Strathbogie - Mt Wombat Lookout Walk - Northern Country

Strathbogie - Mt Wombat Lookout Walk

Mt Wombat and Garden Range Flora and Fauna Reserve, in the area around Mt Wombat, is perhaps the most well known nature reserve in the Strathbogie Ranges. Most visitors drive to the top of Mt Wombat for a great view over the Tableland to the east and over the plains to the north and west. But few people venture beyond the track and car-park and fewer still explore other parts of the reserve.... Why not explore further and add a bush walk or a mountain bike ride?

On the way back you can visit Polly McQuinns Weir, Gooram Falls or why not drop into the quaint township of Strathbogie. There you can sit beside the open wood fire at the Strathbogie General Store to catch up on the local gossip have a round of golf at the picturesque Strathbogie Golf Course make sure you discover the township's natural beauty on the Bridge to Bridge walk.

Let's not forget the mosses, lichens, fungi and ferns that abound everywhere they can gain a foothold. These add a soft texture, variety and colour to the landscape that enlivens the mountainsides and demands inspection.

History of the Strathbogie Forest

The boulder formations and rocky outcrops seen in the Strathbogie Ranges are the result of geological processes that began between 300 and 400 million years ago. After the sea withdrew during the Devonian period, there was a large scale crustal collapse which resulted in two volcanic cauldrons. Eruptions built up large layers of volcanics and the emplacement of granitic rock which has been eroded to the present day to form the Strathbogie Ranges.

Gold was first found in the area in 1851. This was shortly after gold had been discovered in Victoria for the first time. During the gold rush in 1860, alluvial mining occurred on the mountain ranges but the rush lasted only for a short time with the area all but deserted by the end of 1861. Many of the miners headed for Jamieson. At its peak, production of alluvial gold was reportedly around 6,000 - 7,000 oz per annum. Gold production diminished towards the turn of the century and only small operations continued.

Quartz crystal has also been mined in the Strathbogies and one crystal mine operates within the forest. The crystal is used for piezo-electric applications including radio transmitters. A 1.7kg crystal known as 'Crystal King' was mined in the Strathbogies, which at the time was the largest hand faceted stone in the world. Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted into the crystal mine.

Location - Corner of Mt Wombat Road and Mt Wombat Lookout Road, Strathbogie. It is reached from Euroa-Strathbogie Road. The turn-off is signposted.

The walk to the lookout is 5.5km return and has moderate difficulty. The walk is on a dirt vehicle track with a gradient increasing to a very steep concreted rise to the summit. Visitors need to be self-reliant. Note: vehicles also use this track.

Map of Walk Route:

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Track Notes:

1. Cars can be parked here for the more adventurous to enjoy a 5.5km return walk to and from the summit. Alternatively, you can park part way up and enjoy a pleasant, shorter walk or park just below the summit. There are picnic spots along the way. Low to ground vehicles are not recommended for Mt Wombat Lookout Rd.

2. The sunrises and sunsets can be as spectacular as you could wish for. Watching approaching storms is awesome. Observing the resident wedge tailed eagles riding thermals at their flight height is something special as well.

3. Strathbogie Cemetery - occupies 5 acres of bushland and is a tranquil last resting place. The history of the Cemetery dates back to 1881, only a few years after the selectors arrived when it was decided to establish a cemetery. After 1946 it was generally believed that the cemetery was closed, and it fell into a sad state of neglect. Burials resumed in 1998. Thanks to the commitment of a small group of volunteers, the cemetery is once again picturesque and an inviting place to visit.