouse

0 5 km

a walker’s paradise V i c to r i a – a u st r a l i a

Mountain coast Forest

B100

B100

B100

B100

Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

236

Pa

rke

r

S

pu

r

Ma

rrine

r Rid

ge

Lavers Hill

Wangerrip

Marengo

Paradise

Johanna

Crowes

Hordern Vale

JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


G R E AT OT WAY

NAT I O NA L

PA R K

O t way

Fo re s t

Pa r k




NAT I O NA L PA R K


OCEAN

ROAD

GREA

T

GREAT

O

CEAN

ROA

D

OCEAN

GR

EAT

ROA

D

GREAT

OCEAN

ROAD

Gellibrand

River

River

Ford

Aire

River

Calder

River

Park

er



Lookout

Campsite

Point of interest

Lighthouse

0 5 km

B100

B100

B100

B100

Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

236

Pa

rke

r

S

pu

r

Ma

rrine

r Rid

ge

Lavers Hill

Wangerrip

Marengo

Paradise

Johanna

Crowes

Hordern Vale

JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


G R E AT OT WAY

NAT I O NA L

PA R K

O t way

Fo re s t

Pa r k




NAT I O NA L PA R K


OCEAN

ROAD

GREA

T

GREAT

O

CEAN

ROA

D

OCEAN

GR

EAT

ROA

D

GREAT

OCEAN

ROAD

Gellibrand

River

River

Ford

Aire

River

Calder

River

Park

er



Lookout

Campsite

Point of interest

Lighthouse

0 5 km

l Great Otway NatiONal Parkl alPiNe NatiONal Parkl Mt. BuffalO NatiONal Parkl GraMPiaNs NatiONal Parkl CrOajiNGOlONG NatiONal Parkl Baw Baw NatiONal Parkl wilsONs PrOMONtOry NatiONal Park

B100

B100

B100

B100

Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape VolneyLion H

eadland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

236

Pa

rke

r

S

pu

r

Ma

rrine

r Rid

ge

Lavers Hill

Wangerrip

Marengo

Paradise

Johanna

Crowes

Hordern Vale

JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


G R E AT OT WAY

NAT I O NA L

PA R K

O t way

Fo re s t

Pa r k




NAT I O NA L PA R K


OCEAN

ROADG

REAT

GREAT

O

CEAN

ROA

D

OCEANG

REA

T

ROA

D

GREAT

OCEAN

ROAD

Gellibrand

River

River

Ford

Aire

River

Calder

River

Park

er



Lookout

Campsite

Point of interest

Lighthouse

0 5 km

Victoria – a walker’s paradise

dramatic coastlines, temperate rainforests, mountain

ranges with tremendous views – Victoria’s national parks

form the diverse and exotic stage for some of the most

memorable walking adventures australia has on offer.

this practical walking guide will accompany you in the

most exciting national parks of the state and offers

detailed and carefully researched facts for the best trekking

routes and the most rewarding day walks in Victoria’s

premier walking parks.

B100

B100

B100

B100

Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

236

Pa

rke

r

S

pu

r

Ma

rrine

r Rid

ge

Lavers Hill

Wangerrip

Marengo

Paradise

Johanna

Crowes

Hordern Vale

JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


G R E AT OT WAY

NAT I O NA L

PA R K

O t way

Fo re s t

Pa r k




NAT I O NA L PA R K


OCEAN

ROAD

GREA

T

GREAT

O

CEAN

ROA

D

OCEAN

GR

EAT

ROA

D

GREAT

OCEAN

ROAD

Gellibrand

River

River

Ford

Aire

River

Calder

River

Park

er



Lookout

Campsite

Point of interest

Lighthouse

0 5 km

Grand finale: A walk along the beach beside the rock stacks of the Twelve Apostles finishes the Great Ocean Walk in spectacular style.

B a s s S t r a i t

PortPhillip

Bay

S O U T H E R N

O C E A N

T A S M A N

S E A

Cape Howe

Cape Nelson

Cape Otw

ay

G r e a t D i v i d i ng R

a n g e

Gra

mp

ian

s

Croajingalong NP

Mount Buffalo N P

Alpine N P

Grampians N P

Baw Baw NP

Wilsons Promontory N P

Great OtwayNP

Ouyen

Warracknabeal

Port Fairy

Port Campbell

ColeraineCasterton

Heywood

LorneAnglesea

Apollo Bay

Mortlake

Terang

Edenhope

MallacootaCann River

Hamilton

Ararat

Stawell

PortlandColac Torquay

Castlemaine

Maryborough Seymour

Bairnsdale

Lakes Entrance

Orbost

Benalla

Echuca

Myrtleford

WangarattaWodonga

Shepparton

Horsham

TraralgonMorwellSaleMoe

Mildura

Warrnambool

MELBOURNE

Bendigo

Ballarat

Geelong

Albury

VICTORIA

B100

B100

B100

B100

Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

236

Pa

rke

r

S

pu

r

Ma

rrine

r Rid

ge

Lavers Hill

Wangerrip

Marengo

Paradise

Johanna

Crowes

Hordern Vale

JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


G R E AT OT WAY

NAT I O NA L

PA R K

O t way

Fo re s t

Pa r k




NAT I O NA L PA R K


OCEAN

ROAD

GREA

T

GREAT

O

CEAN

ROA

D

OCEAN

GR

EAT

ROA

D

GREAT

OCEAN

ROAD

Gellibrand

River

River

Ford

Aire

River

Calder

River

Park

er



Lookout

Campsite

Point of interest

Lighthouse

0 5 km

CONTENTS

2 Welcome to Victoria

4 Useful information

TREKKING

6 Great Ocean Walk

12 Wilderness Coast Walk

18 Great Walhalla Alpine Trail

WALKING

24 Alpine National Park

28 Grampians National Park

32 Mt. Buffalo National Park

36 Wilsons Promontory National Park

B100

B100

B100

B100

Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

236

Pa

rke

r

S

pu

r

Ma

rrine

r Rid

ge

Lavers Hill

Wangerrip

Marengo

Paradise

Johanna

Crowes

Hordern Vale

JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


G R E AT OT WAY

NAT I O NA L

PA R K

O t way

Fo re s t

Pa r k




NAT I O NA L PA R K


OCEAN

ROAD

GREA

T

GREAT

O

CEAN

ROA

D

OCEAN

GR

EAT

ROA

D

GREAT

OCEAN

ROAD

Gellibrand

River

River

Ford

Aire

River

Calder

River

Park

er



Lookout

Campsite

Point of interest

Lighthouse

0 5 km

2

WELCOME TO ViCTOriA

If you’re looking for a catchphrase that captures the essence of the Australian state of Victoria, then

you can’t go past “small is beautiful”. Victoria, situated in the south east corner of the Australian mainland, is the second smallest state of the continent after Tasmania, representing less than three per cent of Australia’s land mass. However, it is is one of the most topographically, geologically and climatically diverse states. The landscape ranges from snow-covered mountains, densely forested hills, wild coast, flood plains and grasslands to sundrenched semi-desert bushland in the north-west.

