The Monolith & Lake Catani Loop Walk

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min
1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 min

9 km
circuit

↑ 298 m
↓ -298 m

Moderate track
Starting near the Gorge Car park on Chalet Road, this walk leads first to The Monolith, then loops around Lake Catani via the Gorge - Lake Catani Track. You'll be welcomed by the colossal balancing rock as you make your way to the top. Take your time to enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views of the plateau. Continue along a well-marked trail to Lake Catani, an idyllic spot surrounded by alpine ash and snow gum forests where there are plenty of pretty picnic nooks and wildlife to be spotted. In summer, you can hire a kayak and glide atop the pristine waters of Lake Catani or enjoy a swim to escape the heat. 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
Tips on staying safe on track
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.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-36.7223746,146.8217115)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom Hume Freeway, M31
  • Turn on to Great Alpine Road Offramp then drive for 620 m
  • Keep right onto Great Alpine Road Offramp and drive for another 120 m
  • Turn right onto Great Alpine Road, B500 and drive for another 41.4 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Myrtle Street, B500 and drive for another 390 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Myrtle Street, B500 and drive for another 23.9 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Mount Buffalo Road, C535 and drive for another 25.2 km
  • Turn sharp left onto Chalet Road and drive for another 1.8 km
  • Keep left and drive for another 95 m
  • Turn slight left onto Lookouts Road and drive for another 85 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the The Gorge car park at the start.
After another 15 m pass the shelter (25 m on your right).
After another 10 m veer left.
After another 25 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left). This toilet is male and female.
After another 10 m head through/around the gate.
After another 180 m (at the intersection of The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track & Monolith Walk) continue straight, to head along Monolith Walk (a walking track).
After another 2.7 km (at the intersection of The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track & Monolith Walk) turn sharp right, to head along The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track (a vehicle track).
After another 1.3 km cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
After another 40 m (at the intersection of The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track & Underground River Track) veer right, to head along The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track.
After another 15 m (at the intersection of The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track & Lakeside Walk) continue straight, to head along The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track.
After another 390 m (at the intersection of Lakeside Walk & The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track) veer right, to head along Lakeside Walk (a walking track).
After another 280 m (at the intersection of Campground Track & Lakeside Walk) continue straight, to head along Lakeside Walk.
After another 55 m (at the intersection of Campground Track & Lakeside Walk) veer left, to head along Campground Track.
After another 85 m (at the intersection of Lakeside Walk & Campground Track) continue straight.
After another 100 m (at the intersection of Lakeside Walk & Campground Track) continue straight, to head along Lakeside Walk.
After another 30 m (at the intersection of Lakeside Walk & Campground Track) continue straight, to head along Lakeside Walk.
After another 750 m (at the intersection of Mount Buffalo Road & Lakeside Walk) turn right, to head along Mount Buffalo Road (a road).
After another 245 m pass the car park (15 m on your left).
At the intersection of Mount Buffalo Road & The Long Plain Walking Track continue straight, to head along Mount Buffalo Road.
After another 310 m pass the picnic table (30 m on your right).
After another 95 m (at the intersection of Lakeside Walk & Mount Buffalo Road) turn right, to head along Lakeside Walk (a walking track).
After another 950 m (at the intersection of The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track & Lakeside Walk) turn left, to head along The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track (a vehicle track).
After another 15 m (at the intersection of The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track & Underground River Track) veer left, to head along The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track.
After another 1.3 km (at the intersection of The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track & Monolith Walk) veer right, to head along The Gorge - Lake Catani walking track.
After another 215 m veer right.
After another 40 m come to the end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

The Monolith & Lake Catani Loop Walk


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 9 km
Time 2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route
Shelter: There is one 30 m from the start.

Toilet: There is one 65 m from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Shelter
30 m[shelter]
Toilet
65 m[toilet]
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| www.parks.vic.gov.au
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