Prom Country Walking Trails Walking Trails Walking

A guide to walking trails in South

1

Prom Country Walking Trails

MELBOURNE

Pakenham Drouin Cranbourne Yarragon

Koo Wee Rup Trafalgar Moe

M420 Mount Worth 10 State Park Poowong 7 10 10 Loch A440 Mirboo North 13 Boolarra Cowes Grantville 6 A420 11 14 B460 Berrys Creek Tarra Bulga 12 Outtrim National Park Archies 11 Creek 11 A440 Koonwarra Yarram Phillip San B460 14 18 Island Remo C441 Turtons Creek B460 Meeniyan Inverloch A440 C444 Foster C442 Toora A440 16 17 19 Tarwin 23 C445 Welshpool 19 Lower 15 18 23 Fish Port Venus Creek Franklin Bay 14 Bald Melbourne Hills

21 20 Yanakie 22 Sandy Walke rville Point National Park PROM 5 COUNTRY Tidal N River

2 3 NATIONAL PARK

Introduction Wilsons Promontory Quick Facts 31 walks located Walks throughout the Park Prom Country, or , is located approximately Wilsons Promontory or ‘The 1.5 hours’ drive from Melbourne. The region is renowned Prom’ as it is commonly for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. referred, is one of ’s Distances range Approx time most-loved national parks. from very short to to complete Walking tracks are a key drawcard for many day or overnight Comprising 49,049 hectares visitors to the region as well as locals who and 31 walking trails, the love the diversity of the walks available. Prom’s reputation as a walkers Difficulty Varied

paradise is well deserved. Within our region’s National and State parks you Generally gravel. will find many beautiful walking tracks ranging in Wilsons Promontory was officially Surface Some walks have length and difficulty. Outside of the parks however, established in July 1898 but is also wooden boardwalks are EVEN MORE walking tracks. Equally beautiful a place of spiritual significance and each with a different ‘something special’. for different aboriginal groups. A number of walks Toilets have easy access to The walking trails within Wilsons toilets (start/end) This brochure aims to highlight just some of the walks Promontory are varied. Some available right across South Gippsland. Pick any town and walks can be completed in just Loo Errn track is chances are you will find a great walking track close by. a few minutes, others can take Wheelchairs wheelchair accessible a day and some should only be attempted as overnight hikes. Dogs No Wilsons Promontory has a number visitpromcountry.com.au of well-established campsites as well as the camping ground at which offers cabin and camping accommodation. For more walks information on trails at Wilsons Promontory, please visit: www.parks.vic.gov.au or download the Prom Country app (App Store or Google Play).

Go to visitpromcountry.com.au or download the Prom Country Follow the South Gippsland though to Meeniyan, then take mobile app from the App Store or Google Play for more details the C444 through to Fish Creek and on to Wilsons Promontory. about walks in the Prom Country region. 4 5 NATIONAL PARK STATE PARK

Tarra Bulga Quick Facts Mount Worth Quick Facts

7 within the park as Giant’s Circuit Walks well as the Grand Tarra Bulga provides some of 1.8km (1 hour return) the best examples of the original protects a remnant of Moonlight Circuit - cool-temperate rainforests of forests that once covered the 8.5km (3 hours return) the . The park western Strzelecki ranges. Approx time Between 15 minutes Walks features giant Mountain Ash trees, to complete and 3-4 days The park spans 1,040 hectares Gardiners Mill Track fern gullies and ancient Myrtle 1.5km (1 hour return) and features 4 walking trails. Beeches. Maslin’s Mill Track The walking trails range from Varied. Some walks 800m (40 min return) unsurfaced and 40 minutes duration to 3 Tarra Bulga comprises 2,015 Difficulty suitable for more hours and showcase relics hectares of pristine rainforest. experienced walkers. of the old timber mills which Seven walks can be completed Moonlight Circuit is once operated in the area. within Tarra Bulga National Park for more experienced Generally gravel, Difficulty while the Grand Strzelecki Track One walk, the Giant’s Circuit, is walkers. Maslin’s Mill Surface some bush is rated easy stretches over 100km to connect undergrowth. popular for a huge Mountain Tarra Bulga to Morwell National Ash which can be viewed from Park. the trail. The Mountain Ash has Gravel and bush Toilets Yes a girth of 7 metres and an age Surface undergrowth estimated to be 300 years old. A popular walk within Tarra Bulga is Corrigan’s Suspension Bridge - a 1.2km walk that stretches through Wheelchairs No Toilets Yes the rainforest canopy and across a pretty suspension bridge. Dogs No Maslin’s Mill is For more information on walks Wheelchairs suitable for people within the National Park, visit: with limited mobility www.parks.vic.gov.au Dogs No For details on the Grand Strzelecki Track visit: www.grandstrzeleckitrack.org.au

