Beachwalk - Shoreham to Point Leo

Shoreham is a peaceful coastal settlement about 100 km south of Melbourne, on Westernport Bay.

On January 30,2009, I visited Shoreham, at low tide, and undertook a 4 km (return) Beachwalk to Pt Leo.

This was during a ferocious heatwave, with the shade temperature reaching 45 degrees - the temperature on the beach was a more comfortable 33 degrees!

See the complete set of Photos of my trip!

Wittons Reserve and River Trail, Warrandyte State Park

Witton's Reserve and car park is at the end of Reserve Rd, Wonga Park, in the Warrandyte State Park, about 30 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

It is situated on the banks of the Yarra River, at the canoe launching ramp.

Nice beaches are excellent for swimming and paddling, and when the level is low, rocks and rapids are exposed.

A walking trail follows the river to the north, crossing Brushy Creek and continuing to Mt Lofty.

There are beautiful views of the river from this trail, and picnic tables and seats are in a delightful shady setting about 1 km from the start.

There is a nice beach near the picnic area, suitable for swimming, paddling, and exploring the exposed river rocks.

I hiked this trail as far as the picnic area on January 29, 2009. This was a frightfully hot day, with temperature on the trail hovering around 48 degrees!

There were many visitors, and their dogs, enjoying the coolness of the river.

If you are so inclined, hire or take a canoe or kayak on the river, a pleasant experience.

See the full set of Photos of this very hot excursion!

Manna Gum Track - Olinda

The Hamer Forest Arboretum is adjacent to the Olinda Section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, 30 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

The Manna Gum Track passes through the Arboretum.

On January 27 2009 I undertook a 2 km circuit walk, starting at the junction of the gated Mathias Rd and Silvan Rd, near the Woolrich Lookout, Olinda.

This took me along the Manna Gum Track, downhill into the Olinda Valley, through the Arboretum, then back on to Mathias Rd, passing the quaintly named Red Dog Hut!

See the full set of Photos of this trip.

Mt Lofty and Yarra River - Warrandyte State Park

On January 26, 2009, I completed a pleasant 3 km circuit walk in the Mt Lofty section of the Warrandyte State Park, 30 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

My route started at the canoe launching ramp on the Yarra River, on Lower Homestead Rd, in the municipality of Wonga Park.

From there, I followed the somewhat overgrown foot-track next to the Yarra, along a boardwalk, passing the lookout, and then back to to the Yarra, at Water Point.

I then did the steep climb to the Summit, along Stephen Track, passing the information board, then a descent to Lower Homstead Rd and back to the car park.

There are picnic tables at the Summit and the Water Point.

This walk is one of the best in the Park, with superb views in all directions from the Summit, looking across the Yarra gorges to the Yarra Ranges, the Dandenong Ranges, and the Kinglake Ranges.

New signposts have recently been built near the Summit.

Mt Lofty overlooks the adjacent large Heritage Golf and Country Club and the Wetlands.

See the full set of Photos, which show the river, the scenery, canoeists, the surrounding terrain, and views to the Ranges.

George Bass Coastal Walk - Western Sector from San Remo

The popular George Bass Coastal Walk is a cliff top walk that stretches from the outskirts of San Remo at Punchbowl Road, to the Bass Highway (just opposite the hall at Peppermint Road) in Kilcunda. It is about 120 km south of Melbourne.

The turn-off to Punchbowl Rd is about 2 km east of San Remo township, off the Phillip Island Tourist Rd.

The walk is about 7 km one way, and offers spectacular views of the coastline, following the route of the explorer George Bass' epic voyage of discovery along the southern edge of the Anderson Peninsula, over 200 years ago.

An average level of fitness is required for the walk, as it includes using stiles over farm fences. Some sections are rather steep, such as the rough access side-track down to the Half Moon Bay Beach. Flies can be a nuisance!

I did about 6km (return) of the western section of this magnificent walk January 25, 2009, starting at the Punchbowl Rd car park, and reaching the marvellous secluded Half Moon Bay beach.

See my album of all of the Pictures of this trip, which show the scenery, the cliffs, the track, Half Moon Bay Beach, the Punchbowl, other walkers, and me.

Bald Hill Lookout - Bunyip State Park

The Bald Hill Lookout is in the Weatherhead Range, in the south-western section of the Bunyip State Park, about 60 km east of Melbourne.

