A beautiful, mesmerising parkland only an hour's drive from Melbourne. Upon arrival, I thought I was somewhere deep in the Australian bush- the air was so fresh, the country so vast and the huge gumtrees so prominent. I visited with a group of friends on Saturday 20 July 2019. Fortunately it was not too cold (but very windy!), but a jacket this time of year and strong walking shoes is strongly recommended!
There were many areas where the views were simply awe-inspiring- mountain ranges, lake filled canyons- the opportunity for taking photographs never ceased.
The longer circuit track- around 6 km up and down hill, down and up hill, passes through the mountain ranges, through rough bushland, and eventually into the bottom of the gorge past a small river where it is necessary to hold onto railings on a rockface beside the river, so those who have a fear of falling into cold river water should probably seek an alternative track on the mainland.
While we were lucky that the weather was nice and the paths fairly dry, there are many areas where rain could cause the paths to be muddy and slippery. Also, throughout the track loose stones are a regular feature- something to be careful of, especially when proceeding down hill.
I did have a concern about the safety of some parts of the Werribee Gorge circuit. For instance, while there was railing in one section of the river cliff, in another section there was not and travellers were required to navigate the difficult and awkward rock wall without anything to hold them steady.
Despite the safety factors, I would recommend Werribee Gorge State Park for a weekend visit, both for its natural beauty and for the...
ย ย ย Read moreWe did the five hour circuit walk in four hours inspite of going the opposite direction to most people and thus going uphill on the steep section. We were being over taken by younger fitter people so I reckon you could do it in under four quite easily if you are fitter than I am which isn't difficult. This includes a half hour stop for lunch. Loved the rock climbing scrambling. Good for energetic mid primary schoolers but younger shorter people won't be able to manage the rock side climb in one short section which can be difficult especially if it is damp weather. You can always turn back but depending on which direction you are coming from if turning back at that point you could be taking a lot longer than completing it straight through. Some picturesque spots but not what I'd say wowsome. But then you can concentrate on the walking. A pair of Nordic walking sticks would be helpful in the steep up hill sections but isn't necessary for the flatter sections. The long circuit is not recommended if you are not agile or steady on your feet. There is a short walk from Miekles picnic area that is relatively flat. Very limited parking and it's first come first served. Do drive your smallest car rather than your truck. It's free entry so can't complain that there is no flush toilet and that the water tap doesn't work. Just be grateful that there is a...
ย ย ย Read moreJanuary 2023 ๐๐ 5 stars. ๐ And would recommend ๐๐ As anyone should, stay safe and wary out there. ๐๐๐ป My long-time friends and I came here in early January 2023 on our first ever half day-trip and road trip. We enjoyed the short hike for about 2 hours or so, and we came prepared. The signage throughout was excellent, very happy with plenty of signs and not getting lost. From women into bikinis ๐๐ through to men in boardshorts ๐ฉณ๐ฉณ. None of us went for a swim, neither did I mind, I just don't trust random wild water lol like creeks or holes, lol. Luckily no snakes and no bugs lol.he only thing the park could do with, is a visitor's centre and a toilet block, more than one, if it's all ever considered. Stay hydrated, watch out for snakes, and at the start where we started from, only basic parking, sitting benches. The signage throughout the park was terrific. Be mindful of the roads and drive carefully and safely, some roads appear winding and mountainous โฐ๏ธ๐ชจ๐ and it sure is a strange turn off from the freeway, in the sense that the roads become windy and downhill, I'm glad we drove carefully and mindful of what could be behind any corner turns or nearing bends. Overall, an enjoyable safe trip, but us lads were safety conscious, a small 4WD ๐ and even as suburban folks, mindful of the area. And respectful of the terrain....
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