Victoria’s highest mountains are found in the Victorian Alps which form part of the Great Dividing Range and are mostly protected within the vast Alpine National Park with Mount Bogong the highest peak in the state at 1,986 metres. Like its mountains, broad tracts of Victoria’s wild and sublimely scenic coastline are protected in large reserves such as Croajingolong National Park, the Great Otway National Park or the famous Port Campbell National Park.

Victoria has over 100 national parks and nature reserves which

cover over 41,000 square kilometres or approximately 17 per cent of the state. These wonderful nature reserves provide the stage for activities in which this state has become a major player: bushwalking and trekking. Parks Victoria is constantly seeking to improve the experiences available to walkers. The Great Ocean Walk, a coastal walk of breathtaking beauty spanning 104 kilometres, is a model example of this. The expansion of existing bushwalking infrastructure is also high on the authority’s agenda.

There’s no doubt as far as people in the know are concerned: Victoria has developed, on the quiet, into a premiere bushwalking and trekking destination within Australia. With its vibrant and creative state capital Melbourne as an international centre, its compact, manageable size and excellent infrastructure, Victoria makes it easy for visitors to reach the major national parks with their diverse opportunities for walking and trekking.

So pack your backpack, put on your walking boots, slap on some sunscreen and head off. Welcome to Australia’s paradise for walkers and hikers – Victoria!

B100

B100

B100

B100

Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

236

Pa

rke

r

S

pu

r

Ma

rrine

r Rid

ge

Lavers Hill

Wangerrip

Marengo

Paradise

Johanna

Crowes

Hordern Vale

JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


G R E AT OT WAY

NAT I O NA L

PA R K

O t way

Fo re s t

Pa r k




NAT I O NA L PA R K


OCEAN

ROAD

GREA

T

GREAT

O

CEANRO

AD

OCEAN

GR

EAT

ROA

D

GREAT

OCEAN

ROAD

Gellibrand

River

River

Ford

Aire

River

Calder

River

Park

er



Lookout

Campsite

Point of interest

Lighthouse

0 5 km

3

Top10experiencesinVictoria1. Drive along the Great Ocean Road (www.greatoceanrd.org.au)

2. Enjoy a helicopter flight over the Twelve Apostles

(www.12apostleshelicopters.com.au)

3. Watch the little penguins come ashore on Phillip Island (www.penguins.org.au)

4. Take a hot air balloon flight over Melbourne (www.globalballooning.com.au)

5. Hit the streets on a Hidden Secrets Walking Tour in Melbourne

(www.hiddensecretstours.com)

6. Experience animals, volcanoes, Aboriginal culture: Tower Hill State Game Reserve

(www.parkweb.vic.gov.au)

7. Indulge in wine tasting in the Yarra Valley (www.domainechandon.com.au)

8. Savour the culinary delights of the Milawa Gourmet Region

(www.milawagourmet.com)

9. Pamper yourself at the Hepburn Bathhouse (www.hepburnbathhouse.com)

10. Play a round of golf at a world class course on the Mornington Peninsula

(www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org)

B100

B100

B100

B100

Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

236

Pa

rke

r

S

pu

r

Ma

rrine

r Rid

ge

Lavers Hill

Wangerrip

Marengo

Paradise

Johanna

Crowes

Hordern Vale

JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


G R E AT OT WAY

NAT I O NA L

PA R K

O t way

Fo re s t

Pa r k




NAT I O NA L PA R K


OCEAN

ROAD

GREA

T

GREAT

O

CEAN

ROA

D

OCEAN

GR

EAT

ROA

D

GREAT

OCEAN

ROAD

Gellibrand

River

River

Ford

Aire

River

Calder

River

Park

er



Lookout

Campsite

Point of interest

Lighthouse

0 5 km

4

Whatneedstogointhebackpack?Victoria lies in the south of the Australian continent and therefore in a temperate zone. Many walks are in mountainous regions or exposed coastal landscapes. The weather can be extremely unpredictable here and the success of a walk lasting a day or several days depends on the right equipment.

USEFUL iNFOrMATiON

TREKKINGChecklist: Trekking backpack of 70 litres or more

Waterproof bag for inside the backpack

Light, sturdy hiking tent

Sleeping bag

Sleeping mat

Sleeping bag liner

Headlamp

Stove and cooking utensils

Cutlery, cup, plate and bowl

Water container

Water filter or Micropur

Pocket knife

Topographical map

Compass

First aid kit

Hygiene articles / personal medication

Toilet paper

Hand towel

Sturdy walking boots (broken in)

Sport sandals

Waterproof jacket

Waterproof overpants

Thermal underwear

Shorts

Fleece or soft-shell jacket

Socks

Gaiters

Long trekking pants

Gloves and beanie

Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen

Synthetic fibre t-shirts (no cotton)

AppropriatebehaviourinnationalparksFor your own safety, but also to protect the fragile nature of Victoria’s parks, Parks Victoria has compiled a list of recommendations and regulations which should be observed by every walker and hiker.• Always stay on the path and avoid shortcuts• Spread out in pathless terrain (less damage from footprints)• Avoid delicate plants such as cushions of moss• Inform Parks Victoria about the number of hikers and the planned timeframe for the walking tour• Keep the group small (4-8 hikers)• Hike outside the high season (Dec – Feb) if possible • Minimise environmental pollution by taking stove, tent and hand trowel (to bury faeces) with you• Only light a fire when it is completely safe• Comply with Total Fire Bans• Keep the fire as small as possible; do not create new fireplaces• Only use dry, fallen wood for fires • Pour water on the fire until it is completely out before leaving• Pack to keep rubbish to a minimum• Do not burn or bury rubbish• Take out whatever you take into the wild • Collect the rubbish of other walkers• Do not feed wild animals• Use toilets where available• Bury faeces where there are no toilets

B100

B100

B100

B100

Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

236

Pa

rke

r

S

pu

r

Ma

rrine

r Rid

ge

Lavers Hill

Wangerrip

Marengo

Paradise

Johanna

Crowes

Hordern Vale

JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


G R E AT OT WAY

NAT I O NA L

PA R K

O t way

Fo re s t

Pa r k




NAT I O NA L PA R K


OCEAN

ROAD

GREA

T

GREAT

O

CEANRO

AD

OCEAN

GR

EAT

ROA

D

GREAT

OCEAN

ROAD

Gellibrand

River

River

Ford

Aire

River

Calder

River

Park

er



Lookout

Campsite

Point of interest

Lighthouse

0 5 km

5

(at least 100 metres from the camp or watercourses)• Cover food to keep out flies• Boil water in heavily frequented regions• Do not use soap, toothpaste or dishwashing liquid in creeks or lakes• Wash dishes 50 metres from water and spread out dishwashing water

ShoesSturdy, broken in walking boots are recommended for all the tours suggested in this walking guide. These high boots protects the feet from injury and can prevent serious consequences from snake bite. Gore-Tex is not absolutely necessary and can be a disadvantage on hot days. For hiking and walking tours in the alpine regions on the other hand, Gore-Tex boots are advantageous in marshy and muddy sections.

