Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the beauty of Victoria's Bunyip State Park on a 13km, Grade 3 circuit hike, starting and ending at Mortimer Picnic Ground, near Gembrook. This moderately challenging track takes you along the former Hacket Track to Four Brothers Rocks, a unique granite formation offering panoramic park views. The trail continues along Nichols Hut Track and Silvertop Ridge Track, ensuring an adventurous day out for keen bushwalkers.

Length:

13km

Duration:

5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 432m

Min elevation: 150m

Total Ascent: 529m

Start: Mortimer Picnic Ground

End: Mortimer Picnic Ground

Bunyip State Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Gembrook

From state capital: 90km

Latitude: -37.98384288429562

Longitude: 145.59592187404635

Overview

Map

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Weather

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Hike overview

Bunyip State Park is a 166-square-kilometre state park 65 kilometres east of Melbourne, near the town of Gembrook, in the southern slopes of the Yarra Ranges.

Starting from Mortimer Picnic Ground this Four Brothers Rocks hike follows the old (and non existent) Hacket Track to the junction of Windy Point Road. Turn left onto Burgess Road and follow this to Four Brothers Rocks, a collection of large, granite rocks offering sweeping views across the park.

From Four Brothers Rocks join Nichols Hut Track and follow it down the spur. The last leg of the journey is along Silvertop Ridge Track and Ferres Track, and back to Mortimer Picnic Ground.

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Four Brothers Rocks Hike (13km)

Total distance: 12998 m
Max elevation: 432 m
Min elevation: 150 m
Total climbing: 529 m
Total descent: -531 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Beaconsfield, Bunyip, Garfield, Longwarry, Nar Nar Goon, Tynong

Getting to the trailhead in Bunyip State Park.

Drive 38km to Belgrave along the Burwood Highway and continue a further 24km to Gembrook. Drive through town (towards Beenak East) and along the unsealed Gembrook-Tonimbuk Road for 7km to Mortimer Picnic Ground on the left.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

2WD Access
Bitumen Road
Public Toilets
Picnic Table

About the region

Bunyip State Park, nestled within the traditional lands of the Bunurong and Wurundjeri Peoples, offers a window into Victoria's natural and cultural heritage. This vast, unspoiled wilderness is a mosaic of diverse ecosystems, from the delicate heathland swamps to towering mountain ash forests. It’s a place where the southern-emu wren flits through the undergrowth, and the vibrant swamp bush-pea brightens the landscape—rare treasures waiting to be discovered.

For walkers, the park offers a network of trails, including the picturesque Lawson Falls Circuit Walk. This narrow path winds through dense bushland and fern-lined gullies, eventually opening to a secluded clearing where you can glimpse the park’s only waterfall, Lawson Falls. Beyond walking, Bunyip State Park caters to a variety of outdoor pursuits, from horse riding and trail biking to four-wheel driving, with tracks like the Gentle Annie and Blue Range Trails providing endless adventure.

Camping here is an immersive experience, with options to suit every preference. The hike-in-only Freemans Mill Camping Area, located in a grassy clearing near the Bunyip River, is perfect for those seeking solitude. For easier access, Nash Creek Campground offers a spacious grassy site with picnic tables and a nearby toilet, though vehicles must remain in the adjacent car park. Forest Road Camping Area, equipped with a non-flush toilet, welcomes campervans and camper trailers, while Mortimer Camping Area, nestled beside William Wallace Creek, is ideal for tent campers looking to explore the park’s many day walks. All campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with no booking or fees required—a rarity in modern camping.

Bunyip State Park is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s one of the few places in Victoria where you might encounter the state’s floral emblem, the delicate Common Heath, alongside the elusive Leadbeater’s Possum and the vibrant Helmeted Honeyeater, both symbols of Victoria’s rich biodiversity. Whether you’re exploring its trails, relaxing in its campgrounds, or simply soaking in its tranquil beauty, Bunyip State Park offers an experience that’s as diverse as the landscape itself.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Bunyip State Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

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.

