01 Blackwood Historic Tour (2023)

Distance:  4 Km   |  Duration:  Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 2   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Circuit   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

This walk visits some of the historic and interesting features in and around the town of Blackwood. Additional information on Blackwood can be obtained from the Information Stand in the Blackwood General Store.

The Walk in Detail

Starting at the cemetery, walk 100m North and turn left into Terrill St, then turn left again onto the Greendale-Trentham Rd and walk South to visit the Blackwood Museum in Warner St.  After the museum backtrack NE and veer right into Martin St, then after 400m veer right into Whalebone Rd.  Continue along this road for 400m then turn right onto the Lerderderg Track and walk South 700m to the Mineral Springs.  Cross the foot bridge over the river and turn right (East), then follow the track along the river for 1.3 km to N Blackwood Road.  Turn right onto the road and cross the bridge – following the road to Golden Point Rd, then turn Left.  Follow Golden Point Rd NW for 100m then left into Nolan St, then right into Clarendon St.  After 200m turn Left into King St, then after 100m, veer left onto a walking track.  Walk uphill along this track for 700m then turn right (NW) at the T intersection.  Aft 100m turn left, then left again, then immediately right to follow this track in a SW direction for 700m – then turn right and shortly afterwards turn Right again.  Follow this track West and NW for 800m to the main road, after 200m, veer Right onto Byres Rd to back to the cemetery.

Getting There

From Trentham muster point turn right onto Falls Rd, and drive 750m to the intersection of Cosmos Rd, then turn right.  Drive for 13.4 kms to Blackwood, then turn Left into Terrill Street, then right at Byres Road and park Near the cemetery.  Driving distance from Trentham: 16.5 kms.

Walk Precautions

Parts of the GDT trail may be overgrown. Poles are recommended.

Additional Information

CYCLE Myrtleford (W26 2022)

Distance:  60 Km   |  Duration:  7 Hrs   |  Grade:  TBA   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Return

About the Walk

Overview

This bike ride is along the rail trail from Myrtleford to Bright and return. It is one of the most scenic sections of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.

The Walk in Detail

Following the tarmac ribbon to Bright and back, the trail starts by passing several tobacco kilns right on the edge of Myrtleford – remnants of a major local industry from the 1920/30s through to the closure of the industry in 2006. 

The fertile land is now home to hops growing, many different types of orchards, farm livestock, and sometimes even sunflower fields (summer/autumn) across the road from Australia’s only grower of pumpkin seeds at Ovens. 

At the halfway mark to Bright we will have a short drink break at the former Eurobin station (only the platform remains). As we approach Porepunkah we will pass the Feathertop Winery on the left and Mt Buffalo rising up from the valley to the right.

In Bright you should have sufficient time to have lunch at one of the local cafes, or perhaps take something from the bakery down to the river. We then retrace our route back to Myrtleford.

This ride is all on a well-maintained tar surface and is suitable for all bicycle types (subject to your fitness for the distance of course). 

Getting There

Meet at the Rotary Park / historic Tobacco Kiln on the south side of the road as you enter Myrtleford from the Wangaratta direction. It is 48km from Wangaratta and no more than 45 minutes.

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

Myrtleford
No
North East Victoria
2022

GPX File:  

CYCLE Stanley Wanderer (W25 2022)

Distance:  35 Km   |  Duration:  6 Hrs   |  Grade:  TBA   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Circuit

About the Walk

Overview

This bike ride takes a ‘wandering route’ from Beechworth to the village of Stanley and return, linking several points of interest via scenic quiet roads and laneways. Think of a bushwalk on two wheels. This ride will be on a combination of dirt forest tracks, forest gravel roads, gravel laneways and some tar road. This ride is ideally suited to gravel or mountain bikes. It is not suitable for road bikes as there are some sections of quite rocky/chunky gravel. Sturdy hybrids and e-bikes with durable tyres should be fine. We may also need to do some short sections of walking if parts of the track are too muddy to safely ride.

The Walk in Detail

Take the Pipeline Track to Lake Kerferd before continuing on to Fletchers dam, before visiting a stand of Californian Redwoods planted in 1936. 

