The Discovery Trail Walk is a shorter version of the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail. This return hike commences at Log Crossing Picnic Area and follows the route of a tramway constructed in the early 1900s to move pink granite from a quarry on Mississippi Creek to the North Arm of the Gippsland Lakes. Hear bellbirds calling and see native wildflowers blooming in spring as you follow a lovely bush trail along the Mississippi Creek past remains of old cuttings to the Mississippi Quarry.
The Mississippi Quarry was opened in 1904 to provide rock to reinforce the man-made entrance to the Gippsland Lakes. Two interpretive signs at the quarry site provide details on how the granite was taken from the quarry and then shipped to the entrance. A tram line was built to transport the rock 13km from the quarry site along Mississippi Creek to barges at the head of the North Arm inlet. The barges then took the rock a further 6km to the entrance site. Once the entrance was completed, granite was later taken to Melbourne for other building purposes. The quarry ceased production in the 1940s.
Return to Log Crossing Picnic Area via the same route.
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.
Total distance: 14749 m
Max elevation: 81 m
Min elevation: 36 m
Total climbing: 227 m
Total descent: -226 m
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The Colquhoun State Forest is in East Gippsland between the towns of Bruthen, Swan Reach, Lakes Entrance and Nowa Nowa. Roads branching off the Princes Highway and the Bruthen Nowa Nowa Road are the main routes used by visitors to access the Forest.
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.
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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.
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.
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
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
