Trail Fast Facts
Flinders Peak is a 3.3km, grade 3 hike located in You Yangs Regional Park, Victoria. The hike typically takes 1.25 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Flinders Peak walk, a rewarding 3.3-kilometre grade 3 hike in You Yangs Regional Park, offers stunning panoramic views in just 1.25 hours. As you ascend the 450 steps from the Turntable carpark, the distinctive granite peaks of the You Yangs rise dramatically above the surrounding flat volcanic plains. As you climb, glimpses of Melbourne and Geelong begin to appear in the distance.
Flinders Peak is a perfect family outing. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the Turntable carpark provides picnic tables, barbecues, and toilets for your convenience. Enjoy the scenic views from the carpark before embarking on your climb. As you ascend the steps, you'll be rewarded with multiple vantage points showcasing the surrounding landscape. Look out for the Bunjil Geoglyph, a fascinating rock sculpture depicting a Wedge-tailed Eagle, a sacred figure for the Wathaurong people, located near the summit.
The 450-step climb begins at the Turntable carpark, which itself offers a good view across the park and the volcanic plains—a preview of the many stunning vistas you'll encounter on your way up. As you ascend, keep an eye out for the Bunjil Geoglyph, a large rock carving depicting the creator spirit of the Wathaurong people.
The summit features large boulders and sparse tree cover, so expect windy conditions. The final ascent involves a steel viewing platform, rewarding you with breathtaking panoramic views encompassing Geelong, Melbourne, and Port Phillip Bay. Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy the barbecue facilities at the carpark to complete your Flinders Peak adventure.
You Yangs Regional Park is open daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, including weekends and public holidays. Please note that the front gate is closed to vehicles each night.
Tips
- The You Yangs is a great location for the family.
- Be careful on some trails as they are often used by walkers, hikers, trail runners and mountain bike riders.
- You Yangs Regional Park is open daily from 7:00am to 8:00pm, including weekends and public holidays. Please note that the front gate is closed to vehicles each night.
- There are nine picnic areas throughout the park, many with tables and accessible toilet facilities. The main picnic areas provide free gas barbecues on a first come basis. There are plenty of places to set up your own gas barbecue.
- Drinking water is available from the Visitor Centre drinking fountain.
- Please take all rubbish away for disposal or recycling.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 330 m
Min elevation: 153 m
Total climbing: 206 m
Total descent: -206 m
Getting there
Located just over 50 kilometres southwest of Melbourne in Little River, Victoria, You Yangs Regional Park is easily accessible by car. Follow the Princes Freeway (M1) for roughly an hour, with clear signage guiding you to the park entrance at 5 Branch Road. For those coming from Geelong, the park is a convenient 30-minute drive, approximately 25 kilometres away. The park itself is open every day for public enjoyment, but keep in mind closing times vary depending on daylight saving time.
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.
About the region
You Yangs Regional Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wadawurrung People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Wadawurrung Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.
Magnificent views, birdlife and a mecca for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers - welcome to the You Yangs! The distinctive granite peaks of this park rise abruptly from the flat plains below. Flinders Peak and Big Rock have panoramic views out to Melbourne, which is just an hour away.
Explore over 50 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails for beginners and experts. Ride easy, open dirt roads to technical, single-track and adrenaline-pumping downhill trailsor see the diverse scenery of the You Yangs from your car along The Great Circle Drive.
Climb Flinders Peak, the highest point in the You Yangs and be rewarded with uninterrupted views out to Melbourne and Geelong. Come with family or friends and picnic among the boulder-strewn landscape. Choose from nine designated picnic areas.
The You Yangs support a rich variety of plant species. Tall eucalypts such as manna gum, yellow gum and river red gum give way to sparse undergrowth of native shrubs and groundcovers. Patches of wattle and drooping sheoaks also occur. The endangered brittle greenhood orchid is one of 30 species of orchids found in the park.
The park provides a range of habitats for wildlife. More than 200 species of birds have been recorded and koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, brush-tail possums, echidnas and lizards are commonly seen.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
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.
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.
Weather
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.
3 Reviews on “Flinders Peak Walk (3.3km)”
Jason Whittle if u r ever up for a small one
Angelo Garlitos
Madeline Keating
Oliver Bonaccorso
Martin Tim or you could run it…?
Heather King
We used to run up and down it when we were kids….
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Love, love, love the Youies!!! ¸
Andrew Kitson