We will make our way through Stanley, riding past numerous orchards of apples, pears, chestnuts and cherries before returning to Stanley where we’ll have lunch/snacks (BYO) at one of the parks. 

We will divert slightly as we return to Beechworth to ride past the historic Mayday Hills / Beechworth Lunatic Asylum.  If this hasn’t been long enough a day for you, the Leader will also be happy to then take anyone who wishes to stay back on an additional 8-10km (one hour?) circuit past some of Beechworth’s historic locations.

Getting There

Meet at the carpark labelled ‘Lake Sambell Playground’ on Google maps, which is on McConville Avenue in Beechworth.  This is around 40km and 35 minutes from Wangaratta.

Walk Precautions

Ascent 450m The ride is mostly gravel, Some sections are loose, quite rocky with chunky gravel.

Additional Information

Beechworth
No
North East Victoria
2022

GPX File:  

CYCLE Woolshed Valley (W24 2022)

Distance:  45 Km   |  Duration:  6 Hrs   |  Grade:  TBA   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Circuit

About the Walk

Overview

This bike ride is circuit through historical Beechworth and Woolshed valley (Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park) on quiet roads and laneways. A gravel bike would be ideal; a mountain bike would be fine. A sturdy hybrid-type (including electric) may also be okay. It is not suitable for road bikes.

The Walk in Detail

Head south on a very quiet farm lane, Malakoff Road, for 6km or so towards Beechworth. It is a steep ascent, much of it at 7-8% gradient. We won’t rush this section. 

In Beechworth we will do a small circuit within the town past historical buildings including the Ovens Goldfields hospital Façade, old Beechworth Gaol, and Courthouse. 

Leaving town, we will head along quiet roads and lanes (Sheep Station Creek Road, Masons Road) before a steep descent into the valley. 

The final section is ‘undulating flat’ along Woolshed Road. We’ll pass several roadside plaques which recount the goldmining and bushranger history in the valley.

In Beechworth, it will be too early to stop for lunch, so bring lunch and snacks for the day.

Getting There

From Wangaratta, the carpark in Woolshed Falls Road is 45 km (45 minutes). It is off Mcfeeters Road. From Beechworth CBD, it is 10km (10 minutes) north along the Beechworth-Chiltern Road towards Wodonga then turn left at the sign to Woolshed Falls.

 

Walk Precautions

8% Ascent 600m The ride is mostly gravel, Some sections are loose.

Additional Information

Beechworth
No
North East Victoria
2022

GPX File:  

Kellys Cave (W23 2022)

Distance:  13 Km   |  Duration:  2 Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 3   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Return   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

The destination of this walk is to the site of the historic hideout used by Ned Kelly and Joe Byrne which overlooked the now ghost gold mining settlement of Sebastopol. The Kelly Caves are perched high above the settlement, offering clear views of the site of Jo Byrne's mother’s house. From this vantage point the gang could keep an eye on police movement, and their stolen horses, which were tethered in a clearing to the left of the cave site. <br /> Ned Kelly's mother lived in Sebastopol Flat, once a place of importance. In 1857, on the four-kilometre-long main street there were 83 businesses, 23 restaurants, at least eight hotels and a brewery, as well as tent-makers, jewellers, storekeepers, butcher shops, carpenters and watchmakers.

The Walk in Detail

The first five kilometres are easy walking (relatively flattish) on the well-maintained but quiet 4WD CFA Track, with Chiltern State Forest on one side, and open farmland on the other. After five kilometres (-36.324, 146.621) leave the track, and head into the bush towards the cave (-36.320, 146.618). Cross the exposed rock of Kelly’s Lookout where Ned and Joe received signals sent via mirrors. Walking down, and along, Kelly's Lookout, we reach the cave. After a break, return via the same route. 

Getting There

Take the Woolshed Valley Road, from either Eldorado or Beechworth, turning south onto Nieoffs Road for 4.6 km (10 mins) to reach the start at the junction of Nieoffs Road and CFA Track.