It is off Lupton's Track, a gated management track which starts at the Tynong North Rd, some 9 km north of the Princes Highway.

Walkers, horseriders and cyclists are permitted to use this Track, which ultimately joins the Weatherhead Hill Track, several km further to the east.

The Lookout is at 254 m - the start of the track is at 194 m.

The views from the Lookout are outstanding, which I consider to be the best in this section of the Park.

There are magnificent panoramas north across the Diamond Creek valley to the spectacular and rugged Black Snake and Blue Ranges.

The lower section of the Track ascends through grassland and low scrub, then to forest and bushland. Past the Lookout, it continues along a ridge line, at about 291 m.

There are no signs indicating the existence of this marvellous lookout - a wooden seat is provided for a rest!

I visited this Lookout on January 24, 2009, a walk which was about 4 km return.

See the full set of Photos in slideshow or static format!

Exploring Avard's Track - Bunyip State Park

Avard's Track is in the SW section of the Bunyip State Park, 60 km east of Melbourne.

It is a gated management track, and links the unsealed Tynong North Rd with Lupton Track - walkers, horseriders and cyclists are permitted to use it.

It starts near the Cannibal Creek Track horse-unloading car park, about 8 km north of the Prince's Highway, and there is a rise in altitude from 144 m to the ridge-top at 320 m.

The track follows a spur into the Weatherhead Range, and passes through regrowth forest and bushland.

The ridgeline was devastated by an out-of-control backburn operation in 2007, and the blackened trees and stumps are a stark reminder of this fire, which destroyed a large part of the Park.

There are limited views from the ridgeline south towards Mt Weatherhead and adjacent farms.

West views from the lower part of the track are towards Sandpit Ridge, and north to Bald Hill.

This track is steep in parts, dry and dusty, and sufficient drinking water should be carried, especially on hot days.

See the full set of Photos of my expedition!

Exploring Cape Schanck - Mornington Peninsula NP

The Cape Schanck section of the Mornington Peninsula National Park, 100 km SE of Melbourne, is a popular destination for walkers, photographers, and other visitors, about 90 mins drive from the CBD.

Two good walking tracks start at the main car park (parking fee applies!) - these are the Boardwalk, and the Bushranger's Bay Track.

The Boardwalk descends for about 1 km along a wooden staircase, reaching sea level at the southernmost tip of the Cape. View points along the staircase offer marvellous panoramas of the rugged coastal scnery.

Pulpit Rock is nearby.

The Bushranger's Bay Walking Track goes easterly, 5.4 km to the Boneo Rd, not far from Flinders township. A side track leads to the beautiful Bushranger's Bay beach.

A third walking track starts just outside of the main car park, leading to the Gunnamatta Surf Beach, about 7 km to the north-west. A side track leads to Fingal Beach. Passing through bushland and along cliff tops, it can also be accessed from the Fingal Picnic Ground, about 1 km north of the Cape Schanck car park.

I visited Cape Schanck on January 21, 2009 - see the full set of Photos which show the lighthouse, the suberb coastal scenery, and the 2 km (return) boardwalk.

Olinda Creek Track, Dandenong Ranges NP

The Olinda Creek Track is a 3 km circuit route, starting at the junction of gated Road 13, reached from a small car park on the Olinda Creek Rd.

It passes through good forest and beautiful ferns and tree-ferns on its way to the Olinda Creek.

There is a signpost at the junction with Road 13, and a side-track eventually comes out at the Olinda Creek Rd.

I explored this interesting track on January 20, 2009, a day of extreme heat, 40 degrees!

See the complete set of photos, and a map!

Balnarring Beach Walk - Westernport Bay

Balnarring Beach is located on the northern section of Westernport Bay, about 60 km SW of Melbourne.

At low tide, a magnificent reef is exposed, with crabs and fishes galore!

The wide sandy beach is a 2 km strip, extending past the Coolart Wetlands. It is not a surf beach!

Its calm waters are excellent for swimming, paddling, snorkelling, canoes, kayaks, yachts, and catamarans.

I visited this excellent beach on January 19, 2009, a day of extreme heat, and walked the 4 km (return) route along the sand.

See the full set of Photos of my beach walk!

Whipstick Gully - Warrandyte State Park

Whipstick Gully is in the Warrandyte State Park, 25 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

It is at the end of Whipstick Gully Rd, from the turn-off at Yarra Rd.

It contains many historical artifacts, relics, old mine shafts, and remains of the gold diggings of the 1800s.

