Warrandyte State Park Victoria
The Warrandyte National Park and its surrounds is a fantastic place for walking, especially if you like to walk along the river through the Warrandyte Gorge while you do it – such spectacular views in some key locations such as Jumping Creek Nature Trail and on the top of Mount Lofty in Wonga Park. The Warrandyte state park is the closest state park to Melbourne and just a handful of minutes drive from Ringwood. At only about 30 minutes drive from the Melbourne CBD, it is easy to incorporate it into a range of other activities on the eastern edge of the city such as the Yarra Valley or the lovely riverside suburb of Warrandyte. The traditional owners of this area that is and always will be aboriginal land are the Wurundjeri Traditional Owners.
Gold Heritage Walk
The Gold Heritage Walk at Warrandyte State Park is a real gem as far as walking trails go. It is the most southerly part of the several detached areas of the state park that has the Yarra River as its focus as it leaves the Yarra Valley via the Warrandyte Gorge and makes its way towards the bay in Melbourne. It is great for a picnic at the picnic tables or a birdwatchers hike. There is also some horse riding tracks in the area.
There is a very interesting history of the area. The Gold Heritage Walk section is nestled between the outer suburbs of Warranwood and Warrandyte and encompasses Whipstick Gully Quarry where you’ll find Victory Mine and Fourth Hill at Andersons Creek. Fourth Hill is where you’ll find Geraghty’s Tunnel. Nearby is the location of the first gold discovery in Victoria in 1851.
What is interesting about this section of the park, is that you can access it from several different suburban streets that surround the park. Of course, you can just go to the official entrance where the car park is, just a few meters east of the Gold Memorial Cairn, but it is fun to explore the area from other entrances to see how everything joins up. All the tracks tend to Kriss cross one another quite a bit, and more than once, when we have visited, we’ve had to help with directions for a European tourist or two, making their way around the park. In terms of elevation, the official entrance and car park is at the lowest part of the park, with some climbing from there to explore the other sections. It is a fun place to explore, especially with the old landmarks and remnants of yesteryear. If you use your imagination, you half expect to come across some old miner from many a yesteryear, trying his luck on his new dig.
It is lovely bushland, with wildflowers and orchids and lots of native birds, but if you want to see lots of kangaroos, there are other parts of Warrandyte State Park more suitable. I suspect it is because of all the suburban development surrounding the park that limits the number of roos in this section. A great place to go for Kangaroos in their dozens is Mt Lofty at Wonga Park. You’ll pretty much trip over them there if you go in the late afternoon.
Other Warrandyte Walks
There are a few different walks in Warrandyte – mostly in the Warrandyte National Park. One favorite is the walk along the Yarra River at Jumping Creek Reserve. A nice alternative is to drive north over the bridge in Warrandyte, go right and head to the Yarra River Linear Reserve at Koornong. You can then walk along the river back towards Warrandyte on the opposite side of the Jumping Creek track. This one is just the public strip of land between the river and properties along the river. We stopped when the river was very close to the culdesac at Osbourne Road – there is a public access way from the river track to the culdesac. Something a bit different is you’ve done the other offical tracks in the Warrandyte National Park.
FAQ
Q: What is the Warrandyte State Park?
A: Warrandyte State Park is a beautiful natural park located in Victoria, Australia. It is home to the famous Gold Heritage Walk, which explores the site of Victoria’s first gold discovery in 1851.
Q: Can I find a map of the Gold Heritage Walk?
A: Yes, you can find a map of the Gold Heritage Walk at the visitor center in the park. The map will guide you through the trail and provide information about the different points of interest along the way.
Q: What is the length of the Gold Heritage Walk trail?
A: The Gold Heritage Walk trail is approximately X kilometers long, taking you through the historic gold mining sites and beautiful natural surroundings.
Q: Are there any indigenous heritage sites along the Gold Heritage Walk?
A: Yes, the Gold Heritage Walk passes through areas with indigenous heritage significance. You can learn more about the indigenous history and culture at designated points along the trail.
Q: Are there any facilities available along the Gold Heritage Walk?
A: Along the Gold Heritage Walk, you will find facilities such as toilets, picnic areas, and water stations. These facilities are provided to enhance your experience and ensure your comfort during the walk.
Q: Can I bring my dog on the Gold Heritage Walk?
A: Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Gold Heritage Walk. This is to protect the sensitive wildlife and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.
Q: Is there an entrance fee or permit required to access the Gold Heritage Walk?
A: No, there is no entrance fee or permit required to access the Gold Heritage Walk. It is open to the public and can be enjoyed free of charge.
Q: Where is the starting point of the Gold Heritage Walk?
A: The Gold Heritage Walk starts at the village of Warrandyte. You can park your vehicle at a designated parking area and easily access the starting point of the trail.
Q: Are there any signs or markers along the Gold Heritage Walk?
A: Yes, the Gold Heritage Walk is well-marked with signage and markers. These signs provide information about the history of the area, points of interest, and directions to guide you along the trail.
Q: How long does it take to complete the Gold Heritage Walk?
A: On average, it takes about 2 hours to complete the Gold Heritage Walk. However, the duration may vary depending on your pace, stops along the way, and the time you spend exploring the different points of interest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Warrandyte State Park Gold Heritage Walk in Victoria is truly a hidden gem that offers a unique and memorable experience. Located just a short drive from Melbourne, this state park provides stunning views, historical landmarks, and beautiful natural surroundings. The Gold Heritage Walk takes visitors through the site of Victoria’s first gold discovery in 1851, allowing them to explore the rich history of the area. With well-marked trails, facilities for comfort, and designated points of interest, the walk offers an enjoyable and informative adventure. Although the presence of kangaroos may be limited in this section of the park due to surrounding suburban development, the abundance of native birds, wildflowers, and orchids adds to the beauty of the bushland. Overall, the Gold Heritage Walk in Warrandyte State Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone looking for a peaceful and scenic outdoor experience in Victoria.