Melville Caves, named after robber and rogue “Captain Melville”, has a rich history and offers fine views from giant rocky outcrops. Commencing at the Melville Caves Picnic Area, head south towards Southern Lookout where you will be rewarded with amazing views over the area. Walk a few hundred metres to rejoin the main track and continue in a clockwise direction via the Underpass, McLeods Lookout, the Rock Pool and Large Rock. The track then continues north through remarkable rock formations and open bushland.
Camping
For short stays, camp at Melville Caves Camping Area, one kilometre past the main Melville Caves picnic area. Facilities include toilets and wood barbecues. Collect only dead wood from the ground, or better still use a gas stove or barbecue.
Remnants of history
The Jaara Jaara Aboriginal people of the Kooyoora area depended on natural springs and wells for their water as the area lacks permanent streams. Many large, yet shallow rock wells in the upper surfaces of the granite outcrops supplemented the water supply by storing rainwater. Rock shelters and caves were used for shelter from the weather and their sandy floors have preserved many stone artefacts. Other remnants of Aboriginal occupation are scars in the bark of trees. Bark was used to make bark dishes and shields.
The golden days
European settlement of the area began in the 1840s and mining for alluvial gold had begun by the late 1850s. Substantial finds in the late 1860s began a gold rush that lasted for several years. The gold rush in the Kooyoora area followed soon after the discovery of gold in the Wedderburn district. One of the most famous finds of the Kingower goldfields was the 1857 discovery of the “Blanche Barkley” weighing some 49.5kg. Mining excavations are scattered throughout the park, left behind by the retreating miners who moved on to other fields. Kooyoora State Park was extended to 11,646ha in October 2002 to enhance what remains of Victoria’s Box‐Ironbark forests and woodlands.
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.
Melville Caves picnic ground has shelter, toilets and water.
Total distance: 7193 m
Max elevation: 393 m
Min elevation: 288 m
Total climbing: 217 m
Total descent: -217 m
Download
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Kooyoora State Park is a state park in Victoria, located 220 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, and 12 km west of Inglewood.
Kooyoora State Park, with magnificent views and a rich variety of plants and wildlife, protects some of north-central Victoria's outstanding natural features. The park is ideal for many outdoor recreation activities from picnics to sightseeing, rock climbing, orienteering and nature study.
This stunning pocket of the Loddon Valley is becoming one of the region’s worst-kept secrets, although it’s still a place of peace and quiet compared to similar sites of granite outcrops. Climb, camp and explore at Mount Kooyoora. Legend has it the bushranger Captain Melville took refuge here. As did the Indigenous people – find evidence of Aboriginal culture in the rock wells and scar trees. Kooyoora State Park offers a rich variety of plants and wildlife, and is home to some of north-central Victoria's outstanding natural features. The park is ideal for many outdoor recreation activities from picnics to sightseeing, rock climbing, orienteering and bird watching.
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
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.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
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.
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
