Two Bays Walking Track (Dromana to Cape Shanck)

The Two Bays Walking Track from Dromana, on Port Phillip Bay to Bushrangers Bay near Cape Schanck is the longest continuous walking track on the Mornington Peninsula. First proposed in 1984 as part of Victoria’s 150th anniversary celebrations, the 27 km track traverses the diverse range of landscapes for which the Mornington Peninsula is famous.This track is the result of many years of planning and hard physical work by Friends and Volunteer groups in conjunction with Parks Victoria. Many visitors will not wish to walk the entire length of the track on a single day.However, it is well suited to being completed over a number of visits by the use of formal and informal circuit walks.The grade and surface of the track varies from steep gravel sections around Arthurs Seat to an undulating grassy track through Greens Bush.Boardwalks, bridges and steps have been installed throughout the track to provide a safer, more enjoyable walk.

The walk is easy to follow due to markings (Blue Wren signposts) and well-placed map boards along the way which is the easiest way to navigate (just start at Latrobe parade carpark and follow the signs)

Many people car shuffle, and do this walk over 2 days. To do so, you can stay at Lightwood Camping area, which has 6 spots (but can easily fit more tents), drop toilets and access to the road 1km away. Lightwood is 17km from the beginning. There is mobile coverage throughout most the trek, and although there is no mobile coverage at Lightwood, there is access via the nearby hill (few hundred meters).

It’s an amazing walk, and a great choice for first time pack carriers. We have marked this as moderate, only because of the stairs at Arthurs Seat at the beginning. Although, the second half of the trail is easy.

Whilst not listed in the GPX, in the second half after bushrangers bay, you can follow the signs to beach/bushrangers bay to extend the second day a bit (which is an amazing beach). Keep in mind, to access bushrangers bay, there are some fairly steep, well defined steps (so it’s fairly fatiguing)

Mount Juliet Walking Track – Healsville

Mt Juliet Summit

Mt Juliet Summit is a 9km trail which follows Mount Juliet Walking Track in the Yarra Ranges. It’s not technical, however, it’s steepish, unforgiving and good for training (don’t wear tight jeans, its a lot of up). One blog describes it as “thousand steps x 4”. It has numerous false summits, there isn’t much of a view on top and its regarded by most to be one of the hardest trails in Victoria. But, its the BEST for alpine training (imho, far better than Glasgow Track or other trips). Bring a walking stick. At some points, its easily to slide down on your butt.

It will take long, and you should evaluate the effect of any injuries you may have on your abilities. This is a good opportunity to test your stamina if you want to do harder adventures in the future. There are no bathrooms..

The trail itself is fairly easy. Start at the entrance from the road (there is room for at least 4 or 5 cars there, but its not a proper car park). Follow the trail down “Road 3”, until you reach the sign pointing to Mount Juliet walking track. The initial 2km is ok.. Then prepare for death 🙂

Cathedral Ranges Northern Circuit

Cathedral ranges is a 7KM ridge of mountains in Taggery/Buxton, Victoria approximately 2 hours / 120km north-east drive from Melbourne. The elevation gain of this walk is 835m and there is difficult scrambling. This is the Northern (and easier, but equally spectacular) counterpart to the infamous South Circuit. The trek is approximately 15km long and takes 5 to 6 hours to complete, and you summit Ned’s Peak, Little Cathedral Peak and South Jawbone Peak along the way. There are bathroom’s along the way (at the campgrounds), and various points have various forms of signage, however, some navigation skills may be required (there is a semi-well/well defined path along the way though).

If you wish to start at Neds Gully, as of March 2020, you will be required to check if the campground has reopened. Refer to alternatives below for this GPX file.

We start the trek at Cooks Mill Camping Ground. Turn right onto little river /Cerberous Road, and soon bear right onto Saint Bernards walking Track. Follow it until you reach Jawbone car park. Don’t rejoin the road however, continue onto Jawbone creek track instead. Continue left on the next junction until you reach the next camping ground, and continue forward. You’ll reach the farmyard. Turn left down South Jawbone track to summit South Jawbone peak.

Turn around, continue right at the Farmyard, and then turn left down farmyard track. Eventually, you’ll reach a junction. Continue straight and take the Little Cathedral Track towards little cathedral peak. Summit, and return to the junction, instead turning left this time.

