Starting from the Jerusalem Creek Day Visitor Area in Lake Eildon National Park, this 23-kilometre circuit to The Pinnacle offers a mix of gentle forest trails and steeper, more rugged terrain. Rated grade 4, the full return trip typically takes around seven hours, making it a solid day hike for those with a bit of experience and a decent level of fitness.
The trail sets off to the south-west, tracing the course of Jerusalem Creek through open bushland and dry forest. After a few kilometres, the route reaches the Gap Track junction and veers south, beginning a steady climb towards White Cow Gap. The ascent here is gradual, and the surroundings are quiet and sparsely visited, which adds to the sense of solitude often found in this part of the park.
Just before reaching White Cow Gap, the path angles east and winds its way towards Knowles Gap. The forest canopy thins at times, offering brief views of the surrounding ridgelines, but the real highlight comes later. Beyond Knowles Gap, the final stretch to The Pinnacle begins—and it’s a sharp one. Over just 1.5 kilometres, the trail gains more than 300 metres in elevation. This section demands a bit more care, with loose ground and the occasional scramble over rocky outcrops.
Reaching The Pinnacle feels like arriving at a quiet lookout rarely disturbed by footsteps. It may sit below 1000 metres, but what it lacks in altitude it makes up for in outlook. The surrounding ranges unfold in all directions, and if you peer south through a break in the trees, you’ll catch a glimpse of Rocky Peak in the distance.
Once you've taken in the view, the return journey follows the same path back to Jerusalem Creek. The descent offers a different perspective of the landscape you just climbed through, and on a clear day, the light through the trees gives the forest a warm, golden hue. Though The Pinnacle isn’t the most well-known destination in Lake Eildon National Park, its quiet trails and rewarding views make it well worth including in your hiking plans.
Jerusalem Creek Camp Area
There are a half-dozen designated camping areas at Jerusalem Creek, each with about 10 sites. These need to be pre-booked using the Parks Victoria website. Seasonal closure is in place for Jerusalem Creek Camping Areas from the Thursday following Queens Birthday weekend to the Thursday before Cup weekend. The closure is for regeneration and maintenance purposes. Areas 1, 2 and 8 remain open for camping during this time.
- Pet lovers, note: this is the only camping spot in the national park in which dogs are permitted.
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Total distance: 22504 m
Max elevation: 918 m
Min elevation: 305 m
Total climbing: 935 m
Total descent: -935 m
Getting to the trailhead: Lake Eildon National Park.
The trail head is 155km from Melbourne’s CBD on Jerusalem Inlet, 10 km south of the township of Eildon and reached by following Jerusalem Creek Rd. Once past all Jerusalem campsites a small vehicle ford (concrete base) must be crossed before parking at the Jerusalem Creek Day Visitor Area (space for about 4 cars), on the left.
Closest towns to this walk: Alexandra, Bonnie Doon, Eildon, Jamieson, Mansfield, Yea
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Winding Road
- Vehicle Ford
- Small Car Park
Lake Eildon National Park is in the northern foothills of Victoria's Central Highlands, 150 km north-east of Melbourne. Situated on the shores of Lake Eildon, the park protects 27,750 ha of rugged hills with open woodlands through to dense forest. It is very scenic and offers the opportunity to experience an array of wildlife, natural and historic features and a wide range of recreational activities. Lake Eildon National Park offers a variety of settings to explore; from open bush in the north, to dense vegetation in the south and east. Enjoy bushwalking, cycling, boating and fishing or try the more adventurous pursuit of waterskiing. Relax in a scenic environment and experience native wildlife.
Looking for more walks in or near Lake Eildon National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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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