Watkins walk
Watkins walk
This is an easy return walk for enjoying great Strathbogie Tableland roadside vegetation and the vistas beyond. It follows a very low traffic gravel road through pretty grazing and forested land.
Summary
This is an easy return walk for enjoying great Strathbogie Tableland roadside vegetation and the vistas beyond. It follows a very low traffic gravel road through pretty grazing and forested land.
Description
Strathbogie Tableland roadsides are a desirable walking destination in their own right. The roadside vegetation, Tableland scenery and waterways are a pleasure to walk.
Roadside vegetation on the Tableland is generally of a high conservation standard and forms a critical network of biolinks for local wildlife. Massive Blue, Manna and Peppermint gums are common. The understory vegetation/fungi habitat is also very important for plant and animal diversity, providing homes and sustenance to mammals, reptiles, insects and birdlife. There are many special natural world experiences to be had.
This walk is along a smooth gravel roadside. It has a few medium rises up to views across the landscape and dips down to small waterways.
Traffic is very light. The Tableland is a quiet place. You can hear vehicles from a distance on the gravel roads. However, it still makes sense to be alert and keep to the right hand side.
Be SunSmart, carry food and water. There are no amenities on this walk.
Other walks in the region:
Mt Wombat Lookout walk
Rocky Ned walk
White's Rock walk
Balmattum Hill walk
Cleo's Track walk
The Old Weir walk
407 Views
Points of Interest
1. Glorious roadsides
Blue, Manna, Swamp and Peppermint gums are just waiting to be appreciated.
2. Fine farmlands
These beautiful young horses are examples of the fine farm animals you might see on your walk.
3. Granite
No matter where you go on the Tableland, there will be granite to enchant you. Here at the Seven Creeks crossing is no exception.
4. View to Mt Barrenhet
You can access Mt Barrenhet from nearby Mt Piper Track. The link tells you all about this interesting peak in the Strathbogie Ranges.
5. A forest sample
The road climbs a hill capped with a patch of forest that introduces you to the enticing open woodland you will find in Strathbogie Forest itself. It is well worth exploring further.
6. Hollows and bush tucker
Many large roadside trees are old enough to have developed hollows capable of accommodating wildlife. Next to this big Peppermint gum is a Ballart cherry plum, the fruit of which is bush tucker.
7. Flora
Look out for wildflowers in roadside reserves as well. They may be the only place they can thrive in some areas. This is Common Centaury (not a native, but naturalised here).
8. View to Mt Separation
Large granite pavements are a feature of Mt Separation.
9. End of the road
When you arrive at Bonnie Doon Road it is time to begin the return leg.
10. Some massive trees
There is something not offered by a loop that a return walk does - the other side of the story. A different perspective, a change of light, all is new again. These trees seemed bigger on the way back.
Features
Nature trail
Lake, creek, river
