Trail Fast Facts
Friends Track Kwat Kwat Walk is a 4.8km, grade 3 hike in Warby-Ovens National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 2 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Friends Track Kwat Kwat Walk is a moderately challenging 4.8km grade 3 loop hike situated within Warby-Ovens National Park, Victoria. This self-guided walk is ideal for families with a moderate level of fitness, taking approximately 2 hours to complete. The trail winds through scenic forested granite hills teeming with birdlife. Keep an eye out for the distinctive Grasstrees along the way.
A short detour via the Peregrine Track (800m return trip) offers the chance to take in stunning views from Kwat Kwat Lookout. Remember, this is a shared-use track, so be aware of mountain bikers and practice courtesy while enjoying the surrounds. Prams are not suitable for this track due to uneven terrain.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 482 m
Min elevation: 391 m
Total climbing: 147 m
Total descent: -147 m
Getting there
Reaching Wenhams Camp in Warby-Ovens National Park is achievable by car. The most convenient route involves travelling from Wangaratta. Head west on Wangandary Road and follow it for a while. You'll then need to turn left onto Gravel Pit Road. After a turn right onto Warby Range Road, turn left onto Lindner Road. Take the first right turn onto Walker Road and then the first left turn onto Wangandary Road again. Shortly after, turn left onto Gerrett Road, then left once more onto Booth Road. Follow Booth Road until you see a turnoff for Wenhams Track on your left. Take this turn and follow the track to the carpark at Wenhams Camp.
Photo gallery
Image: Visit Wangaratta
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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
The Warby-Ovens National Park, situated near Wangaratta in Victoria, holds a deep significance for the Yorta Yorta Peoples, the traditional owners of this land. This diverse park offers a haven for nature enthusiasts. Whether you seek breathtaking views, invigorating walks and bike rides, peaceful canoeing on the Ovens River, or simply a chance to unwind at a campsite amidst native wildlife, Warby-Ovens National Park caters to all.
The park encompasses three distinct ecosystems. The heritage-listed lower Ovens River boasts majestic River Red Gum forests, one of the most intact floodplain ecosystems in northern Victoria thanks to the unregulated nature of the river. The Killawarra Forest features a box-ironbark woodland, particularly important for threatened birdlife like the Swift Parrot, Hooded Robin, and Speckled Warbler. The Warby Range offers a scenic blend of grassy woodlands and granite outcrops, coming alive with wildflowers in spring and providing access to spectacular lookouts.
A mere 10 kilometres from Wangaratta, the park is perfect for a day trip. Enjoy walks, picnics, birdwatching, cycling, or a scenic drive. Take in the exceptional views, especially during winter when the distant peaks are dusted with snow, from Ryan's Lookout and Kwat Kwat Lookout.
Explore the walking tracks that weave through the Warby Range and Killawarra Forest, immersing yourself in the park's diverse birdlife and spring wildflowers. Alternatively, relax by the river with a picnic or fire.
For a longer stay, pitch your tent and spend a few days camping, hiking, or birdwatching. The Ovens River is a haven for canoeing, offering calm waters suitable for paddlers of all experience levels.
Keep an eye out for Black Wallabies or Eastern Grey Kangaroos as you navigate the tracks. Wildlife spotting is generally best at dawn and dusk. With a keen eye, you might even catch a glimpse of a vibrant Turquoise Parrot, a Koala, or a Lace Monitor.
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Let someone know
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.Â
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.