Grade 3

Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit Hike (9.7km)

Long Forest Nature Reserve

Victoria

9.7km

3.5 hrs

Grade 3

Circuit

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Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the 9.7km Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit, a Grade 3 hike near Melbourne, perfect for moderate-level bushwalkers. Journey through the picturesque Long Point Track, enjoy the serene Coimadai Creek, and embark on an adventure along the Happy Valley track, all while navigating beautiful Mallee vegetation and small-scale creek escarpments. This unique trail offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and bird observers, set within a National Trust-classified reserve.
Length:
9.7km
Duration:
3.5 hrs
Grade:
3
Style:
Circuit

Max elevation: 187m

Min elevation: 123m

Total Ascent: 184m

Start: Canopus Circuit
End: Canopus Circuit
Long Forest Nature Reserve
Victoria
Nearby town: Bacchus Marsh
From state capital: 57km
Latitude: -37.64260239
Longitude: 144.4955675
11 Reviews
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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.

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Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit Hike (9.7km)

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Content use

Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.

Walk map and GPX file

Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit Hike (9.7km)

Total distance: 9778 m
Max elevation: 187 m
Min elevation: 123 m
Total climbing: 184 m
Total descent: -184 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Long Forest Nature Reserve.

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.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Burnside, Caroline Springs, Gisborne, Melton, Rockbank, Toolern Vale

Access conditions

  • 2WD Access
  • Bitumen Road
  • Large Car Park
  • Picnic Table

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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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.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Register your plans here

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit Hike (9.7km)

11 Reviews on “Coimadai Creek Happy Valley Circuit Hike (9.7km)”

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Acknowledgement of Country

Coimadai creek happy valley circuit hike (9. 7km)

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia
Last modified:

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