Walk Description
Distance: 15.8 kms
Estimated Walk Duration: 4.5 hours
Explore the forested beauty of Wombat State Forest on this 15.8km loop starting from the historic gold-mining town of Barry’s Reef, near Blackwood. This moderately challenging walk will take us along Albion Track and Pronk Track through tall eucalypt forest and peaceful gullies, gradually climbing toward the summit of Blue Mountain. The ascent is mostly gentle, with a steeper push to the top—rewarded by sweeping views across the surrounding ranges. After soaking in the scenery, its a cruisy return loop back to Barry’s Reef. The trail offers a mix of wide tracks and quieter forest paths, with the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves accompanying you throughout. Expect to spend around 4.5 hours on the trail—plenty of time to savour the serenity and natural charm of this lesser-known corner of central Victoria.
Transport
Transport to and from the walk location is by car. Please indicate your transport requirements and preferences on the booking request form when you book in.
If you don’t have a car, we can’t guarantee to provide you with a lift – this will depend on available drivers and their locations.
Passengers must pay the driver their share of car-pooling costs as described on the Car-pooling page. Please discuss the preferred method of payment with your driver.
Booking
Booking is required for this walk. Please indicate what similar walks you have done recently (i.e. in the past few months) to give the leader confidence that you are capable of doing this one. Refer to Walking Grades which, in conjunction with the walk description, will help you assess whether you have the required walking fitness and experience to do this walk.
The Leader will confirm your acceptance on the walk, or not, via email. The leader will provide details of where and when to meet.
Booking Fee:
Members: free. Non-members: $8.
Payment:
Non-members are required to pre-pay their booking fee by Paypal or, if you are not a Paypal member, you can use Paypal to pay by credit / debit card.
Cancellation:
If you need to cancel, please advise the leader as soon as possible, so that someone else has the opportunity.
There will be no refunds, so please do not book unless you are fully committed to walking.
What to bring
• Day pack
• Sufficient water (2 litres, more on hot summer days)
• Lunch and snacks
• Hat, sun screen
• Suitable outdoor clothing (no jeans/sneakers!)
• Rainwear & warm jacket
• Proper walking shoes/boots
• Hand Sanitiser
Refer to our Gear Checklist page for more details. If you are not properly equipped, the walk leader can decide not to let you participate on this walk.
Safety and Ambulance Insurance
We strongly recommend that you have Ambulance cover. If conditions are hazardous, the walk may be cancelled. If any doubts at all, check your emails the night before and the morning of the event. For more details refer to Safety.
Still have questions?
Check out Joining a Walk.
Check out Day walks and social activities.
Contact the leader using the Enquiry form, above the Booking Request.