Mount Worth State Park can be accessed by following the Korumburra– You can reach Tarra Bulga National Park from Yarram Warragul Road then turning on to the . Continue along via the Tarra Valley Road or Bulga Park Road. this road until McDonald Track (follow signage). 6 7 RAIL TRAILS

Grand Ridge Quick Facts Great Southern Quick Facts Rail Trail Length 13km Rail Trail Length 59km Approx time 3 hours (one way) Approx time Please refer to The winds to complete Walk, cycle or ride 59km on 13 picturesque kilometres between The Great Southern Rail Trail. to complete description on left Mirboo North and Boolarra Difficulty Easy/Medium The trail is suitable for both the in the Strzelecki Ranges. Difficulty Easy/Medium energetic and not so energetic Gravel, Surface The rail trail is unique as it runs slightly undulating outdoor enthusiast and is Gravel, Surface continuously along the site of wheelchair accessible. slightly undulating the former railway track. At Boolarra end Toilets and in Mirboo North Toilets Yes The Grand Ridge Rail Trail has township The Great Southern Rail Trail: start/end points located within Wheelchairs Yes • Leongatha to Koonwarra: 8km the two townships, and an access Wheelchairs Yes Dogs Yes point midway at Darlimurla. • Koonwarra to Minns Road: 3km Dogs Yes (open to public 2016 approx) Surrounding track vegetation is • Minns Road to Meeniyan: 6km dense and lush with towering Eucalypts a recurring feature. • Meeniyan to Stony Creek: 3.5km • Stony Creek to Buffalo: 8km

• Buffalo to Fish Creek: 8km • Fish Creek to Lowrys Road: 5km • Lowrys Road to Foster: 7.5km • Foster to Charity Lane: 1km • Foster to Toora: 9km • Toora to Welshpool: 9km (To be completed 2015)

Mirboo North is located 25 minutes from Leongatha on the The Great Southern Rail Trail can be accessed from each of . The Rail Trail begins behind the the townships above. The 3km section between Koonwarra Grand Ridge Brewery. and Minns Road is expected to be completed by 2016. 8 9 NYORA Quick Facts OUTTRIM Quick Facts Length 1.8km approx Length 1.6km

Approx time 30 min Approx time 25 min Wuchatsch Reserve to complete 3 walks available Outtrim Reserve to complete

Located 5km north-west of Difficulty Medium A pretty reserve with a number Difficulty Easy Nyora, Wuchatsch Reserve is an of walking tracks within. Surface Gravel and grass Dirt and bush important area of remnant native No track signage so caution Surface undergrowth bushlands including plants and Toilets No is recommended. Good for animals of regional significance. orienteering exercises. Toilets No Wildlife sightings in the reserve Wheelchairs No Wheelchairs No are common amongst the Dogs Yes lowland forest and heath areas. Dogs Yes

Accessible from Cherry Tree Road, Seaview Court and Forest Drive. Located at the back of the Outtrim Recreation Reserve (near nets)

LOCH Quick Facts KORUMBURRA Quick Facts Length 500m Length 700m

Approx time Approx time 10 min (one way) 15 min (one way) Village Walk to complete Olsen’s Walk to complete

Starting at Sunnyside Park, the Difficulty Easy Difficulty Easy small incline Loch Village Walk passes through Olsen’s Walk is located in the Surface Grass Gravel & grass Korumburra Botanic Park and Surface the picnic grounds, through Some bridges the railway tunnel (featuring Toilets Yes provides a relaxing stroll through a range of native Toilets Located nearby Giant Earth Worm information) Wheelchairs No and past the South Gippsland and European vegetation. Wheelchairs No Tourist Railway siding. Dogs Yes The walk is short, but scenic, Dogs Yes The walk then crosses the Loch – and follows (in part) the Poowong Road before ending at meandering path carved by the the Loch Recreation Reserve, just slow moving Coalition Creek. near the magnificent suspension bridge over Allsop’s Creek.

