How to get there
This is the route I took through Belgrave. Click the More options link on the map to enlarge it.
Strava Activity
Feel free to study this activity.
Amenities
There are quite a few toilets along River Walk and of course in the cafes, too. I found parking along the river (more precisely as close to as possible to the river) is a good idea for washing off the mud after these runs/hikes. The Cog Cafe is very popular with cyclists.
The Visitor Information Centre only opens at 10.00 A.M., but if there is someone inside a few minutes earlier, they’d let you in and help you out. I found that as nice as the lady was, she didn’t have much knowledge of the area. Bought the Rooftop Yarra Valley – West Gippsland Adventure Map, but for this particular course the 8022-4-S Juliet South, 1:25000 topographic map series from VicMap is the best. I bought the pdf map from Avenza maps for $2.65 (US1.99). Unfortunately my phone is cactus when it comes to GPS, so I couldn’t really make the most of this map being GPS, nevertheless I could view it and enlarge it on my phone, which helped.
Friendly advice
Here are some thoughts that might be useful before heading out on an adventure like this:
- Always check the weather, ask around a local or someone who’s been there a day before
- It is better not to do this course after a lot of rain, the track is very slippery. I fell several times both up and down.
- Carry enough food and water
- Get the 8022-4-S Juliet South, 1:25000 topographic map series from VicMap
- Carry a PLB, alternatively keep someone updated about your progress. Garmin has LiveTrack, Strava has Beacon. If you have a smart watch, these can work together very well wherever there is network coverage
- Take some good wound dressings with you (extras, too), very easy to fall and scratch yourself
- Wear something that covers your legs—especially after/during rain
- Take your poles, they will help you both up and down. Alternatively, pick up two sticks from the Mt Donna Buang trailhead. There is always some around the sign.
Hope all this info has helped.