The Mount Ida and Dargile Forest hike is a 14.5km, grade 3 circuit located in Heathcote-Graytown National Park, Victoria. This walk should take around 4 hours to complete.
Hike overview
The Mount Ida and Dargile Forest hike offers a diverse mix of access roads, 4WD tracks, and short hiking trails, primarily traversing through Box-Ironbark woodlands. The summit of Mount Ida boasts breathtaking panoramic views, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch break.
The route can be tackled in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, with no significant preference. However, there is a short, steep descent from Mount Ida Road to Rodney Track. Consider your preference for tackling steep sections (uphill or downhill) when deciding your direction.
This region is renowned for its spectacular wildflower displays during springtime, making it the prime season for this hike.
Exercise caution: The trails can become slippery, especially after rainfall or in shaded areas. The abundance of rocks and stones along the trail can lead to unexpected slips. Therefore, proceed with care and consider using hiking poles for additional stability and support.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 445 m
Min elevation: 242 m
Total climbing: 297 m
Total descent: -297 m
Tips
- Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
- Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.
Trail location
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Getting there
Dargile Reserve is a popular spot for camping, picnicking, and hiking, located about 10 kilometers north of Heathcote in Victoria, along Plantation Track. It is a shady and secluded spot, with compost toilets, picnic tables, shelter and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Dargile Reserve is a free campground.
There are a number of walking tracks that start from the reserve. The reserve is also a great place to spot wildlife, with kangaroos, wombats, and a variety of birds often seen in the area.
About the region
The Heathcote-Graytown 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. Grass trees are numerous. Green rock fern is a common ground plant in milder months.
Wildflowers include grassland wood sorrel, shiny everlastings, tall bluebells and Nodding Greenhood orchids, with many more according to the season. Rare spider orchids may be also found.
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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
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.
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.