Smith's Gully to St. Andrews Nature History Trail

The historically important Smith's Gully to St. Andrews Nature History Trail is located about 50 km northeast of Melbourne, near the Kinglake National Park.

The 3 km (return) Trail starts at the Smith's Gully Reserve, on Smith's Gully Rd, opposite the historical Queenstown Cemetery, reached from the Kangaroo Ground to St. Andrew's Rd, then via Clinton's Rd. It ends at a ford at Black Cameron Rd.

Interpretative signs describe the various artifacts and features along the Trail, with fascinating explanations of how the gold was mined, using alluvial and reef extractions.

The first gold was discovered in 1854, and all mining activity was abandoned in the 1920s.

The Trail passes through an area which was devastated by bushfires in 1962 and the forest is now largely regrowth.

Due to the extended drought, the Creek has dried up.

Remains of the stamping battery, cynanide tank, and the weir are near the car park.

See thf full set of Photos which show the scenery, vegetation, forest and relics of old mining activity along the Trail.

Pirate's Bay - Blaigowrie Ocean Beach - Mornington Peninsula National Park

Pirates' Bay is a beautiful secluded cove in the Mornington Peninsula National Park, facing Bass Strait.

It is about 80 km SE of Melbourne, in the municipality of Blairgowrie.

I visited this bay on Friday afternoon May 29, 2009, for a 4 km coastal hike along the cliff tops, which included nearby Bridgewater Bay, Prickly Rocks, and Pearse's Beach.

My visit started at the small car-park at the end of St. John's Wood Rd, reached from Melbourne Rd.

The coastal views from the clifftop were spectacular, extending from Cape Schank about 20 km to the south-east, to Portsea Ocean Beach in the north-west.

My route followed the Lifesaving Track, and is a section of the 40 km Coastal Walk which runs all the way from London Bridge, in the NW, to Cape Schank in the SE.

I had already completed 95% of this long walk, over several visits from 2007 to the present, and I am now finishing off the remaining 5%! When that is done, I will do the entire walk again.

See the full set of Photos of my visit!

Hiking in the scenic Warrandyte Common

The Warrandyte Common is a large bushland nature reserve in the southern section of the Warrandyte State Park, 25 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

It is home to a wide variety of fauna and flora, and mobs of Eastern Grey Kangaroos inhabit the cleared private land adjacent to the western perimeter.

Several well-signposted walking tracks pass through the Reserve, once a logging region.

Horseriding is popular on designated trails.

The Reserve is reached from the Ringwood-Warrandyte Rd, then along Johanson's Rd, then into Haslop's Lane. A small car park off Haslop's Lane is a starting point for the gated walking tracks.

I visited the Reserve on May 28 2009, on a 4 km hike, following the Central Track, the Bridle Track, the Firebreak Track, South Track, North Track, and Haslop's Link Track.

See the full set of Photos, which show the scenery, environment, fauna and flora encountered on my excursion.

Exploring the Tracks of the Silvan Forest

Several interesting walking trails may be enjoyed in the Silvan Forest, part of the Melbourne Water Reserve, adjacent to the Silvan Reservoir Park, 45 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

They start opposite the main entrance to the Park, in Stonyford Rd, and include the Olinda Creek, Messmate, Greygum, and Circuit Tracks.

The reservoir was opened in 1932, supplying water to Melbourne. A 7 km aerial cableway transported materials to the construction site from a siding at Mt Evelyn railway station.

Rusting remains of this cableway and other pieces of old machinery and outbuildings may be seen on the site of the former "Barrow Pit", next to the cleared space adjacent to the large water tanks, opposite the main gates.

My visit was on Wednesday afternoon May 27, 2009, cold and raining, passing through forest and fern gullies, on a circuit hike of about 4 km. Many colorful winter fungi had appeared!

Comprehensive information about the construction and development of the Reservoir may be found at
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/ahdb/search.pl?mode=place_detail;place_id=102609

See the full set of Photos of my visit.

