Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the 9.7km Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit, a Grade 3 hike near Melbourne, perfect for moderate-level bushwalkers. Journey through the picturesque Long Point Track, enjoy the serene Coimadai Creek, and embark on an adventure along the Happy Valley track, all while navigating beautiful Mallee vegetation and small-scale creek escarpments. This unique trail offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and bird observers, set within a National Trust-classified reserve.

Length:

9.7km

Duration:

3.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 187m

Min elevation: 123m

Total Ascent: 184m

Start: Canopus Circuit

End: Canopus Circuit

Long Forest Nature Reserve

Victoria

Nearby town: Bacchus Marsh

From state capital: 57km

Latitude: -37.64260239

Longitude: 144.4955675

Overview

Map

Gallery

Similar

Region

Weather

6,120 views

Hike overview

This Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit hike starts west of Canopus Circuit and follows Long Point Track via Steep Track to Long Point on Coimadai Creek. Continue south along the creek via the Coimadai Creek Track. You will pass an unnamed track on your left followed by the Coimadai Track which leads back to Canopus Circuit. Continue south following the creek as the trail is difficult to follow in places. In some places it is easier to pick your own way using the east and west banks of the creek depending on terrain. After a few kilometres you will see Happy Valley track on your left. This is a well made vehicle track and easy to identify.

Follow the happy Valley track east to the Happy Valley carpark and return to you starting point via Long Forest Road and Canopus Circuit.

With the opportunity to view Mallee vegetation in close proximity to Melbourne, this 600 hectare reserve provides a unique experience for visitors to enjoy. Plants typical of arid landscapes, small-scale creek escarpments and classification by the National Trust make the reserve a fantastic retreat for bushwalkers and bird observers.

Tips

Hiking poles would be beneficial in sections. The Coimadai creek section may be impassable following heavy rain. You cod still pick your way along the creek but not via the creek bed. There are many side gullies along the creek so make sure you follow the main creek.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Walk map and GPX file
Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit Hike (9.7km)

Total distance: 9778 m
Max elevation: 187 m
Min elevation: 123 m
Total climbing: 184 m
Total descent: -184 m

Gallery

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Long Forest Nature Reserve.

Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve is along Long Forest Road between Melton and Bacchus Marsh north of the Western Freeway. Park at one of the four access points and follow the walking tracks into the Reserve. There is no vehicle access.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

2WD Access
Bitumen Road
Large Car Park
Picnic Table

About the region

Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve is a 600 hectare protected area in the Australian state of Victoria situated 50 kilometres to the west of the state capital of Melbourne, between Melton and Bacchus Marsh. It is managed by Parks Victoria.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Burnside, Caroline Springs, Gisborne, Melton, Rockbank, Toolern Vale

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Long Forest Nature Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Reviews
Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit Hike (9.7km)

11 Reviews on “Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit Hike (9.7km)”

Overall rating

Samantha Herald

What a fun hike. Didn’t even know this area existed. Thanks heaps for sharing

11/04/2022, 22:19

Like 2
Log in to Reply
1. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  It is a fun hike. I agree
  
  06/05/2025, 11:26
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
Shaye Renee

Bec Stokes we are doing this soon. Just up the road from me x

24/03/2022, 05:23

Like 1
Log in to Reply
1. Sian McNutt Suen
  
  Danielle Godfrey
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
2. Tammy Morgan
  
  Diane Donoghue
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
3. Tammy Morgan
  
  Diane yeh I thought you’d be interested ?
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
4. Wendy Fraser
  
  Jodie Booby I’m in
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
5. Shannon Worcester
  
  Lisa Maree van Bergen
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
6. Wendy Fraser
  
  No kids though
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
7. Lisa Maree van Bergen
  
  Shannon Worcester I’m ready Shan when you are
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
8. Bec Stokes
  
  Shaye Renee. Yes. Let’s do it. Was just talking to Cam earlier about doing a couple of hikes.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
9. Diane Donoghue
  
  Tammy Morgan , lets do this next term.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
10. Jodie Booby
  
  Wendy Fraser
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
11. Jodie Booby
  
  Wendy Fraser I agree!!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
Darren Edwards Trail Author

Great fun hike in an area that seems so remote close to Melbourne

18/03/2022, 01:48

Like
Log in to Reply

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Acknowledgement of Country

Coimadai creek happy valley circuit hike (9. 7km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit Hike (9.7km)