Jeeralang Junction - Stringybark Ridge Track
A leisurely 3.9km walk through magnificent stands of Stringybark, with a healthy understorey that creates the ideal environment for orchids and lots of wildlife.
Situated 16km south of Morwell and reached via Churchill or Yinnar, head along the Monash Way then take the Yinnar South turn-off onto Jumbuk Rd. Travel 5km and look for the (easy to miss) Morwell National Park sign on your right at the Kerry Rd turn off.
Picnic tables, a gas barbeque, Parks Victoria signage, toilets and information are provided at the picnic area. Take the time to learn about the flowers and animals you might spot along the way. The walk will take between 90 minutes to two hours, depending on how often you stop to marvel at an unexpected sighting of a goanna and the range of flowering shrubs and orchids.
A steady uphill incline at the start quickly levels out to take you through a beautiful forest dominated by Stringybarks. Along the way, bench seats provide a wonderful resting point from which to listen and look. At certain points, you can glimpse the Strzelecki Ranges in the distance. As you continue your walk, keep your eye out for signed arrows because there are several firebreaks cutting through this section of the Morwell National Park and you want to stay on the sign-posted track.
The understorey consists of Dogwood (Cornus capitata), with Blanket-Leaf (Bedfordia arborescens), Pittosporums and great masses of Varnish Wattle (Acacia verniciflua). The slopes are well timbered, although they show the scars of the early years of settlement and the 1939 fire. This area is renowned for its many species of orchids, from the tiny Bird Orchids (Chiloglottis valida) in autumn to the summer-flowering largest ground orchid in Victoria, the Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium punctatum) to the rare Butterfly Orchid (Sarcochilus australis).
For birdwatchers, over 100 species of native birds have been identified. Koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, possums and many smaller mammals are common. Reptiles seen in the park include Black, Copperhead and Tiger snakes and several lizard species.
This walk is just one component of the Morwell National Park, and is a great example of people power. In 1950, Ellen Lyndon and her husband Don moved to a share-farm near the Park, with Eulie and Os Brewster living nearby. Ellen learnt from Eulie about the abundance of orchids and led numerous scientists and other people through the Park to gain support, writing letters to influential people in the hope of protecting the site from development. In 1960, the Latrobe Valley Field Naturalist Club was formed and ramped up the lobbying of government until the area was declared a Reserve in the mid 60s, eventually resulting in National Park status with an area of almost 500 acres.
Map of Route
Interactive Map
Points of Interest
1. Life can be a picnic
Surrounded by Mountain Grey Gums, enjoy the well-kept picnic facilities in this delightful Park.
2. Home in the hollow
Birds such as Rosellas and mammals (including the Brush-tailed Possum) make their nests in the hollows.
3. Bountiful birdlife
A Fantail is just one of many bird species you'll possibly spot, such as Honey-eaters, Eastern Spinebills and White-throated Tree-creepers.
4. Take a seat
Spend a little time on one of the many seats you'll find along the track and you should see and hear some of the Park's rich wildlife.
5. A wealth of orchids
Home to over 43 species of native orchids, such as sun orchids, the flowers are simply superb.
6. Land of the Lyrebird
You have now entered the habitat of the superb Lyrebird. The male is renowned for its varied and powerful song - including the mimicry of other bird songs.
7. The walking track
A rich canopy of tall trees provides shade, and the track is well-maintained so you don't need to worry about having to clamber over logs on your walk.
8. A diverse forest
There aren't many stands of remnant forest remaining in the region, but here you will come across a diverse mix that includes beautiful old eucalypts.
9. Spot the koala
The well-loved koala is common in this section of the track, and can be seen taking a nap in the tree branches during the day.
Location
25 Kerry Road, Jeeralang Junction 3840 Map
Web Links
→ Fosters Gully Nature Trail - Morwell N.P. (Walking Maps)
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/morwell-national-park