Clover Arboretum and Big Hill Lookout, Mt Beauty District

The Clover Arboretum is 13 km from the town of Mt Beauty, 350 km NE of Melbourne, on the Bogong High Plains Rd.

It is situated on the site of the former village known as Clover South, built in the 1930s for housing workers and their families employed on construction of the nearby Clover Dam and Power Station.

In the early 1940s, all houses in the village were dismantled and removed, and workers relocated to the new town of Mt Beauty.

The houses were similar in basic design, and were situated on the side of the hill along terraced laneways, with a series of interconnecting pathways and stone steps.

Many of the trees and shrubs planted by the residents remain, including beautiful mature pines and oaks.

Sadly, the 2003 bushfires damaged the stonework and destroyed many of the trees, but there has been extensive regrowth.

The "Friends of the Clover Arboretum" community group carries out regular maintenance and weeding of the Arboretum grounds.

Picnic tables enable visitors to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this pleasant forest environnment.

An Information Board at the small car park describes the history and development of the Arboretum, with fascinating historical photos.

Visitors are encouraged to wander along the linked pathways and terraces - interpretative signs along the route describe various interesting features, including the fauna and fauna of the region.

We visited the Arboretum on Monday May 25 2009.

On our way back to Mt Beauty, we drove to the Big Hill Lookout, about 8 km from the turn-off at Cranky Charlie's corner, on the High Plains Rd.

This is a steep stony gravel road, which winds it way up and around Big Hill, through tall regrowth forest. Far down below was the West Kiewa Power Station, which can be reached by a side road about 3 km from Cranky Charlie's turnoff.

This road is best suited for 4WDs, but conventional 2WDs are OK, if care is taken.

The road ends at a large clearing, the Lookout, with excellent views north over Mt Beauty township along the valley to Mt Tawonga, and almost overpowered by ominous-looking Mt Bogong (the summit of which was covered in fog).

Gated fire tracks continue from the Lookout - the Big Hill Fire Trail, and the West Kiewa Logging Rd.

The Lookout is at altitude 1049 m, an increase in altitude of some 500 m from Cranky Charlie's turn-off, which is at 554 m.

See the full set of Photos of our visit!

Exploring the Survey Track, Mt Beauty District

The Survey Track at Mt Beauty, about 350 km NE of Melbourne, was the original track used by surveyors and early construction workers on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme in the early 1930s.

About 4 km, it runs parallel to the Bogong High Plains Rd, from the end of Tawonga Crescent, opposite the Mt Beauty Golf Club, to Cranky Charlie's Corner (the start of the Big Hill Lookout Rd).

It is steep in parts, with a change in altitude from 390 m to 555 m at the top.

The lower section follows the perimeter of the Mt Beauty Golf Course, with beautiful views north to Mt Tawonga. Further on, the track passes through thick forest, winding around the edge of the valley, with glimpses of the Kiewa River East Branch far below.

There are outstanding views of the Bogong Massif along the higher section of the Track.

This interesting track is used by walkers and mountain bike riders, and our visit was on Saturday afternoon May 23 2009, starting at the Golf Course end.

Alternative return routes lead off Big Hill Lookout Rd, such as via Pole Track (500 m from High Plains Rd), or down a network of mountain bike tracks, all of which eventually reach the Mountain Bike staging point.

A leaflet, which includes a map, is available from the Mt Beauty Information Centre.

See the full set of Photos of our visit.

Warby Range State Park

Warby Range State Park is just north of the town of Glenrowan, about 250 km NE of Melbourne. It is 11,460 ha in area, and named after Ben Warby, a pastoralist who settled in the area in 1844.

The 400 m rocky escarpments are believed to have been used by the Kelly gang as a lookout.
There is one camping ground, "Whenams".

In 2002, the park was expanded to include the state forest of Killawarra as part of a program of protecting Box-Ironbark forests.

