On July 21 2008 I braved cold and wet mid-winter conditions and ventured out to the Warrandyte State Park, 30 km from the Melbourne CBD.
I climbed Mt Lofty, the highest peak in the eastern section of the Park, starting at the gated Stephen's Rd at the junction of Lower Homestead Rd, in Wonga Park.
There is a rise in altitude from 60 m to 117 m, not much as compared with the Himalayas, but it will test your abilities!
This is the eastern access point to the Park, opposite the extensive Heritage Golf and Country Club.
The 3 km route took me to the summit, then a steep descent down to the Yarra River, opposite the Bend of Islands, then along a foot-track next to the river to the carpark and picnic area at the canoe launching ramp.
There are wonderful 360 degree views from the summit, looking over the Yarra Valley to the Yarra Ranges and the Dandenong Ranges, and across the Park itself.
At the summit, there is a solitary picnic table, and an information board and map of the Mt Lofty section of the Park. There is a seat at an overlook on the descent, and another picnic table is on the river bank.
The river was very wide, due to heavy recent rains upstream.
The ascent to the summit was under black clouds, with some light rain, but the sun shone brightly on the return along the river track, with early golden wattle already starting to bloom.
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I took the family out yesterday to do this walk thanks to you making me aware of it. What a brilliant walk and we were luck to see a kangaroo with a joey. What a lovely walk, thanks.
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