Turn right at the next junction, summit Neds peak.

Turn around, and instead turn right this time down Neds Gully track. Follow the track until reaching the junction leading to Neds Gully Campground (which may be closed). Head right (south) onto Little River track. It runs alongside the road and river all the way south until reaching cooks mill campground and completing the trail

The Visitor Guide is available from: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/documents/visitor-guides-and-publications/cathedral-range-state-park/cathedral-range-state-park-visitor-guide.pdf

Alternative Tracks

Traditionally, most people begin in Neds Gully, however, at this time, there are park closures at that camp ground which prevents it. Once the campground and bridge reopens however, you can use the following GPX to begin from there: https://adventure-buddies.net/wp-content/uploads/gpx/cathedral%20Ranges%20North%20Circuit-2.gpx

Ocean Walk and Teddy’s Lookout (Lorne)

Ocean Walk is located near Allenvale Mill Bush Campground in Lorne. It’s fairly easy, barring 3 short steep bits. The walk is fairly well signposted, and you can reduce the length by avoiding Teddy’s lookout. Views are exceptional at the top.

Ironbark Gorge Track (to Falcons Lookout)


Ironbark Gorge Track is a moderate track located near Werribee gorge. It’s fairly well established, and fairly well signposted. Easy scrambling is required, and it’s fairly steep at times but its unlikely you’ll get lost.

The view from the top is incredible, and for those interested in Rock climbing, it’s possible to rock climb at Falcon’s lookout (there is a trail leading below, and there are belay posts at the top.. Be SAFE guys).

There are no toilets on the way, and keep in mind this track no longer connects to Werribee Gorge Circuit (due to private property).

Follow the signage from the car park passing through Ironbark gorge (a small valley), and follow the trail until reaching Falcon’s lookout, where there is an awesome view and various belay posts.

For those interested in rock climbing, you can use The Crag for more information on various routes or grab a copy of Rockclimbs around Victoria



Halls Gap Pinnacle Circuit – Grampians

Grampians is a large national park located in victoria with large Sandstone outcrops. It’s extremely popular and camping often requires booking in advance.

The pinnacle walk is one of most popular walks at Grampians, and most people start at Halls Gap Caravan Park. Halls Gap information is across the road and includes maps (we recommend grabbing one, and they can help point you on the way)

t can great a bit slippery, but the trail is well signposted and there are always tourists. No real scrambling is required (only basic). You’ll also have phone reception in a lot of cases in various spots on the route. You can use the bathrooms at the Information centre if required (or at the caravan Park, if you’re staying there).

Start at the Information centre. After leaving the doors of the Centre, head right down the road and cross the road. Surely after, turn left into the carpark and head down until reaching School road. Cross it and head down Halls Gap to Pinnacle track.

Bear right on Wonderland Loop Track follow the track towards Pinnacle.

You’ll reach a junction, turn left and bear left to get to the Venus Baths. The Venus baths are a steep wall with a creek, which you can rest at.

Return the same way, but turn left instead on the trail to continue the trail down Wonderland Loop Walk.

Continue forward (ignore Brokka Track on the right) and straight to splitters falls. After viewing, turn around, and follow the junction right to proceed to grand Canyon (you’ll know when you are in it), and then follow the trail to Pinnacle. When you get to Bridal veil Falls, go right and follow the forest loop until you reach Pinnacle (there is a viewing platform, you won’t miss it). Follow the signage towards Halls gap which will take you down a nice scenic walk until you reach the original path/junction, where you turn right, and walk through the carpark, returning to the information centre.

More info is available on: Visit Melbourne

Mt Towrong / Camels Hump – Macedon Ranges

This is a moderate / easy track found in the Macedon ranges which summits Camels hump and Mt Towrong.

Mt Towrong is an 800m high mountain with a flat summit located within a nice forest setting. The view at the top isn’t breathtaking, but the trip on the way is awesome.

Camels Hump is often used for rock climbing and has an observation platform at the top. The view is excellent.

For those who need them, there are toilets whilst driving to the starting point located at Day’s Picnic ground (which is located at the beginning of Lion’s head road). The trail also passes these toilets on the way back.

The trail is well defined, but can get slippery at times after rain.

The trek starts at the carpark. You’ll see an obvious trail leaving the carpark. Follow it and head left, which will bring you around Sanatorium lake.

