Eagle On The Hill

Eagle On The Hill, a world away from city life, is easy accessible from South -Eastern freeway. To reach Eagle On The Hill take the next turn off after Glen Osmond exit.

The Eagle On The Hill was well known for its popular hotel and pub, which was built in 1853 by William Anderson.  The Eagle On The Hill hotel was named in 1860 after a large effigy of an eagle hawk placed in front of the hotel. The bushfires destroyed the pub on 2 occasions. During the infamous Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983, the hotel was completely destroyed.

The Eagle On The Hill was rebuilt after Ash Wednesday bushfires, but had to surrender in 2005 following the construction of the South- Eastern freeway.

The Eagle On The Hill is now popular with mountain bikers. Hikers can also enjoy pleasant walks in the rugged bushland of Mount Lofty.

Eagle On The Hill walk description

Eagle On The Hill
Hiking on Cleland Conservation Park Trails.

The Eagle on the Hill hike is a loop walk which combines different trails around Cleland Conservation Park.

 You can park at the car park, just  few hundred meters away from the hotel.

Enter in Cleland Conservation Park via gate 14 and take Yurebilla Trail.

At the junction of Yurebilla trail with Chinaman’s track, turn right and start climbing on Chinaman track. Leave Chinaman’s track turning right on Gurra Track, then take Nangare Track which continues with Heysen Trail. From Heysen Trail, turn right on Reynolds drive which re enters Cleland Conservation Park to become Carro track. Continue to the second track junction and turn left on the Birree Track.  For a shorter version, continue on Birree track and take the Mireen track on your left, to return to gate 14 close to the Eagle On The Hill hotel.

Eagle On The Hill
Chinaman Track

Alternatively, for a longer hike, leave Birree track at the first junction and follow the Spa track. Spa track will reunite with Birree Track. From Birree track turn left on Mireen track to return to gate 14 on Eagle On The Hill.

The walk takes you rambling on different walking trails of Mount Lofty with long climbs and descends. The walk is rewarding you with distant vistas, native bushlands and tall eucalypts. On the gully, patches of daisies are enjoying the spring time.

Statistics

Eagle On The Hill
Rambling in Mount Lofty

Total distance of the loop walk was 12.15 km and it takes about 3 hours.

The route has a total ascent of 359.25 m and  a maximum elevation of 671.61 m. 

From km 0.71 there is a grade 3 climb of average 4.8 degree for 4.5 km.

Mount Hayfield

Mount Hayfield walk description

The walk takes you to sections of Second Valley Forest and Mount Hayfield.

Mount Hayfield
Second Valley Forest

The walk starts at Ingalalla Waterfall car park. It is a strenous walk, ondulating, following the track downhill and steeply uphill. The navigation is difficult without the map or GPS track as it is not marked and it has numerous tracks.

From the car park walk down the creek and head north along the the forest boundary. Soon after the start of the walk,  you climb two steep hills. At the top of the second hill you reach a small flat area. 

 Cross the fence  first on right of the track, onto the road the  turn left.  After passing the “Douglas “gate, cross the fence to the left of the gate.  After 2 km descend towards the culvert over Blackfellow Creek.  Crossing the culvert uphill onto the ridge, continue to west towards the pine forest. At a T junction, take the fire track on the left and after 50 m drop into the creek following the creek on the right bank.  Where the forest edge turns south follow the track uphill along the ridge. The logging of the forest changes the topography of the area. Following the track between pines and native forest on until creek is crossed with a small waterfall on the left. At gate 20 re-enter the forest, near Mount Hayfield Trig. At Mount Hayfield trig we notice a colony of ladybugs.

From Mount Hayfield trig turn right and follow fence along road. At gate 19 look for left fork, go left and folow the track downhill. Take the  right track , after 200 m turn right across the creek then turn left with the creek on left side. At the creek junction cross the creek and take the forest track right uphill. 

