Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the tranquil beauty of Fryers Ridge Nature Conservation Reserve on a 19.1km circuit hike. Located in Victoria, Australia, this Grade 3 moderate trail weaves through scenic woodlands, teeming with active birdlife and native wildlife like wallabies and kangaroos. The well-marked tracks are perfect for bushwalkers, offering an abundance of picturesque picnic spots near dams and open woodland areas. Don't forget to pack a lunch and enjoy the serene backdrop!

Length:

19.1km

Duration:

5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 582m

Min elevation: 393m

Total Ascent: 456m

Start: Fryerstown and Old Coach Roads

End: Fryerstown and Old Coach Roads

Fryers Ridge Nature Conservation Reserve

Victoria

Nearby town: Taradale

From state capital: 102km

Latitude: -37.141211

Longitude: 144.329723

Overview

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Hike overview

This Fryers Ridge Circuit hike will take you though the scenic woodlands expanse of Fryers Ridge Nature Conservation Reserve. This is a quiet woodland area with several small streams.

Tracks are very well-marked four-wheel drive trails. Bird life is very active in this park and you will most probably see some wallabies and kangaroos.

You will find plenty of good places to have lunch near dams or in general open Woodland.

Tips

The hike starts out with a moderate assent on good well-marked four-wheel drive tracks. The terrain is undulating hills but nothing to difficult.

Around the northern section near Telecom Track the tracks become steeper.

Variation - The hike is fairly long. A recommended variation is at the far northern section of hike whilst on Sugarbag Track to take a right on the unnamed track (-37.145523°, 144.284649°) to shorten the track by a couple of kilometres. Another reason for this variation is that the current path takes you close to the edge of the reserve.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Fryers Ridge Circuit Hike (19.1km)

Total distance: 19132 m
Max elevation: 582 m
Min elevation: 393 m
Total climbing: 456 m
Total descent: -455 m

Thanks to Pete Vino for sharing this trail

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Fryers Ridge Nature Conservation Reserve.

Take the Calder Freeway northbound from Melbourne. Exit C794 towards Malmsbury. Continue through Malsbury and into Taradale.

Turn left (near old BP/Post Office across road) on Roderick Street. Roderick Street will join Fryerstown Road. Continue past the properties and vineyards until you cross the creek and reach Salt Water track. Limited parking near this intersection.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Castlemaine, Fryerstown, Maldon, Newstead, Taradale

Access conditions

Public Toilets
Picnic Shelter

About the region

The Fryers Ridge Nature Conservation Reserve west of Taradale, Victoria, Australia. The west edge of the Reserve is delimited by the Fryers Ridge Track. The east edge of the Reserve is delimited by the Coliban Main Channel. The service track alongside the portion of the channel within the reserve is accessible to walkers. Generally the gradient of the service track is very low.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Fryers Ridge Nature Conservation Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

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.

Let someone know

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

Reviews
Fryers Ridge Circuit Hike (19.1km)

11 Reviews on “Fryers Ridge Circuit Hike (19.1km)”

Overall rating

Rob Gillespie

This one’s a bit out of the box. It’s not far to get to from Melbourne and has a good distance to it. It isn’t so busy, and it’s not far from towns where you can easily find a place to stay if you want to make a weekend of it. It’s a good one to save for the cooler month as the bush and tracks get pretty warm in summer.

30/03/2025, 10:11

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1. Trail Hiking Australia
  
  Rob Gillespie great advice. Thanks heaps.
  
  30/03/2025, 10:57
  
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Leila Romiti

Gemma Romiti

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Brian Sheedy

Steven Anderson

24/03/2022, 05:22

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David Thomas

Teresa Thomas

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Azadeh Kazemi

Dariush

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Natassia Pomroy

Thanks for posting more hikes to enjoy. Would love to learn more multiday hikes around Australia too if you have info

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Darren Edwards

Thanks Pete Vino for sharing this trail

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Cass Sweb

Van Diemens

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Snowys

Beaut pic, guys! 😀 Was up at Kuitpo in SA yesterday and the woodlands looked quite similar.

24/03/2022, 05:22

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S B

Great, quiet little walk. The timing of 5 hours is pretty good if you include a break for a bit of lunch. The second half of the trek is nicer, as you’re up more on the ridge and have views through the trees.

07/12/2020, 16:10

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Donna Spiller

Kerrie Battisson

02/12/2020, 21:44

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Suggest an edit

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.

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Fryers Ridge Circuit Hike (19.1km)