This is a training opportunity for anyone interested in doing an overnight backpacking hike and camp, potentially to occur in November (more details on this later). Day walkers are also welcome but note that our pace may be slow due to those with heavier backpacks.
Prepare for any weather, ie: raincoat, sun hat & sunscreen, good hike boots, change of socks, insect repellent, snacks, lunch & approximately 4 litres of water (if simulating an overnight backpacking hike). PS. Bring a snake bite kit, just in case!
Please bring all your normal overnight hike & camp gear or at least try to simulate a similar weight within your pack. Plastic bottles filled with water are good for this purpose. Note: I can bring a few spare large backpacks if you don’t have your own.
After a short 30 mins drive, we’ll gather at the You Yangs Lower Picnic Ground (not at the visitor’s centre). Toilets exist here and at the nearby Turntable carpark.
We start with a short 15 min uphill walk to the Turntable carpark and opportunities to rest and re-adjust our packs. From here, we’ll take the undulating Rockwell’s Rd around the west side of Flinders Peak before heading up a short steep uphill section to The Saddle.
After a suitable rest and snack break, we take the long, undulating Northern Range walking track which includes a short but very steep downhill section. This track continues down until levelling out as it joins the Branding Yard trail. We follow this flat trail, detouring briefly to view the Bunjil geoglyph.
After passing the lagoons and crossing the road, we have a gradual climb up the Branding Yard trail to the Turntable carpark again. Another suitable rest/snack/toilet break here before heading down to our cars at the Lower Picnic Ground.