On Sunday May 24 2009, we visited this Park, which included a 9 km (return) hike to the Mt Glenrowan Summit, 510 m above sea level, the highest point, at the extreme southerly end of the Range.

The Summit is reached from Ridge Track, which starts at the gate at a car park at Tamnick Gap Rd, accessed from Wangaratta Rd.

The track ascends steeply for the first 1 km to the communications towers, at about 300 m, and offers commanding views to the west. From there to the Summit the track is levels off, undulating, passing through regrowth forest and many beautiful grass trees. The Track ends at the newly constructed radio towers at the summit, with spectacular views over Glenrowan to the Ovens Valley, the Mt Buffalo National Park and the Victorian Alps.

Our visit to the Park concluded with a drive along the western perimeter past Mt Bruno, for a short stop at Ryan's Lookout, in the central section. This produced nice views to the east, across nearby Wangaratta and the distant Alps. The lookout, a wooden structure with a metal grill, is reached from a short foot-track at the car park.

See the full set of Photos of our visit!

Olinda Falls Hike

The Olinda Falls are among the most popular attractions in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, 30 km from the Melbourne CBD.

I visited the Olinda Falls on Thursday afternoon May 21, 2009, a cold day in early winter.

There are actully three falls - the upper, middle and lower cascades, with viewing areas for each along the 1 km steep track which starts at the picnic ground on Falls Rd.

Visitors have enjoyed the Falls since the 1860s, well before motor cars made their appearance in Melbourne, when they travelled up Mt Dandenong by horse and buggy!

The Falls were originally known as the "Valinda Falls", the name of the district, which then became "Olinda".

Olinda settlement is perched on the rim of the ancient volcano crater, which last erupted 200 million years ago!

This album shows the walking track, signposts to nearby trails, the falls, the picnic ground, the car park, the viewing platforms, and other visitors.

I have included two archival photographs, showing the Falls Walking Track, and what the Falls looked like around the year 1910.

See the full set of Photos of my visit!

Point Leo Coastal Hike to the Reef, Westernport

Point Leo is a small settlement on Westernport Bay, about 70 km south of Melbourne.

It has an excellent surf beach, and extensive reefs are exposed at low tide.

I visited Pt Leo on Wednesday afternoon May 20, 2009, doing a 4 km (return) beachwalk from the car-park west to the big reef.

There was a very low tide, exposing the reefs, but not much surf!

See the full set of Photos

Stane Brae Hike, Warrandyte State Park

Stane Brae is a section of the Warrandyte State Park, 25 km east of Melbourne.

It was originally a large grazing and farming property, prior to its purchase by the Victorian Government for incorporation into the Park. River frontages were also acquired.

The stables and outbuildings of the former homestead have been converted into a rest and picnic area, with basic free overnight accommodation facilities offered for walkers, Parks Victoria personnel, and canoeists.

Some of the original plantings remain, and extensive revegetation activities are continuing.

There are excellent views of the surrounding hills, the adjacent Yarra River, with rapids and a small beach, suitable for swimming, canoe launching/landing.

Directly opposite the cano landing is Kangaroo Ground.

Access is by canoe or on foot - the latter is from Jumping Creek carpark, off Jumping Creek Rd, then along gated Freeland Rd and fire access tracks, then down to the stables and river.

The walk is about 4 km return.

Large mobs of Eastern Grey Kangaroos inhabit Stane Brae, many of which were seen on my visit on Tuesday afternoon May 19, 2009. The large males should not be approached, as they can be very aggressive.

Farnsworth Track and London Bridge - Portsea Coast

The Farnsworth Track runs between London Bridge Carpark and the Portsea Ocean Bridge carpark, in the Mornington Peninsula National Park, 80 km SE of Melbourne.

About 4 km return, it offers spectacular clifftop views of the rugged coast over Bass Strait, extending from Cape Schanck in the SE, to Fort Nepean in the NW.

I hiked this Track on Sunday afternoon May 17 2009, starting at the London Bridge Carpark, then along the ocean beach and dunes, up the long staircase to the eastern end of the Track at Portsea, and back to London Bridge via the clifftop and coastal bushland.