GaitersWearing gaiters may be some-what unusual in other latitudes as far as trekking and day walking is concerned but this is not the case in Australia. Bushwalkers in Australia wear gaiters for at least three reasons: they offer reliable protection against snake bites, prevent dampness from soaking through in marshy and muddy sections and protect against thorns and barbs.

B100

B100

B100

B100

Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape VolneyLion H

eadland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

236

Pa

rke

r

S

pu

r

Ma

rrine

r Rid

ge

Lavers Hill

Wangerrip

Marengo

Paradise

Johanna

Crowes

Hordern Vale

JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


G R E AT OT WAY

NAT I O NA L

PA R K

O t way

Fo re s t

Pa r k




NAT I O NA L PA R K


OCEAN

ROAD

GREA

T

GREAT

O

CEAN

ROA

D

OCEANG

REA

T

ROA

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BEACHES, CLIFFS AND KOALAS

A rguably Australia’s most spectacular coastal walk, the Great Ocean Walk (GOW)

is a feast for the eyes and soul. Day after day the constantly changing drama of the sea pounding Victoria’s coastline captivates walkers. There is no doubt that the ocean in all its facets and moods is the main attraction for those trekking this magnificent coastal walk. The GOW, Victoria’s newest trekking route, begins in the small coastal town of Apollo Bay in the south of Victoria. The track then follows the coast for 104 kilometres through the Great Otway National Park to the beginning of the iconic Port Campbell National Park. The terrain varies between wild rocky coastlines, solitary sandy beaches, dark primeval forests with ancient tree giants and gentle, rural scenery. Trekkers experience the Cape Otway lighthouse standing exposed above the raging sea, wild Wreck Beach where two rusting anchors remind them why this section of the coast is called the Shipwreck Coast, and the breathtaking lookout The Gables. Although the track follows the coast, steep up and down sections test the fitness of trekkers from time and time. There are seven campsites set up for trekkers along the GOW. Most of them are only accessible on foot and can accommodate up to eight tents. The whole route of the GOW is well marked.

Almost there: The rock stacks of the Twelve Apostles reward walkers at the end of the Great Ocean Walk (main picture). Trekkers enjoy the well-set-up campsites along the route(far right), while casual bushwalkers with daypacks stroll through the tall forest at Elliot Ridge (right).

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

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JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


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7TrEkkiNG

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

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Mt Acland

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Parker Hill80

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JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

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Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


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DAILY ITINERARYDay1: Apollo Bay – Elliot ridge GOW Campsite, 9 km, 4 hours, easy to mediumDay2: Elliot ridge GOW Campsite – Blanket Bay GOW Campsite, 12 km, 5 hours, medium Day3: Blanket Bay GOW Campsite – Cape Otway GOW Campsite, 11 km, 4 hours, mediumDay4: Cape Otway GOW Campsite – Aire river GOW Campsite, 10 km, 4 hours, easyDay5: Aire river GOW Campsite – Johanna Beach GOW Campsite, 13 km, 5 hours, mediumDay6: Johanna Beach GOW Campsite ryans Den GOW Campsite, 13 km, 6 hours, strenuous in placesDay7: ryans Den GOW Campsite – Devils kitchen GOW Campsite, 15 km, 6 hours, strenuous in placesDay8: Devils kitchen GOW Campsite – Glenample Homestead, 14 km, 5 hours, easy

Scenes from a coastal hike: The views from Ryans Den (top) and The Gables Lookout (bottom) show the drama and splendour of the Shipwreck Coast. Beach sections, like this one at Johanna Beach, are both a pleasure and a challenge (right).

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

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Hordern Vale

JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


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GrEAT OCEAN WALk

FACTSTotallength:104 kmTime:8 days, 7 nightsSeason: all year round; the summer months of November to March are very popularStart: Apollo BayFinish: Twelve ApostlesGrade: easy to mediumMaps: information Guide and Map Great Ocean Walk, 1:25,000 by Parks Victoria

TrEkkiNG

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B100

B100

B100

Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape VolneyLion H

eadland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

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Paradise

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Crowes

Hordern Vale

JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


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The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road (www.greatoceanrd.org.au), considered one of Australia’s most scenic coastal roads, starts in the surfing town of Torquay and ends 243 kilometres later in the small coastal town of Warrnambool (www.visitwarrnambool.com.au). In between lies one of the wildest and most diverse coastal regions of Victoria: cliffs and sandy beaches, lighthouses and charming coastal resorts, national parks and nature reserves, rainforests and waterfalls. Magnificent views of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean surprise again and again along the coastal road. The dramatic road was built by returned servicemen after

WWI and is considered to be an engineering masterpiece. The construction of the road ended the isolation of hitherto remote coastal towns. Over the years the Great Ocean Road has developed into one of Australia’s major tourist icons. Highlights along the way include Cape Otway (www.lightstation.com) and its dramatic lighthouse which towers high above the untamed ocean and Port Campbell National Park (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au) with its points of interest: the rock stacks of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the natural bridges The Arch and London Bridge. Short walks lead into temperate rainforest and to romantic waterfalls. Numerous options for overnight accommodation

ranging from budget to luxurious ensure that visitors can find a bed for the night along the route. Many companies offer tours. There is also the option to go on a helicopter flight along the dramatic coastline (www.12apostleshelicopters.com.au). Tower Hill State Game Reserve (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au) lies only twelve kilometres west of Warrnambool. Those interested in geology – Tower Hill is an extinct volcano with a crater lake – and animal lovers in particular get their money’s worth here. The Great Ocean Road is a unique experience for which a few days should be allocated.

Animals in droves: Sightings of koalas and kangaroos are guaranteed along the Great Ocean Walk. Walkers can enjoy the most beautiful parts of the coastal walk as day trips from the modern lodge of tour operator Bothfeet (right).

Information: www.greatoceanwalk.com.au or via email: [email protected]. The Parks Victoria information Centre provides information over the phone on 13 1963 (only within Australia)Infrastructure: 7 campsites with water tanks, toilets and shelter for bad weatherPermit/Costs: Every trekker must obtain a camping permit at least two weeks before starting the walk. Applications at www.greatoceanwalk.com.auSpecialconsiderations: The GOW must be traversed from east to westThere are no opportunities to acquire drinking water along the GOW. The water in the few streams along the route is not considered potable so sufficient water for the day has to be carried. All campsites along the track are equipped with rainwater tanks. it is recommended to boil or treat the water from the tanks with Micropur

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

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JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


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0 5 kmACCOMMODATION ALONG THE GOW

Aire Valley Guesthouseairevalleyguesthouse.com.auCape Otway Lightstationlightstation.comGreat Ocean Ecolodgewww.greatoceanecolodgeMantra Erskine Beach Resortwww.mantraerskinebeachresort.com.auHoliday Great Ocean Roadholidaygor.com.auSouthern Ocean Villaswww.southernoceanvillas.com.au

TOUR OPERATORS

Auswalkauswalk.com.auBothfeetbothfeet.com.au Epicurious Travelepicurioustravel.comRaw Travel Walking Adventuresrawtravel.comGreat Ocean Ecolodgegreatoceanecolodge.comPort Campbell Touring Companyportcampbelltouring.com.au

GrEAT OCEAN WALk

The Great Ocean Walk for connoisseurs

The GOW is designed in such a way that you can enter or exit at almost every stage. This means walkers don’t have to tackle the whole walk in one hit. They have the option of experiencing the most beautiful sections as day trips with daypacks. Many B&Bs along the GOW offer stylish accommodation for those who want to experience

the coastal walk without having to carry a fully packed trekking backpack. Many local companies offer guided tours along the GOW, return transport from the finish, organise food drops for hikers to the various camps along the track or lease out hiking and camping gear.

