The Cobaw Nudist Camp Circuit is a relatively easy 12km circuit that explores the protected native bushland of the Cobaw Range. Before anyone asks, I have no idea why two of the tracks include the term 'Nudist' and cannot find any reference to a nudist camp in the area.
The hike commences at the end of the 2WD Mooneys Lane near a private property gate. Follow the 4WD Nudist Camp Track north from this point. After approximately 365m of steady ascent you will reach an unsigned track junction. Take the track to your right, Nudist Camp Track, and follow this north as it gradually, then steeply climbs a broad spur to the top of the range and the junction of Croziers Track. Turn right onto Croziers Track and continue to the top of the Cobaw Range (approximately 750m elevation).
Continue to follow Croziers Track north then west to the junction of Reilleys Road. Ignore any side tracks as many are not marked on maps. On reaching Reilleys Road you will see a large cleared area to your right. This area has been recently cleared and is closed to public access, following the fires of 2003, due to the number of unstable trees.
Avoiding this area, turn left onto Reilleys Road and walk approximately 100m to the signposted junction of Camp Track. Follow Camp Track for approximately 450m and locate Soil Pit Track on your left. Most tracks in this park are not signposted so ensure that this track heads to the south west and gradually ascends along a rocky 4WD track to the top of the Cobaw Range.
Continue to follow this track as it turns south, at the top of the range, and descends along a broad then narrow spur to Devanney Road. Turn left onto Devanney Road and walk a short distance to McKinley Track. The tracks in this section have been used a lot as a 4WD playground and offer some quite challenging routes for 4WD enthusiasts.
Turning left onto McKinley Track walk approximately 620m, turning right onto Reillys Fireline Track. This track gradually ascends the range again where you will rejoin Croziers Track at an approximate elevation of 710m. Turn left and walk a short distance to the top of the range. From here the Croziers Nudist Link Track gradually descends through bush-land back to your start point at Mooneys Lane.
- 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.
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.
Total distance: 12014 m
Max elevation: 770 m
Min elevation: 503 m
Total climbing: 561 m
Total descent: -549 m
Getting to the trailhead: Cobaw State Forest.
The Cobaw State Forest is situated 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.
This circuit commences on Mooneys Lane which is approximately 81km north of Melbourne (8km west of Lancefield) along Three Chain Road. Parking is very limited near a gate at the end of Mooneys Lane (before the 4WD Nudist Camp Track commences).
Closest towns to this walk: Carlsruhe, Hesket, Kyneton, Lancefield, Macedon, Malmsbury, Riddells Creek, Woodend
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Cobaw State Forest? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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3 Reviews on “Cobaw Nudist Camp Circuit Hike (12km)”
It’s actually Cobaw, not Cowbar. 😊
Ali Ayers oh thank you. I’ll correct that tonight.
Trail Hiking Australia no worries!
Ali Ayers all fixed. I can’t update the Facebook post but it’s updated in the website. Thank you again for pointing this out. Cheers, Darren
Trail Hiking Australia all good Darren, love your website. Such a huge undertaking, but valued by so many of us. 👏
Did this about 18mths ago….the first upward push is lengthy and was criss crossed with fallen trees…it was like an uncleared logging track thanks to storms. Up and over big fallen trees for over an hour. At this time of year most likely very snakey…..but still a great track.
Leonie Rizzi sounds like a steeple chase more than a hike. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. It’s been a few years since I was there.
I saw another nudist camp track on a hike I was on recently, can’t remember where. Weird bit of heritage, I assume these aren’t actually naked trails? Could be fun if they are.
Brandon Gonzalez that would be interesting.
Did you do the walk naked, Trail Hiking Australia?
TJ Craig trust me. No one wants to see me naked.
Drove all that way and didn’t see a single naked person 🙂 Great hike though.