Lake Mountain Woolybutt Loop Hike (14.2km)

Lake Mountain Woollybutt Loop is a 14.2 km, grade 3 hike in Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria, and typically takes around five hours to complete. Set within the well maintained trail network of Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, this loop offers a varied and engaging walk through alpine woodland, open flats, and gentle gullies, with plenty of options to explore along the way.

The walk begins at Gerraty’s Car Park near the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort office. From here, follow Royston Trail north as it skirts the western edge of Echo Flat, a broad open area that gives a good sense of the landscape early on. Continue along Royston Trail to Triangle Junction, where Heath Trail branches off to the left. Heath Trail winds through a series of shallow gullies, adding a quieter, more sheltered feel to the walk as it leads you to The Crossways.

At The Crossways, turn left and head north along Boundary Trail. After a short distance, look for Panorama Trail on the right. Pass the first junction, continue for about 250 metres, then turn left onto the second entrance to Panorama Trail. This short side loop is worth the effort, leading to Panorama Lookout at its easternmost point, where views open out across the surrounding forested hills.

Returning to the main trail, head south back toward Triangle Junction. This section marks the start of a dense web of intersecting tracks, so a map is useful here. Turn left onto Upper Muster Trail, then at The Gap turn left again onto Woollybutt Trail. This trail flows naturally into Jubilee Trail. Stay on Jubilee Trail, ignoring side tracks, as it loops south and then north to reach a junction known as The Camp, where four trails meet.

From The Camp, head south and begin the return leg by following Snow Gum Trail past Echo Flat. Before reaching the end of Echo Flat Trail, turn left onto Homes Trail, which leads you back to the trailhead and completes the loop.

One of the highlights of this walk is the flexibility it offers. The Lake Mountain trail network is extensive, and there are plenty of opportunities to adjust distances or explore side trails if you have the time and energy. Carry a map, take your time, and enjoy getting to know this quieter side of Lake Mountain beyond the snow season.