TrEkkiNG 11

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B100

B100

B100

Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

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JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


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ALONG THE WILDERNESS COAST

Croajingolong National Park protects a magnificent wilderness area in south-east

Victoria. Although experts compare the park’s importance with that of the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, the large reserve with a tongue twister of a name is itself unknown to most Australians. The park’s outstanding significance is derived from its plethora of habitats as well as its incredibly interesting flora and fauna.

The park’s showpiece however is the wild and untamed coast. The beaches and dune landscapes stretch for kilometres, interrupted by inlets and promontories with dramatic rocky shores. This mix of landscapes forms the backdrop for the eight-day-long, challenging Wilderness Coast Walk.

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Dramatic seclusion: The Thurra River flows past massive sand dunes (left). A paper nautilus washed up onto one of the many deserted beaches of the national park (bottom).

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

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Mt Acland

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Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

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GlenampleHomestead


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A rock filled world: Rugged granite shores like here at Petrel Point (main picture) and Clinton Rocks (left) interrupt the long ribbons of sand formed by deserted beaches. The coast of Croajingolong National Park is a geological mix of sand, granite and, in parts, brutally folded sedimentary rock.

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

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Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

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Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


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THE DAILY ITINERARYDay1: Cape Conran – Dock inlet, 11 km, 3 hours, easy (option of a side trip to Yeerung Gorge + 6km + 2 hours)Day2: Dock inlet – Bemm river, 12 km, 4 hours, easyDay3: Bemm river – Clinton rocks Creek, 13 km, 4 hours, mediumDay4: Clinton rocks Creek – Thurra river, 15 km, 5-6 hours, medium (side trip to

lighthouse at Point Hicks)Day5: Thurra river – Gale Hill Track, 11 km, 4 hours, mediumDay6: Gale Hill Track – Wingan inlet, 11 km, 4-5 hours, mediumDay7: Wingan inlet – Benedore river, 12 km, 4 hours, mediumDay8: Benedore river – Mallacoota, 15 km, 5 hours, medium

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

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Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


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15

WiLDErNESS COAST WALk

Obstacle: Wingan Inlet forms one of the greatest obstacles on the long hike from Cape Conran to Mallacoota. Parks Victoria has made canoes available for hikers here.

Highlights: The peninsula of Point Hicks is crowned with a lighthouse which, together with the jetty in the idyllic Wingan Inlet, create visual delights for hikers on days 4 and 6.

TrEkkiNG

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B100

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

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JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

LowerGellibrand

Burrupa

Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

Plain

MarinersLookout

Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

Apollo Bay

GlenampleHomestead


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FACTSTotallength: 100 kmTime: 8 days, 7 nightsSeason: all year round; drinking water can be scarce in January and February Start: Cape Conran reserveFinish: MallacootaGrade: very challenging hike along one of the wildest and most untamed coastal sections of Victoria. The long, demanding sandy sections along the beaches, the incredible isolation, the lack of signage at times, the occasional extreme weather conditions, as well as the sometimes difficult river and inlet crossings make this trek an undertaking for experienced and independent hikersMaps: ViCMAP Murrungowar – Bemm river, ViCMAP Cann – Point Hicks, ViCMAP Mallacoota, (1:50 000)Information: www.parkweb.vic.gov.auPeter Cook & Chris Dowd, Walking The Wilderness Coast, Wildcoast Publications, iSBN 0-646-07242-0 (www.wildcoast.net.au)Infrastructure: this walk is a wilderness track with only a few signs along the way. Navigating with the help of topographical maps is therefore

essential. Apart from those at Cape Conran, Wingan inlet and the Thurra river, there are no established campsites along the walking track. You have the option of spending a night in permanent accommodation in the small village of Bemm river (www.bemmriver.org.au)Permit: a permit is required for the Wilderness Coast Walk. Permit applications can be downloaded from www.parkweb.vic.gov.au Specialconsiderations: the Wilderness Coast Walk should be traversed from west to east, i.e. from Cape Conran to Mallacoota ensuring that the prevailing winds, which can occasionally reach gale force, are at your back

TOUR OPERATOR:Non-hikers can also experience the wild and undisturbed region of the Croajingolong National Park on a guided four day tour: Echidna Walkabout (www.echidnawalkabout.com.au)

Deserted: A solitary figure follows the beach highway towards Rame Head. The coast was not always deserted however. Numerous Aboriginal shell middens (right) bear witness that the shores of today’s Croajingolong National Park were inhabited for thousands of years.

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Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

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Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

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Mounts Bay

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Experience nature – unknown East Gippsland

Between the mountains of the Australian Alps and the restless Tasman Sea, in the far south-easterly corner of the Australian continent, lies the secretive world of East Gippsland – unknown even to many Australians. The region is characterised above all by its superb forests and hardly any other region of Australia boasts a similar density of national parks. Adjoining the Alpine National Park is the dramatic Snowy River National Park. The river which gives the park its name has carved out an enormous gorge here. Only 50 kilometres from this wild park is the Errinundra Plateau protected in the Errinundra National Park (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au). The highest rainfalls of the woodland rich region are regularly recorded here. The nature reserve’s forests consist of damp tracts of eucalyptus forests with ancient

tree giants and lush, cool to temperate rainforests.

Visitors looking to have a quick experience of the wild national park can take an easy Rainforest Walk along the Princes Highway in the Bemm River Scenic Reserve (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au).

The caves in the Buchan Caves Reserve (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au), accessible via a detour off the Princes Highway, offer a completely different experience.

The former logging village of Buchan lies in a limestone region permeated by an extensive system of caves. There are guided tours available for the two caves open to the public, the Fairy and the Royal Cave. The region’s dramatic wilderness coast, most of which is protected within the magnificent Croajingolong National Park, is selectively accessible to visitors by 4WD. The most beautiful spots are Point Hicks with its lighthouse and the sheltered Wingan Inlet. The only coastal resort with a modest infrastructure for tourists in the Croajingolong National Park area is the small town of Mallacoota (www.visitmallacoota.com.au). It lies at the mouth of the estuary of Mallacoota Inlet which penetrates deep inland.

