Chinamans – Ararat Reservoir – Chinamans

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

Distance:  14 Km   |  Duration:  8 Hrs   |  Grade:  TBA   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Circuit   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

A variety of interesting bushland and rocky outcrops, passing the Ararat reservoir and Victoria Mill site.  Includes a number of steep climbs and descents with excellent views of the plains to the west.

The Walk in Detail

From Chinamans campground, head South West along the road for 200m. Turn left onto a 4WD track marked by an arrow and follow this track for approx 750m. On a steep uphill section of the track, at a post with arrow, turn right and follow a faint foot track.

Upon leaving the 4WD road, the track follows a faint pad up the spur until it reaches the main Mt Cole road. Crossing the road, the track steepens and climbs almost to the top of the knoll before descending to Sandy Pinch road. Walk 100m east along Sandy Pinch Road to Dutchman Road and follow it up a steep climb for 250m.

Turn right at a post with arrow and follow the faint track, which becomes more overgrown and difficult to follow. The track eventually opens out to a series of rock shelves, which allow excellent views over the plains to the west. Shortly after this the track turns south and descends to the reservoir.

From the dam, follow Reservoir Road uphill and continue until it arrives at Victoria Mill Reserve. From here, continue on to the intersection with Buckingham Ck Rd. Turn left and follow Buckingham Ck Road downhill to its end at the main Mt Cole Road.

Turn left up the main road for about 100m. The track used earlier crosses at this point. Turn right and follow the track downhill to Chinamans and the finish.

Getting There

Take the Western Highway to Beaufort. From Beaufort, travel west on the highway through Buangor, turning right at the Warrak turn off (Buangor-Ben Nevis Road). Travel 12 km to Warrak. Turn right, after 4 km take the left fork to Chinamans Campground.

Walk Precautions

Good fitness required. Tracks are narrow and steep in places and can be slippery if wet. The return journey is steep downhill. There is a short section off-track. Good boots/shoes and walking poles recommended.

Additional Information

   Chinamans:  APV026 - Camping APV008 - Picnic Table APV002 - Toilets APV038 - Drinking Water

   Victoria Mill Reserve: APV002 - Toilets APV038 - Drinking Water APV008 - Picnic Table


Yes
South West Victoria

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