Walking Trails Walhalla & Mountain Rivers Region

WALKS UNDER 10 KM AROUND WALHALLA

Let someone know BEFORE you go

Check in at the General Store, Service Station or Hotel and tell someone your intentions – even a note stuck under your car’s windscreen wiper telling where you plan to walk, what time you left and when you expect to return can be a big help. This is a wilderness area and most tracks are far from civilisation – even mobile phones are unreliable – if you should happen to get into trouble, knowing your general whereabouts makes it easier to get help to you.

General safety

1.Many of these walks are through areas which owe their beauty to the cold, damp conditions underfoot. Even on a hot day it is advisable to take warm clothing.

2.Some tracks traverse rocky or shaly sections so protect your feet and ankles by wearing strong, water resistant footwear.

3.Take your own water – although mountain streams look inviting, you do not know where it’s been – logging, mining, camping and animals can introduce harmful substances to the clearest mountain streams.

4.We can all be distracted by items of interest along a walk, easily falling behind scheduled times. Even on short walks a chocolate bar or pieces of fruit can calm those hunger pangs and give you an energy boost until you reach your destination.

5.Always carry a box of waterproof matches and a basic first aid kit.

6.In the warmer months, wear long lightweight shirts and pants, to help ward off mosquitoes and any other creepy crawlies, and especially be watchful for snakes.

Thomson Bridge to Poverty Point, Steel Bridge & Return

Grade: Medium. Distance: 4.8 km. Time: Approx 90 min.

Follow the river upstream from the Walhalla side of the Thomson Bridge to the Steel Bridge. The bridge affords long views upstream toward the junction of the Aberfeldy River. Very pleasant walk, easy and of short duration. Return to the Thomson Bridge via the Fingerboard Spur Track along the opposite side of the river.

Thomson River Walk

Grade: Easy. Distance: 8 km. Time: Approx 3.25 hours.

Begins at the Thomson River Bridge, 4 km before the Walhalla Township. The Walhalla district offers much of historical and scenic interest to walkers. The Thomson River is in view for much of the distance and the walking is easy and virtually flat. Forest, ferns and steep mountainsides, plus lyrebirds are some of the attractions, along with the Poverty Point Steel Bridge, which is classified by the National Trust.

Hotel Creek Walk

Grade: Medium to difficult. Distance: Approx 8 km. Time: 3 hours return.

Starting 150 metres to the south of the Erica Hotel, this walk skirts through forested areas and around the perimeter of farmland to the west and north of Erica.

Rolling hills and fresh green pasture, steep forest gullies and heavily wooded areas remind the walker of the magnificence of the area, reminiscent of the early colonial days. The return to Erica Hotel, via the main road, is ample reward.

Horseshoe Bend Tunnel

Grade: Steep. Distance: 600m. Time: 30 min

This walk can be accessed from the Cooper’s Creek turnoff or Thomson Bridge on the Walhalla Rd. The distance is about the same. Follow the old railway line, to the track turnoff. The track runs down to the Thomson River and ends at the river diversion named the Horseshoe Tunnel. You can walk around the dry riverbed for 1km if you want to see the other side. This diversion was created to access the riverbed, which was used for gold extraction.

Farm Walk

Grade: Medium. Distance: 9 km. Time: 3 hours.

Start at the Erica Hotel and wander down Mathieson’s Rd with the bush on one side and lush farms on the other. Detour a little and experience the tranquility of the Erica Cemetery in its forest setting. Further on are the remains of one of Erica’s last sawmills. At the end of the road take the right hand fork onto the bush track which is, in season, a profusion of wildflowers. Make a left turn along the fence line. The area to your right was cleared in 1994-95 and re-seeded with species of the original bush. At the top of the hill you will find spectacular views of Mt Erica. Follow the track across the creek at the bottom of the fence line and turn to come back along the opposite side of the farms. This track follows Jacobs Creek with a typical series of dams used for irrigating potatoes. The track will bring you out at the Mill Park after which a short wander through the town will return you to the Erica Hotel.

Pig Point

This walk offers spectacular views of Walhalla following the Old Coach Road. Starting at Walhalla Museum the track climbs up past the church, hospital and rear of the cemetery to reach the Maiden Town Track. Turn right and walk through the bush along the road to Brunton’s Bridge Road before the steep descent to the Walhalla station and wander through Walhalla to return to the Museum.

Stringers Creek / Australian Alps Walking Track

This track follows an old tramway above the town, commencing at North Gardens Camping Ground. Leading south along the western side of Stringers Creek, this tramway provides a bird's eye view of the township.

For printable Parks Victoria Page on Walhalla Historic Area click here

BAW BAW NATIONAL PARK

Located 40 kms north of Moe near Rawson. Access via Thomson Valley Rd from Rawson.

Beech Gully Nature Walk

This walk introduces you to some features of a wet mountain forest, taking you through a grove of Myrtle Beech and a ferny gully. The walk is about 1.5km and takes around 30 minutes. The loop track is easy to follow and includes numerous steps down to the creek and a short climb from the second bridge. It can be damp after rain, so wear strong shoes.