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Watchful: A superb East Gippsland water dragon eyes the photographer intently.

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Rainbow Falls

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Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

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reserve, next to the Alpine National Park, is the only other nature reserve in Victoria which protects large areas of subalpine vegetation. The carpets of alpine flowers, open grass plains and unique forests of snow gums are characteristic of the upper reaches.

EXPERIENCE THE AUSTRALIAN ALPS

The Australian Alps, part of the Great Dividing Range which stretches over 5,000

kilometres, run through the states of Victoria and New South Wales. The highest mountains in Australia can be found here and are mostly protected by national parks. Treeless peaks, carpets of flowers, glacial lakes, dark primeval forests and fast flowing rivers form a unique Australian landscape. These mountain ranges provide the setting for the Australian Alps Walking Track, which is almost 700 kilometres long and goes from Victoria through New South Wales to the Australian Capital Territory.

The Great Walhalla Alpine Trail (GWAT) offers an easier and much less time consuming insight into the unique world of the Australian Alps. The showpiece of this track is Baw Baw National Park on the south western tip of the mountain range. The GWAT follows the first 40 kilometres of the Australian Alps Walking Track and is a guided, organised walk. included in the price are walking guides, one night at the Alpine Hotel, one night in a bush camp (sleeping bag provided) and one night at Walhalla’s Star Hotel as well as three evening meals, three breakfasts, lunch and snacks during the walk. At least two participants are required for the walking tour to go ahead. The GWAT route leads through impressive forests of towering mountain ash along untamed rivers and past large stands of tree ferns and Antarctic Beech. Hikers experience a cross section of unique and fascinating Australian habitats on this guided tour. A good dose of history is also included – especially in the former gold mining town of Walhalla.

The 133 square kilometres of Baw Baw National Park protects large sections of the Baw Baw Plateau as well as sections of the deep Thomson and Aberfeldy river valleys. The

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Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

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Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

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Hidden wonderland: Baw Baw National Park is unknown to many Australian hikers and bushwalkers. Gems like the mighty granite boulders of Mushroom Rocks (top) and shady fern gullies (left) delight those who dare to take on the Great Walhalla Alpine Trail.

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

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Mounts Bay

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DAILY ITINERARYDay1: (Sunday): Meet the tour guide at Walhalla’s Star Hotel in Walhalla at 3 p.m. Transfer to the Alpine Hotel in Mount Baw Baw Alpine resort afterwards. Settle into accommodation. Enjoy an evening meal togetherDay2: (Monday): Mount Baw Baw Alpine resort – Bushcamp, 21 km, 5-7 hours, medium Day3: (Tuesday): Bushcamp – Walhalla, 19 km, 5-7 hours, medium Day4: (Wednesday): Breakfast at Walhalla’s Star Hotel

Forest walk: On the way down from the alpine grasslands and snow gum forests, the Great Walhalla Alpine Trail picks its way through sheltered forests alongside numerous streams and valleys (top and top right). Hikers spend the night in a sheltered camp (left) below Mount Erica.

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

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GrEAT WALHALLA ALPiNE TrAiLTrEkkiNG

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

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Mounts Bay

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FACTSTotallength: 40 kmTime: 2 days, 1 night campingSeason: October to April; the tour always begins on a Sunday and ends on a Wednesday Start: Mt. Baw Baw Alpine resortFinish: WalhallaGrade: mediumTourOperators: Mt. Baw Baw Alpine resort & Walhalla’s Star HotelInformation: www.greatwalhallaalpinetrail.com,

www.starhotel.com.auInfrastructure: 1 bush campsiteCost: approx. A$980 per person for double room, surcharge for single room A$180Bookings: directly through the website www.greatwalhallaalpinetrail.comSpecialconsiderations: the completely organised and guided GWAT is offered as a total four day package

Combat zone: The crooked, contorted snow gums of the highlands of Baw Baw Plateau (top) are decked with snow in winter.

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

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Mounts Bay

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Glenaire

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Walhalla

The historic gold mining town of Walhalla is nestled in a narrow valley on the edge of Baw Baw National Park (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au). One of the richest towns in Victoria with 4,000 inhabitants in the second half of the nineteenth century, Walhalla retains only a fraction of its former glory and importance today. Less than 20 people now live in this picturesque relic of the gold mining era, however many of the old buildings have been preserved. Visitors feel like they have been transported back in time to the days when the coveted precious metal reigned supreme here. A guided tour of the Long Tunnel Gold Mine (www.

walhallaboard.org.au) provides an excellent insight into the wild days of the gold rush. Walhalla’s riches stemmed from the famous Cohen’s Reef, a three kilometre long, incredibly productive vein of gold. The Long Tunnel Gold Mine alone produced 13.7 tonnes of gold in just 50 years. Anyone seized with gold fever can pan for gold in Stringers Creek. Another attraction in Walhalla is the historic Walhalla Goldfield Railway (www.walhallarail.com). This fantastic railway track runs from the station in Walhalla through the wild chasm of Stringers Creek Gorge to Thomson Station on the Thomson River. The train line reached Walhalla in 1910 – too late to profit from the gold rush, as the gold finds

in the narrow valley had already passed their peak at this time. The Long Tunnel Extended Goldmine closed in 1911, and the Long Tunnel Gold Mine followed suit three years later. The train line which originally operated between Moe and Walhalla was decommissioned in stages and finally completely abandoned in 1954. Its restoration began in 1993,and since 15 March 2002, with the completion of six bridges on the last kilometre before Walhalla, the Walhalla Goldfield Railway offers an exciting experience not just for railway fans. The train currently shuttles between Walhalla and the Thomson River Station.

GrEAT WALHALLA ALPiNE TrAiL23

Scenes from a bushwalk: The site of the storm-wrecked Talbot Hut is an ideal resting place (right). Walkers, end of the walk already in sight with the gold mining town of Walhalla, are looking forward to a hearty evening meal (far left). Marker of the Australian Alps Walking Track which the Great Walhalla Alpine Trail follows for two days (left).

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Point Flinders

Cape Otway

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Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

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Cape Volney

Lion Headland

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VICTORIA’SHIGHESTMOUNTAINS

The Alpine National Park, Victoria’s largest national park, covers 6,731 square kilometres of dramatic mountains, treeless plateaus, deep river valleys and superb forests. The state’s highest peaks lie within the borders of the national park.

1. Ridge walk – Mount Feathertop (1,922 m) via Razortop TrackAn alpine hike with panoramic views over an (in places) exposed ridge to one of the most beautiful peaks in the Alpine National Park

FACTSTotallength: 22 kmTime: 7-8 hoursSeason: summer months November to MarchStart: Diamantina Hut (2.5 km west of Hotham Heights Alpine Village) Finish: same as starting point

Grade: medium, exposed in placesMaps: ViCMAP Feathertop (1:25000)Infrastructure: marked track, shelter (Bungalow Hut) below the top of Mount Feathertop

2. Crossing Mount Feathertop (1,922 m) A variety-packed traverse of the best known peak in the Alpine National Park. The ascent follows the razortop Track then descends over Bungalow Spur to Harrietville.

