Begin your hike at the Spring Creek Sawmill Campground. Follow Lightning Track north-east from the campground and gradually ascend to the summit of Blue Range. From the summit, descend to the north-west via Samaria Track, keeping left at the junction to avoid descending to the east. Continue to follow Samaria Track for approximately 3.5km with a final steep ascent to gain the summit of Mount Samaria.
Retracing your steps from the summit, you will reach a trail junction after around 100m. Keep right at this junction to descend Mount Samaria to the south-east. At the end of the descent, cross Mount Samaria Road and follow Summit Link Track towards Wild Dog Creek Falls Camp. Not far from the camp, you will reach another junction. From here you could turn left and follow the track back to Mount Samaria Road. However, its well worth the short (1.3km) return walk to visit Wild Dog Creek Falls.
As you ascend, the track leads you to the top of the waterfalls, where the true magic unfolds. Panoramic vistas of the sprawling Lake Nillahcootie and the majestic Strathbogie Ranges burst into view, creating a breathtaking backdrop to the cascading falls. The descent to the viewing platform involves a set of stairs, offering a safe and manageable way to reach the base of the falls for a closer look and the refreshing sound of cascading water.
Retrace your steps from the falls, continuing along Wild Dog Creek Falls Track all the way to Mount Samaria Road. Turn right and follow Wild Dog Track (4WD Track) for roughly 1km back to Spring Creek Sawmill Campground.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 9316 m
Max elevation: 969 m
Min elevation: 670 m
Total climbing: 479 m
Total descent: -475 m
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Mount Samaria State Park is 130km north-east of Melbourne, 28km south of Benalla on the Samaria Road via Swanpool, and 14km north of Mansfield via the Whitfield Road. A gravel road traverses the range from north to south and, although steep and rocky in places, is open all year to most vehicles. Extra care is needed in wet weather conditions.
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Just a few hours' drive from Melbourne, Mount Samaria State Park is a serene, semi-remote sanctuary for wildlife, native flora and nature lovers alike.
The region's plateau, formed by volcanic activity during the Devonian period nearly 420 million years ago, has created abundant habitats for native Australian animals. Watch for Swamp Wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, possums and gliders. You might see snakes and lizards sunning themselves on the granite rocks. Keep an eye out for the park's many bird residents as well, including lyrebirds, rosellas, and the Wedge-tailed Eagle.
The tall forest of the plateau is a stronghold for the Greater Glider, a vulnerable species of marsupial which only comes out at night.
See remnants of the park's more recent history at the kilns and in the mounds of sawdust left over from logging operations in the 1920s. Enjoy the rejuvenated native forests that now blanket the area. Majestic Blue Gums, giant Messmate Eucalypts and Mountain Grey Gums inhabit the moist elevated areas. In drier areas you can walk through forests of Stringybarks, Boxes and Peppermints interspersed with hardy shrubs and tussock grasses, as well as Grass Trees with their unique flower spikes in spring.
In spring and early summer, marvel as a dazzling array of native wildflowers burst into multi-coloured bloom, including peas, trigger plants, everlasting daisies, milkmaids and orchids.
Walk the tracks that start at the park's central gravel road to take in 360-degree vistas from the summit of Mount Samaria, or linger by the rushing waters of Wild Dog Falls and Back Creek Falls. This is a park that's best savoured slowly - take your time and experience all it has to offer.
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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.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
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
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
