Pyrenees State Forest FS0036 Paul Bates - Maryborough ISSN 1440-2262

January 2004 Pyrenees State Forest FS0036 Paul Bates - Maryborough ISSN 1440-2262

Pyrenees State Forest The predominant trees are Ironbark, Yellow Box, Red Stringybark, Bluegum and Messmate. Orchids such as the The Pyrenees Ranges offer visitors a wonderful mix of Waxlip Orchid and Lilies abound, especially around the natural and cultural history, with spectacular views, rugged base of the range. A variety of Wattles and other mountain ranges, abundant wildlife, a rich mix of wildflowers make spectacular viewing in the spring. wildflowers and historic sites. The main attractions of the forest are the Waterfalls Picnic Area, Governor Rock Lookout and the Pyrenees Endurance Walk. Other nearby Walking tracks attractions include the Percydale Historic Area, the 1. Pyrenees Endurance Walk Landsborough Flora and Fauna Reserve and the numerous Skill Level1: Intermediate Fitness Level:Endurance wineries located around the Ranges. 18km, 13 hrs one-way The Pyrenees Endurance Walk is 18 km one way and is Getting there recommended as an overnight trip starting at the The Pyrenees Ranges State Forest is in the Central Waterfalls Picnic area with Camerons Track being the Victorian Goldfields approximately 200 kms north-west of halfway point. This walk is considered to be reasonably Melbourne near the town of Avoca. Avoca can be accessed difficult with some steep sections. In drier months, you via the Sunrayasia or Pyrenees Highways. Once in Avoca will need to carry your own water. travel west along Vinoca Road following the signs to the wineries then on to the Waterfalls Picnic Area. 2. Valley Walk Skill Level: Basic Fitness Level:Low History 1km, 20 mins return The Jajowurrong people were the first to occupy the A pleasant after lunch walk, this track is signposted from Pyrenees and knew the area as ‘Peerick’. In 1836 Major the Waterfalls Picnic Area and follows the course of the Thomas Mitchell travelled through the region. After him No.2 Creek upstream to a rock outcropping. Water flows came pastoralists and then in the 1854 gold was in the winter months only, or after heavy rainfall. discovered. The foothills of the Ranges contain many relics from the gold mining era with mining holes and There are numerous tracks throughout the forest, which other relics still visible today. Slate quarrying also also make ideal short walks. From the Waterfalls Picnic occurred in the forest, with the material obtained used to Area an easy walk along Ebling Track to Fraser Track and pave the footpaths of central Melbourne. Timber back will take approximately 1 hour or a walk along harvesting began in the 1840’s to supply the growing Waterfalls Track onto Schmidt Track to Sugarloaf Track communities surrounding the forest and continues today on and back will take 2 hours. a sustainable basis. Picnic sites Flora & fauna For those seeking a picnic site in a relaxing forest setting, Rising nearly 800 metres the Pyrenees Ranges contains the Waterfalls Picnic Area is hard to beat, being easily many natural attractions for the visitor. Box-Ironbark accessible from Avoca, with toilets, picnic tables, forests are dominant on the foothills with mixed species fireplaces, rainwater and a short walk available for day stringybark forests being found at higher elevations. visitor use.

Due to the diversity of the terrain, there are more than 200 Toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces and rainwater are also species of plants and over 100 bird species recorded in the available at Cameron's Track Campground, with simpler forest. Look out for Wedge-tailed Eagles high in the sky facilities (picnic tables and fireplaces only) available at the and, closer to earth, Parrots, Galahs and smaller migrant Governor's Rock Lookout. birds like Rainbow Bee-eaters. Also look out for kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and possums.

In the drier months, you may see echidnas on the tracks, and there are a variety of reptiles, including legless lizards, 1 To assist visitors in choosing walks, the walks are classified by skill Bearded Dragons and Goannas. level and fitness level. For a description of these classifications, refer to the Forests Note ‘FS0020 - Bushwalking in State Forest’

Looking after our forests For more information • Minor forest (unsealed) roads can become boggy in The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) winter. Stay on the major (sealed) roads in wet is responsible for managing Victoria's State Forest. For weather. further information contact the Department of • Dogs must be under direct control at all times and Sustainability and Environment office at at Maryborough should be kept on a leash when in picnic and camping ( 5461 0800) or Bendigo ( 5430 4444) or DSE's areas or when near other visitors. Customer Service Centre on 136 186. • Bikes and horses are not permitted on the walking tracks. Please observe access signs and help protect Visit DSE’s website the forest. http://www.dse.vic.gov.au • Don't disturb native plants or animals. then select “Forestry”. • There is no rubbish collection service, so please take This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria your rubbish home. If you have the misfortune to and its officers do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw come across other people’s rubbish, do the bush a of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes favour and take it out with you too. and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other • Take care with fire – observe all fire regulations and consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Total Fire Ban days. Use existing fireplaces rather than create your own. Never leave fires unattended. Ensure fires are safe and that they are completely extinguished when you leave. • Only light fires in fireplaces or 30 cm deep trenches. Fires must be less than 1 metre square and at least 3 m clear of burnable material. • Keep the size of your group small, ideally, less than eight people and go off peak. • Vehicles and trail bikes must be registered and roadworthy and may only be driven on designated public roads and tracks. • Make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return, and don't forget to let them know when you are back.

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