At top of the hill pass the track coming in from left side and continue 125 m to track on left heading south. Continue to forest boundary and follow the creek until reaching the car park.

The walk is described in the book PUSH THE BUSH from Friends of Heysen Trail and is walk number 10. Also in the book a detailed map is provided.  Alternatively, you can download the track from https://www.mapmywalk.com/

Walk statistics

Distance was 19.25 km

Time of the walk was 6 hours and 30 minutes including breaks.

Total ascent was 642 meters.

Track is ondulating . Has a climb of grade 4 difficulty at 0.5 km in route for a distace of 2.22 km with and average grade of 6. 2 % and 2 climbs of grade 5 difficulty. First at at 4.33 km for a distance of 2 km and average grade 5%. The second  at 7.96 km for a distance of 5.34 km with and avergae grade of 1.7%.

How to get to Ingalalla Waterfall car park

From Adelaide take Main South road to  Yankalilla and then follow the main road to Normanville. Turn sharp left, into Hay Flat road and proceed 10 km to Ingalalla Waterfall gate in forest on the right in car park. Hay Flat road is unpaved. 

Attractions on the way

Yankallila Bakery

Lilla’s Cafe at Yankallila

Smiling Samoyed Brewery at Myponga

Nan Hai Pu Tuo Temple, Buddhist Temple in Sellicks Hill wih the giant Buddha Statue

Pioneer Women’s Trail

Pioneer Women’s Trail is a historical trail from Hahndorf to Beaumont  House Adelaide. The trail honors the early German women settlers who walked from Hahndorf all the way to Adelaide to sell the produce  from their farm.

The women left Hahndorf at midnight with their baskets of vegetable and dairy products and walked along the bush trails and roads to Beaumont House. After selling the products, the women walked back with their new purchases and two  bricks each for building of their church. This regular trips to Adelaide lasted until 1850.

Yearly in May, walkers honour the historic trail. The walking  event is organised by Historical society of South Australia . The track  follows as close as possible the Pioneer Women’s Trail.

Starting at Hahndorf the trail follows the main road to exit the village , crosses the Onkaparinga River before joining the official trail at Verdun. The trail winds through Bridgewater, follows Cox Creek enters Mount George Conservation Park and detours to Stirling.

From Stirling, walkers follow the road to Crafers , then the trails  in Cleland Conservation Park to join Old Bullock track which descends to Beaumont House in Burnside.

The total distance is 26 km long

Verdun to Bridgewater is 3.4 km

Bridgewater to Stirling is 7.0 km

Stirling to Crafers is 1.5 km

Crafers to Measdays Lookout is 3.5 km

Measdays Lookout to Beaumont House is 7.0 km

The route has a total ascent of 473.56 m and has a maximum elevation of 595.44 m. Total time was 5 hours.

History along the trail

Hahndorf

In 1839 , the ship Zebra arrived in Port Adelaide with 38 Lutheran families. The ship’s  captain Dirk Meinertz Hahn was able to negotiate a parcel of land in the Adelaide Hills. The new settlement was named in his honour Hahndorf. Hahndorf is a popular tourist german town in South Australia where you can drink german beer and eat the classic sausages with saurkraut and potato.  At Hahndorf  you can wander on the main street, visiting  all the little shops, eat at German Arms Hotel or visit the Cedars.

The Cedars is the historic home of the landscape artist Sir Hans Heysen.

Bridgewater

At Bridgewater you can see the Bridgewater Mill a flour mill which was built in 1860 by John Dunn. Now the Bridgewater Mill is a restaurant.

Stirling

At Stirling you can stop along the trail for a coffee. Stirling is one the best places near Adelaide to admire the autumn colours. Woorabinda Bushland Reserve, is a peaceful place  worth a visit if you spend time in Stirling.

Beaumont House

Beaumont House was built for Bishop Augustus Short in 1849 the first Anglican Bishop of Adelaide. Sir Samuel Davenport the founder of the olive oil industry in South Australia was the second owner.Now the house is in the care of the National Trust of South Australia.

