Whipstick Loop

Starting near the end of Simmons Reef Road, Blackwood, the Whipstick Loop Walk leads through the Jack Cann reserve, looping around the Back & Whipstick Creeks, returning to the start. Enjoy the lush scenery on this walk, with a wide range of wildlife and nature, from dry to damp forests, with a variety of fascinating fungi, wildflowers growing in them. The trees provide plenty of shade on sunny days, the track is mostly flat with gentle hills, and there are many informative signposts. There is a rich gold mining history to be discovered, with informative plaques about the area's history to read along the way. There are some deep unfenced old mine shafts off the track, which could pose a danger to dogs, children, or unwary adult hikers. Be prepared for a slightly muddy track. Dogs are allowed, as long as they're kept on a leash. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Safer Bushwalks
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There

Start	At the intersection of Simmons Reef Road & Lerderderg Heritage River Walk (-37.4775771,144.290959)
Mode	Car
Directions	From Western Freeway, M8 Turn on to Myrniong - Trentham Road Offramp then drive for 470 m Keep right onto Myrniong - Trentham Road Offramp and drive for another 40 m Turn right onto Greendale-Myrniong Road, C318 and drive for another 6.4 km At roundabout, take exit 3 onto High Street, C318 and drive for another 10.8 km Turn left onto Simmons Reef Road and drive for another 135 m Keep left onto Simmons Reef Road and drive for another 305 m Keep right onto Simmons Reef Road and drive for another 980 m Keep left onto Simmons Reef Road and drive for another 590 m Turn right onto Simmons Reef Road and drive for another 40 m

Track Notes

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Simmons Reef Road & Lerderderg Heritage River Walk Start heading along Whipstick Loop Walk (Lerderderg Track) (a walking track). After 30 m pass the car park (20 m on your left). After another 20 m pass the toilet (on your right).
	After another 170 m (at the intersection of Whipstick Loop Walk & Whipstick Loop Walk (Lerderderg Track)) veer right, to head along Whipstick Loop Walk.
	After another 380 m (at the intersection of Whipstick Loop Walk & Lerderderg Track) veer left, to head along Whipstick Loop Walk.
	After another 2 km turn left.
	After another 130 m turn left, to head along Whipstick Loop Walk.
	After another 620 m turn left.
	After another 25 m continue straight.
	After another 260 m continue straight.
	After another 15 m continue straight.
	After another 105 m turn left, to head along Whipstick Loop Walk.
	After another 35 m (at the intersection of Whipstick Loop Walk & Lerderderg Track) continue straight, to head along Whipstick Loop Walk.
	After another 190 m (at the intersection of Lerderderg Track & Whipstick Loop Walk) continue straight, to head along Whipstick Loop Walk (Lerderderg Track).
	After another 4 m continue straight, to head along Whipstick Loop Walk (Lerderderg Track).
	After another 1 km (at the intersection of Whipstick Loop Walk (Lerderderg Track) & Whipstick Loop Walk) veer right, to head along Whipstick Loop Walk (Lerderderg Track).
	After another 220 m come to the end.

Terrain

Whipstick Loop

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	5.2 km
Time	1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There is one 50 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	50 m	[toilet]

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Alerts and Closures