Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the beauty of Australia on the 3km Mount Black Walk, a Grade 3 moderate hiking trail in the heart of a National Park. Journey through forested hills and gullies, admire the unique sandstone ridges and take in spectacular views from the highest elevation in the area. Along the trail, encounter native wildlife like kangaroos, echidnas and rare species such as the squirrel glider. Don't miss the colossal grass trees, a highlight of this scenic bushwalk. For a longer adventure, consider the 11km return walk starting from Mt Black Quarry Rd and Nagambie-Heathcote Rd.

Length:

3km

Duration:

2 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 308m

Min elevation: 206m

Total Ascent: 108m

Start: Mt Black Quarry Rd

End: Mt Black Quarry Rd

Heathcote-Graytown National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Graytown

From state capital: 156km

Latitude: -36.7850875

Longitude: 144.98331069946292

Overview

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5,131 views

Safety advice

Areas of Heathcote-Graytown National Park are infected with the soil borne disease know as Cinnamon Fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomic). To prevent the spread of this disease visitors are requested to stay on formed tracks and take note of signs that restrict public access. Damage from 4WD and motorbikes is significant on the walking tracks of Mt Black. March flies can be a problem in Autumn.

Hike overview

Mount Black Walk is a scenic walk to the summit of Mount Black. Mt Black has the highest elevation of any hill in the area, 300m. The National Park is composed of forested hills and gullies. These make for enjoyable bushwalking. The sand stone ridges are a result a folding earth's crust. The views from these hilltops are terrific. Look out for fossilised sea shells from the ancient sea bed.

Along the Mt Black walk, eastern grey kangaroos, echidnas, antechinus and goannas may be encountered. Threatened species you may be lucky enough to see are the squirrel glider, phascogale (tuan) and swift parrot during winter. Enjoy spectacular stands of huge old grass trees (Xanthorrhoea australis), up to three metres high can been seen in this part of the National Park. Grass Trees are common in the Mt Black area. They are very slow to grow and flower most often following bushfire.

For a longer 11km return walk, commence at the corner of Mt Black Quarry Rd and Nagambie-Heathcote Rd.

Information courtesy of Shrathbogie Shire

Tips

Ruts and erosion - surfaces may be unstable. Take care with your footing.
A fossil opportunity sandstones litter the ground. Look for ancient sea bed fossils.

Trail features

Gallery

Mount Black Walk (3km)

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Walk map and GPX file

Mount Black Walk (3km)

Total distance: 2508 m
Max elevation: 308 m
Min elevation: 206 m
Total climbing: 108 m
Total descent: -108 m

Variations

Total distance: 2467 m
Max elevation: 308 m
Min elevation: 206 m
Total climbing: 108 m
Total descent: -108 m

For a longer 11km return walk, commence at the corner of Mt Black Quarry Rd and Nagambie-Heathcote Rd.

Total distance: 10115 m
Max elevation: 308 m
Min elevation: 176 m
Total climbing: 221 m
Total descent: -221 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Heathcote-Graytown National Park.

The Mount Black Walk commences on Mt Black Quarry Rd. Heathcote-Graytown National Park Wirrate 3608. The entry to the Mt Black walking track is 800m uphill from the Melville’s Lookout directional sign along Mt Black Quarry Rd on the right. There is no sign.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Axedale, Costerfield, Graytown, Heathcote, Kyneton, Lancefield, Seymour, Tooborac

About the region

The Heathcote-Graytown National Park (now Dargile National Park) comprises Victoria's largest remaining box ironbark forest, consisting of open woodland including ironbark, grey and yellow box and stringy bark. The understory features blackwood, gold dust wattle, silver wattle and drooping cassinia. The latter (also known as Chinese Cassinia or Scrub) is an opportunistic coloniser that is considered a bush fire enhancer. Green rock fern is a common ground plant in milder months. Wildflowers are abundant in spring, but may be found in smaller numbers at any time. They include grassland wood sorrel, tall bluebells and greenhood orchids, with others according to the season. Rare crimson spider orchids may be also seen.

Red and little wattle birds and parrots enjoy the canopy when eucalypts are in flower. White winged choughs are common and white throated tree creepers are often seen trunk running, cockatoos abound and gang gangs can be spotted. For the birdwatcher there is an abundance.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Heathcote-Graytown National Park? 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

Mount Black Walk (3km)

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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

Safety advice

Hike overview

Tips

Trail features

Gallery

Mount Black Walk (3km)

Walk map and GPX file

Mount Black Walk (3km)