More information about the walk you can find : Walking SA www.walkingsa.org.au

Chatauqua Peak, Grampians

Chatauqua Peak,  Grampians is a highly recommended walk if you are in Halls Gap. The walk is not as crowded as the popular Pinnacle and you are rewarded with great views over the Halls Gap, Lake Bellfield and Wonderland Range.

This is a 6 km route in and takes about 2 hours to complete. The route has a total ascent of 177.67 m and has a maximum elevation of 396.5 m. The walk is of easy to medium difficulty , except a short section near the Chatauqua Peak which requires some scrambling over rocks and boulders. Do not attempt to reach the summit if wet and windy as there are no protective barriers or hand rails.

Chatauqua Peak takes the name from the American Chatauqua Movement. Chatauqua Movement was a popular adult education movement in late 19th and early 20th in rural America.

Walk description

Cross the suspension bridge at the northern end of the Halls Gap Caravan Park. Enter the Halls Gap Botanic Garden and follow the signs to Chatauqua Peak. The track climbs through stringy bark forest to Mt. Victory Road.

Chatauqua Peak, Grampians
The track to Chatauqua Peak

Cross the road and follow the track on the northern side, until you reach a junction. At the junction you have the option to go via Bullaces Glen which is a ferny glade at a base of a large rock. Either way, the track climbs steadily towards the ridge. Reaching another junction you have the option to track to the Chatauqua Peak. This section is more difficult as involve some rock scrambling. Reaching the peak, take your time and admire the views before returning to the junction taking the track to Halls Gap via Clematis Falls.

Chatauqua Peak, Grampians
View from Chatauqua Peak,
Chatauqua Peak, Grampians
Return to Halls Gap

This is a steady zig zag descent that takes you to Halls Gat Mt. Victory Road.

The Clematis Falls are mostly dry and can be only seen after heavy rain.

Chatauqua Peak, Grampians
Returning through the forest to Halls Gap

Other walks in Grampians are:

Mount Stapylton, Grampians National Park at https://aussietrailwalker.com/mount-stapylton/

Further information and things to do in Grampians National Park you can find at https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park

Bucegi Mountains, Omu Peak, Romania

Bucegi Mountains, Omu Peak

Bucegi Mountains, Omu Peak,  is a description of a hiking circuit from Busteni to Omu Peak. Omu Peak is the ninth highest mountain in Romania with an altitude of 2505 m.

Bucegi Mountains is the most accessible mountain in Romania. It has the shape of a horseshoe with the eastern side being very busy due to numerous resorts at the bottom of the mountains such as Sinaia, Predeal, Busteni.

The circuit starts from Busteni.

From Busteni take the cable car to Babele Chalet which is at 2200 m altitude. This will save some time in order to complete the circuit in one day. The Cable Car does not function if the weather is bad. Wait until is opened to see if is functioning, as many drivers want to take advantage and try to convince you that is closed and to change your plans at the car at heftier price. Unfortunately this still happens in busy touristic areas.

As you arrive by cable car at Babele you are basically on the Plateau.

Bucegi Mountains, Omu Peak, Romania
Western Panorama

On this area, the geology of the mountains is conglomerate and the weather elements  created interesting geological features such Babele and the Sphinx.

Bucegi Mountains, Omu Peak, Romania
Babele

Bucegi Mountains, Omu Peak, Romania
Sphinx

From the Sphinx follow the track marked with red cross to the Heroes Cross. It takes about 45 minutes.

Bucegi Mountains, Omu Peak, Romania

The Heroes Cross was built between 1926 and 1928 on Caraiman Peak. The Heroes Cross  is also known as “The Cross on Caraiman”. The monument was built by King Ferdinand I and Queen Marie of Edinburgh his wife, in the honour of railway heroes who died in the First World War. The Cross is the tallest summit cross in the world. The Cross has a height of 28 metres and two arms of 7 metres.  At night the Cross is illuminated and can be seen from far away.

