Last Visited: 09/07/2010
Length (km’s): approx. 5.5 km’s (according to MapMyHike.com)
Time (hrs/min): 1 hour 30 mins
Grade: Easy
Return / Circuit / One-Way / Partial Circuit: Partial Circuit
Region: Melbourne
Park: Warrandyte State Park
Closest Town: Wonga Park (4 km’s)
Maximum Elevation: approx. 122 m (according to MapMyHike.com)
Total Ascent: approx. 62 m (according to MapMyHike.com)
Car Access: The walk begins from the end of Reserve Road, Wonga Park. Reserve Road is reached via Homestead Road and Jumping Creek Road (east of Warrandyte).
Mount Lofty features some of the nicest views in Warrandyte State Park. This 5.5 kilometer walk is the perfect way to take in the summit and surrounding area, without getting the heart pumping too much or taking up too much time. There are several spots along the banks of the Yarra River (just off the track) that would be perfect for a picnic. This would be a good spot for a family outing.
The vegetation on Mount Lofty’s west side (where the first half of the walk takes you) is incredibly well preserved, especially considering that the area was only added to the park in 1997. The eastern section makes for a good comparison but to look at the positives, this is what allows for the views.
The walk begins at the point where the Yarra River meets Brushy Creek, which is said to be the birth-place of a Wurundjeri elder called William Barak. Start by crossing the foot-bridge (over the creek) at the north end of the carpark. Warrandyte State Park officially begins on the other side of the bridge and a well defined gravel walking track will lead you along the Yarra from here.
The river-side track that makes up most of the first half of the walk
Make sure you check out any tracks off to the left, for views of the river and some interesting rocky outcrops on the opposite river-bank. After a couple of km’s the walking track becomes a management vehicle track and soon turns sharply to the right. The summit of Mount Lofty is reached quickly but you’ll find yourself stopping to check out the views all the way up. Turn right at the information shelter, ignore the vehicle track (signed as “Water Point”) off to the right and continue down the spur to meet the original gravel walking track. Turn left to cross the foot-bridge to your car.
These mushrooms were everywhere alongside the track
Have you visited Mount Lofty? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.
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Your blog is the most helpful, easiest to navigate source of info on good walks close to Melbourne. Parks Vic – the maps are too general and are not helpful. Other sites – not enough detail. Too much selling and not enough telling and showing! Thanks for including all the most relevant, helpful detail we need for working out where to go, how to get there, what to expect, where to park… Your little map of Mount Lofty walk is excellent.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Vicki! I really appreciate the feedback. I’ll do my best to keep the walks as detailed as I can. Glad you like the website!
Cheers
Neil
Do you know if dogs on lead are permitted in this walk? Sorry to bombard you in two spits but I can’t seem to find out if dogs in lead are allowed in Warrandyte State Park – or even if just in certain areas. Cheers!
Hi Vicki,
According to the park note, dogs aren’t permitted -http://parksvic-funnelback01.squiz.net/search/click.cgi?rank=2&collection=main&url=http%3A%2F%2Fparkweb.vic.gov.au%2F__data%2Fassets%2Fpdf_file%2F0005%2F315635%2FPark-note-Warrandyte-State-Park.pdf&index_url=http%3A%2F%2Fparkweb.vic.gov.au%2F__data%2Fassets%2Fpdf_file%2F0005%2F315635%2FPark-note-Warrandyte-State-Park.pdf&auth=blx1a0DrkQg8NS%2B2x9NQNg&search_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fparksvic-funnelback01.squiz.net%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.cgi%3Fcollection%3Dmain%26query%3DMount%2Blofty&query=Mount%20lofty&identifier=1364882033.08889
Cheers
Neil
The Mount Lofty circuit is minutes from my home and my family and I walk it regularly. We’re keen bushwalkers and this provides a quick fix when we can’t get further out to other walks. The walk is beautiful the entire way and the summit is particularly magnificent. Almost every time we do this walk we pass by a mob of kangaroos which makes the trip exciting for kids. The views across the Yarra Valley and the Heritage Country Club are well worth the time.
Thanks for your comments Glenn… It’s definitely one of the nicer sections of Warrandyte State Park.
Cheers
Neil
i all can anyone tell what it is like for mountain biking on.