Summary

A pleasant walk in the Warby - Ovens National Park past grass trees and other diverse indigenous tree-scapes to a Lookout with sweeping views.

Description

You will find this gravel track in the north western section of the Warby – Ovens National Park, approximately 10km to the west of Wangaratta. This is Yorta Yorta country. The area is defined by the dry granitic hills of the Warby Range.

There is a directional sign from Wangandary Road where you turn onto Ridge Road. The car park is just off Ferris Road a little beyond the Ridge Road intersection. There is plenty of room. It is a “Maintenance Vehicles Only” gravel track that doesn’t look like it gets a great deal of use (or maintenance), so there isn’t likely to be much competition for parking or walking space.

The walk traverses Red Stringybark (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha), Blakely Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi), She Oak (Casuarina) and White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla) woodlands to a rocky prominence. Austral Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea) are a feature.

The views look across the farmland and flood plains west to Dookie at Mt Major and north west toward Tungamah.

The track is never particularly steep. However, there are sections with a modest rise, some erosion, loose rock, sand and dust / mud drifts. If you are unsteady on your feet it might be on the awkward side at times and worth carrying a walking stick.

The lookout area itself is signed. It consists of a prominent range top hillock. It has great views across a patchwork of hills, pasture and cropping land. There is no established track around the hillock as such, but you can tread carefully amongst the rocks, scrub and grass to navigate your way around to enjoy approximately 180 degrees of vista.

Birdlife can be rewarding, with observations of threatened species such as the Barking Owl and Turquoise Parrot possible. Squirrel and Feathertail Gliders also share this habitat with impressive Carpet Pythons. Keep your eyes open! Treat their space with respect.

Amenities
Car parking
Trailhead and destination signs
Wineries nearby
Flora and fauna habitat
Warby - Ovens camping sites are available at Wenhems Camp, Booth Rd

Cautions
Steep slopes
Limbs may fall
Uneven ground
No potable water
Slippery surfaces
Snakes may be active
Tracks may not be clear
Mobile reception may be unreliable
Carry food, water, First Aid, be SunSmart
Be equipped for self-reliant hiking
Roads may be impassable

Grasstrees in this area are vulnerable to Phytophthora Cinnamomi fungus. Please keep to the walking tracks to prevent spreading the disease.

Restrictions
No dogs
No firearms
No hunting
No camping
No horses
Take rubbish with you
Do not remove soil or rock
Native flora and fauna are protected
No fires permitted
Closed on days of total fire ban
No 4WD or motor bike access
Drivers/riders must: use formed roads only, be licensed, be registered

2871 Views

Points of Interest

1. Car park

There is plenty of room.

2. Quarantine Area

Phytophthora Cinnamomi fungus infects Grass trees beyond the gate opposite to the walk. To minimise spread, please do not enter.

3. Trailhead sign

This sign clearly points you in the right direction. There is only the one track in and out. Red Box and Red Stringybark woodland marks your entry.

4. Austral Grass trees

Xanthorrhoea. This special species greet you at the beginning of the walk.

5. Paper Daisies

Paper daisies are spread all along the walk adding a yellow flush to the dry woodland even approaching winter.

6. A woodland transition.

Soon you will notice the transition to woodland dominated by Blakely Red Gum.

7. A good sign

New Grass trees appearing in an area in quarantine is an encouraging sign.

8. Blakely red gum

Eucalyptus blakelyi are cousins of the grand River red gum come in all shapes and sizes.

9. The Australian bluebell

Wahlenbergia stricta, was in evidence during our late autumn walk.

10. Jumping Jacks

This busy ant can jump and cause an annoying sting. Try to avoid provoking them by getting in their way.

11. She Oak copse

Casuarina, with their drooping grey green scale leaves and distinctive woody fruit are a personal favourite.

12. White Cypress Pine woodland

Callitris glaucophylla takes its place in the succession of woodlands as you approach the high point.

13. Rock isotomes

Isotoma axillaris are widespread, but nonetheless remain treat when their floral displays are discovered brightening a rocky place.

14. The view - 1

South

15. A rocky slope

Below the summit

16. The view - 2

South West

17. The view - 3

West

18. The view - 4

North

19. Moths on Horehound

Small patches of the invasive weed Marrubium vulgare were in evidence, being helped along its life cycle by numerous moths. Try to avoid aiding its spread by picking up seed on your shoes and socks.

Features

Nature trail