From the Heroes Cross,  head towards Costila on the track marked red cross to the Saddle Saua Sugarilor. Take  the track marked yellow stripe to Omu Peak. At Omu Peak Hut you can have a cup a tea or coffee. From Omu Peak descent to Busteni, via  Cerbul Valley following  the track marked  yellow stripe.  It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The descent has some rocky parts at the beginning.  A beautiful mountain goat was watching us from a far.

The route without the cable car  has about 23.5 km.

The route has a total ascent of 742.28 m and has a maximum elevation of 2,478.34 m. The average speed was 3km/h . Time without the cable car about 8 hours.

The second map includes the trip with the cable car. The total time of the trip including  the trip with the cable car was 9 hours.

Balea Waterfall

Balea Waterfall or Cascada Balea is in Fagaras Mountains, Romania, also called the Alps of Transylvania.

Balea Waterfall is at 1234 m altitude and has a height of 60m. Access is via Transfagarasan highway to Balea Waterfall Chalet (Cabana Balea Cascada).

Balea Waterfall
Balea Waterfall Chalet, in the distance

 

The track is marked with a red dot and it takes 50 to 60 minutes to reach the waterfall.

The total distance is 3 km and took 1 hour 36 minutes return. The track has a total ascent of 297.48 m and has a maximum elevation of 1,561.75 m.

The scenery is beautiful but it’s shadowed by the amount of garbage left on the track. I could not understand the lack of respect for nature. As we hike along two women were throwing a big rock in the creek. I was told they want to break the rock to take a small piece home???

It will take years of education for people to enjoy nature as it is and leave “no trace”.

Transfagarasan is a famous road on its own which was built during seventies by military forces. It crosses the mountains from Transylvania to Muntenia and has numerous tunnels and viaducts. Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson named Transfagarasan on of the best world’s road. The road is opened between June and September.

Other walk  in Fagaras Mountains: https://aussietrailwalker.com/2017/10/fagaras-mountains-vinatoarea-lui-buteanu-peak

Dandenong Ranges National Park, Kokoda Track Memorial Walk

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Dandenong Mountain is the Melbourne’s Mountain. A brief escape from the city and popular with walkers and runners is Ferntree Gully Forest, about 35 km from Melbourne.

 Kokoda Track Memorial Walk

Kokoda Track Memorial Walk also known as 1000 steps. The walk is dedicated to Kokoda Veterans who fought in Papua New Guinea in the Second World War.

Dandenong Ranges National Park, Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk

It was created in 1900 and was adopted by Kokoda Veterans as a Memorial Site in 1998.
It starts at Ferntree Gully main car park near the Kokoda entrance arch. Follow the Treefern Gully Track also known as Kokoda Memorial walk.  Walk the steep section to the top and return via Lyrebird Track.

Along the track there are 14 plaques, which relate significant events that occurred on Kokoda Track in the second World War.

Dandenong Ranges National Park, Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
Memorial Plague 1000 steps

This is very popular as a fitness trail and is crowded over the weekend.

The walk has a distance of 3.34 km with  a total ascent of 179.16 m and has a maximum elevation of 389.88 m. It takes about 1 -1.5 hours.

Short walks in Wilsons Promontory, Victoria

Short walks in Wilsons Promontory, Victoria

Wilson Promontory is an ideal destination for bushwalking. The post describe short walks in Wilsons Promontory, Victoria :Mount Oberon Summit Walk and Squeaky Beach Loop Walk.

Following a second trip in December 2023, I have added more day walks and an overnight walk to the Wilsons Prom Lighthouse, situated on the tip of the peninsula, into treacherous waters of Bass Strait since 1859.

From overnight hikes  and numerous day walks of all fitness levels, you will be enchanted with natural coastline features, granite boulders, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests or Stringybark woodlands.