The Loch Village Walk starts at Sunnyside Park in Victoria Road, The Korumburra Botanic Park is located in Bridge Street, the main street in Loch Village. behind the town’s primary shopping strip.

POOWONG Quick Facts KONGWAK Quick Facts Length 3 walks (1 - 3km) Length 3 walks (2 - 4km)

Approx time 20 - 60 min Approx time 25 - 45 min Henry Littledyke to complete depending on walk Pioneer Reserve to complete depending on walk

Reserve Difficulty Medium Enjoy views of large mountain ash Difficulty Easy (1 moderate) Henry Littledyke Reserve features Surface Rugged trees scattered along the western Surface Rugged three walks with a reservoir as a edge of the reserve. A quiet, peaceful central feature. A pretty area but quite Toilets No walk is possible at the Pioneer Toilets Yes overgrown in places, the walks should Reserve, far away from maddening Wheelchairs No Wheelchairs No be undertaken with caution (watch crowds. The area also features a out for wombat burrows). A variety of Dogs Yes number of endangered flora species. Dogs No indigenous vegetation can be viewed.

Located midway between Nyora & Poowong on Lang Lang–Poowong Rd. Located in Kongwak township, just off Williams Street. 11 LEONGATHA MIRBOO NORTH

Quick Facts Quick Facts

Wetlands Walk Length 500m approx Baths Road Reserve Length 750m

Approx time Approx time 10 - 15 min The Leongatha Wetlands Walk is a 5 - 10 min Located in the heart of Mirboo to complete to complete (one way) short, yet scenic, walk located on North, Baths Road Reserve is a the outskirts of Leongatha. Difficulty Easy hidden secret, great for exploration. Difficulty Easy small inclines

With limited signage and a The walk borders a picturesque Surface Gravel (bit mossy) Gravel with a few number of converging tracks, it Surface lake; geese and ducks are a steep gradients Toilets No is possible to get slightly lost, common feature. A rotunda but knowing how close to town Toilets Located nearby adds to the relaxing, postcard Wheelchairs No you are (and the main highway) perfect environment. Wheelchairs No Dogs Yes just adds to the adventure! Dogs Yes

Entrance located on Johnson Street off Richie Street. Baths Road Reserve can be accessed near the toilet block Richie Street can be accessed from McCartin Street. in Baromi Park or near the local pool.

Quick Facts Quick Facts

Hammans Length 1.25km Lyrebird Length 4.8km

Bush Reserve Approx time Forest Walk Approx time 15 min 1.5 hours (return) to complete to complete

Located just north of Leongatha, Difficulty Moderate Located just out of Mirboo North Difficulty Mostly easy Hammans Bush Reserve lets township, the Lyrebird Forest Walk Surface Dirt and brush Surface Mostly gravel visitors experience a living relic of is an easy one and a half hour the once vast, dense and almost Toilets No bushwalk through native South Toilets No impenetrable forest which once Gippsland forest. Wheelchairs No Wheelchairs Yes (0.75km) spread across the region. The track follows Little Morwell Dogs Yes Dogs No Walking tracks and benches are River for 1km and showcases scattered throughout the reserve lush gully vegetation. The walk allowing calm reflection within then follows the edge of the the depths of the wild forest. forest providing visual contrast.

Hammans Bush Reserve is located on Wild Dog Valley Road. The The Lyrebird Forest Walk is located 3.3 kilometres north of reserve is comprised of dense bush and can be quite wild and rugged Mirboo North and is accessible from the . 12 in places. Caution is recommended particularly during snake season. Picnic tables are available. 13 BERRYS CREEK Quick Facts Length 1km approx

