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.
- 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.
Total distance: 14118 m
Max elevation: 780 m
Min elevation: 584 m
Total climbing: 578 m
Total descent: -578 m
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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.
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Small Car Park
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.
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.
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.
Looking for things to do in Cobaw State Forest or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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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.