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

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ALPiNE NATiONAL PArk

FACTSTotallength: 22 kmTime: 7-8 hoursSeason: summer months November to MarchStart: Diamantina Hut (2.5 km west of Hotham Heights Alpine Village) Finish: HarrietvilleGrade: medium, exposed in placesMaps: ViCMAP Feathertop + ViCMAP Harrietville (1:25 000) )Infrastructure: marked track, shelter (Bungalow Hut) below the top of Mount Feathertop

3. Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest peakAdventurous climb of Mount Bogong, the highest peak in Victoria at 1,986 metres. The reward on clear days is a superb panoramic view.

FACTSTotallength: approx. 16 kmTime: 8-10 hoursSeason: summer months November to MarchStart: Mountain Creek Picnic and Camp Area, approx. 11 km from TawongaFinish: same as starting point

Wildflower haven: Every year in spring, the alpine meadows around Mount Feathertop transform into a sea of flowers (top left). The Razortop Track (small picture) is one of the most popular ways to climb this prominent mountain. Campsite for hikers on the saddle below Mount Feathertop (top). Early morning in the Alpine National Park looking out from the Alpine Road near Hotham (right).

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Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

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Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

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Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

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Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

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Winter festival: Gnarled snow gums (left) are found between 1,300 and 1,800 metres in the Alpine National Park. The characteristic tree of the alpine regions is winter hardened and withstands the extreme weather conditions of Victoria’s mountains. A snow gum leaf in detail (below).

Grade: long and strenuous, exposed in placesMaps: ViCMAP Trappers Creek (1:25000)Infrastructure: rugged track in places, Bivouac Hut approximately 3 km below the peak

4. Walk to historic Tawonga HutsEasy stroll over fields of flowers and a mountain ridge with a 360 degree view to a collection of historic huts erected by cattle drovers.

FACTSTotallength: 8 kmTime: 3 hoursSeason: November to MarchStart: Pretty Valley PondageFinish: same as starting pointGrade: easy Maps: ViCMAP Feathertop (1:25000)Infrastructure: 4WD track (Fainter Fire Track)N.B.:This half day walk can be expanded to a full day hike by ascending Mount Niggerhead (1,840 m)

5. Mountain with a view – Mount LochEasy stroll to the top of Mount Loch with panoramic views especially of the wild eastern slopes of nearby Mount Feathertop.

FACTSTotallength: 8 kmTime: 3 hoursSeason: November to MarchStart: car park about 1 km northwest of Hotham Heights Alpine VillageFinish: same as starting pointGrade: easy Maps: ViCMAP Feathertop (1:25000)Infrastructure: route marked with snow depth marker poles, 4WD track

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

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The Great Alpine Road

The Great Alpine Road is a 308 kilometre route over the main range of the Victorian Alps. It connects the small town of Bairnsdale in Gippsland to Wangaratta on the northern side of the ranges. This mountain road is Australia’s highest sealed road and is accessible all year round. Visitors experience breathtaking mountain scenery and pass through awe inspiring forests and pretty villages along the route. The Great Alpine Road travels from the coastal plains into farm studded hills along the Tambo River before climbing to an elevation of 1,800 metres. On the northern side, the Great Alpine Road winds down through

innumerable curves to Ovens Valley lying a mere 500 metres above sea level. The historic town of Omeo, once the centre of a gold mining region, and the ski resort, Hotham Heights Alpine Village (www.mthotham.com.au) lie alongside the alpine road. The highest point of the route is reached at Hotham. The route crosses the Alpine National Park between Dinner Plain and Harrietville. On the northern side of the mountains, after the winding descent into Ovens Valley, the road reaches the pretty town of Bright (www.brightvictoria.com.au). Bright is the departure point for a side trip to Mount Buffalo National Park (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au). The town of Wangaratta

is finally reached via Myrtleford. A detour (21 km) to the gold mining town of Beechworth (www.beechworth.com) just past Myrtleford is well worth the trip.

From Bright, the Great Alpine Road becomes a road for gourmets. Products from numerous farms and vineyards are available for tasting in the particularly fertile region between Myrtleford (www.visitmyrtleford.com.au) and Wangaratta (www.visitwangaratta.com.au). The Milawa Gourmet Region (www.milawagourmet.com) is concentrated around the towns of Milawa, Oxley, Tarrawingee, Everton, Markwood and Whorouly.

Shelters: The historic Tawonga Huts were built by cattle drovers who used to bring their cattle to the alpine meadows in today’s Alpine National Park for summer grazing. The Wallace Hut (left) is one of the best known huts in the nature reserve.

ALPiNE NATiONAL PArkWALkiNG

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

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NATURE’SWONDERLAND

The Grampians rise like a mountainous island out of the intensively farmed plains of Western Victoria. The highest point in the 1,672 square kilometre nature reserve is Mount William (1,167 m). The park’s drawcards are its three parallel, weathered mountain ranges and its unique flora and fauna.

1. The wonders of Wonderland RangeThe Wonderland range with its extraordinary rock formations represents one of the best bushwalking regions in the park. The route runs along Stony Creek to Wonderland Car Park, through the short ravine of the Grand Canyon to Silent Street and then on to The Pinnacle, a breathtaking lookout.

FACTSTotallength: 10 kmTime: 5 hoursSeason: all year round

Start: Halls Gap Finish: same as starting pointGrade: easy to medium, exposed in placesMaps: ViCMAP Halls Gap (1:25000)Infrastructure: marked and upgraded walking tracks

2. Mountain adventure – Mt. SturgeonSteep but varied walk with a 343 m rise to the top of Mt. Sturgeon in the southernmost part of the park. reasonably fit walkers who tackle the climb will be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views.

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

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Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

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GrAMPiANS NATiONAL PArk

FACTSTotallength: 7 kmTime: 2.5 – 3 hoursSeason: all year roundStart: intersection of Grampians Tourist road and Victoria Valley roadFinish: same as starting pointGrade: hard Maps: ViCMAPS Dunkeld South and Abrupt (1:25 000)Infrastructure: marked walking track

3. Panoramic Mount AbruptSteep mountain track on Mount Abrupt (827 m) which suddenly rears up out of the surrounding plains in the south of the national park. The ascent is rewarded with spectacular views.

Lookouts: A koala (top left) watches bushwalkers from his tree lookout. Panoramic view at sunset from Mount William to the Sierra Range (left). One of the best known lookouts in the park is The Pinnacle above Halls Gap (top). A grass tree on Mount Abrupt in the south of the nature reserve (right).

WALkiNG

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

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Parker Hill80

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Loch Ard Gorge

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Rocky world: The Wonderland Range near Halls Gap, the centre of the national park, is one of the most beautiful and dramatic regions for bushwalking in the nature reserve (left). The setting sun bathes the steep cliff faces of the mountain range in warm light (right).

