Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience an enjoyable 10km circuit hike on the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail, renowned for its challenging Grade 4 terrain and unique bushland views. Starting at the Log Crossing Picnic Area, this trail navigates through an overgrown, hard-to-find path that requires careful navigation and winds back to the trailhead. With its proximity to the main town, it's not just a hike, it's an adventure waiting to be discovered by avid bushwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Length:

10km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 99m

Min elevation: 9m

Total Ascent: 824m

Start: Log Crossing Picnic Area

End: Log Crossing Picnic Area

Colquhoun State Forest

Victoria

Nearby town: Kalimna West

From state capital: 312km

Latitude: -37.82662024

Longitude: 147.94166117906573

Overview

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Hike overview

The Discovery Trail and Clayhill Track Circuit traverses a section of the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail. This circuit hike commences at the Log Crossing Picnic Area and follows the Discovery Trail for approximately 5.2km to the junction of Colquhoun Road. From the junction, travel north a short distance (around 200m) and locate Clayhill Track on the left. The remainder of the circuit follows an overgrown trail through the bush that requires careful navigation. Often that trail may not be visible at all so care will need to be taken to locate the junctions of Armstrong and Picnic Tracks as they wind their way back to the trail head.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Walk map and GPX file
Discovery Trail & Clayhill Track Circuit Hike (10km)

Total distance: 10754 m
Max elevation: 99 m
Min elevation: 9 m
Total climbing: 824 m
Total descent: -836 m

Gallery

Discovery trail & clayhill track circuit hike 2

Discovery trail & clayhill track circuit hike 1

Discovery trail & clayhill track circuit hike 4

Discovery trail & clayhill track circuit hike 3

Discovery trail & clayhill track circuit hike 5

Discovery trail & clayhill track circuit hike 6

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Colquhoun State Forest.

Log Crossing Picnic Area is on Mississippi Creek, 2km off the Princess Highway down Log Crossing Road and offers toilets and picnic facilities. There are 2 camping areas, one next to Uncle Road and a car park further in at the toilets. It is dog friendly. Dogs must be under direct control and on a leash at all times.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Winding Road
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Table
Campfire Pit
Camping Area

About the region

Rich in history the Colquhoun State Forest offers many wonderful attractions for visitors to the area, including car touring, bush walking, fishing and swimming, and cycling the East Gippsland Rail Trail and Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail. Rich history is prominent within the Colquhoun Forest. A tramway was constructed in the early 1900s and used until the mid-1930s to move granite from the Mississippi Creek quarry to Lakes Entrance. The granite was used to build a new permanent entrance to the Gippsland Lakes, as the original timber pylons had been severely damaged by the marine toredo worm. Work to re-open the route as a shared use trail commenced in 2000, as part of an integrated statewide program by the then Department of Natural Resources & Environment to re-open selected disused rail corridors to public access. Work was completed in 2003, and included surfacing the path with crushed granite to provide a firm cycling surface, for what is now the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Bairnsdale, Bemm River, Kalimna, Lake Entrance, Lake Tyers Beach, Lakes Entrance, Marlo, Metung, Nowa Nowa, Nungurner, Orbost, Paynesville, Swan Reach

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Colquhoun State Forest? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

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Discovery Trail & Clayhill Track Circuit Hike (10km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Discovery trail & clayhill track circuit hike (10km)

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:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Discovery Trail & Clayhill Track Circuit Hike (10km)