Trail Fast Facts
Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit is a 9.7km, grade 3 hike in Long Forest Nature Reserve, Victoria. This hike typically takes 3.5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
This Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit hike starts west of Canopus Circuit and follows Long Point Track via Steep Track to Long Point on Coimadai Creek. Continue south along the creek via the Coimadai Creek Track. You will pass an unnamed track on your left followed by the Coimadai Track which leads back to Canopus Circuit. Continue south following the creek as the trail is difficult to follow in places. In some places it is easier to pick your own way using the east and west banks of the creek depending on terrain. After a few kilometres you will see Happy Valley track on your left. This is a well made vehicle track and easy to identify.
Follow the happy Valley track east to the Happy Valley carpark and return to you starting point via Long Forest Road and Canopus Circuit.
With the opportunity to view Mallee vegetation in close proximity to Melbourne, this 600 hectare reserve provides a unique experience for visitors to enjoy. Plants typical of arid landscapes, small-scale creek escarpments and classification by the National Trust make the reserve a fantastic retreat for bushwalkers and bird observers.
Tips
Hiking poles would be beneficial in sections. The Coimadai creek section may be impassable following heavy rain. You cod still pick your way along the creek but not via the creek bed. There are many side gullies along the creek so make sure you follow the main creek.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 187 m
Min elevation: 123 m
Total climbing: 184 m
Total descent: -184 m
Getting there
Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve is along Long Forest Road between Melton and Bacchus Marsh north of the Western Freeway. Park at one of the four access points and follow the walking tracks into the Reserve. There is no vehicle access.
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.
About the region
Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve is a 600 hectare protected area in the Australian state of Victoria situated 50 kilometres to the west of the state capital of Melbourne, between Melton and Bacchus Marsh. It is managed by Parks Victoria.
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Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Long Forest Nature Reserve or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
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.
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
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.
Weather
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.
4 Reviews on “Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit Hike (9.7km)”
What a fun hike. Didn’t even know this area existed. Thanks heaps for sharing
Bec Stokes we are doing this soon. Just up the road from me x
Nice to hear you are a local too. It is a great little spot
Danielle Godfrey
Diane Donoghue
Diane yeh I thought you’d be interested ?
Jodie Booby I’m in
Lisa Maree van Bergen
No kids though
Shannon Worcester I’m ready Shan when you are
Shaye Renee. Yes. Let’s do it. Was just talking to Cam earlier about doing a couple of hikes.
Tammy Morgan , lets do this next term.
Wendy Fraser
Wendy Fraser I agree!!
Great fun hike in an area that seems so remote close to Melbourne