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

Beechworth
No
North East Victoria
2022

GPX File:  

Ovens River walk (W22 2022)

Distance:  9 Km   |  Duration:  4 Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 2   |  Rating:    |  Style:  TBA   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

Starting in central Wangaratta, this walk follows the Ovens River, the largest undammed river in Victoria. It includes beaches, billabongs, and aboriginal sites, featuring much First Nations cultural heritage and early European arrival history. There is much of riverine /environmental interest including the Mullinmur area with its educational focus.

The Walk in Detail

We will follow the Ovens River downstream along the Bullawah Cultural Trail, crossing two footbridges and under the railway bridge.  The first section of 1.5 km is a sealed walking track. Eventually we turn off into dirt tracks through redgum forest, emerging at two sandy river beaches (called North Beaches). Between these beaches there are trees which are culturally significant to indigenous people. We continue to the Mullinmur area with its lagoon and riverside walking tracks, before returning to the starting point.

Getting There

Meet at the Marmargun Rock located 100 metres from the east end of the footbridge across the Ovens River in Bickerton Street, Wangaratta. Parking available at Apex Park in Bickerton Street.

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

Wangaratta
No
North East Victoria
2022

GPX File:  

The Paps (W21 2022)

Distance:  12.4 Km   |  Duration:  4 Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 2   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Circuit   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

The Paps walk winds its way through the hills and valleys of The Paps Scenic Reserve. The Reserve is accessed through private land just off the Maroondah Highway 6kms from Mansfield. Although mostly following a vehicle track, steep, off-track walking goes to the southern Pap (680m, views of Lake Eildon - see below) then northern Pap (700m, views of Mts Buller, Stirling and Timbertop).<br /> 4WD management track; grass off track; some short, steep climbs.

The Walk in Detail

Leaving the carpark, walk about 2 km on the vehicle track to GPS -37.046, 145.987. Follow the open grassy valley for about 2km climbing (steeply in places) to the summit of the southern Pap and 360o views of Lake Eildon and surrounding farmland. 

Head to the northern Pap on the track down to the saddle (560m) with views towards Mansfield. Contour steeply back up to the northern Pap and the views to Mts Buller, Stirling and Timbertop. Approx 4km.  

We return to the cars along the vehicle track.

Getting There

Meet at the Lake Nillahcootie Picnic Area at 8am, 75km from Wangaratta and 37km from Benalla via the Hume Highway and Midland Highway through Swanpool and Lima South.

Look for a white, singlecab, Ranger ute. We will travel the next 20km in convoy to the start. After entering the property through a closed farm gate (please leave gates as you find them), follow the track to the next gate and car park (-37.037, 145.988).

 

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

Swanpool
No
North East Victoria
2022

GPX File:  

West Track (W20 2022)

Distance:  18 Km   |  Duration:  7 Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 3   |  Rating:    |  Style:  One Way   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

This walk is on the little visited western side of Mt Samaria State Park. Initially it follows a management track up and down through stands of Blue Gums, giant Messmate Eucalypts and Mountain Grey Gums that can be found on the higher areas, before turning off the track and walking cross country through open drier forests of Stringybarks, Boxes and Peppermints. It then leaves the park and crosses private open farmland to take us back to our cars.

The Walk in Detail

After leaving a car at our finish point on Lake Nillahcootie Road, we continue along the road to the start of West Track and a gate to Mt Samaria State Park. We walk in a general easterly direction for approx. 1.5km along West Track, crossing a few creeks as we climb some short steep hills of around 300m before reaching a saddle at 525m. As we climb there are some good views back over Lake Nillahcootie and the surrounding farmland. 

Swing southeast and continue on the management track with a bit more climbing to our highest point 629m. Turn south and walk off track through open forest for another 13 kms. 

At the fence line of the private property, cross the farmland, heading west through open paddocks for a further 3.5kms back to the vehicles.