Approx time 30 - 45 min Mossvale Park to complete

Mossvale Park is a picturesque park Difficulty Easy located midway between Leongatha Surface Grass and Mirboo North. A walk around the Park is short, yet beautiful, as Toilets Yes you wander through many trees of Wheelchairs No significance. Keep an eye out for the newly planted ‘Lone Pine’. Dogs Yes FISH CREEK Located midway between Leongatha and Mirboo North on the Strzelecki Highway. Mount Nicoll Quick Facts Quick Facts KOONWARRA Midway between the townships Mount Nicoll: Length 1.2km approx of Fish Creek and Foster (off the 200m appropriately named, Fish Creek – Length Approx time 20 min Foster Rd) is Mount Nicoll Lookout. Loader Walk: Nature Reserve to complete 2km The Koonwarra Bushland Reserve Difficulty Moderate Featuring picturesque views of Mount Nicoll: contains a number of walks Wilsons Promontory and Corner Surface Rugged 20 min (return) that showcase a wide range Inlet, the lookout is accessed Approx time via a 200 metre gravel trail, up to complete of flora and fauna. The reserve Toilets No Loader Walk: is significant for conservation a reasonably steep incline. 45 min (return) purposes. Tracks are not signed Wheelchairs No The views are quite spectacular Difficulty Moderate so caution is recommended. Dogs No and on a clear day visibility can stretch for miles. The towering Surface Gravel and grass wind turbines on the Toora Located on the Koonwarra - Inverloch Road (two entry points). Toilets No hills can be easily viewed, as too the coastal inlets. Wheelchairs No BALD HILLS Quick Facts The walking track is defined but Yes - restrained Length 750m Dogs can be a little slippery in places at all times Approx time so caution (and appropriate Bald Hills 15 min (one way) to complete Wetlands Walk footwear) is advised. Difficulty Easy The meandering Wetlands Walk Loader Walk provides a relaxing stroll through Surface Gravel Loader Walk begins at Mount Nicoll open woodlands and Paperbark Toilets No thickets to a large shallow wetland. and encompasses beautiful views Wheelchairs Yes as well as an interesting array The wetland is home to a vast array of of flora as you traverse the land indigenous and migratory birdlife. Dogs No between Foster and Fish Creek, known locally as the Hoddle. The trail is rugged in places but enjoyable, offering rural and Prom views. Best on a clear day as clouds affect visibility.

The Bald Hills Wetlands walk is located off the Tarwin Lower– Mount Nicoll and Loader walks are located approximately 7km Walkerville Road, approximately 5 minutes from the Tarwin from the Fish Creek township off the Fish Creek­ – Foster Road. Lower township. The drive from the main road to the wetlands is The road to the walking tracks is quite steep, unmade approximately 5km and can be reasonably rough in places. and not suitable for caravans. 14 Watch for snakes in the reserve during summer months. 15 FOSTER TOORA

Foster Flora Quick Facts Toora Bird Hide Quick Facts Length 500m Reserve Hayes Walk: 900m The Toora Bird Hide is located Cody Gully: 1km Approx time Length at the end of Toora Jetty Road, 10 min (one way) Foster was once a bustling gold Ophir Hill: 900m to complete joins Cody Gully Walk and is easily accessible via a mining town called Stockyard well maintained boardwalk. Difficulty Easy Creek. Those days may now be long gone, but the region’s Hayes Walk: 15 min The Bird Hide overlooks an Fine gravel and Approx time Surface mining heritage can be explored Cody Gully: 20 min expansive wetland area, wooden boardwalk to complete via walking tracks within the Ophir Hill: 15 min (return) classified as a wetland of Foster Flora Reserve. joins Cody Gully Walk international importance by the Toilets No 1975 Ramsar convention. The Wheelchairs Yes Hayes Walk Difficulty Easy Ramsar convention identified A short walk that takes you past 65 sites within . Dogs No Surface Gravel, dirt, brush the site of the former Victory Mine, Foster’s largest Gold mine. Toilets No The walking track begins at the end of Toora Jetty Road. Head through Wheelchairs No the main street of Toora (Stanley Street), turn left into Victoria Street Cody Gully Walk and take the first right into Toora Jetty Road. Yes - restrained This walk takes you through Dogs a variety of native flora and is at all times named after Michael Cody who worked one of the claims in 1871. Agnes Falls Quick Facts Scenic Reserve Length 200m Ophir Hill Walk Approx time Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve 5 min (return) Is an extension of the Cody Gully to complete Walk and takes you past remnants offers a short, yet picturesque, walk that provides spectacular from the mining days such as hand Difficulty Easy dug trenches. views of the Agnes Falls waterfall. Starting at the carpark, the walk Surface Gravel spans 200 metres to a lookout. New Zealand Hill Toilets Yes The walk can be expanded Is situated north of the South Wheelchairs No Gippsland Highway and features a by walking through the number of easy walking tracks. picnic area adjacent to the Dogs Yes carpark and travelling further along the riverbank.

