Mt Lofty Hill Walk (Wonga Park)

This bushwalk leads to a spectacular hill top view and is one of the best walks in the City of Melbourne. The track meanders through gums and tea-trees, over creeks and along the Yarra River before rising to the summit of Mt Lofty. Birdlife, riverside environment, bush tracks, exposed ridgeline and magnificent views are just some of the treats that await you - all to the gentle sound of the Yarra River. The walk includes steep grades, but is worth every step.

Mt Lofty Hill Walk (Wonga Park)

Access to Mount Lofty is from Wittons Reserve carpark.

Walk summary:
Time: 1.5 hours
Distance: 5 kms
Difficulty: Advanced

Map of Route
Mt Lofty Hill Walk (Wonga Park)

Route Description
Your walk begins at Wittons Reserve Carpark next to the relaxing sound of the Yarra River. You'll often see canoes or kayaks launching from this point.

The track to Mt Lofty begins at the north-east end of the car park.

1. The gravel path takes you across a bridge over Bushy Creek. Look for evidence of wombats - they leave almost square droppings - a strange product from such a rotund animal. There are also wombat holes near the sides of the path.

2. This is one of several Yarra River viewing spots, perfect for a quick respite. Watch for water birds here including herons, cormorants and ducks. Currawongs, kookaburras and rosellas can be heard in the trees.

3. The trail continues over a couple of bridges and through Burgan, Kunzea ericoides. Mt Lofty was grazed until 1995. Since then regrowth of native Burgan has been prolific. In spring the thickets are covered in white flowers and provide habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife.

Mt Lofty Hill Walk (Wonga Park)

The track now undulates and crosses a couple of creeks. It then opens into grasslands.

4. This is beautiful grassland where you will find wildflowers and orchids amongst tussocks of Wallaby and Kangaroo Grass. There is a seating area opposite an ancient steep escarpment cut by the river.

5. An unsealed management track will appear on your right. You can take this shortcut if you like, but it is steep and does not reduce the time by much.

6. A short path to your left leads down to the water's edge. This is yet another picturesque point to rest and relax. Picnic table and seats are located here.

The path widens to a vehicle track.

7. Now for the climb! Your path takes you up a steep ridge, but every step is worth it with stunning views waiting at the top, all the while the sounds of the river can be heard way below. Wedge-tailed Eagles have been known to circle the mount - keep an eagle eye out for them.

8. The summit. You are surrounded by views to Mt Dandenong, Lilydale and Warrandyte. The Yarra you can see bordering Mt Lofty is the start to the Warrandyte Gorge. Turn your gaze to the gentle hills to your right, these are the Yarra Valley Flood Plains - an area providing nutrient rich soil and perfect for a range of farming and market gardening. A steep side-path descends to the river if you want a quiet place to fish, read or just sit.

Keep to the right of the fork ahead and walk towards the homestead.

9. Veer to the right at the old homestead. The track now begins a steep descent. Take care here - the gravelly track can be slippery, especially after rain.

10. When you find yourself back in bushland you are almost home.

Turn left at the main track to return to Wittons Reserve car park.

This finishes your walk. Time to relax and plan your next adventure.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are not permitted.

Review:

This is a beautiful walk in the Warrandyte State Park which closely follows the Yarra River and then rises to Mount Lofty which has great views. The walk has a sustained steep uphill section but this should be manageable by most people. At 130m altitude, Mount Lofty may not rival Mount Everest but it is still satisfying to reach the top. There is also a steep slippery downhill section where you need to be very careful or you'll end up on your backside.

To start the walk at the northern end of Reserve Road, at Wittons Reserve, there is a big carpark, simple playground with swings, two picnic tables and a fishing area.

At the Mount Lofty summit there aren't any tables or seats but you can sit on the grassy embankment. However, 200m past the summit, there are tables.

After passing Mount Lofty, there is a side track which leads down to a small car park along Lower Homestead Road. We saw a lot of kangaroos in this area and kangaroos in other areas also.

Mt Lofty Hill Walk (Wonga Park)

From this carpark you can optionally walk 320m along Lower Homestead Road to the Yarra River where there is a canoe launching site. You get views of Yarra Valley Golf Course located between the billabongs.

There are seats along the trail to rest on.

Important Information
WARNING - PLANNED SHOOTING OPERATION
Parks Victoria is undertaking pest animal control using firearms in this park. No public access is permitted during this time.

Dates: 2nd to 4th September, 9th to 13th September, 16th to 20th September, 14th to 18th October, 21st to 25th October
Closure times: Sunset to Sunrise
For more information, please phone 13 1963