The Camperdown Bushwalking Club invites you to join them on a walk to take in Elephants, Eagles and an Expansive view. 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.

Known as the Swagman’s Lighthouse, Mt Elephant sits above the volcanic plains of SW Victoria, near Derrinallum. We will view the sheer sides from below as we walk around the base before an ascent of 380 metres to expansive views. Often eagles soar above as the now narrow rocky path climbs around the volcanic crater rim. We finish with a descent to the visitor information centre. This should open at 1pm for those interested in learning more.

DISTANCE: 10km Loop Walk that will take 2.5 to 3 hrs

WHO IS THIS WALK FOR? The first half of this walk is on wide farm track or access track that suits most people. It may be uneven in parts with longer grasses. However the second section of the walk includes some sections of relatively short, very steep loose rocky 4WD track to gain and descend the saddle. This is followed by an uneven narrow rocky path exposed to winds to circuit the crater. It is suited to most walkers with moderate fitness who are ready to meet a bit of a challenge. Walking poles may assist some people if balance is an issue – prone to be windy. Supportive shoes are a must.

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): Tracks may have short steep sections, a rough surface and many steps. AWT Grade information.

PACE: Slow and steady with rest stops to allow others to catch up and enjoy the views where needed.

TOTAL ASCENT: 380 m climb of an open volcanic mount with dry crater in the centre.

WALK DESCRIPTION:

We access the reserve along a well-made access road lined by native scrub and trees. We then traverse around the mountain base on open farm tracks that may have uneven divots and some long grasses. We then skirt through the open, rocky area where a quarry previously operated before commencing uphill on another rocky track that takes us to the mountain saddle. This is rocky, loose and steep but relatively short. Here the path narrows to a narrow, rock and pasture foot pad that climbs around the volcanic crater rim with steep drop offs either side. It is open and exposed to winds. We finish by retracing the earlier rocky track from the saddle to the visitor information centre.

MEETING POINT: Mt Elephant reserve access track. This is 1km west of Derrinallum, on the Hamilton Highway. Please arrive 10 mins before the start time. Google map.

DIRECTIONS: 2 wheel drive access. Hamilton Highway is fast and can be busy, so take care turning off. Car parking is on the side edge of the access track only.

CARPOOLING/PUBLIC TRANSPORT: No public transport. Car-pooling by own arrangement. Please indicate when you register for the walk if you wish to car pool.

PHONE SIGNAL: Likely to be patchy depending on phone carrier.

TOILETS: Available at the Visitor Information Centre 24hrs per day. This is I-2km walk from the access road entrance gate. Or there are public toilets in Derrinallum town ship.

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

Recommended:

Lunch
Hiking poles
Bug spray

LEADER: Alison van der Schans Phone: 0448 026 228

EXTRA INFORMATION: Please contact the leader directly if you have any queries. The visitor information centre has extensive information and displays regarding the geology, historical activity and flora/fauna of the reserve. It opens at 1pm which should coincide with us finishing the walk. You may like to stay longer and bring lunch to eat while you explore the centre at the end of the walk. This is not included in the walk. Free entry.

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

ABOUT OUR CLUB: We seek to promote walking, camping and related outdoor activities in natural environments. We offer a range of shorter walks to full-day hikes within an hour or two from Camperdown as well as multi–day hikes carrying all camping equipment. Trips also include multi-day base camps where we camp or stay in accommodation and complete day hikes. The Otways, Great Ocean Road, Grampians, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and the local Corangamite Shire are some of the areas we walk in. Sometimes we just enjoy a social meal, a BBQ, or a cuppa together. The club subscribes to minimal impact bushwalking values. Visit our Facebook page.

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.