Interpretative signs inform visitors of the main features.Walking tracks radiate from the main entrance, some of which are quite steep and stony.

I visited this interesting historical place on January 18, 2009, exploring about 3 km of the tracks.

See my full set of Photos of this trip

Spectacukar views from Cannibal Creek Track, Bunyip State Park

Cannibal Creek Track is in the extreme SW section of the Bunyip State Park, 60 km east of Melbourne, and links the Tynong North Rd with Sand Pit Ridge Track.

I walked this scenic track on January 21, 2009, starting at the Cannibal Creek horse unloading car park, near Camp Rd. There was an increase in altitude from 194 m to 280 m - the final section was very steep and rough.

There were spectacular panoramas east across the various mountains in the Park.

The track passed through bushland, about 4 km return, and crossed Cannibal Creek near the start, but this was dry, due to the drought.

The track is popular with horseriders.

See the full set of Photos

The scenic Silvertop Ridge Track, Bunyip State Park

The Silvertop Ridge Track is in the southern section of the Bunyip State Park, 60 km east of Melbourne, past the town of Gembrook.

It is reached from the Mortimer Picnic Ground just off the Gembrook-Tonimbuk Rd, along gated Triangle Track.

It starts at the signposted junction of Windy Point and Link Tracks, about 1 km from the Picnic Ground.

It is a primarily a management track used for fire control purposes, but walkers, horses and cyclists are allowed on it.

It follows a ridge line, then descends steeply along a spur to the south of the Park, reaching Dyer's Picnic Ground.

It passes a large Water Point, through interesting bushland, mostly regrowth in a former logging area.

There are views across the valleys, somewhat obscured by tall timber.

Large granite outcrops and ferns are passed.

I did this 4 km (return) walk on January 15, 2009.

See a New Map of the locality from Australian Digital Maps

Look at the complete set of Photos

Flinders Coastline - Westernport Bay

Flinders is a village about 70 km south of Melbourne, located on Westernport Bay.

With a population of around 510, Flinders is one of the smaller towns in Australia, and is at an altitude of about 39m above sea level.

I visited Flinders on January 13, 2009, and did a 4 km (return) beachwalk north towards the settlement of Shoreham.

The Photos show the coastline, the pier, small boats, and people having a good time in and out of the ocean!

This was very hot day, 37 degrees.

See the full set of Photos of this trip!

See a new map of the Flinders region from Digital Maps of Australia, at this link:

Mt Cannibal Nature Reserve - Garfield North

Mt. Cannibal Nature Reserve is 90 km east of Melbourne, in the district of Garfield North, north of the Princes Highway, and not far from the commercially-run Gumbiyah Park.

The summit is at 241 m. A 3 km circuit track (steep and rocky in parts) from the picnic ground goes through forest and links two lookouts - Northern Lookout, and Southern Lookout.

Southern Lookout offers superb views to Wsternport Bay, French Island, Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula and the Westernport Biosphere Reserve.

The Northern Looking commands spectacular views to the Black Snake Range and the Bunyip State Park.

The Reserve is managed by the Cardinia Shire, with support from the Friends of Mt. Cannibal organization.

The Summit is popular with Meteor Observation Groups, and Amateur Radio activities, being relatively free from electrical and visual pollution.

I did the circuit walk on January 11, 2009, and was impressed at the work which has been done in creating the new Southern Lookout and directional marker (sponsored by Rotary).

There has been a major reconstruction and realignment of sections of the Track, with wooden steps installed and gravel surfacing.

Brightly colored markers along the Track refer to points of interest - a well produced set of Trail Notes is available from a metal box at the start of the Track.

A comprehensive Information Board in the picnic area provides details about the Reserve, its fauna, flora, and geography.

The Forest is home to the second higest population of forest owls in Victoria.

The large granite rocky outcrops in the Reserve are over 350 million years old, and represent one of the largest displays in southern Victoria.

See the full set of Photos of my trip!

The La La Falls and Four Mile Creek Weir - Warburton

The La La Falls are in the former timber cutting region, near the town of Warburton, 65 km east of Melbourne, in the Yarra State Forest.

A 3.5 km return walking track leads up to the Falls, through the dense jungle of the Four Mile Creek Gully.

The track is reached from Park Rd (opposite the Sanitarium Factory) along Old Warburton Rd to the start of the track on Irruka Rd (about 1 km from Warburton).

