Balt Camp Circuit

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NB. The following information was current at the time of the event

Distance:  14 Km   |  Duration:  5 Hrs   |  Grade:  TBA   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Circuit   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

A circuit walk following part of the Great Dividing Trail (GDT) from Nolan Creek Picnic Area to 'Balt Camp' ruins, returning via Rat Hole/Olsen Track/Lerderderg Road.

The Walk in Detail

From Nolans Creek Picnic Area walk east past the junction of Nolans Creek and the Lerderderg River to take Nolans Ridge Track south for 2.5km. Turn right (west) at Nolan Creek Road, after about 500m turn left up Stockyard Track for 1.5km, passing fern covered gullies. Turn right (north) up Gentle Annie Track, crossing the highest point in Wombat State Forest (878m, no views for the trees) and continue to Camp Road. Turn right (north) at Camp road and after about 900m arrive at 'Balt Camp' ruins on the left. Balt Camp was a work camp for displaced persons from the Baltic States after World War 2, working for the Forest Commission. There is an ideal lunch/rest spot behind the ruins. After lunch continue north for about 250m, then turn left at Farm Track and follow the Great Dividing Trail signs to Rat Hole Track. From here leave the Great Dividing Trail (GDT) and continue north east up Rat Hole Track. About 200m from this junction is Rat Hole Mine on the right, and further along Rat Hole Track are other mine shafts. Continue north east along Rat Hole Track, cross over Camp Road and continue down Olsen Track for 1.2km to Lerderderg Road. Turn right (east) and follow this for 2.3km to the Nolan Creek Picnic Area.

Getting There

Drive to Blackwood on the Western Highway via Melton and Bacchus Marsh.  Take the Greendale-Myrninong Rd and then the Greendale-Trentham Rd to Blackwood.  In Blackwood turn west at Simmons Reef Road, drive for about 2km, then about 100m before Garden of St Erth turn right down Wombat Forest Drive (Lerderderg Road). Follow the main road for about 7.5km, cross over a small wooden bridge, park at Nolans Creek Picnic Area on the right.

Walk Precautions

Do not stand on mine shafts covered in steel mesh or logs or enter fenced off areas near Rat Hole Mine.

Additional Information

 Nolans Creek Picnic Area:  APV002 - Toilets APV008 - Picnic Table APV011 - Electric BBQ


Yes
TBA

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