Mount Samaria Summit Walk - 360 degree Views - Grade 3 (Medium)

The Benalla Bushwalking Club invites you to join them on a <walk name>.  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. 

This year is the 40th Anniversary year for the Club and a number of knowledgeable Club members have indicated that this was the first walk done by the Club, so come and join us for the walk up (yes up) to the summit to take in 360 degree views. The walk will be via the easier management track, which is the quickest and easiest way to views.  The walk down will utilise one of two other tracks, subject to track conditions, then it will be a road walk back to the cars, which will allow us to visit what Club Members call The Samaria Tree, a fantastic example of an old growth tree.

DISTANCE:  Approx 4 km circuit walk. Total timing for the walk will be about 4-4.5 hrs allowing for breaks, photos and then a short drive to the Kilns area for afternoon tea.

WHO IS THIS WALK FOR?  This walk would be considered a medium level walk due to the nature of the terrain and the tracks used to access and exit the summit.  Caution will be required on some rocky sections and areas covered with leaf litter.  An element of fitness will be required given that it is a medium level walk. 

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:  The pace of the walk will be slow and steady, with numerous breaks to catch your breath and to take in the views.

TOTAL ASCENT:  140m - the ascent and descent are steep and care needs to be taken, along with plenty of rest breaks.

WALK DESCRIPTION: 

The walk will take place on formed tracks and a forest road.  While the tracks are well defined, they do come with the usual hazards of walking in the bush eg. rocky, slippery and trip hazards.  The forest road is a firm gravel surface and carries very few vehicles, but care is still required.

MEETING POINT:   If not utilising the car pool arrangement from Benalla, the meeting point will be approx 9.30 am at the Moorngag Cemetery carpark located on the corner of Swanpool and Samaria Roads Moorngag. Google map

DIRECTIONS: Leave Benalla on the Benalla-Tatong Road, turn right on Samaria Road approx 4 Km from Benalla, then travel along Samaria Rd for approx 20 km to arrive at the Moorngag Cemetery.  It should be noted that sections of the access road in the park can be uneven, rough and loose rocks maybe be encountered.  The road is a 2WD road, but you may want to take advantage of the carpooling arrangements, from Benalla, if uncertain.

CARPOOLING:  Car pooling can be arranged from Benalla, contact the leader. The cost would be $10 (cash only) per person for the return journey.

PHONE SIGNAL:  There is good phone signal from the summit, however it is limited in the lower areas.

TOILETS:  There are no toilets in the area of the walk, but a drop toilet is available at the Kilns campsite further along the road.

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 boots/shoes
• Personal first aid kit (your health is your responsibility)
  
• Sun hat/sunscreen

Recommended:

• Lunch
• Snacks (morning/afternoon tea)
• Hiking poles
• Bug spray

LEADER:  Brian Watson   0407 300 922   Gary Macdonald   0421 052 367.

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:  The aim of the Benalla Bushwalking Club is to promote the safe enjoyment of our natural outdoor environment within a social setting.  To this end the club provides a wide range of walks and other activities to cater for all levels of ability and fitness.  Membership is open to all ages and new or intending members are always welcome.  Visitors are welcome to attend meetings or participate in club activities. 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.