Suggestions for day walks near Eildon doable with kids?

[sim1oz]

I guess the title says it all. One of our kids is not a keen walker, so we'd welcome suggestions of short (ie. 2-4 hours not whole day) day walks near Eildon that would be ok in summer, especially if the weather is warm. I can't seem to find much on the internet.

We are experienced walkers but want to have fun with our kids, not carry, drag or nag the reluctant one.... The rest of our holidays is planned for paddling and horse riding, but I find it hard to visit a place for the first time and not explore on foot.

[neilmny]

Hi Simone,

Have a look at the Eildon National Park walks around Fraser Park.
There are some really great views to be had if you don't mind walking some hills.
It's my favourite day walk destination.
Do you have a Km limit in mind?
There is a nice old hut called Stones Outstation and the walk would be about 12km.
It's a hardish climb with some great views to the Blowhard lookout then management tracks to near the hut. The walk back is around the lake on a contoured walking track generally under the shade of trees.
I can offer a map or GPX if you would like it.

http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks ... do/walking

Attachments

Stones outstation.jpg (227.62 KiB) Viewed 4779 times

[sim1oz]

Hi Neilmny,

Thanks for the walk suggstion and the parkvic link. Love the photo! It reminded me to actually look in that old technology thing called books, so I found a few walks in Chapman and Tempest books. I'd be interested in a map of your suggested route to Stones Outstation. I assume after you've walked up to Blowhard Summit you cut across using Devass Gully Track and then left on Station Creek Track until you approach Stones Outstation? Is the turnoff to the hut obvious? Are the tracks generally fairly clear?

Thanks,
Simone

[neilmny]

Hi Neilmny,

Thanks for the walk suggstion and the parkvic link. Love the photo! It reminded me to actually look in that old technology thing called books, so I found a few walks in Chapman and Tempest books. I'd be interested in a map of your suggested route to Stones Outstation. I assume after you've walked up to Blowhard Summit you cut across using Devass Gully Track and then left on Station Creek Track until you approach Stones Outstation? Is the turnoff to the hut obvious? Are the tracks generally fairly clear?

Thanks,
Simone

Yes that's the way. The tracks are management vehicle tracks so quite clear and easy. The Merlo Spur foot track is clear and easy to follow.
Start at Merlo lookout and then up the Merlo Spur foot track to the top of Blowhard. From memory about 200 metres up over a bit over 1km.
Left (West) to Devass Gully Track.
Right (North) towards Station Creek track.
Left (West) at Station Creek Track.
Here's where the choice comes in............there is a marked foot track to the hut through the tea tree and so on or walk on further then through the bush to the hut which is a really nice approach.
If I remember correctly the track sign is not double sided and you actually have to look back to read it. See the picture. Just look for what looks like a sign post.

Stones Turn Off.jpg (199.7 KiB) Viewed 4723 times

I will sort out a map for you.
Do you have a GPS...........it's not wild country but the nicest way in is easier found with a GPS as it is not an official track but a wander down a grassy and most likely still green wide flat valley.
It is quite beautiful ...............

Nice way to Stones.jpg (199.32 KiB) Viewed 4723 times

[sim1oz]

Thanks Neil! The photos are lovely. The map and instructions will come in handy.