Wilson Promontory is the southernmost tip of Australian mainland. The stunning coastline, the marine park, numerous bushwalking trails  make a popular destination in Victoria.

From Melbourne is a 3 hour  drive. Take the South Gippsland Highway A440 and then Meeniyan- Promontory Road C444 to the Wilson Promontory entrance. From the entrance to Tidal River is 30 minutes drive. At Tidal River are a campground, visitor centre and general store.

The closest towns are Yanakie, Fish Creek and Foster.

Mount Oberon Summit Walk

Distance is 6.8 km

Time is 2 hours return

The walk starts at Telegraph Saddle car park.

The route has a total ascent of 332.27 m and has a maximum elevation of 540.58 m.

During peak periods in summer there is a free bus shuttle from Tidal River to Telegraph Saddle which runs every half an hour.

Mount Oberon offers a wonderful panorama over the Bass Strait.

Squeaky Beach Loop Walk

Distance is 8.6 km

Time is 3 hours

The walk starts at Lilly Pilly Gully car park.

The route has a total ascent of 225.98 m and has a maximum elevation of 144.93 m.

Cross the road and walk on Lilly Pilly Link Track.  At the bifurcation follow the left track of Tidal Overlook Circuit. The track follows the Tidal River and offers nice views of the Tidal River and Norman Beach.

Short walks in Wilsons Promontory, Victoria
Tidal River
Short walks in Wilsons Promontory, Victoria
Norman beach

Follow the track to the boulders of Pillar Point. From the Pillar Point backtrack to the bifurcation with Squeaky Beach Track. Turn left on the Squeaky Beach Track to reach the beautiful white Squeaky Beach.

Short walks in Wilsons Promontory, Victoria
Squeaky Beach in the distance

The name of Squeaky Beach is from the rounded grains of quartz that make a squeak noise when walked on. Take the time to cool off in the ocean and have a break. Return to the Lilly Pilly car park following the inland part of the Tidal Overlook Circuit.

You need to carry enough water for the day and have ample sun protection.

Further information about Wilsons Promontory you can find at:

 https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/hiking-and-bushwalking

Lighthouse Walk

The Walk to the Lighthouse, is part of the Southern Circuit and offers spectacular views of the rugged coast of Wilson Prom, unspoiled beaches, lush forests and fern vegetation.

The first section of the classic Southern Circuit to Sealers Cove is still closed.

Therefore our group decided to walk first day from Telegraph Saddle to Lighthouse via Roaring Meg. After staying overnight in the historic cottage next to Lighthouse, will return next day via the scenic coastal route Waterloo Bay.

Book accommodation ahead of time if staying in the comfort of the historic cottages with bed, showers, kitchen.

Day 1 Telegraph Saddle to Lighthouse via Roaring Meg

Start the walk at Telegraph Saddle on 4 wheel drive track which descends to Telegraph Junction, Halfway Hut and Roaring Meg.

At Roaring Meg there is a campsite, where you can tent in beautiful lush green environment, for which you need to book ahead of the time of the walk.

From Roaring Meg you can hike to the South Point the most southern point of Australian mainland.

The walk from the Roaring Med is on shaded bush track through lush green ferns, with small creeks, with views of the coast and the ocean.

Towards the end, the track is a steep climb to the Lighthouse.

After settling in your booked accommodation, enjoy a visit to The Lighthouse Museum, walk to the Bay and enjoy the sunset over the Bay and Lighthouse. Don’t forget to take photos of the sunset over the Lighthouse, which I did.

Day 2 Lighthouse to Telegraph Saddle via Waterloo Bay

Leaving the Light house, walk 3 hours  to Waterloo Bay, through undulating tracks, flanked by lush vegetations, ferns, small creeks along the way. Admire the rugged coastal scenery and on approaching the Waterloo Bay, the view of the bay with white sand beach and clear blue water. Walk along the beach towards the boulders seen at the other end. Just before reaching the boulders, turn left to follow the track to Telegraph Junction.