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.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Four Brothers Rocks Hike (13km)

8 Reviews on “Four Brothers Rocks Hike (13km)”

Overall rating

Craig P

I walked this on the 6 May 2023 and started up along the Triangle Rd until I realised, I had missed the GPX track leaving the road to the left. I came back down a short distance looking for the path, but I could not find one. So dressed with gaiters and poles I just set off where I thought I was meant to be. I just want to say that there is no track/path to be seen on this section. If bush whacking is your thing, then this is for you, but make sure you have the equipment to keep you out of trouble. The gaiters were great in keeping my legs warm and dry as I tramped my way through the bush. If bush whacking is not your thing, then just stick to Triangle Rd until you can turn left onto Windy Point Rd.
I managed to find my way to Windy Point Rd where I gladly followed the GPX route for the rest of the way without issue.
I loved my walk on this cold Autumn day with a bit of rain thrown in to add to the adventure.
Along with my Garmin etrex 10, I also used Avenza Maps on my phone as it enabled me to download a map of the park as well as track my location in the app.

15/06/2023, 23:10

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Brooke Bishop

I walked parts of this trail today 16/07/2022 and there are 2 x errors in the route.

The Ferres Walking track section between 10,960m and 11,740m does not exist – use track shown as Silvertop Ridge Track.
The Ferres Walking track section between 12,418m and 12,810m does not exist – use alternative alignment of the Ferres Walking Track 50-100m north.

The areas has been revegetated and no trace of the previous track remains. Local parks service are actively discouraging walkers from attempting to use these parts of the track.

16/07/2022, 19:10

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1. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  Thank you. I’ve updated the GPX file.
  
  05/08/2022, 14:21
  
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Daniel Fowler

Ha, the old Hacket Track sure is non existent! Rather than bush bash I continued up Triangle to Windy Point. I’d forgotten I’d been here before a few years ago, then remembered the steep Nichols Hut Track. I was happy to walk down it this time.

24/03/2022, 05:20

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1. Darren Edwards
  
  Have to love the steep downhill. Or up hill if you prefer a challenge
  
  24/03/2022, 05:20
  
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2. Paul Boicovitis
  
  Hey folks. Is there a gpx file for this hike? I can’t see it.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:20
  
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3. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  Hey Paul. There sure is. There was a stray comma in the coding so I have just removed that and the map now appears. Thanks for the heads up.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:20
  
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4. Sam
  
  I did this walk and it was really great. It is not marked at all and the local instructions are not the best. The view from the brothers rocks is amazing and we saw a lace monitor and a koala come down a tree, walk across the ground and climb another. If you walk it in the direction written above there is a VERY steep downhill section towards the end.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:20
  
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  1. Tameeka
    
    I must say allowing 5 hours for this trail is very generous- we did it in 3.5 and that was with a lunch stop. Four brothers rocks was beautiful.
    
    24/03/2022, 05:20
    
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  2. Rachel Coffey
    
    Just a heads up, the trail is currently closed (as of November 2019) because of fires last summer (?)
    Presumably due to danger from falling trees and also to allow regeneration.
    
    24/03/2022, 05:20
    
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  3. V B
    
    Nice trail with bits of inclines that don’t last very long – keep an eye out for some other rocks before the Four Brothers Rocks. Went recently and there are quite a few fallen trees and branches and a bit of overgrowth on the Nicholls Hut Track.
    Also diverted a little and tacked on Tree Fern Track – some bush bashing required on this track and follow the fluoro orange arrows.
    Enjoyed this trail.
    
    24/03/2022, 05:20
    
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  4. Darren Edwards Trail Author
    
    Thanks for the feedback. I’ll change the hours to 3-4. Last time I did this was with a group of kids so we spent a lot of time exploring the rocky outcrops.
    
    24/03/2022, 05:20
    
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  5. Darren Edwards Trail Author
    
    Thanks for the updated info.
    
    24/03/2022, 05:20
    
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Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Four Brothers Rocks Hike (13km)