The Big Rock Walk offers a readily accessible outdoor experience within You Yangs Regional Park. This easy (grade 2) 3-kilometre return trail, typically completed in 1.25 hours, is perfect for families and casual walkers. Standing tall alongside Flinders Peak, Big Rock is a prominent landmark in the park.
The well-marked track begins at the Visitors Centre carpark with a gentle climb through the forest. Allow approximately 15-20 minutes to reach a fork at the base of the rock, where the loop trail begins. The path encircles Big Rock, with access to the summit from the eastern side. Reaching the top reveals expansive 360-degree views encompassing the park, surrounding countryside, Geelong, and even the distant ocean. For those seeking a picnic break, a spacious area near the rock offers tables, open grassy areas, and public barbecues.
If you're parked at the Turntable carpark, you can still reach Big Rock without relocating your vehicle. Follow signs along Rockwell Road and Contour Track for approximately 1.6 kilometres. Find hit walk here: Big Rock via Rockwell Road Walk (3.2km)
For families with young children or those seeking a shorter visit, parking directly at the Big Rock picnic area allows for a quick 100-metre stroll to the base of the rock, where you can admire its size and enjoy the scenic views.
- The You Yangs is a great location for the family.
- Be careful on some trails as they are often used by walkers, hikers, trail runners and mountain bike riders.
- You Yangs Regional Park is open daily from 7:00am to 8:00pm, including weekends and public holidays. Please note that the front gate is closed to vehicles each night.
- There are nine picnic areas throughout the park, many with tables and accessible toilet facilities. The main picnic areas provide free gas barbecues on a first come basis. There are plenty of places to set up your own gas barbecue.
- Drinking water is available from the Visitor Centre drinking fountain.
- Please take all rubbish away for disposal or recycling.
Total distance: 2886 m
Max elevation: 123 m
Min elevation: 74 m
Total climbing: 62 m
Total descent: -62 m
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Located just over 50 kilometres southwest of Melbourne in Little River, Victoria, You Yangs Regional Park is easily accessible by car. Follow the Princes Freeway (M1) for roughly an hour, with clear signage guiding you to the park entrance at 5 Branch Road. For those coming from Geelong, the park is a convenient 30-minute drive, approximately 25 kilometres away. The park itself is open every day for public enjoyment, but keep in mind closing times vary depending on daylight saving time.
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A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
You Yangs Regional Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wadawurrung People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Wadawurrung Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.
Magnificent views, birdlife and a mecca for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers - welcome to the You Yangs! The distinctive granite peaks of this park rise abruptly from the flat plains below. Flinders Peak and Big Rock have panoramic views out to Melbourne, which is just an hour away.
Explore over 50 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails for beginners and experts. Ride easy, open dirt roads to technical, single-track and adrenaline-pumping downhill trailsor see the diverse scenery of the You Yangs from your car along The Great Circle Drive.
Climb Flinders Peak, the highest point in the You Yangs and be rewarded with uninterrupted views out to Melbourne and Geelong. Come with family or friends and picnic among the boulder-strewn landscape. Choose from nine designated picnic areas.
The You Yangs support a rich variety of plant species. Tall eucalypts such as manna gum, yellow gum and river red gum give way to sparse undergrowth of native shrubs and groundcovers. Patches of wattle and drooping sheoaks also occur. The endangered brittle greenhood orchid is one of 30 species of orchids found in the park.
The park provides a range of habitats for wildlife. More than 200 species of birds have been recorded and koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, brush-tail possums, echidnas and lizards are commonly seen.
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.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
