Mount Black Walk is a 3km, grade 3 hike located in Heathcote-Graytown National Park, Victoria. The short walk should take around 2 hours to complete.
Warning
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.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 308 m
Min elevation: 206 m
Total climbing: 108 m
Total descent: -108 m
Variations
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.
Max elevation: 308 m
Min elevation: 176 m
Total climbing: 221 m
Total descent: -221 m
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 location
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Getting there
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.
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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.
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Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
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Gear to consider
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.Â
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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.