Grade 3

Big Pats Creek to Starlings Gap Hike (9.6km)

Yarra State Forest

Victoria

9.6km

3.5 hrs

Grade 3

One Way

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Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience a charming 9.6km hike from Big Pats Creek to Starlings Gap, a lush, Grade 3-moderate trail in Australia. This trek, part of the 'Walk into History', offers spectacular views of Big Pats Creek and intriguing explorations of massive sawdust piles. Allow roughly 3.5 hours for this one-way journey, making sure to watch out for fallen trees and the hidden openings leading to the piles. A unique Australian bushwalk not to be missed!

Max elevation: 789m

Min elevation: 217m

Total Ascent: 761m

Hike overview


Tips


Walk map and GPX file

Big Pats Creek to Starlings Gap Hike (9.6km)


A note about sharing


Each trail on this site has been personally mapped and documented to support the hiking community across Australia. While some hike descriptions include information from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal work in curating, refining, and improving the details. Please don’t republish this content elsewhere (including AllTrails) without acknowledging Trail Hiking Australia as the source. This site is a free community initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.

Getting there


Closest towns to this walk: Emerald, Gladysdale, Healesville, Heathcote, Launching Place, Marysville, Millgrove, Monbulk, Mount Dandenong, Mount Evelyn, Olinda, Toolangi, Warburton, Woori Yallock, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction

Getting to the trailhead in Yarra State Forest.

Get there with Google Maps

Similar trails nearby


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

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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

Big Pats Creek to Starlings Gap Hike (9.6km)


8 Reviews on “Big Pats Creek to Starlings Gap Hike (9.6km)”

Overall rating
  • Completed 29/12/2024
    The section between Big Pats Creek campground and Burns road is marked as closed due to a tree that has fallen and crushed a small footbridge near the Big Pats Creek campground entrance. Due to the dry condiitons at the time the water level of the creek was low and the fallen tree and broken footbridge were easily stepped over.
    The trail is quite wide for a lot of it but covered with heavy forest litter – careful you don’t trip on strips of bark! No snakes or leeches encountered.
    A gentle gradient through some-what nice bush but no views. A relatively unremarkable hike.

  • Avatar of marcus boer Marcus Boer

    Asher Vander Reyden – full day 20km?

    1. The comment about snakes being harmless is not a good one for those who don’t know Australian snakes, some of which have the potential to be deadly. Obviously mitigate your risk and avoid them.

    2. Avatar of michael dickson Michael Dickson

      Is this hike not wheelchair friendly?

    3. Looks like a great walk. Just wanting to check that this is ok to do as a return walk…? Any reasons not to?
      I’m trying to pick a good walk to do next week. Staying around the area overnight so looking for two seperate day hikes to do.
      Cheers

    4. Avatar of michael dickson Michael Dickson

      Mad invite…

    5. Avatar of marcus boer Marcus Boer

      Michael Dickson #legless

    6. Avatar of asher vander reyden Asher Vander Reyden

      Michael what about using a stretcher?

    7. My friend and I started this hike. About 1km in, I spotted a small snake (about 40cm). We thought it was a one-off. Then within 10m, there was a large brown snake on the trail. We decided to turn back as we assumed there would be more snakes…
      There were also loads of large spider webs as well.
      Just thought you should know…

    8. Avatar of darren edwards Darren Edwards Trail Author

      Of course it would be. Simply turn around and walk back.

    9. Avatar of darren edwards Darren Edwards Trail Author

      The joys of hiking in Australia. This time of year I would expect to find snakes on any hike. Australian sakes are deadly and should be avoided at all costs. The best policy is to leave them alone and wait for them to move on

    10. Avatar of rhiannon riches Rhiannon Riches

      Vaughan Bowman

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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

Big pats creek to starlings gap hike (9. 6km)

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.