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!

Length:

9.6km

Duration:

3.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 789m

Min elevation: 217m

Total Ascent: 761m

Start: Big Pats Creek

End: Starlings Gap Campground

Yarra State Forest

Victoria

Nearby town: Warburton

From state capital: 75km

Latitude: -37.76376015259581

Longitude: 145.75311541776574

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Hike overview

The Big Pats Creek to Starlings Gap hike is the beginning section of the Walk into History. It starts at Big Pats Creek and continues on a gradual uphill to Starlings Gap. The area is very lush and a delight to hike through.

Initially the track follows very closely Big Pats Creek, and there are some really lovely views of it along the way. The track will then climb gradually. Take time to admire the surroundings. At the time of writing there were a few fallen trees along the way. Nothing too difficult, but worth considering. After roughly 6km keep an eye out for a small opening to the right of the track. This leads to the top of a huge sawdust pile. It is more interesting than what it sounds! There are some great views from the top of it.

Continue back up the trail and at shortly after 9km mark there is another huge sawdust pile that is worth having a wander over. Again, it might not sound that interesting but it is worth a look. You'll then arrive back at the road at Starlings Gap.

Tips

Leeches can be common here, so bring your favorite leech remedy/repellent.

Gallery

Photos: Darren Edwards

Walk map and GPX file

Big Pats Creek to Starlings Gap Hike (9.6km)

Total distance: 9680 m
Max elevation: 789 m
Min elevation: 217 m
Total climbing: 761 m
Total descent: -196 m

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.

Note: You will need to arrange a car shuffle to get back from Starling Gap to Big Pats Creek after you have done the hike.

There are various ways to reach Starling Gap. One way is to go to Powelltown, then after approx 10km you will see the turnoff up Big Creek Road. Or you can travel via Warburton. Approx 10km after Warburton take the right to Riverside Dr and then left onto Big Pats Creek Rd. After a few km you’ll reach the small settlement of Big Pats Creek. Shortly you will come to a bridge where there is a pullover to park where you can return to after leaving a car at Starlings Gap. Take the right immediately after the bridge, you will see the track start to your right just after the corner. After 1km you will pass the Big Pats Rec area carpark, you could start the track here as well, but you’ll miss the first km. Continue up to Starlings Gap to park one car there and return back to Big Pats Creek.

Once back at Big Creek Road, follow the signs (some may be missing) to reach Starling Gap. This is roughly 11km from the junction.

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.

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

Julian Brown

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.

29/12/2024, 06:13

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Marcus Boer

Asher Vander Reyden – full day 20km?

24/03/2022, 05:18

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1. Matt 0
  
  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.
  
  12/05/2021, 09:54
  
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2. Michael Dickson
  
  Is this hike not wheelchair friendly?
  
  24/03/2022, 05:18
  
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3. Cintia Ossab
  
  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
  
  24/03/2022, 05:18
  
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4. Michael Dickson
  
  Mad invite…
  
  24/03/2022, 05:18
  
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5. Marcus Boer
  
  Michael Dickson #legless
  
  24/03/2022, 05:18
  
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6. Asher Vander Reyden
  
  Michael what about using a stretcher?
  
  24/03/2022, 05:18
  
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7. Ayse Z (Addict Of Travel)
  
  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…
  
  24/03/2022, 05:18
  
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8. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  Of course it would be. Simply turn around and walk back.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:18
  
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9. 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
  
  24/03/2022, 05:18
  
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10. Rhiannon Riches
  
  Vaughan Bowman
  
  24/03/2022, 05:18
  
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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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Big Pats Creek to Starlings Gap Hike (9.6km)