Getting There

We will be meeting participants for this hike at Lake Nillahcootie Picnic Area. This is 75km from Wangaratta and should take about 50mins. To get there go via Hume Freeway and take the Midland Highway/Mansfield turn off that goes through Swanpool. Follow the Midland Highway till you come to the Lake Nillahcootie picnic area. Look for a white single cab Ranger Ute.  From there we will all travel to the beginning of the walk which is approximately another 10km.  We want people to be at Lake Nillahcootie Picnic area at 8am on Saturday morning.

Walk Precautions

Please note: There will be a short car shuffle required (Track: Forest and farmland, some steep climbs)

Additional Information

Swanpool
No
North East Victoria
2022

GPX File:  

Yeddonba / Mt Pilot (W19.2 2022)

Distance:  8 Km   |  Duration:  Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 2   |  Rating:    |  Style:  TBA   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

Yeddonba Cultural Site has rocky outcrops, granite boulders and the view from Milmulyum Lookout. Mt Pilot (548m) has magnificent views over the nearby ranges and valleys. The views include the surrounding bushland of the National Park, cleared pastoral country, and several notable peaks such as Mount Baranduda, and Mount Buffalo.

The Walk in Detail

Yeddonba: Originally a circuit loop, the walking track climbs through granite boulders, past rocky outcrops to the view from Milmulyum Lookout. With a bit of rock scrambling, we will explore the rock overhangs/caves. Return to the cars via the same track.

Mt Pilot: A short walk involving steps for 600m takes you to the summit of Mt Pilot (alt. 545m).  360 degree panoramic views.  No toilets

Getting There

Getting To Yeddonba (-36.247, 146.658)   -

From White Box Track, return to the Chiltern/Beechworth Road via Cyanide Road, Lancashire Gap Road and the Chiltern-Yackandandah Road. Turn left. After 11kms, turn left onto Toveys Forest Road, veering right onto Yeddonba Road after 1 km and another 1 km to the Yeddonba Cultural Aboriginal Site on the left.

Getting To Mt Pilot           (-36.253, 146.670)

Return to the Chiltern-Beechworth Road and turn left towards Beechworth. Just 2 km along turn left onto Old Coach Road for another 2 km and where the road turns to the right, veer left to the car park.

 

 

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

Chiltern
No
North East Victoria
2022

GPX File:  

White Box Track (W19.1 2022)

Distance:  8 Km   |  Duration:  Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 2   |  Rating:    |  Style:  TBA   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

White Box Walking Track is a popular half-day walk east of Chiltern, featuring open woodlands of white box and ironbark. After lunch, we will visit the Yeddonba Cultural Site and finish with the short track to the panoramic views from Mt Pilot.

The Walk in Detail

White Box Walking Track (signposted) heads north with a short section on Cyanide Road, and then (follow the red arrows) off to the left, upslope, to Golden Bar Mine. Continuing, pass over a small ridge system, then descend to Ballarat Road, veering to the right (along the road) for about 10m, and then, to the left, traverse bushland. Cross a couple of bush bridges, then follow an undulating path, to Pooleys Track.

Ascend a small ridge, then descend to the intersection of White Box Road and Rubida Track. Stroll a short way on White Box Road, turn right at a signpost and gradually ascend. Over the top, descend back to Ballarat Road, cross a small ridge to All Nations Road. Keep left for a few hundred metres, and then take the track off to the right, descending to the Honeyeater Picnic Area, passing the upstream/upgully side of Cyanide Dam.

Getting There

From Wangaratta, head north on the Hume Freeway M31. Exit to Chiltern, turn right towards Beechworth on the Chiltern-Beechworth Road following the National Park signage, head south for just a few metres then turn left onto the Chiltern-Yackandandah Road. After 800 metres turn right onto Lancashire Gap Road. Within 2 kilometres, turn left onto Cyanide Road.

From Beechworth, take the Chiltern-Beechworth Road, turn right just before the Hume Freeway interchange onto the Chiltern-Yackandandah Road. Follow directions in the paragraph above. The last kilometre is unsealed, and leads to the Honeyeater Picnic Area, where there is plenty of car parking, and a toilet.

 

Walk Precautions

Additional Information

Chiltern
No
North East Victoria
2022

GPX File: