Pine Gully Nature Trail

Pine Gully Nature Trail created by Sean Mathews

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Summary

An enticing Warby - Ovens National Park circuit walk through a rocky eucalypt and native pine forest to a handsome ephemeral waterfall site.

Description

This 2.5 km nature trail walk traverses rocky granitic hill woodland of Red Stringybark, Red Box, Blakeley’s Red Gum and White Cypress (or Murray Pine). Midstory heathy dry forest presents Grass Trees, Heath Myrtle and Spur-wing wattle. The trail itself is winds along gullies in such a way as to always have an inviting turn ahead. Some inclines and declines are quite steep (but short), slippery dry or wet and very rocky. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

The creek and falls are ephemeral. In drier periods water goes underground and may return to pools on the surface. Winter and spring are the best times to catch the creek and water fall working well. Late winter and spring see wildflowers aplenty.

The site offers amenities and a loop trail that make it great for a family day visit. There are informative plaques all the way along that identify and discuss interesting local features. Plenty of car parking, picnic tables, fire pit, good signage, a viewing platform and a clean drop toilet facilitate a comfortable visit.

Wallabies, Kangaroos, Goannas, echidnas, even the occasional Turquoise parrots and Koala may be spotted (if you can keep the kids quiet enough). The Warby Range is the only location for Spur-wing wattle and home to one of the few remaining stands of White Cypress Pine in Victoria. It is a very special place.

Many of the large woodland trees have been cut down for firewood and fencing posts in the past. The creation of a National Park sees new generations of mature trees coming to provide more habitat hollows and debris for the fertile ground of the future.

Amenities
Car parking
BBQ
Seating
Waterway
Fire grate
Picnic tables
Public toilets
Trail head sign
Walking tracks
Historic features
Directional signs
Information signs
Flora and fauna habitat

Cautions
Cliff faces
Open water
Steep climbs
Rocks may fall
Limbs may fall
Embankments
Uneven ground
No potable water
Slippery surfaces
Subject to flooding
Snakes may be active
Mobile reception may be unreliable
Carry food, water, First Aid, be SunSmart
Be equipped for self-reliant hiking / riding

Restrictions
No pets
No firearms
No hunting
No camping
Take rubbish with you
Do not remove soil or rock
Native flora and fauna are protected
No horse riding
No 4WD, cycling or motor bike access
Drivers/riders must: use formed roads only, be licensed, be registered
No firewood collection
Closed on days of total fire ban
Fires only in places provided with 3m clearance and 10L of water on hand

Phytophthora cinnamomi is a fungus present in the Warby Range. Grass Trees and other native flora are vulnerable. Stick to the tracks and do not enter quarantined areas.

Camping is available at:
Wenhams Camp, The Forest Camp, Black Springs, Spring Creek or the lower Ovens.

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Points of Interest

1. Informative signage

Throughout the nature trail informative local features are identified, described and discussed.

2. Car Park

There is clear signage on Wangandary Road to the Nature Trail. A couple of hundred metres downhill from the bitumen, there is plenty of room.

3. Wildflowers are never far.

Even in early winter there was evidence of the colour to come. Swathes of Everlasting daisies were budding near the car park and elsewhere. Some on the cusp of blossoming.

4. Rocky stairway.

There are some short steep inclines. This one is made easier and more stable by a rocky stairway.

5. Track surface

Much of the walk is a smooth dirt come granitic sand. Easy to see and navigate, but can be eroded and slippery in places whether wet or dry. The creek here may or may not have running water.

6. The power of nature

Once a seedling, now a good example of physics at work in the natural world.

7. Red Box Forest

The distinctive ovoid leaves and gnarly trunks of the Red Box create interwoven intricacies that please the eye.

8. Natural materials creativity

Every now and then along the way, something unexpected appears.

9. Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea australis).

Ancient and unique, this tall species is threatened by Cinnamon fungus. Please keep to the track to avoid spread of the infection.

10. Cicada egress

A surprising find in a tree.

11. Step carefully

This location is probably the most unstable. A short steep decline across a shallow rocky face. Loose stones are a risk.

12. Watching the watchers

Keep your eyes open. You never know who is watching who.

13. Top of the falls

The rocky creek bed above forms into interlinked pools that top the falls.

14. Viewing platform

Cross the top of the falls to a well placed viewing platform looking across the falls to nearby hills. Take care on the rocks, they can be unexpectedly slippery.

15. Amongst the escarpment boulders

There are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.

16. Correa alba

We didn't see many wildflowers early in mid winter. However, so as not to disappoint, clumps of Correa with masses of blossoming white flowers dotted the face all the way to the base of the falls.

17. Maturing Blakley's Red Gum

At the bottom of this stage of the falls is a single Blakley's Red Gum that already looks exquisite for its tall, lean shape and forming canopy. Imagine it in a century or two!

18. The creek above the falls

Water above the falls flows underground and overground according to the seasonal conditions. We came across rocky dry stretches and lengths of flowing water - all in the same waterway.

19. Many mature trees have been lost

Due to wood cutting for firewood, fencing and grazing, much of the mature Warby Range woodland has been ravaged by woodcutters. Enough sizeable specimens remain to be seen - like this Red Stringybark

20. Picnic tables.

By the carpark are picnic tables and plenty of space for picnic rugs. Families can set up to use the fire pit for cooking or their own BBQ devices. These kids were loving the place!