The Bayside Bushwalking Club invites you to join them on the Sugarloaf Reservoir Loop. 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.

Sugarloaf Reservoir Park, in the spectacular Christmas Hills north-east of Melbourne, is not that far away. There are plenty of kangaroos to see, you may spot an echidna not far from the walking track or a Black-tailed wallaby and an abundance of birdlife. On a still day the reflections on the water are spectacular. There are also some stunning viewpoints to the city skyscape.

DISTANCE: 15.5km Loop walk that will take 5-5:30hrs

WHO IS THIS WALK FOR? This walk is suitable for anyone with some basic good fitness for walking. The hill may challenge you, for 5 minutes, but not restrictive. We will walk at a constant pace but you will be able to chat along with “new” friends and enjoy the views.

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) - Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Track has one steep uphill climb. The track, although marked, has some slippery mud and swamp areas. It is the distance that makes this a medium walk. AWT Grade information.

PACE: The pace will be a constant medium speed, but breaks for water, and clothing adjustments as needed. Along with the breaks listed in the walk description.

TOTAL ASCENT: 327 m. There is one short sharp hill with a gradient of 15%. Several undulating hills.

WALK DESCRIPTION: We will have a morning tea stop about an hour into the walk. This will be about 20 minutes to refuel and drink that BYO cuppa. Another hour along the track there will be another short snack break looking at the views of the city after completing the sharp uphill. A little recovery for those that need it. Lunch will then be another hour on to sit on a clear patch overlooking the reservoir and activities. Theres always time to stop for a drink or have a change of clothing.

MEETING POINT: Sugarloaf Reservoir- Ridge Picnic Area. Parking near the toilet will be your leader in their Blue Mitsubishi ASX. Please arrive by 8:45 for a pre walk introduction and briefing.

DIRECTIONS: Ridge Picnic Area Rd - Google Maps Make your way into the Eltham- Yarra Glen Rd from Kangaroo Ground. About 6km past Kangaroo Ground Cemetery turn Right onto Simpson Rd. This is well signposted for the Reservoir. Follow the road into the Reserve area and marked picnic area.

CARPOOLING/PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Carpooling is encouraged in our club for those that live close to each other. Please contact the leader the week before for carpool opportunities if you would like to take this option. There is a shared petrol arrangement for those that carpool from the driver’s home.

PHONE SIGNAL: There is normally always a phone signal on this walk.

TOILETS: Currently there are some closed toilet blocks on the walk. Therefore, there is only a toilet at the start and end of the walk. There are plenty of trees and bushes on the track.

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
Morning tea to eat on the track
Snack
Lunch
Backpack
Sun hat/sunscreen

Recommended:

Hiking poles – the ground can be muddy after rain
Some afternoon tea to be shared at the end of the walk, back at the picnic area and cars.

LEADER: Wendy Purves - contact via call or SMS 0419801353.

EXTRA INFORMATION: The weekend before the leader will email all participants as an initial introduction. Contact will also clarify and reconfirm the meeting place and time. Also any updates on the track based on recent weather conditions that may impact the walking conditions

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

ABOUT OUR CLUB: Bayside Bushwalking Club is in the Southeast Melbourne suburbs based in Hampton. We offer day walks most weekends and usually something mid-week most weeks. There are overnight walks &/or multiday hikes most months. We also offer base camps, in roofed accommodation, about 6 times a year which involve consecutive day walks in areas further away from Melbourne. These walking activities are supplemented by cycling events in suitable weather conditions.

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.