Conglomerate Gully nature reserve
Conglomerate Gully nature reserve
A one hour hill country loop walk through native forest along an ephemeral stream.
Summary
A one hour hill country loop walk through native forest along an ephemeral stream.
Description
Conglomerate Gully is one of the best dry eucalypt forest walks north west of Melbourne. Climbing into the hill country, the walk takes you through a forest with native grassland understorey, along an ephemeral stream. In spring it is one of the best places in the area to see native orchids.
Despite being very close to Mt Macedon, the forest here has a completely different feel to the forests on the Mount. The absence of motor bikes and 4wd vehicles makes it a peaceful escape to nature, unlike some walks in similar forests nearby such as Wombat State Park. The walk is 2.9km and takes about an hour. Hilly, steep and rocky in parts, it provides a quick bit of adventure. Only an hour from central Melbourne, Conglomerate Gully is a hidden gem.
Notes:
- Dogs are allowed on a lead.
- This area has fairly high risk of bushfire. In the summer, check the fire risk for the day before visiting. Do not come on a day of total fire ban.
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Points of Interest
1. Information board
An information board near the start of the walk gives a summary of the history, ecology and geology of the reserve.
2. Fallen log
In a number of places, particularly this part of the walk, large fallen logs or trees are a feature. They make good seats for adults and excellent play equipment for children!
3. Hut
This interesting hut provides shelter - and curiosity.
4. Orchid
If you keep an eye out (they are tiny) you might be lucky enough to spot a native orchid.
5. Lookout
The track starts to climb alongside a small gorge, with a stream flowing through it after rain or at wetter times of the year. A lookout provides this view down the gorge.
6. Climbing
The climb starts to get steep in this area, but that only adds to the sense of accomplishment. Keep an eye on any under 5s though.
7. Valley view
As you get higher you get some fairly nice views down the stream gully.
8. A taste of NT
At times the landscape in this area is reminiscent of the northern territory, with woodland on the rocky escarpment.
9. Pools
Even at the driest times, small pools remain in the streambed. They appear to harbour life, but I'm not an entymologist.
10. Cascades
The stream falls down the gorge, sometimes with a series of small waterfalls after good rain. The wetter it has been, the better they are. Unfortunately, was dry at the time of our visit.
11. Rocks and lichen
In this area particularly, rocks with coloured lichen will reward those who look carefully.
12. Waves of grass
At times the native grass seems to be rolling down the hill in waves.
13. Native forest
The interplay of native trees, grass and fallen logs is perhaps the defining feature of this walk.
14. Wildflowers
These wildflowers are commonly seen on this walk.
15. Wildlife
Wildlife on this walk is not used to humans. The kangaroos like to keep their distance, so you might not see them until you hear them bouncing away. However we got close to this echidna!
Features
Nature trail