This track follows the alignment of a timber tramway built in 1909, which started at Woods Point Rd at the former La La rail siding. This tramway was used to carry logs from the lower reaches of the Mt Bride logging area, which couldn't be profitably worked from the Mt Bride Mill. The Mill closed down in 1916, and the tramway then became a popular walking track for visitors to Warburton, ending at the Falls.

As at 2009, no trace remains of the tramway, apart from old logs adjacent to the alignment. The area was devastated by bushfires in 1939.

A mill existed between 1909-1911 opposite the start of the present day walking track.

A small weir was built across Four Mile Creek in the 1940s, and its remains may be seen just off the track, about 200 m from the start. It is heavily overgrown, and a rusting barbed wire fence and iron gate marks its perimeter.

The Track is very slippery after heavy rain, and care is needed. Parts of it are rocky and steep, over steps and boardwalks, and it terminates at a viewing platform at the base of the Falls.

See my Photos of this trip of January 10, 2009, which show the Falls and the scenery along the Track, and some achival photos of the Falls as they looked in the early 1900s!

Kyeema Air Disaster - Mt Corhanwarrabul

The 1938 Kyeema crash occurred near the summit of Mt Corhanwarrabul, on the western face of Mount Dandenong, Victoria, Australia, 35 km from the Melbourne CBD. 18 people were killed when the Kyeema, an Australian National Airways DC-2, VH-UYC crashed. The aircraft was in route to Melbourne from Adelaide.

The disaster is blamed on a combination of the presence of a heavy fog and the use of an outdated navigational practice which relied solely on landmarks to determine position. During the ensuing investigation, it was decided that the pilot believed he was descending for a landing at Essendon but was grossly off course causing him to crash into the mountain. While not the first fatal accident in Australian aviation history it was unique because it was the first aircraft in radio communication up to the time of impact.

Those killed in the tragedy included a parliamentarian, a party of barristers and solicitors, a group of wine industry executives, and a young couple on their honeymoon.

By Public demand a Royal Commission into the cause of the disaster was established, the Federal Government appointed an Air Accident Investigation Committee under the Chairmanship of Colonel T. Murdoch DSO, VCE with the public equiry commencing on October 30th, 1938. Because of the crash, regulations were passed which require Flight Checking Officers to monitor the flights of airplanes and advise on such things as position, weather, and alternate landing options. Also implementation of a 33MHz radio range system was recommended to provide pilots with accurate information on their course.

It was not until forty years after the crash, in 1978, that a memorial to the Kyeema and its eighteen passengers was created at the crash site.

To mark the 70th anniversary of the tragedy, a new Memorial and Cairn were officially opened by the Victorian Government at a ceremony on October 25, 2008.

This public event, was hosted by the Lilydale squadron of the Australian Air League, the Mount Dandenong Historical Society and the Kalorama CFA, and included a flyover by a vintage DC3. The plane, a former Australian National Airways DC-3, VH-ABR Kanana is 70 years old and was restored for Australia’s bicentennial in 1988. It entered service only four days after the Kyeema tragedy. About 400 people attended the recent memorial, including descendants of crash victims.

There were ceremonies by a celebrant and indigenous elders and performances by the Victoria Police pipe band.

A new Information Board nearby contains several historical photographs about the Kyeema and the crash scene, and accounts of the tragedy.

Visitors to the Memorial are asked to observed a few minutes of silence.

I visited the crash site on January 8, 2009, which is about five minutes walk from a car park just off Ridge Rd. No trace of the wreckage remains. A new sign has been erected at the exact location of the crash impact, reached by a walking track down from the Memorial.

A high level walking trail, named the Kyeema Track, passes the Memorial.

The Track passes Bourke's Lookout and the TV towers, and continues westerly to the summit of Mt Corhanwarrabul, 628 m above sea level, next to Mt Dandenong.

The panoramas from the Lookout are outstanding, with amazing views across Melbourne to Port Phillip Bay, the You Yangs, the Macedon Ranges, and the Kinglake Ranges.

The return walk from the car park to Mt Corhanwarrabul is about 2 km return.

See the Photos of my visit

A graphic account of the crash disaster was published in Flight Safety magazine, which may be viewed at
http://casa.gov.au/fsa/1998/nov/kyeema.pdf

The Melbourne Observer published an article on October 8, 2008, which may be viewed at
http://www.melbourneobserver.com.au/ob_08oct08_p13z.pdf

Hiking the scenic Yarrabubba Track - Bunyip State Park

The Yarrabubba Track is in the western section of the Bunyip State Park, about 60 km east of Melbourne.

