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 heading out 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 views 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.
- 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.
Total distance: 3334 m
Max elevation: 330 m
Min elevation: 153 m
Total climbing: 206 m
Total descent: -206 m
Every trail on this site has been personally mapped and refined to support Australia’s hiking community. While some info comes from land managers, each listing reflects significant personal work. Please don’t upload GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or any other platform. This is a free community initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Closest towns to this walk: Avalon, Bacchus Marsh, Geelong, Lara, Little River, Werribee
Getting to the trailhead in You Yangs Regional Park.
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.
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.
Looking for hikes and trails in You Yangs Regional Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar 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 “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