The Koonung Bushwalking Club invites you to join them on the Churchill National Park Loop walk. This walk is part of the Try Bushwalking Month, celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Bushwalking Victoria, the peak body representing 60+ bushwalking clubs across Victoria.

The trail incorporates sections of steep, uneven terrain with rewards of spectacular views when reaching Lysterfield Lookout. Immerse yourself amongst the tall gum trees, native bushland and abundant wildlife to experience the true beauty of Churchill National Park as you enjoy the hike. The tracks provide opportunities for wildlife viewing as visitors often spot Eastern-grey kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and many of the bird species that reside within the environment.

DISTANCE: 7.5 km Loop walk that will take 3 hours to walk.

WHO IS THIS WALK FOR? This walk is perfect for bushwalking beginners with a good level of fitness who are comfortable heading out for a 3+ hrs walk. It’s a great way to explore tracks with the safety and support of a group and a great introduction to bushwalking. This walk has plenty of variety from wide gravel tracks to single file bush tracks with both uphill and downhill. A reasonable fitness is required as the hills are quite steep. Quite a serene and tranquil place to visit. The park is full of hidden wonders.

CHILDREN AND PETS: This walk is for adults 18 years and over, and due to the nature of the walk, we ask you to leave dogs and other pets at home. Please contact the club directly to inquire about service animals, and any family or pet friendly walks.

AWT GRADE 3 (Medium): These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface and some steps. AWT Grade information.

PACE: Slow and steady.

TOTAL ASCENT: 239m.

WALK DESCRIPTION:

We start on the Shelter Track out to the Channel Track. Turn left and after a short distance take the Bellbird single file bush track. A gradual uphill with a short, steeper section near the top. Go through the gate and left, then veer immediately right onto the North Boundary Track. This track becomes the Lysterfield Hills Track taking us steadily uphill to the Granite Hills Track, then turn left up to the Lysterfield Hills Lookout to have our morning tea break, whilst enjoying the views of the surrounding area. We then walk back down the Granite Hills track to the Woodland Walk. This track is predominantly a single fine track, a bit rough and steep in parts, but a lovely section of the walk. On reaching the gully we do a right-hand bend and head back up along a gradual uphill with one steep section. On exiting the track we head back down the Lysterfield Hills Track to take the Stonemasons Track along to the Syphon Walk. This again, is a lovely single file walk through the bush. Continuing along we end up on the Channel Track to take us back to the Shelter Track and back to the picnic area. Bring your picnic lunch to have at the picnic area at the end of the walk.

MEETING POINT: Meet in the Churchill National Park at the covered picnic shelter, just past the Information Board and adjacent to a carpark. If we could meet at 9.15 am to enable us to commence our walk at around 9.30 am. I will wear a bright hot pink cap and, if it's a warm day, a bright pink t-shirt, plus I drive a white Honda Civic. Google map.

DIRECTIONS: The Churchill National Park is located 30 km south-east of Melbourne and adjoins onto Lysterfield Lake Park. The entrance to the park is on Army Track, off Churchill Park Drive. From the entry into the Park drive down and park near the large picnic shelter where we will meet to start the walk. . Melway Map 82 C 10.

CARPOOLING/PUBLIC: Carpooling recommended, please contact the leader if you would like to arrange this. A little over 1 hour from Melbourne. However in warmer weather traffic can be slower. Public transport not recommended due to the late finish of this activity.

PHONE SIGNAL: Phone coverage is generally good although signal may be low in the gullies.

TOILETS: There are toilets at the start and end of the walk.

WHAT TO BRING

Mandatory:

Emergency contact form with medical info. Download this form here, or get one from the leader on the day.
1L water
Backpack
Rain jacket
Solid fotwear advisable
Personal first aid kit (your health is your responsibility)
Sun hat/sunscreen
Morning tea/snack to have during the walk.
Lunch at the picnic ground at the end of the walk.
Hiking poles (uif you usually walk with them)

LEADER: Wilma Waters 0417 980 777

EXTRA INFORMATION: Please contact the leader directly if you have any queries.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK: When registering for this event, we ask that you view and agree to our Acknowledgement of Risk.

ABOUT OUR CLUB: Koonung Bushwalking Club has a motto of “The Friendly Club”, and is a club for all ages from Doncaster, Templestowe and surrounding suburbs. Together, members enjoy walking as an energetic social activity which enhances general health and well-being. Visit our website.

PRIVACY:

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You can view the BWV Privacy Policy on our website.

Inclusion in Photographs

We encourage participants to take photographs during activities, which may be shared publicly through various channels such as newspapers, magazines, websites and social media. If you do not wish to be included in any photographs, it is your responsibility to inform the photographer and take reasonable steps to avoid being captured in the images.