The Melbourne University and Alumni Bushwalkers invites you to join them on the Plenty Gorge Walk on the Yellow Gum Circuit. 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.

Yellow Gum Circuit plus Plenty River Loop including Marshlands. Good trial for a beginners run. Beautiful views and tame bush land with a river crossing making you feel a thousand miles away from civilization.

DISTANCE: 14.4 km Yellow Gum Circuit is 6.4 km takes approximately 1.5 hours. Plenty River Loop is 8 km takes approximately 2 hours.

WHO IS THIS WALK FOR? Our walks are not solely exercises in physical fitness. We delight in the beauty and diversity of landscapes in Victoria and interstate. Some members are keen photographers, poets and painters. Conversation along the track is lively and wide-ranging, with members’ expertise and interests including ecology, conservation, history, water management, health, art, music and overseas travel.

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 Medium walks although please note elevation can be difficult or hard for some. AWT Grade information.

PACE: We walk slowly and steadily to ensure that everyone stays together so that no one is left behind. We are very good at looking out for each other. We take time to enjoy the surroundings.

TOTAL ASCENT: 350m. Yellow Gum circuit has an elevation of 150m and Plenty River Loop has an elevation of 200m. The walks in part follow gently rising slopes revealing views of the surroundings over Melbourne suburbs.

WALK DESCRIPTION:

A nice relaxing circuit revealing spectacular views of Blue Lake and the ancient gorge cliff face as well as walking through the bush. A fire started in Plenty Gorge Park on 30 December 2019, starting at the Tanunda Wetlands area of the park. Mass germination of indigenous flora such as acacia’s, eucalyptus, and burgen. Enjoy bird and wildlife watching, bushwalking, picnicking. We stop for morning coffee and will picnic for lunch in a suitable bushland setting along the way.

MEETING POINT: Plenty Gorge Upper Carpark. It is noted on Google maps. Do not head to Yellow Gum Car Park or Plenty Gorge MTB Car Parking as described in Google Plenty Gorge Upper Carpark maps. Our meeting point is before either of these two car parks, see further descriptions below.

DIRECTIONS: Google map https://maps.app.goo.gl/NVTpabTRopDZtt8V8 We will meet in the upper car park just off Memorial Drive, Plenty. Take the Yan Yean Road travelling north (approximately 22 km from the city) until you find Memorial Drive on your left. Travel along this road until you come to an intersection with River Avenue. Turn left into the gravel Goldsworthy Lane and Plenty Gorge Park. It is signposted. Before this road turns right, park your car on the side of the road

CARPOOLING/PUBLIC TRANSPORT: We can arrange carpooling if we are contacted one week prior to the event.

PHONE SIGNAL: Phone signals appear to be frequently available.

TOILETS: Toilets are available near the car parking location.

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
Snacks

Recommended:

Morning Tea and Lunch
Hiking poles
Bug spray

LEADER: Meg Lee 0424 925 994

EXTRA INFORMATION: Please contact the leader should you have any questions regarding this walk.

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

ABOUT OUR CLUB: We are a small, friendly group of bushwalkers, with a wide range of interests. The club has its origins in the University of Melbourne and its alumni across many faculties. We welcome new members of all ages who love bushwalking and the environment. 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.