FACTSTotallength: 6 kmTime: 3 hoursSeason: all year roundStart: Mount Abrupt car park Finish: same as starting pointGrade: medium, steep in sectionsMaps: ViCMAP Abrupt (1:25000)Infrastructure: marked walking tracks

4. Mount Stapylton LoopAdventurous round trip for fit and sure-footed hikers in the north of Grampians National Park. Spectacular view from the top of Mount Stapylton.

FACTSTotallength: 12.2 kmTime: 5-6 hoursSeason: all year round; very hot in the summer months December to FebruaryStart: Stapylton Campground Finish: same as starting pointGrade: challenging, exposed in sectionsMaps: ViCMAP Stapylton (1:25000)Infrastructure: marked walking tracks

5. Mt. William (1167 m)Climb through extensive forests to the highest mountain in the Grampians.

FACTSTotallength: 12 kmTime: 4.5 hoursTimeofyear: all year roundStartingpoint: Grampians Tourist road, 3.3 km south from Mount William road turnoffEndpoint: same as starting pointGrade: mediumMaps: ViCMAP Mount William (1:25000)Infrastructure: marked walking trail

Damage was sustained to several walking tracks in the Grampians in January 2011 due to heavy rain and strong winds. Please check the Parks Victoria website before making travel plans to the Grampians to ensure the walks you are interested in are accessible.

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

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Princetown

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Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

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GrAMPiANS NATiONAL PArk

Stone monument: Bizarre weathered sandstone formations, like here near the Grand Canyon on the way to the lookout at The Pinnacle, are characteristic of the Wonderland Range (right).

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Unknown West

For many visitors, the tourist interest in Western Victoria ends with the spectacular northern end of the Grampians. Where the sandstone cliffs of the mountains soar for the last time, the heat hazed plains of Wimmera, with its intensive agriculture, salt and clay pans and glistening monotony begin. And yet it is worthwhile pressing on a little bit further north. Not far from the small rural town of Horsham (visithorsham.com.au) hides the little village of Natimuk (www.

arapiles.net), an interesting artist colony, where several famous artists have settled.

Only a few kilometres further west from Natimuk lies the Mecca for Australian climbers – the Arapiles (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au). With over 3,000 climbing routes, Mount Arapiles is the destination of choice for the international climbing elite. Non-climbers do not have to limit themselves to just looking on, however. A road leads to a superb lookout at the top where the view to the north over apparently endless plains is revealed. There

is also a walking trail leading to this lookout. North-west from Horsham lies Little Desert National Park (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au). The nature reserve, made up of three sections, is especially attractive to plant and bird lovers. The wildflower bloom in spring showcases the park’s surprising biodiversity. Although only around 400 mm rainfall is recorded on average in the region, over 670 plant species are to be found inside the reserve and more than 220 bird species have been recorded to date.

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

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Mounts Bay

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GRANITEPLAYGROUND

Mount Buffalo National Park is a freestanding granite massif near the Alpine National Park. The compact nature reserve attracts bushwalkers and climbers with its dramatic granite formations.

1. The Big Walk – The ascent of the plateauLong and strenuous climb to Mount Buffalo. The route runs through the massif’s most diverse vegetation zones, leads to waterfalls and rewards the traveller with breathtaking lookouts.

FACTSTotallength: 16 kmTime: 6-7 hoursSeason: summer months November to MarchStart: Eurobin Creek Picnic Area Finish: Gorge Day Visitor AreaGrade: medium, steep in placesMaps: ViCMAP Eurobin & Buckland (1:25 000)Infrastructure: marked walking track

2. In the wilderness – Mount McLeod Track A day’s walking tour in the most isolated part of the national park, the North Buffalo Plateau. Highlight is the ascent of 1,545 metre high Mount McLeod.

FACTSTotallength: 16 kmTime: 6 hoursSeason: summer months November to MarchStart: reservoir Picnic AreaFinish: same as starting pointGrade: mediumMaps: ViCMAP Eurobin & Buckland (1:25 000)Infrastructure: marked walking track

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

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Mt Acland

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Loch Ard Gorge

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MOUNT BUFFALO NATiONAL PArk

3. On the highest peak – The Horn TrackShort walk on the Horn, the highest elevation in the alpine national park at 1,723 metres. The 360° view from the peak is superb. The walk is particularly beautiful at sunset.

FACTSTotallength: approx. 1.5 kmTime: 45 min.Season: summer months November to MarchStart: Horn Picnic AreaFinish: same as starting pointGrade: easyMaps: ViCMAP Eurobin & Buckland (1:25 000)Infrastructure: marked walking tracks

4. Granite monuments – Corral – Castle Track Easy short walk to some of the park’s many rock sculptures. This walk leads into a less frequented area of the nature reserve.

FACTSTotallength: 3.5 kmTime: 1.5 hoursSeason: summer months November to MarchStart: Cathedral Picnic AreaFinish: same as starting pointGrade: easyMaps: ViCMAP Eurobin & Buckland (1:25 000)Infrastructure: marked walking tracks

Granite bastion: Magnificent views from the top of The Horn (left). The highest elevation in Mount Buffalo National Park is a popular destination for bushwalkers and climbers. The scenic gem of Eurobin Falls (top) shows the park from a different angle. Visitors can experience the nature reserve from the air with a tandem flight in a microlight aircraft (right).

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

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Mt Acland

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Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

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5. Mount Dunn loop walkA day’s walk which combines several of the park’s sights: The Gorge, Lake Catani and The Monolith. Highlight is the ascent of Mount Dunn.

FACTSTotallength: approx. 15.5 kmTime: 5 hoursSeason: summer months November to MarchStart: Mount Buffalo ChaletFinish: same as starting pointGrade: medium Maps: ViCMAP Eurobin & Buckland (1:25 000)Infrastructure: marked walking tracks

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

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Princetown

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Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

BigGrasstree

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MOUNT BUFFALO NATiONAL PArk

Adventure playground Mount Buffalo

Mount Buffalo National Park is not only an ideal place for bushwalkers. The plateau’s granite mountains and rock walls are also a popular destination for rock climbers. The Horn is a well-known climbing venue for beginners and those who want to venture onto medium grade routes. The walls of The Hump and The Cathedral also entice

with solid granite routes. The long and in parts extremely difficult routes at The Gorge are only suitable for experts with nerves of steel. Climbers take several days on some routes on The Gorge’s up to 300 metre high rock walls. Another group of adrenalin seekers who flock to Mount Buffalo National Park are hang-gliders. A starting ramp has been erected at the Gorge near Mount Buffalo Chalet, where hang-gliders lift off and then

slowly spiral high on thermals. Bright (www.brightvictoria.com.au), which lies at the foot of Mount Buffalo, is considered to be a top destination for hang-gliders and paragliders in Victoria and offers ideal conditions for these kinds of aerial sports. The Eagle School of Microlighting and Hang Gliding (www.eagleschool.com.au) is also located in Bright.