Some hikers took the option to walk to Refuge Cove and Sealers Cove camping at Sealers Cove and returning next day to Waterloo Bay and back To Telegraph Saddle.

The Walk from Waterloo Bay to Telegraph Junction is mainly a board walk . inland then through the forest.

From Telegraph Junction to Telegraph Saddle, the section is uphill on the four wheel drive track.

A longer alternative is to walk via Little Oberon Bay to Tidal River.

Mount Stapylton, Grampians National Park

Mount Stapylton Loop Walk is a strenuous but spectacular walk in the Northern Grampians. The track passes a large cave and giant cliffs.

Start the walk from Stapylton campground.

Mount Stapylton, Grampians National Park

Walk through a scrubby bushland and soon after crossing the Pohlner Road arrive to a junction, where you take the right side of the track.

Mount Stapylton, Grampians National Park

Follow the track, climbing for almost 5 km, 300 meters from 254 to 454 meters altitude.

Mount Stapylton, Grampians National Park
Mount Stapylton, Grampians National Park
Mount Stapylton, Grampians National Park

Passing a large cave, climb to a rocky point view on Mount Stapylton. After admiring the views, take the track towards Mount Zero Picnic Area. Turning left at the second junction with Mount Zero track, continue on Mount Stapylton loop walk, to return to the Mount Stapylton camp ground.

Mount Stapylton, Grampians National Park

The total distance of the loop was 12.5 km. The track is difficult, rated hard with rocky sections.

Can be slippery if wet. Total time taken was 5.45 hours.

For changes of the track conditions check Parks Victoria website at http://parkweb.vic.gov.au

Mount Stapylton Camp ground is 15 km south west of Western Highway on Olive Plantation Road.

Access is on unsealed road.

Closest towns are Halls Gap at 28.6 km and Horsham at 27.1 km.

Other Walks in Grampians are described at the following links:

Cape Otway Loop

 

Cape Otway Loop walk includes a section of Great Ocean Walk and you will enjoy a journey through history along with natural beauty of  the coast. From Great Ocean Road drive to Cape Otway Lighthouse.

Cape Otway Loop
Cape Otway Lighthouse

Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest on the main land and was built in 1848. The stonework for the tower was hand carved and was brought in from the Parker River. The coastland around the Cape Otway is hazardous with numerous cliffs and there have been many shipwrecks in the area.  The Cape Otway Lighthouse was flashing three times in 18 seconds which helped the ship captains to determine the location on the map. You can climb the lighthouse  after paying a hefty fee and enjoy the coastal views from the top. Just make sure you won’t lose your hat! On the grounds you can visit the Dinosour Hut, a restored Telegraph Station, Keepers Quarters and have some cofee and snacks at the cafe.

Walking starts from Cape Otway Lighthouse car park. Follow the track signed Great Ocean Walk and when it divides take the right track  towards Bimbi Park.   The track follows farmland and some gravel road.

You can walk through the gate towards Bimbi Park but ensure you stay on the track and keep the gate closed.  Bimbi Park provides accomodation and you can enjoy horse riding on the tracks among the gum trees.

Cape Otway Loop
Bimbi Park horse riding

From Bimbi Park , follow the signs towards Station Beach. Walking across coastal dunes, you will reach the remote Station Beach.

At the southern end of the beach there are abrupt cliffs called  the Rainbow Falls. The Rainbow Falls  are a spring fed waterfall which gives off an array of beautiful colours at certain times of the day as the water flows over the cliffs. If you take the trip the Rainbow Falls ensure the tide is low as you need to return the same way. We were unable to take the trip due to above reasons and returned via Great Ocean Walk to the car park.

Cape Otway Loop
On Great Ocean Walk

Ensure you carry enough water. The total distance of the walk was 10.2 km and took 2 hours 40 minutes at 4km/hour. This is an easy walk . Around  Bimbi Park the walk can be confusing due to numerous horse  trails.