Walk Category: Short
Getting There: Car
Nearest Town: Yaapeet
Walk Area: Mallee (North West)
Distance from Melbourne GPO: 459kms
Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited - only from Mt Mattingley Lookout
Walk Details Collated: April 2015
Walk Details Provided By: CAEX Bushwalking Club
The Discovery Walk starts from the Wonga Campground in the Wyperfeld National Park. The start point is aproximately 150m to the east of the large shelter in the middle of the campground.
Do not attempt this walk in hot conditions, and make sure that you carry adequate water with you at all times. While the walk distance is short at only 4kms, there are some short patches of soft sand and many interpretative signs that provide detailed information on the flora and fauna of this arid area, both of which which slow you down.
Look for the signposts for the start of the walk near the rear of the toilets approximately 150m to the east of the large shelter. The walk is signposted with markers along its length and is best done in an anti-clockwise direction. The walk initially passes through Black Box woodlands then on through sand dunes covered in a wide variety of plants including native Pine and Buloke. Approximately 1.5kms from the start of the walk a track junction is reached. The Discovery Walk continutes to the left, however before turning, walk to the crest of the dune ahead for views over a large clay pan and the Devils Pools that in winter and spring will typically contain some water. Approach quietly and carefully as there may be kanagroos or emus at the pools.
Return to the track junction and continue following the track markers and interprative signs of the Discovery Walk. Approximately 750m before the end of the walk the track ascends Mt Mattingley where a lookout provides 360 degree views over the park and beyond. Tesltra mobile phone coverage may be available from here. From the lookout continue on the track back to the campground.
If planning on visiting Wyperfeld National Park from Melbourne be aware that the 459km drive will take between five and six hours driving time.
While there are several possible routes from Melbourne, the two common ones are as follows. Both take a similar period of time.
Note: Hopetoun is the last opportunity to buy fuel and supplies before entering Wyperfeld.
Access to Wyperfeld's Wonga campground is along a sealed road from the park entrance. Wonga is very large open area with some shade trees, composting toilets, untreated water and some fireplaces. Bring your own firewoord. Camping fees apply and bookings and payment in advance are required through Parks Victoria.
Vicmap: Online access to purchase 1:30,000 topographic maps
Parks Victoria: Wyperfeld National Park
Bureau of Meteorology: 7 day forecasts for Mallee district
Visitor Information: Hopetoun and Parks Victoria Wyperfeld Information Centre (not staffed).
Mobile phones: coverage information
Pets: No.