If you’re feeling a little hemmed in, nature provides a wonderful remedy. There’s plenty of space for physical distancing, and stretching the legs is good for the body as well as the mind.
Everyone knows about the fabulous wines of Victoria’s Pyrenees Region, but the state and national parks really are the region’s best kept secrets. But the best thing is, they’re easily accessible and simply beautiful.
Mount Cole and Mount Buangor Parks are located just 1 hour out of Ballarat and are filled with lush green rainforests with stunning views, fern filled gullies and offer scenic walking trails that are dwarfed by giant ferns and towering trees.
Here are just a few of our favourites:
The 21km Beeripmo Walk takes you through lush green landscape, around huge majestic trees, waterfalls and viewing areas. The Beeripmo Walk starts off from Richards Campground in Mount Cole, winding through a myriad of vegetation and changing landscapes. The trail begins gently but climbs quickly with the landscape changing from woodlands to fern and moss covered rocks. The trail will take you to the top of Cave Hill and then Mugwamp Hill where you will find breathtaking views across to Mt Langhi Ghiran and the Grampians before heading down again.
For those of you who want a shorter dose of nature, the Raglans Falls Hutchings Track Loop is an 8.25km walk that starts at Richards Campground and takes you up a steep hill via the Raglan Falls with steep mainly downhill return. This walk provides great views over the Raglan area.
One of the favourite walks for families is the Fern Tree Waterfalls Nature Walk located in the Mount Buangor State Park accessed from the Western Highway via Ferntree Gully Road. Nestled in a beautiful forest setting and beginning at Ferntree Picnic area, the 1km track weaves through lush ferns and over bridges before descending to the beautiful falls.
Middle Creek Cave Hill Track is an interesting 6.5km walk that starts at Middle Creek Campground and takes you through a variety of vegetation from fern gullys to native bushland. You will find yourself at the Cave overhang where you will need to scramble over the rocks until you reach a large rock face which has a chain to help you cross. This is a great walk for people who like to have a bit of adventure!
For Park Maps and more walks, got to https://visitpyrenees.com.au/things-to-do/walk-and-hikes/
But before you head to our parks, you need to fill your stomaches! The township of Beaufort is dotted with quaint little cafes offering scrumptious cakes, pastries, pies, breads and rolls plus a yummy selection of sandwiches, salads, wraps and focaccias that will have your tummys asking for more! Come and experience the warmth and welcome of Beaufort and relax and unwind. .