The Foster Flora Reserve is located in the heart of Foster township. Hayes Walk begins in town in the carpark behind the shops. Cody Gully & Ophir To get to Agnes Falls you will need to drive to Toora via the South Mine walks begin from McDonald Street and New Zealand Hill can be Gippsland Highway. Once at Toora and follow signs to Silcocks Hill accessed opposite the Comfort Inn Motel off the South Gippsland Highway. Road, Hazel Park Road and Agnes Falls Road. 16 17 TURTONS CREEK WELSHPOOL

Turtons Creek Quick Facts Welshpool to Quick Facts Length 800m Port Welshpool Length 6km Turtons Creek is a rainforest Approx time Approx time 10 min (one-way) 1.5 hours (one way) type area popular with visitors. to complete The Welshpool Shared Pathway to complete Park at the top of the falls then is a well-maintained trail that walk down the stairs to the Difficulty Medium passes through townships, Difficulty Easy creek. A walking path leads farmland and native vegetation. Surface Compacted gravel Surface Stairs, dirt, gravel. along the creek to an open area, The walk travels past the suitable for camping. Turtons Club and Recreation Reserve Toilets Yes Toilets No Creek features an array of native and crosses Telegraph Road to Wheelchairs Yes vegetation and spectacular Wheelchairs No the back of Port Welshpool. views of the waterfall. Dogs Yes Dogs No

Turtons Creek is located approximately 20km north of Foster. Head The Pathway starts (or ends) at the park in Welshpool, located towards Toora on the South Gippsland Highway then turn left onto just off the South Gippsland Highway. Also suitable for cycling. Foster-Boolarra Road and follow signs to Turtons Creek.

PORT FRANKLIN Quick Facts PORT ALBERT Quick Facts Length 350m Length 5.7km

Approx time Approx time 15 min (return) Old Port Trail 1.5 hours (one way) Wetlands to complete to complete Wander through quiet coastal Boardwalk Difficulty Easy Difficulty Easy vegetation from Port Albert to the site of the regions first Port Franklin is a small, quiet Surface Gravel Surface Wooden boardwalk (but not legally recognised) fishing community. The boardwalk settlement, now appropriately Toilets No allows visitors to wander out Toilets No known as “The Old Port”. Wheelchairs No onto the wetlands and explore. Wheelchairs No Different tidal conditions provide The 11km return walk Dogs Yes different experiences. Watch for Dogs Yes showcases coastal vegetation the mud crabs as they scamper and provides an insight into along the mud at low tide. Port Albert’s early history. A short detour from the walking track leads to a plaque commemorating Angus McMillan, an early explorer.

The Port Franklin Boardwalk can be accessed just behind the Turn off the Alberton-Port Albert Road onto Old Port Road. boat ramp and fish cleaning area in Port Franklin. A picnic table and parking marks the beginning of the walk. 18 19 YANAKIE SANDY POINT

Hourigans Quick Facts Roy Henderson Quick Facts Camp Lane Length 500m Path Length 2.4km Approx time Approx time 20 min (return) 45 min (one way) Starting at the beach-end of to complete The Hourigans Camp Lane walk is to complete Depending on tides Manuka Street the Roy Henderson a short, relaxing walk through sand Difficulty Easy small incline Difficulty Easy Path passes through a range of dunes and coastal vegetation. coastal vegetation before emerging Surface Sand Surface Gravel The walk starts and finishes at the at the edge of Road. Toilets No Shallow Inlet Marine and Coastal Toilets No After crossing the road the path Park, a popular area for fishing Wheelchairs No continues through beautiful tea- Wheelchairs No and water sports. Once on the tree woodlands and new growth shores of the inlet, at low tide, Dogs No Dogs Yes eucalypts, then into a forest of it is possible to walk a number well established Banksia trees. of kilometres in any direction. Be mindful of incoming tides. Finally the path passes the tidal flats of Shallow Inlet with views towards the rolling Foster hills. The walk commences at the Hourigans Camp Lane carpark, which The Roy Henderson Path is is accessed from Millar Road (off Meeniyan-Promontory Road). often host to a large array of birdlife including the popular Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo. Quick Facts