It is a gated fire management track - walkers and horses are permitted on it.

I walked the northern section, about 4 km return, of this interesting track on January 7, 2009, starting at the Gembrook-Tonimbuk Rd, just opposite the Mortimer Picnic Ground.

The track ascended from 169 m to the ridge line at 211 m, passing through bushland, mostly regrowth from a series of bushfires.

There are views to the Black Snake Range, but somewhat obscured by trees.

The Track crosses several firelines (firebreaks), and eventually reaches the southern boundary of the Park, at Pooley Rd. That section of the Track will be undertaken in due course as a separate walk.

This section of the Park is not often visited by walkers, and is somewhat remote. A good, up-to-date map is essential!
See the full set of Photos

You Yangs Regional Park - Branding Yard Track

Branding Yard Track is a 5.5 km signposted circuit trail in the You Yangs Regional Park, 55 km SW of Melbourne.

The Track is one of the four major walking trails in the Park, and starts at the turntable car park.

It descends steeply from the car park, then follows woodland and scrub around the eastern flanks of Flinders Peak and the North Range.

It passes several dams, but these were totally dry during my visit.

The Geoglyph Aboriginal feature is passed - this was constructed in 2006 to commemorate the Commonwealth Games, and consists of formations of large stones arranged in the shape of a huge bird. To appreciate this feature, it should be viewed from the top of the cliff face, which is a separate walk.

There are good views from the track of the rock formations on the eastern side of the Range.

There are spectacular panoramas to the east and south from the top section of the track, to Corio Bay, Portarlington, the Werribee Plains, and Avalon Airport.

My visit was on January 6, 2009, a hot day!

See the complete set of Photos of my trip!

Shoreham Coast Walk - Westernport Bay

Shoreham is a quiet hamlet on the north coast of Westernport Bay, 70 km south of Melbourne.

The beach is very good, and at low tide, a vast reef and rock pools are exposed.

I visited this nice beach on January 5, 2009, at low tide, exploring the rock pools and reef, on a 4 km return walk to a point about half way to the town of Flinders.

See the complete set of Photos of this walk!

Buttongrass Nature Reserve - Bunyip State Park

The unique Buttongrass Nature Reserve is in the south of the Bunyip State Park, 70 km east of Melbourne, between the towns of Gembrook and Tonimbuk.

It is reached from the Gembrook-Tonimbuk Rd, turning off at Camp Rd, then to a small car park at gated Guide Track.

A superb 3 km interpretative circuit walking track winds its way around the Reserve, passing through bushland, wetlands, grasslands and over boardwalks. This starts about 200 m south of the gate, and is well signposted, including a comprehensive information board.

Sections of the track have been widened and surfaced with gravel.

There are excellent views of the nearby Black Snake Range, which is the dominant feature of the region.

A large picturesque dam is situated near the start of the track.

Buttongrass is found only in Wet Heathland areas, such as in this Reserve, and is prevalent alongside the Boardwalks.

There are numbered markers along the trail at points of interest.

The Buttongrass Reserve and adjacent forest was devastated by bushfires in 2006, and most of the track markers and wooden boardwalks were destroyed.

The track was closed until mid 2008 to allow repairs to be made, signage replaced, and new seats constructed at vantage points.

A firebreak is being constructed through the Reserve.

Maintenance of the Reserve is undertaken by the Friends of the Bunyip State Park, in conjunction with Parks Victoria and the local Shire.

These images were taken on January 4, 2008.

See the complete set of Photos of my trip!

Seven Acre Rock - Yarra State Forest

Seven Acre Rock is a large rocky outcrop, 600 m altitude, which provides superb views of the Yarra State Forest, the Bunyip River Valley, and the Bunyip State Park.

It is located in the Yarra State Forest, deep in the logging area south of the town of Powelltown, about 80 km east of Melbourne.

The walking track to the Rock is a 2 km return route, starting at the Rock car park/picnic ground on the Learmonth Creek Rd, reached from the Yarra Junction-Noojee Rd, about 1 km west of Powelltown.

The Rock itself is granite.

See the full set of Photos, taken on January 3, 2009, showing the Track, other walkers, the big panoramas, the Forest, the Rocks, and some views across the logged areas on Leamonth Creek Rd.