There are two Lookouts along the cliff-top track.

I also did the 2 km (return) beach hike to London Bridge, making a round trip of about 6 km.

The weather was rough, with huge waves, strong winds, and a lot of spray!

The Farnsworth Track was completed in 1987.

See all of the Photos of my trip.

Kallista Hike in search of Lyrebirds!

There are several interesting walking tracks in the Kallista area, in the eastern section of the Dandenong Ranges NP.

Access is from small car parks along the Kallista to Emerald Rd, such as at Cook's Corner and Grant's Picnic Ground, some 30 km from the Melbourne CBD.

On Saturday afternoon May 16 2009 I explored some of these tracks, on a 5 km hike which took me along Hall's Track and Neumann's Track, to the junction of Paddy Track.

I started from the carpark at Cook's Corner.

Neumann's Track passes large open cleared spaces which were once potato farms in the 1940s, prior to their being acquired by the Government, for integration into the National Park.

Lybeirds live in the bushland adjacent to this Track, and are occasionally seen.

A mob of Eastern Grey Kangaroos inhabits the area near Brendon's Corner, but they are seen mainly at dusk and early morning.

Bordering Brendon's Corner is Wallaby Paddock, the site of an early farm.

Neumann's Track links with Lyrebird Track, which ends at Grant's picnic ground.

See the complete set of Photos of my trip!

Olinda Creek Hike, Olinda Forest

Management Track 18 follows the Olinda Creek, in the Olinda Forest, Dandenong Ranges National Park, 30 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

It links Stonyford Rd and Management Track 13, passing beautiful ferns and through tall mountain ash.

I explored tbis interesting Track on Friday afternoon May 15, 2009, about 3 km return, starting at the small car park on Stonyford Rd.

See all of my Photos of this trip!

Yarrabridge Bushland Reserve, Woori Yallock

The Yarrabridge Bushland Reserve is a preserved and protected area about 60 km east of Melbourne, in the Woori Yallock District, between the towns of Woori Yallock and Healesville, reached from the Woori Yallock-Healesville Rd, on public land adjacent to the Yarra River.

There is an interesting 3 km circuit walking track in the Reserve, passing through a mix of Ti Tree, gum trees and open grasslands, next to the river.

The Reserve lies to the north of the recently rebuilt Yarrabridge - the old bridge is still there, now a historical attraction.

The land adjacent to the Reserve was once part of the Dairy pastoral run opened up in the 1840s.

On the opposite side of the Bridge is another gated track, accessed from the car park. This follows the river past farms for about 1 km, ending at a pleasant picnic spot, view point, and a small beach.

I visited the Reserve, completing the circuit and river tracks, on Wednesday afternoon May 13, 2009.

See all of the Photos of my visit!

Norman's Bushland Nature Reserve, Warrandtye SP

Norman's Bushland Reserve is a large area of preserved bushland on the north side of the Yarra River, Warrandyte State Park, 25 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

It is reached from the Warrandyte to Research Rd, and along Bradley's Lane, to a car park and picnic area opposite the Pound Bend Tunnel.

A 3 km (return) walking track follows the river easterly to a point near the main bridge, passing through bushland, with good views of the river.

About half way along, there is a viewpoint and seat.

The unsigned track is undulating, with some steep pinches, and walkers should watch out for wombats, which inhabit the slopes down to the water's edge!

This track is not shown in any maps, and is privately maintained by local residents.

I explored this track on Monday afternoon May 11, 2009, but no wombats appeared, having their afternoon sleeps!

See the full set of Photos of my visit.

Olinda Forest in earty winter

George's Rd is in the Olinda Section of the Dandenong Ranges NP, about 30 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

It is a gated forest management road, and links Olinda Creek Rd with Hermon's Track, passing through beautiful ferns.

Some sections of this track are hilly, and care is needed during wet weather.