Yanakie/Duck Length 2.1km

Point Loop Approx time 45 min (return) to complete

The Yanakie/Duck Point Loop is a Difficulty Easy short circuit walk that showcases panoramic views of Corner Inlet Fine gravel Surface and Wilsons Promontory National and sand Park. Local and migratory birds Toilets Yes - at boat ramp can often be seen along the walk. Wheelchairs No

Dogs Yes

Start at the Yanakie boat ramp, take the track through the coastal bush, The Roy Henderson Path begins at the beach end of Manuka Street, which will lead you out onto the shore of Corner Inlet. Conditions vary which is the last right turn off Sandy Point Road, when travelling depending on tides – avoiding high tide is recommended. Once on the towards Shallow Inlet. 20beach turn right and follow the beach back towards the boat ramp. 21 VENUS BAY & WALKERVILLE TARWIN LOWER

Limeburners Walk Quick Facts Point Smythe Quick Facts Length 750m Point Smythe: 6km A sheltered walking track on Length Anderson: 2km The Limeburners Walk links Approx time windy days, the Point Smythe 15 min (one way) Walk takes you through masses Walkerville North and Walkerville to complete Point Smythe: of coastal vegetation and onto South via the majestic remnants Approx time 2 hours (return) Difficulty Easy/Medium the beach at Point Smythe. of the Walkerville lime kilns. to complete Anderson: Gravel, reasonably 40 min (one-way) A short side track leads to the Surface steep incline historic Walkerville Cemetery. Anderson Difficulty Medium Update: Toilets No Inlet Walk Surface Gravel, undulating A landslip has caused the Wheelchairs No The Anderson Inlet Walk Toilets No temporary closure of the walk. provides similar vegetation Repair works are anticipated Dogs No to the Point Smythe Walk but Wheelchairs No to commence soon. travels easterly to Doyles Road. Dogs No

When entering Venus Bay take a right hand turn into Walkerville South is located approximately 15 minutes from Tarwin Lower Canterbury Road, which will then merge into Lees Road. or Waratah Bay. The walk begins on the cliff behind the lime kilns. The walks begin at the end of Lees Road.

The Overlook Walk Quick Facts Shared Quick Facts Length 1.2km Pathway Length 3.5km Approx time Approx time The Overlook Walk connects the 30 min (one way) 40 min (one way) to complete to complete Walkerville Caravan Park with Alongside the banks of the Promontory Views Estate. Difficulty Easy you will find a Difficulty Easy pleasant walking track taking The walk traverses through Compacted gravel, Gravel, you from Tarwin Lower to Surface diverse coastal vegetation. Surface mostly flat slight undulation Venus Bay (or reverse). A lookout accessible via a Toilets Yes 700 metre side track provides Toilets No views to Waratah Bay and the Wheelchairs Yes peaks of Wilsons Promontory. Wheelchairs No Dogs Yes Dogs Yes

Walkerville North is approximately 5km from Walkerville South Suitable for walking or cycling the pathway can and is clearly signposted. Access can be from Tarwin Lower or be easily accessed via either township. 22 Fish Creek directions. 23 Prom Country Walking Trails

About

This publication is proudly produced by Prom Country Regional Tourism Inc in association with Council.

Additional walks and regional information can be viewed at: • visitpromcountry.com.au • Prom Country mobile apps for iOS and Android • Prom Country Visitor Information Centres

Care has been taken in compiling this brochure, however the producers do not warrant or represent that the brochure is free from errors or omissions. The producers do not accept responsibility or liability for omissions or errors in the publication. Printed June 2014.

Prom Country Visitor Information Centres

12 Silkstone Road KORUMBURRA

Cnr McDonald & Main Streets FOSTER

Leongatha Community & Visitor Information Centre Memorial Hall Complex, McCartin Street LEONGATHA

1800 630 704 (toll free) [email protected]

visitpromcountry.com.au