Wandi Walk, Bright to Wandiligong
Wandi Walk, Bright to Wandiligong
A 7.5 km meander along Morses Creek to the town of Wandiligong. With mountain views, goldfield history and charming footbridges, the Wandiligong valley is a very pretty place to walk.
Summary
A 7.5 km meander along Morses Creek to the town of Wandiligong. With mountain views, goldfield history and charming footbridges, the Wandiligong valley is a very pretty place to walk.
Description
This walk follows Morses Creek, from the centre of Bright to the small town of Wandiligong set in a picturesque valley.
Wandiligong (or Wandi), population 250, is slightly off the beaten path and this has preserved its charm. The town was established during the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s. The region is famous for its beauty in autumn, but there's something special about the light in the high country all year round. The forests in the surrounding mountains are a mix of pine plantations and native forests. Apples and chestnuts are grown in the region.
The first section of the walk has a wide, paved path running through Bright Holiday Park. Past Hawthorne Lane, the surface becomes a well-worn dirt track. The walk is fairly flat, with no steep hills. Passing Mystic Mountain Bike Park, walkers might share the path with bikes in some sections.
Approaching the hamlet of Wandiligong, the valley is very beautiful. There are several bridges that cross Morses Creek. This walk uses the Chinese swing bridge that leads to the area known as the Diggings, the former goldfields of Wandiligong.
History buffs might choose to follow the signage in the goldfields and do a history loop.
There are many options for the return leg back to Bright. Either follow the same route back or take one of the many footbridges to walk on the opposite side of the creek.
5707 Views
Points of Interest
1. Starting point
Follow Morses Creek upstream from the Bright Splash Park in the centre of town.
2. First of many footbridges
Paths and bridges straddle Morses Creek. Cross at the first bridge, leading to the the caravan park and path on the east bank of the creek.
3. Narrow path
When the concrete path ends, a well-worn dirt track shows the way ahead.
4. Suspension bridge
Multiple bridges across the creek give you option to walk on either side. This walk continues past the bridge that leads to Pioneer Park Recreation Reserve.
5. Rambling track
The vegetation is a mix of native and pine.
6. Morses creek
A view of the creek below from the walking path.
7. The trail continues
A gently undulating path alongside the creek.
8. View from the bridge at Alpine Park
Heading into Wandiligong, cross at the footbridge leading the Alpine Park.
9. Autumn leaves at Alpine Park
Alpine park is in an ildyllic place for a park and the home of the Wandi Nut Festival.
10. Green valley
The valley of Wandiligong is green and lush.
11. Morses Creek
A family of ducks seen from the bridge.
12. Swingbridge
Walk past this swing bridge and continue on to the Chinese bridge.
13. Chinese swingbridge
Cross the Chinese swingbridge to the area known as the Diggings, the former goldfields of Wandiligong.
14. Looking back at the Chinese Bridge
A beautiful structure honouring the Chinese people who mined during gold rush times.
15. Map of "the Diggings"
Choose your own path in the diggings area . Or, stick to our suggestion and follow the creek trail and loop around.
Features
Picnic spot
Historical interest
Local treasures
Nature trail
Lake, creek, river
Park / Garden