The track is popular with walkers, horseriders and cyclists.

I explored this 4 km (return) track on Tuesay May 12 2009, starting at the Olinda Creek Rd access point.

At this time of year, colorful fungi appear, in many shades of white, pink, orange, yellow and red!

I was hoping to see a puma, but no luck!

See the full set of Photos of my visit.

Glorious coastal scenery from Mt St Paul, Sorrento

The Mornington Peninsula Coastal Walk extends for 28 km from London Bridge (Portsea) to Cape Schanck.

It offers spectacular views over Bass Strait and the rugged cliffs, with sidetracks/stairways leading to interesting bays, beaches and coves.

On May 10, 2009, I explored a 4 km (return) section of this route, starting at the car park at the St. Paul's Rock carpark, and ending at the Lookout on the summit of Mt. St Paul.

Mt St Paul was discovered and named in 1802 by an early explorer, who also gave his name to nearby St Paul's Rock.

The height of the summit is 40 m above sea level, but the 360 degree views are amazing!

My visit included side trips to Jubilee Point, Diamond Bay Beach, and the Bay of Islands.

Whilst the actual walking distance of this Section is not long, it can be physically demanding as much of it is in sand and dunes.

I have actually completed the entire 28 km (56 km return!) Walk in 2008-2009, and am now revisiting some of the Sectors which offer the greatest photographic, scenic and physical appeal to me.

See the full set of Photos of this visit.

A Hike in the Olinda Forest

In the Olinda Forest, 30 km east of the Melbourne, there are several un-named walking tracks.

One of these is a 2 km unsigned circuit, following the Olinda Creek, starting and finishing at gated Road 13.

It passes the perimeter of the large Flower Farm, the last remaining commercial farm in this section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

I explored this interesting Track on May 9, 2009, much of which is overgrown and fallen logs make the going difficult!

See all of the Photos of this trip!

Coastal Hike, Somers to Sandy Point, Westernport Bay

Somers is a small coastal settlement about 85 km SE of Melbourne, on Westernport Bay.

It developed from the pastoral runs of the 1920s, and during WW2 the RAAF operated a training centre there. After that, the Education Department took over the military buildings and established Somer's Camp. The general store and post office date back to 1927.

Nearby is the world famous Coolart Wetlands and Homestead.

The foreshore reserve has good, signed walking tracks, passing through bushland, offering pleasant views across Westernport Bay to Phillip Island.

I visited Somers on May 8 2009, a wintry and overcast day, for a 6 km (return) coastal hike on the beach east to Sandy Point. This included the interesting Koala Walk.

Sandy Point is the boundary of the extensive HMAS Cerberus RAN Naval Establishment, and access is prohibited.

Caution is needed at high tide to avoid being stranded at the base of the cliffs!

See the full set of Photos of my visit!

Gold Heritage Trail, Warrandyte State Park

The Gold Heritage Trail is a 3 km loop track in the Warrandyte State Park, 20 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

It starts at Wildcat Gully Track, just off the Gold Memorial car park, on Gold Memorial Rd.
After crossing a boardwalk, it winds its way up to the summit of historical Fourth Hill, passing many old mine shafts and diggings.

Photographic interpretative signs along the way describe aspects of the Warrandyte gold mining era of the 1850s.

I explored this signed Trail on May 7, 2009, but, sadly, I couldn't find any nuggets!

There are views across the Park from the summit, but somewhat obscured by tall regrowth.

In 1961, a Water Trust Reservoir and Fire Tower were built at the summit, which had been cleared for mining - the area has been burnt by many bushfires.

There is little trace remaining of the reservoir or tower, except some old machinery and a steel trapdoor set into the ground.

At the summit, there is a notice and photographs, congratulating walkers on reaching the top.

Parts of the Trail are steep and rocky, and care is needed.

See all of the Photos of this trip!