Granite Wonderland: Falls View Lookout offers an unobstructed view over Ovens Valley from the east side of Mount Buffalo Plateau (left). Two walkers rest at the granite formation of Mohammed’s Tomb in the southeast of the nature reserve (bottom left).

Full of variety: The beauty of Mount Buffalo National Park comes in various shapes and forms ranging from the magnificent rock formation The Cathedral (right) to details such a lichen-covered branch in the misty forest near Mount McLeod (above).

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

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Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

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BEACHES,WILDFLOWERSANDGRANITESHORES

Wilsons Promontory National Park is considered Victoria’s most popular national park. Only around three hours’ drive from Melbourne, the animal-rich nature reserve enchants with its beautiful mix of landscapes including thickly forested mountains, open grass savannahs, hidden sandy beaches, superb shores and impressive granite formations.

1.Nature trail – Lilly Pilly Gully and Mount BishopA rewarding half day loop walk which combines the dark rainforest along Lilly Pilly Gully with an ascent of the granite mountain, Mount Bishop (319 m), famous for its splendid views.

FACTSTotallength: 5 kmTime: 3 hours

Season: all year roundStart: Lilly Pilly Gully Car Park Finish: same as starting pointGrade: easy Maps: ViCMAP Wilsons Promontory National Park (1:50 000)Infrastructure: marked walking track

2. Secluded beach – Sealers CoveLong day walk on the remote eastern side of the national park to the beautiful bay of Sealers Cove. The return walk is relatively strenuous with a climb of 300 metres in altitude.

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

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Mt Acland

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Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

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FACTSTotallength: 19 kmTime: 6-7 hoursSeason: all year roundStart: Mount Oberon Car Park Finish: same as starting pointGrade: easy to mediumMaps: ViCMAP Wilsons Promontory National Park (1:50 000)Infrastructure: marked walking track, board walks

3. Open air zoo – Millers LandingA rewarding short walk to Corner inlet in the northern section of the reserve where wildlife is plentiful. On this loop track, walkers discover landscapes and plant communities in stark

contrast to those found in the mountainous region of the national park.

FACTSTotallength: 4 kmTime: 6-7 hoursSeason: all year roundStart: Millers Landing Car ParkFinish: same as starting pointGrade: easyMaps: ViCMAP Wilsons Promontory National Park (1:50 000)Infrastructure: marked walking tracksN.B.: The short walk to Millers Landing can be extended by a side trip to Vereker Outlook (+ 6 km)

Bursting with colour: The aquamarine water of Waterloo Bay is reminiscent of the tropics (main picture left). Brightly coloured crimson rosellas are abundant in the park (left). The lighthouse at South East Point (top) is the destination of a two day hike. Walkers can stroll through the unique rainforest at Lilly Pilly Creek on board walks (right).

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

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4. South East Point – the Lighthouse TrackTwo day walk via Waterloo Bay to the dramatic granite headland of South East Point, crowned with a lighthouse, in the extreme south east of Wilsons Promontory. The return walk is via Oberon Bay.

FACTSTotallength: 44 kmTime: 2 daysSeason: all year roundStart: Mount Oberon Car Park

Finish: Tidal riverGrade: mediumMaps: ViCMAP Wilsons Promontory National Park (1:50 000)Infrastructure: 4WD track closed to traffic, marked walking tracks, accommodation available at the lighthouse

5. Bay walk – to Oberon BayLong but extremely diverse day walk that includes three beaches and (for especially fit hikers) superb views from the top of Mount Oberon.

FACTSTotallength: 19 kmTime: 7-8 hoursSeason: all year roundStart: Mount Oberon Car Park Finish: Tidal riverGrade: mediumMaps: ViCMAP Wilsons Promontory National Park (1:50 000)Infrastructure: marked walking tracks with beach sections

Coastal park: Not only bushwalkers choose Wilsons Promontory as their destination in summer. Surfers wait for waves in Whisky Bay near Wilsons Promontory Road (left). The stunningly beautiful Waterloo Bay in the east of the park can only be reached on foot (bottom).

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

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Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

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WiLSONS PrOMONTOrY NATiONAL PArk

Phillip Island

The little penguins come ashore at dusk. They waddle clumsily over the beach to their burrows – watched by large numbers of fascinated visitors. The nightly penguin parade in Phillip Island Nature Park (www.penguins.org.au) is one of Victoria’s major attractions. The 100 square kilometre large Phillip Island

(www.phillipisland.net.au) at the entrance to Western Port Bay southeast of Melbourne however has much more to offer to animal lovers, including the world’s largest colony of Australian fur seals on a boat ride with Wildlife Coast Cruises (www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au), and koalas in the Koala Conservation Centre (www.penguins.org.au). Kangaroos, wallabies and possums

can also of course be seen in the wild, and bird lovers will love exploring the island’s wetlands.

Phillip Island is also known for the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit (www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au). Everything revolves around motor sports here and major car and motorbike races are held on a regular basis.

Ocean and animals: The two main attractions of the nature reserve are the spectacular bays and beaches like Norman Beach at Norman Bay (top) as well as the plethora of animals, as indicated by the road sign near Darby Saddle (right).

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Damage was sustained to several walking tracks in Wilsons Promontory in March 2011 due to heavy rain and strong winds. Please check the Parks Victoria website before making travel plans to the Prom to ensure the walks you are interested in are accessible.

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Rediscover nature. Reconnect with life.There’s nothing better for your wellbeing than getting out in nature. With over four million hectares of parks and waterways, Victoria has many different natural Australian landscapes to experience.

From walks along the spectacular coastline of the Twelve Apostles, across the peaks of the Alps and Grampians and through the pristine landscapes of Wilsons Promontory, to the hundreds of kilometres of trails connecting our urban parks, rivers and the bays, there’s plenty to discover and enjoy in Victoria’s parks.

To find out more about Victoria’s parks contact Parks Victoria on +61 3 8627 4699 or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au

editOrial

editor and project management: don fuchs

words and photography: don fuchs

design: tony Gordon Print Counsel

Maps: Mapgraphx

Thanks:

diana Morgan, tourism Victoria alysia Brandenburg, Parks Victoria

information contained in this brochure is subject to change.

Please check the Parks Victoria website prior to travel for updates on local conditions.

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Rainbow Falls

Mutton BirdIsland

Point Flinders

Cape Otway

Point Bunbury

The Blowhole

Swell Point

Point Lewis

Point Franklin

Cape Marengo

Rotten Point

Johanna Beach

Moonlight Head

Point Reginald

Moonlight Beach

Cape Volney

Lion Headland

Point Ronald

Pebble Point

Apollo Bay

Blanket Bay

Mounts Bay

Castle Cove

B a s s S t r a i t

Mt Acland

Gentle Annie Hill

Parker Hill80

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JohannaHeights

Wattle Hill

Skenes CreekNorth

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Yuulong

SkenesCreek

Princetown

Glenaire

Gibson Steps


Loch Ard Gorge

Twelve Apostles

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Plain

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Tanybryn

Sentinel Rock

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victoria - a walker's paradise

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