Melbourne Bushwalkers invites you to join them on an exploration of Currawong Falls and Ironbark Gorge, Aireys Inlet. 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.

Set in bushland just north of the Great Ocean Road, this walk offers a deep gorge with interesting rock formations, lush fern gullies, coastal and forest hinterland views, a possible waterfall and many wildflowers. The plan is to finish at the Aireys Inlet Pub.

DISTANCE: 15 km loop walk that should take 4 ½ hours

WHO IS THIS WALK FOR? This walk is suitable for bushwalking beginners with a reasonable level of fitness, as well as more experienced walkers who wish to explore an attractive coastal area.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:  To secure a place on this walk you must visit our clubrooms the Wednesday prior to 20th Nov. Our clubrooms are at The Mission to Seafarers Victoria, 717 Flinders Street, Docklands. We are open Wednesday nights 6.30 - 8 pm. Further details on our clubroom location and the booking process can be found in the FAQs Page on our website: https://mbw.org.au/MBW_FAQs.php

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 (Easy/Medium) – The route is undulating, but without steep hills and the tracks are of a good standard.  AWT Grade information.

PACE: A moderate pace will be followed, with reasonable time for morning tea, lunch and view stops.

TOTAL ASCENT: Gradual climbs around Ironbark Gorge

WALK DESCRIPTION:

Starting from the Distillery Creek Picnic Area (where there is a toilet), the group will climb along the west side of Ironbark Gorge, descend to a deep fern gully, then climb to the Currawong Falls Track on the east side, and then head to the top of the gorge, for lunch with a view. Soon, a lookout point will offer wider coastal views towards Aireys Inlet. The track then winds around to the rocky Currawong Falls (which will hopefully be flowing), followed by a grove of tall tree ferns. Nearing the end of the walk, we will branch off on an attractive nature trail. Back at the picnic ground, there will be the option to walk another 100 metres to the Ephemeral Wetland. The visit to the nearby Aireys Inlet Pub is also optional.

MEETING POINT: Distillery Creek Picnic Area, on the south side of Bambra Rd, Aireys Inlet. We will meet near the toilet block.

DIRECTIONS: Take the Princes Hwy/Geelong Rd towards Geelong, then follow the Geelong Bypass towards the Great Ocean Rd (GOR) and Anglesea. Just south of Geelong, take the GOR/Anglesea exit on the left. At the big roundabout, take the GOR/Anglesea exit again, on the left. Drive through Anglesea, then soon after, you will enter Aireys Inlet. Before going down the hill, turn right at Beach Rd, just before the Aireys Pub on the right. Turn right, into Bambra Rd, then drive about 2 km on bitumen, before turning sharp left, still on Bambra Rd (rather than going straight ahead at the intersection). Drive about 300 metres on gravel, then turn left into the Distillery Creek Carpark.

Google Maps Link

CARPOOLING/PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Car transport to the start. When booking, please indicate whether you will drive and can take passengers, if needed, or whether you will need a lift.

PHONE SIGNAL: Reception along the route.

TOILETS: At the start/finish of the walk. Also in the bush along the way.

WHAT TO BRING

Mandatory:

Emergency contact form with medical info. Download this form here, or get one from the leader on the day.
1.5L water
Backpack
Rain jacket
Hiking shoes/boots
Personal first aid kit (your health is your responsibility)
Sun hat/sunscreen
Lunch
Whistle

Recommended:

Snacks
Bug spray

LEADER: Stuart Hanham – 0457 892 111.

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

ABOUT OUR CLUB: MBW is one of the largest bushwalking clubs in Victoria, with over 500 members, and has been running for more than 80 years. Club night is held each Wednesday, 6.30 - 8.30 pm, at the Mission to Seafarers building, 717 Flinders St, Docklands. We offer week day, Saturday and Sunday walks, as well as weekend and extended Base Camps and Pack Carries in Victoria, interstate and sometimes overseas. For Sunday walks, the Club alternates between a large bus and car transport. A range of social events is also offered. Visit our website.

PRIVACY:

Your privacy is important to us. Bushwalking Victoria and its member clubs are committed to safeguarding your personal information and ensuring that your privacy is protected. The personal data we collect from you is used solely for the purpose of facilitating your participation and communicating important details about the event.

Please note that your contact information will be shared with Activity Leaders for the purpose of organising activities. Your information will not be shared with any external parties without your consent, except where required by law, but may be used for follow-up contact regarding your participation in this event.

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.