Churchill Island - North Point Circuit Hike

Churchill Island, located just off the coast from Newhaven, is one of Phillip Island’s major attractions. Covering an area of 57 Ha, the island features an historic Heritage Working Farm dating back to 1872.

It was first discovered by George Bass and Matthew Flinders in 1798. In 1801, Lieutenant James Grant constructed a simple cottage and planted corn and wheat with seeds supplied by his friend John Churchill, after whom the island was named. Churchill Island was the first European settlement in Victoria.

A number of small cottages, as well as a traditional homestead, were later built. These are part of the Heritage Farm and are open for walk-through inspection and include the historical house and farm buildings, farming machinery, coaches, buggies, a milk vending cart, a wishing well, hoes, traditional gardens and the orchard. Ranger demonstrations of traditional farming techniques are given.

The large restored Homestead and old outbuildings offer a fascinating insight into farm life during the late 1800s. Some of the beautiful period furniture pieces are on loan fromn the Museum Victoria - others are part of the original property, which include many household items.

Many of the farm animals roam freely around the gardens - some are in pens. The kids will love them! There are cows, goats, ducks, geese, sheep, chickens, Clydesdale horses, highland cattle and "George" - a 50 year old cockatoo! Watch out for the beautiful colored Peacock!

The unsealed access road from the bridge runs through extensive open paddocks, where there are geese and huge ferocious-looking long-horned cattle, which amble across the road!

There is an excellent photograph display in the Visitor Centre about the fascinating history of the Island - there is a cafe in the Centre. A free printed Visitor Guide is available at the Centre.

A small admission fee is charged for entry to the Heritage Area - pensioner/senior's concession is $7.20.

There are two main walking/cycling tracks on the Island, which start at the Centre - the 4 km North Point Loop and the island Loop. There is no charge for using these Tracks. Grant’s monument is next to the junction of these Tracks.

The Island is reached from the turn-off north of Phillip Island Road, 1km west of the Newhaven Bridge, near the Chocolate Factory!. A bridge allows unlimited access from 10 am - 4.30 pm. Distance from Melbourne is about 120 km.

I visited the Island on May 4, 2009 - see my North Point Walking Track Photos - see also my Photos of the Heritage Farm.

See the Churchill Island website for comprehensive information!

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Churchill Island, located just off the coast from Newhaven, is one of Phillip Island’s major attractions. Covering an area of 57 Ha, the island features an historic Heritage Working Farm dating back to 1872. It was first discovered by George Bass and Matthew Flinders in 1798. In 1801, Lieutenant James Grant constructed a simple cottage and planted corn and wheat with seeds supplied by his friend John Churchill, after whom the island was named. Churchill Island was the first European settlement in Victoria.

The waters and mudflats surrounding Churchill Island are listed under the Convention on Wetlands of international importance - the Ramsar Convention. It forms part of the large Churchill Island Marine National Park.

Before European settlement, Phillip Island was visited by the Bunurong Aboriginal people - the mudflats provided great tucker such as flounder, shark and oysters.

A number of small cottages, as well as a traditional homestead, were later built. These are part of the Heritage Farm and are open for walk-through inspection and include the historical house and farm buildings, farming machinery, stables, shearing shed, blacksmith shop, cellar, horse-works, coaches, buggies, a milk vending cart, a wishing well, hoes, traditional gardens and the orchard. Ranger demonstrations of traditional farming techniques are given.

The large restored Homestead and old outbuildings offer a fascinating and colorful insight into farm life during the late 1800s. Some of the beautiful period furniture pieces are on loan from the Museum Victoria - others are part of the original property, which include many household items.

Many of the farm animals roam freely around the gardens - some are in pens. The kids will love them! There are cows, goats, ducks, geese, sheep, chickens, chooks, Clydesdale horses, highland cattle and "George" - a 50 year old cockatoo! Watch out for the beautiful colored Peacocks!

The unsealed access road from the bridge runs through extensive open paddocks, where there are geese and huge ferocious-looking long-horned highland cattle, which amble across the road!

