Trail Fast Facts
Cobaw Northern Circuit is a 14km, grade 3 hike in Cobaw State Forest, Victoria. This hike typically takes 5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Cobaw Northern Circuit is a challenging 14km loop hike in Cobaw State Forest, Victoria, Australia. The trail follows a series of 4WD tracks through open forest with large granite outcrops.
The Cobaw Northern Circuit is a rocky trail in some sections, and some of the deeply rutted tracks make walking a challenge at times. After rain, the track can become quite slippery, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Despite its challenges, the Cobaw Northern Circuit is a rewarding hike. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding forest, as well as opportunities to see a variety of native wildlife, such as kangaroos, wombats, and echidnas.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding hike in Cobaw State Forest, the Cobaw Northern Circuit is a great option. Just be sure to be prepared for the challenges that the trail presents.
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.
Tips
- The trail is not marked as an official route. There are numerous tracks and trails in the Cobaw State Forest, many of which are not on any maps. I would recommend carrying a map and downloading the GPX file to follow the route to avoid making a wrong turn.
- Some of the tracks shown on maps no longer exist.
- Wear a hat and bring plenty of water if hiking on a sunny day, as there is limited shade along the route.
- The trail is steep and up-and-down in some sections, with some sections deeply rutted so wear sturdy footwear.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 780 m
Min elevation: 584 m
Total climbing: 578 m
Total descent: -578 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
The Cobaw State Forest is located between the Calder Highway and the Northern Highway near Lancefield. It can be accessed from Melbourne using the Calder Highway or the Melbourne Lancefield Road.
The circuit commences at the junctions of Devanney Road and Soil Pit Track Track which is approximately 94km north of Melbourne (18km west of Lancefield) along Devanney Road. Parking is limited near the road junctions.
About the region
Popular for trail bike riding, the Cobaw State Forest is located near Lancefield, 70km north-west of Melbourne in the Cobaw Ranges. The ranges are mainly granitic and reach a maximum height of 760 metres. The forest is a Special Protection Zone and has many significant environmental values. It provides great opportunities for outdoor recreational activities.
The Cobaw State Forest is a large preserved region of protected native bush-land in the Cobaw Range, about 2500ha, near the towns of Lancefield and Woodend, in Central Victoria, approximately 75 km north of Melbourne.
The Forest was severely damaged by bush-fires in 2003. There are innumerable tracks and trails for walkers, trail bikes, and 4WDs, popular on weekends. The ridges are strewn with granite boulders of all shapes and sizes.
There are nice views from Ridge Track towards Mount William, across the valley to the east as well as across Hanging Rock and the Macedon Ranges to the south.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
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
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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.