Woollybutt walk

Woollybutt walk created by Sean Mathews

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Summary

Towering columnar trunks of Woollybutt alpine ash surround you every step of this gorgeous Mt Stirling forest loop. In spring and summer the mid story, ferneries and wildflowers add to the splendour.

Description

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If you are looking for a beautifully immersive mountain forest day walk, this is it. Cleared tracks take you winding up and down through forest glades rich with fascinating native vegetation and full of native birdsong.

The forest structure is monumental. Giant Woollybutt eucalypts (Alpine Ash) can reach up to 50 metres toward the sky. Their tall straight trunks run parallel with each other to leafy and flowering crowns that compete for light in a canopy far above.

Over spring and summer there is an abundance of wildflowers and unfolding fern fronds are everywhere, adding a background of iridescent green.

Forest birds restlessly flit and fly, forage and hunt on the wing across the forest layers. This is a delightful place for birding whether by sight or ear. Look and listen for honeyeaters, parrots, lyrebirds and small woodland birds like the elusive Pilotbird.

Many mammals found on the mountain are nocturnal, such as the Mountain Pygmy Possum and Greater Glider, but keep on the lookout because you never know what you will see when outdoors walking! Forest creatures such as Antechinus may be spotted darting around picnic and camping grounds. Interesting alpine residents such as the Mt Stirling Stonefly, colourful Mountain Grasshopper and Mountain Log Skink may also be encountered

The walking tracks are generally well maintained. Some are especially smooth grassy laneways through the forest cut for the winter cross country ski season. Mountain bikes may also use them.

Park at Telephone Box Junction (TBJ). The walking track starts on Hut Trail 500 metres along and to the left off the Circuit Road. TBJ has sealed car spaces, a picnic shelter, information signs with maps, a cafe (check seasonal opening times) and public toilets. Note: it is a good idea to take your own digital and hard copy walking maps with you. This walk is comprised of a number of different mountain trails. See the website link above.

The road up is a well maintained gravel mountain road. It can be negotiated in 2WD. Chains may be required if snow is around.

This is a day walk, but why not consider staying overnight to enjoy another? Camping is permitted at Razorback Hut - visited on this walk.

You will need to plan to be self sufficient on the mountain. Be SunSmart, carry water and food, be prepared for rapidly changing weather.

Other walks in the region
Timbertop Saddle to Mt Timbertop summit walk
Plain Creek Falls walk

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Points of Interest

1. Take the low road

Woollybutt walk follows the Circuit Road until you get to the Hut Trail turn off.

2. Hut Trail

Hut Trail is marked by a map and information signs on the left side of the Circuit Road. Note: the signs do not have a map of the Woollybutt walk. Take your own instructions and map with you.

3. A layered forest

The vegetation layers combine with the sloping topography to provide lots of views across valleys and into gullies. You find yourself often stopping to listen and look.

4. Wildflowers

In spring and summer there is a profusion of floral displays such as these Creamy Candles.

5. Birdwatching

Birds are constantly calling, flitting, swooping and hunting around you. A pair of binoculars will be well used.

6. Bird Orchids

In late spring , early summer, the number of Orchids along the track is remarkable.

7. Razorback Hut and camping area

This is a great day walk. It could also be part of an overnight plan or multiple day walks. Camping is provided for at Razorback Hut.

8. Mt Buller view

From above Razorback Hut there is a view over to Buller Ski Resort through the trees.

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9. Big trees

The Woollybutt are very tall and slender, some of the Blue Gums are very large in girth.

10. King's Saddle Day Shelter

This large shelter offers tables, seating, a combustion heater and toilets.

11. Smooth cross country ski trails

The route picks up cross country ski trails amongst the majestic columnar Woollybutt for easy walking.

12. Falls Creek

This small crystal clear mountain stream crosses under the walk here.

13. Pretending you are wood

In spring fledgling Tawny Frogmouths try their wing at independence. This one landed by us and promptly pretended it wasn't there.

14. Trigger Plant

To impress other walkers demonstrate triggering the Trigger Plant. A small stem placed in the plant's throat activates a sweep of its springlike trigger covering any probing insect with pollen.