For Parks Victoria Visitor Guide Baw Baw National Park PDF click here

For Parks Victoria printable Notes on BawBawNational Park click here

COLLINS SIDING TO TYERS VALLEY RAIL TRAIL

Distance: Approx 7km

Start Points: Collins Siding: Drive north from Moe towards Erica. Just south of Erica on the left is Telbit Rd, also signposted for Caringal Scout Camp. There is some old timber houses on the west side of the road and the trail starts just past the last house. Tyers Junction: Take Telbit Rd to the Scout camp. The surface is compacted dirt, and the terrain is downhill from Collins Siding and uphill to Tyers Junction and is suitable for walking, mountain bikes and horse riding. From Collins Siding, the main trail heads west through mountain ash forest towards Tyers Junction. The last section is overgrown, so take Telbit Rd which runs parallel to the trail at this point until you reach the Scout Camp at Tyers Junction. Two walking only trails branch off from Tyers Junction.The first heads west along the Western Tyers River and the other heads north-east along the Eastern Tyers River towards Nelsons Mill site.

at Caringal Scout Camp

EASTERN TYERS CAMPING AREA (O‘Sheas Mill Site)

Getting there: From Moe, take the Thomson Valley Road and head towards Beardmore. Approx. 4.5 km from the Rawson turn-off (Parker Corner), you will come to Finns Track (sign posted) on your left. A few metres north of Finns Track, the Alpine Alps Walking Track enters the forest. Follow a well defined footpath leading down to and across the Eastern Tyers River at the site of O’Sheas Mill site. From here you can continue along the track for a further 0.5km along an old fire track before turning north on to Firebreak Track. Climb steeply north along the spur crest for 4km to Mt Erica Road. Follow this road upward, passing Middle Tyers Road before reaching the car park at the end of Mt Erica Road. At the car park are picnic tables and water. From here you can walk to Mushroom Rocks (1.5km), Mt Erica (4km), Mt St Phillack (11km), Mt Whitelaw (18km) and Stronach’s Camp (25km)

ERICA TO THOMSON (Walhalla Goldfields Rail Trail)

Distance: 7kms

From Erica to Platina the trail surface is of coarse gravel and dirt and fine gravel from Platina to Thomson. The trail is suitable for walkers, horse riding and bike riding. From Erica, park at the recreation reserve. Take Station Road, which runs beside the caravan park. When you get to the end of Station Rd, take the ‘no through road’ and walk about 300m to where the road branches. The right hand branch takes you down to the river. Cross the low level bridge and turn right. Continue on about 50 m to where the trail starts (to the left) and follow the signs.

From Thomson, park in the Railway Station car park and follow the small road which runs between the station and the river and becomes a small track. At the end of the railway yard, the track climbs steeply to join onto the original railway formation.

MOONDARRA STATE PARK

Moe-Erica Road

From the Seninis Camping area, you can follow Seninis Track to the Tanjil Bren Road, or take a right hand turn about halfway along into Ti Tree Creek Track. When Ti Tree Creek Track ends, turn right into Delpretes Road and continue on until you reach Tyers River. Turn right again and follow the river back to Seninis Camping Ground.

For printable Parks Victoria page on MoondarraState Park click here

For Parks Victoria Moondarra State Park Visitor Guide pdf click here

MT ERICA CAR PARK

Mushroom Rocks

This foot track climbs steadily through mountain ash forest passing a rocky outcrop, which provides good shelter. About 2kms from the car park the forest begins to open out as an area of huge, rounded granite boulders is reached. The granite outcrops and boulders in this area were caused by a past earthquake. Approx. 500m from Mushroom Rocks is McMahon’s Bush Hut. A cave provides further shelter and there are good views from the top of the higher rocks. Water is available at Mushroom Rocks.

Mt Erica

Follow the above track to Mushroom Rocks. From here, the foot track climbs steeply for 3 km, to an open lookout area near the summit of Mt Erica, passing through attractive forest on the way. The foot track is well marked to indicate the correct path, as there are numerous points where the old eroded track can be seen. On clear days the lookout on Mt Erica provides excellent views south across the farmlands of Latrobe Valley beyond which rise the distant Strzelecki Ranges.

Beech Valley Walk

At the Mt Erica Car Park, there is a loop track (approx. 1.5 km, duration 30 min) which takes you through an area of cool, temperate rainforest. The loop track is easy to follow and includes numerous steps down to the creek and a short climb to the second bridge. Wear strong shoes, especially after rain, during winter and spring.

Mount St. Gwinear – View Point

Approx. 3.5 km. From the car park, follow the old railway to View Point (1.1 km) and continue to Jeep Track Flat where you can return to the car park along the permanent pole line.

For printable Parks Victoria Baw Baw National Park notes click here

For Parks Victoria Baw Baw National Park pdf click here

MT SAINT GWINEAR

Grade: Moderate. Distance: 2.5 km. Time: 1.5 hours each way.

Start at the Mt St Gwinear Car Park north of Erica. The gentle walk to the summit of Mt St Gwinear winds through heathland, wildflowers, snow gum forests and small snow plains. The spectacular views, stretch across the valleys of the Thomson and Aberfeldy Rivers and into the Victorian Alps.

For printable ParksVictoria Baw Baw National Park notes click here

For Parks Victoria Baw Baw National Park pdf click here

THOMSON RESERVOIR PARK

Thomson Valley Rd, Rawson

Facilities: Wood BBQ, Picnic area, toilets, shelter

Silvertop Walking Track

Silvertop walking track derives its name from the Silvertop Ash trees, which are native to the area. Commencing at the Silvertop Picnic area, take a short 20 min stroll along the walking track through forest mainly of silvertop ash, narrow leafed peppermint and mountain grey gum. In 1939 the entire area was devastated by wildfires. The forest there today has naturally regenerated as a result of the fires.

or For printable Parks Victoria Baw Baw National Park notes click here

F F For Parks Victoria Baw Baw National Park pdf click here