When you get to the information board on the other side of the lake, keep left and follow the trail for a while, turning right (instead of going to the picnic ground), continuing for a while and then doing a double left to follow down the other side of the clearing.

Follow the trail, cross the road to the other side and follow zig zag track, turning onto the clearly marked Hemphills track.

When you reach a junction, head towards Mt Towrong (turn right) and follow the track which will bring you to Mt Towrong Summit (which is flat, and you probably won’t know when you’re there).

Turn right onto Anzac rd, and continue all the way (past the reservoir), and continue through the park gate, and follow the trail, turning slightly right onto Moola track, and then returning to Zig zag track which you follow returning to barringo road where you turn left, and follow up until you reach the the main road (C322), past the Lion head rd junction.

Turn Left onto the road, then right up the large junction up Cameron Drive. Turn right onto the camels hump parking, and slight right (kind of a U-turn) to follow and ascend the trail the full way to Camels hump.

After reaching the summit, and having lunch, return, return left onto Camerons road, left at the main intersection again, right onto Barringo rd, and bear left to go down Lions head road. You’ll pass the picnic ground (where toilets are available). After following the road all the way down, you’ll finally reach your car.

Mount Dandenong Triple Track Ascent (2020 Edition)

This is a updated version of Trail Hiking’s infamous Triple Track Ascent Walk which is no longer possible (Birthday Track is now officially closed and clearly marked as an unofficial track which is illegal to use). It has ample parking on the side of the road and is a great hike for groups as the track is composed of 3 loops, all of which return to the starting point on their return (where people can finish prematurely).

The track is well defined, but it is easiest to use GPS to ensure you are following the right track (it is illegal to use Birthday track, as it is an unofficial one).

Some parts of this track are steep, and we don’t recommend during the track during rain. There are bathrooms at Skyhigh (at the top), which we’ve added to the first loop. We recommend trekking poles and hiking shoes.

Begin the walk on Glasgow rd, and walk uphill until you reach the junction. Turn left to turn onto Singleton Terrace, until turning right to turn onto Link track and then turning left onto firelink track. Finally, turn uphill onto the observatory track. After reaching Kyeema track, turn left and then turn right onto Trig track until reaching Skyhigh (where there are bathrooms).

Return back to Kyeema track (turning left onto it) and follow the mountain around until walking down Glasgow Track (which is basic scrambling) until reaching the initial junction.

When reaching the starting junction, turn left onto Carmelia track and turn left onto Rankin track (make sure you don’t use Birthday track, which you can identify by all the logs in the path) and right onto Dacite Track. Follow Zig Zag track up to to Kyeema where you turn left and stop at Bourke lookout if you want (you’ll know it when you see it). Turn left down Observatory Track. Turn left onto Fireline, right onto Link Track and left onto Singleton Track returning back to the beginning junction.

Finally, turn left onto Glasgow Track and ascend the mountain until reaching Kyeema again. Turn right, then turn right onto zig zag track to proceed down the mountain, right onto Dacite track, left onto rankin, right onto Camelia and return to the beginning junction completing the walk.

Blowhard Summit (via Merlo Lookout)

Blowhard is located near Lake eildon. The summit walk is a steep walk up a trail from Merlo lookup. The trail is well defined, requires no scrambling and is has fairly good views from the top.

Also, in case you were wondering, someone stole the blowhard summit sign..

Start at the Merlo lookout carpark and follow the sign across the road to blowhard. Follow the trail up until you reach the junction at the summit (which is fairly flat at the top, and return the same way down.

You Yangs East-West Flinders Peak Walk (14km/Moderate)

The You Yangs are a series of granite ridges that rise to 319m above the Werribee Plain approximately 55 km south-west of Melbourne and 22 km north-east of Geelong, in Victoria, Australia near Avalon airport. They’re popular among a few communities including the mountain biking community and the rock climbing community.

This walk follows the West Track, East Track, Saddleback Track and Northern Range walk. After completing the tracks, there is a final walk up Flinders peak (which can be skipped if required)

Keep in mind, parts of this track are fairly steep. There is a toilet at the beginning car park (which you pass again near the end). Parts of this trek can be fairly slippery too. Unfortunately, this walk is not wheelchair accessible