Devils Cave Circuit is a 3km, grade 3 hike located in the Heathcote-Graytown National Park, Victoria. The short walk should take around 1 hour to complete.
Hike overview
Devils Cave Circuit: A Scenic Hike in Heathcote-Graytown National Park. Devils Cave Circuit is a moderately challenging one-hour hike that winds through the scenic landscapes of Heathcote-Graytown National Park, located near the charming town of Heathcote in central Victoria. This looped trail commences and concludes at the trailhead situated at the end of Powder Magazine Track.
The trail gradually ascends towards Devils Cave, a captivating natural formation nestled amidst a small rocky outcrop perched atop a gorge. From this vantage point, the trail continues across the hill's summit to the lookout point, offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding countryside. The return leg gently descends back to the carpark, completing the loop.
This well-maintained trail rewards hikers with picturesque vistas of Heathcote and its environs. The terrain is predominantly rocky, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Heathcote Powder Magazine
Perched amidst the rolling hills and vibrant countryside of Heathcote, Australia, lies a relic of the region's mining heyday – the Heathcote Powder Magazine. Built in 1864 by the Public Works Department, this sturdy structure, constructed from top-notch local stone, played a pivotal role in the area's gold mining operations. The task of bringing this vital edifice to life fell upon the capable hands of H. Cormack & Co., ensuring that every detail was meticulously crafted.
Just like its counterparts across Victoria, powder magazines were indispensable in safely storing the explosives that powered gold mining, quarrying, and road construction activities. Their strategic placement outside of bustling goldfields towns minimized the risk of accidental explosions, keeping residents out of harm's way.
The Heathcote Powder Magazine embodies this safety-conscious approach. Its rectangular form, bolstered by sturdy buttresses, houses a brick-vaulted interior, providing a secure haven for volatile materials. The building's compact entry and office space reflect its practical purpose, while the gabled roof, originally clad in slate, shielded the contents from the elements.
Stepping into the main room, one can't help but be transported back in time, as sawn Oregon racks stand as silent sentinels, once neatly holding the explosive payloads that fueled the region's mining endeavors. A two-door iron safe, adorned with intricate stencilling, hints at the precious cargo that once filled its depths.
The Heathcote Powder Magazine stands as a testament to the fine stone masonry and brick vaulting techniques of the era, showcasing the expertise of the Public Works Department. Its enduring presence serves as a tangible link to the region's golden past and the ingenuity of those who shaped its mining industry.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 358 m
Min elevation: 255 m
Total climbing: 127 m
Total descent: -127 m
Tips
- Rocky and steep terrain, suitable footwear recommended
- Viewing Rock offers panoramic views of the town way up and the wildflowers in springtime
Trail location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Gallery
Image Visit Melbourne
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
The Heathcote-Graytown National Park comprises Victoria’s largest remaining box – ironbark forest, consisting of open woodland including ironbark, grey and yellow box and stringy bark. The understory features blackwood, gold dust wattle, silver wattle and drooping cassinia. Grass trees are numerous. Green rock fern is a common ground plant in milder months.
Wildflowers include grassland wood sorrel, shiny everlastings, tall bluebells and Nodding Greenhood orchids, with many more according to the season. Rare spider orchids may be also found.
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
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
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
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.