Do you love walking but feel like short trails aren’t worth the drive? Say hello to Trails, Tastes & Treasures! This monthly walk program is your ticket to discovering the hidden gems of regional Victoria—no more overlooked trails or uninspired weekends.

Here’s the plan: We’ll head to charming towns within two hours of Melbourne and tackle scenic walks of around 10km. Some days, we might even squeeze in two or three mini adventures! After the walk, we’ll make our way to the local markets, where you can browse for unique finds and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. When it’s time for lunch, you can grab a bite at the markets or we can find a suitable local café after we’ve finished exploring.

Whether it’s scenic trails, delicious food, or quirky treasures you’re after, Trails, Tastes & Treasures has it all—without the long treks or overnight commitment.

Walk Description

We’re kicking off the day in the best way possible—a visit to the Kyneton Farmers Market! Arriving early means we get first pick of all the local goodies. Free parking is available along Piper Street and nearby streets.

Next, we’ll head just 5km out of town to Black Hill Reserve, a rugged wonderland of towering granite formations. The star of the show? The Monolith—one of Victoria’s largest granite features. As we explore the 4km circuit track and the 3km ridge track (which includes some short but fun climbs), keep an eye out for wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas. From the ridge, we’ll soak in sweeping views of Mount Franklin, Mount Alexander, and Mount Macedon.

But the adventure isn’t over yet! Our final stop is Bald Hill Reserve in nearby Pipers Creek—a 96-hectare patch of pristine forest, grassland, and woodland. Home to rare native plants, towering eucalypts, orchids, and lillies, it’s the largest intact area of native bushland in the Kyneton region. Our 3.2km walk takes us through the Grassy Valley Peppermint Forest before climbing up to the Granite Peak Trail and the summit of Bald Hill. From this ancient volcanic cone, we’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Macedon and Kyneton.

It’s a day packed with fresh produce, incredible landscapes, and the best of central Victoria’s wild beauty—who’s in?

Distance: 10km
Walk Duration: 3 hrs
Grade: Medium

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. By booking into this event you acknowledge that you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.

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 Joining a walk and your safety

For the latest government advice about Covid-19 refer to:
Better Health Victoria: Covid-19

Still have questions?

Check out What happens on a walk.

Check out Day walks and social activities.

Contact the leader using the “Enquiry” button.

Follow us on

Facebook: @YHABushwalkingClubVictoria
Instagram: @YHABushwalkingClub.

Members who wish to submit photos for social media or Yeti should refer to Member Resources.