Distance: 7.8 Km | Duration: Hrs | Grade: Grade 3 | Rating: 2 | Style: Return | Map
About the Walk
Overview
Darby River walk with options for Fairy Cove and Darby Beach
The Walk in Detail
Take a Shuttle Bus or Car Shuffle to start this walk at Darby Saddle, ending at the Darby River carpark (about 7 Km from Tidal River). Care needs to be taken at Darby Saddle, as there is parking on both sides of the road and the road can be tricky to cross, here!
The track climbs directly from Darby Saddle, through beautiful Messmate forest, She Oaks and Banksia.
At the first track junction, take the opportunity to digress to Sparkes Lookout (only about a 250 m detour). The views across to Tongue Pt and Norman Island are very rewarding!
The track descends steeply, and then (guess what) climbs again, to another viewpoint at Lookout Rocks. Cleft Island (better known as ‘Skull Rock’) and ‘The Glennies’ can be clearly seen from here!
The trail then descends on sections of green boardwalk into coastal heathlands, towards Tongue Pt.
Stop at the green post – this marks the furthest out that you can safely go towards the point (don’t do it!) Enjoy the view!
Follow the track back up the hill, to the track junction. Take the path Northwards towards Darby River.
Another junction is soon reached to a side path leading down to the left to ‘Fairy Cove’ (optional – 330 m each way). This path is steep, with stairs down to the beach. It is a beautiful cove!
The trail continues, undulating, towards Darby River, where there is a toilet at the carpark.
The option exists (if you have time) to walk a little further from the carpark (1.3 Km each way), to the mouth of the Darby River and spectacular cliffs! Take the time to walk along the beach to inspect the sand cliffs (heed the warning signs), and the Darby River cascading down to the beach.
Getting There
Walk Precautions
Additional Information
Tidal River
No
West & South Gippsland
2024