Anglesea Heathland - Shiney Eye Circuit Walk
Anglesea heathland is a haven for flora and this well-defined circuit takes you through light eucalyptus forest and open heathland. The colourful display of orchids and wildflowers is a highlight in spring.
Walk Summary
Starting Point: Forest Road near Shiney Eye Track or on Shiney Eye Track
Time and Distance: 9.3 km circuit (3.5 hr)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Track conditions may be poor after rain and in winter there may be water across Shiney Eye Track. There are some steep slopes so it may be beneficial to carry hiking sticks.
Walk Route Map
Walk Notes
Follow Shiney Eye Track for a short distance and turn left at Dusty Miller Track passing through heathy woodland with grass-trees on both sides and through stands of fringe-myrtle, bluebells, daisies and purple-flag.
This track follows parallel to Forest Road. Veer right onto Powerline Track for a short distance and turn right at Ridgeview Track. There is a short steep descent with masses of Soft Bush-pea on the left flowering in late winter to early spring. Turn right at Pipeline Track for a short distance and left at Powerline Track. The Common Fringe-myrtle is especially abundant here in late spring. Turn right and you are back on Ridgeview Track. There are excellent views south and south-west to Anglesea from this track. This section of the track is a good area for orchids. Look out for Fringed Hare Orchids in autumn and Large Duck Orchids in spring along the track edges. Some other orchids you may expect to see are Nodding Greenhoods, Donkey Orchids, sun orchids, Rabbit Ears, and various species of spider orchids.
At the end of Ridgeview Track turn right into Shiney Eye Track. In winter Victoria's State Emblem Common Heath is spectacular at this corner with its pink, red and white flowers. In late spring fringe-myrtle puts on a good display here. Look out for birds along this track. Blue-winged Parrots and Black-faced Woods wallows are often seen. Listen for White-throated Treecreeper and Spotted Pardalote. Kangaroos and wallabies inhabit the area and echidnas are sometimes seen. The vegetation also provides habitat and food for many small animals including insects.
At the intersection with Firetail Track go straight along Shiney Eye Track as it curves to the right, cross Pipeline Track and continue up the long steep slope till the track levels out and you return to your starting point.
How to Get There
From the roundabout at the corner of the Great Ocean Road and Forest Road turn into Forest Road and continue for 2.0 km to Shiney Eye Track. Park on Forest Road or Shiney Eye Track.
Guide to Walks in the Great Otway National Park Eastern Section
You can also purchase a full colour booklet produced by the Friends of Eastern Otways containing detailed track notes and maps for 38 walks in the area from Great Escape Books in Aireys Inlet, the Anglesea News & Lotto or the Angair website.
Location
Shiney Eye Track, Anglesea 3230 Map
Web Links
→ feo.org.au/walks/walk-2-anglesea-heathland-shiney-eye-circuit/
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/anglesea-heath-circuit-shared-trail
→ Friends of Eastern Otways