A free printed Visitor Guide/Map is available at the Visitor Centre, where there is an excellent photographic display about the fascinating history of the Island. There is an adjacent cafe and shop, where heritage reproduction items, books, clothing, stickers and CDs may be purchased.

A small admission fee is charged for entry to the Heritage Area - pensioner/senior's concession is $7.20.

There are two main walking/cycling tracks on the Island, which start at the Centre - the Long Point Loop and the Island Loop. There is no charge for using these Tracks. Grant’s monument is next to the junction of these Tracks.

The Island is reached from the turn-off north of Phillip Island Road, 1km west of the Newhaven Bridge, near the Chocolate Factory!. A bridge allows unlimited access from 10 am - 4.30 pm. Distance from Melbourne is about 120 km.

I visited the Island on May 4, 2009 - see the full set of Photos of the Heritage Area. I have another Album showing images of the scenery along the 4 km North Point Walking Track, at

http://worldisround.com/articles/353110/index.html

Comprehensive information about the Island is at

http://www.churchillisland.org.au

A Hike in the Sherbrooke Forest

The Sherbrooke Forest, 30 km east of the Melbourne CBD, is the habitat of the Lyrebird.

These creatures are very shy, and are only rarely seen, occasionally emerging from the forest and dashing quickly across the walking tracks.

I visited this beautiful forest on May 4, 2009, exploring the Monument and Lloyd Tracks, a distance of about 4 km, starting and finishing at a small car park on Sherbrooke Rd.

My journey took me through tall timber, over footbridges and a creek, and past magnificent fern gullies.

The day was overcast, cold, foggy, and very misty and mysterious in the dark forest. Sadly, no lyrebirds were seen!

See the complete set of Photos of my triup!

Spectacular coastal views from Coppin's Track, Sorrento

Coppins Track, Sorrento, 4 km return, commemorating the "Father of Sorrento", opened to the public in 1890 in celebration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

George Coppin, who put much energy (and money) into developing Sorrento and promoting it as a holiday destination, established a steamship service connecting Sorrento and Queenscliff and he set up a tramway (drawn by horse and locomotive) from Sorrento to the ocean beach where he built a rotunda and the walking track.

The Track starts at Sorrento Ocean Beach carpark and meanders eastwards through a section of the Mornington Peninsula National Park, along the rugged coastal cliff line, past offshore rock stacks, an ancient Aboriginal midden, sand dunes, coastal vegetation, St Paul's Beach and Jubilee Point to Diamond Bay.

The Track is part of the Great Coastal Walk (28 km) which connects London Bridge and Cape Schanck. The route is denoted by orange markers with blue signs to indicate departure points for circuit tracks to interesting sites. However, east of Rye Beach the landscape tends to be more rugged and the walks are not so well marked. Passage along the walking trail may be blocked at high tide so it is advisable to check tidal patterns before starting.

In all the walk would take most people at least two days to complete but, as there are about 30 access points to the coastal strip (largely from back roads which radiate out from Point Nepean Rd), it is possible to explore any given sub-section.

The journey takes in jagged cliffs, interesting rock formations, tidal rock pools, sand dunes, spectacular views, dense coastal scrub and some well-known, beautiful and rugged beaches such as Blairgowrie, Rye, St Andrews and Gunnamatta. Note, however, that these beaches can be very dangerous. Consequently, swimming and surfing are not encouraged, except at the surf life-saving clubs which operate at Portsea and Gunnamatta in summer. Ocean fishing can be pursued along the coast. If you bring a pair of binoculars you may see, out in Bass Strait, short-tailed shearwaters from September to May and, in winter, giant petrels and albatrosses.

My journey along Coppin's Track was on May 3, 2009, which took in the Rotunda Lookout, St Paul's Beach, and Jubilee Point.

The views were absolutely spectacular!

I have now completed about 90% of the Great Coastal Walk, 52 km return, in several sections, which I started in 2007.

See my full set of Photos (slide show/static) of this spectacular walk!