Challenge yourself with panoramic rewards on the Mount Samaria Summit Circuit. This 4-kilometer loop hike in Victoria's Mount Samaria State Park offers a grade 4 adventure with breathtaking panoramic views as your reward. Expect a challenging but rewarding 2-hour trek.
The well-marked track begins on Mount Samaria Road. While there are steeper sections with loose rocks, the initial climb is straightforward. You can return via the same route making it a 2.5km return hike or descend the track to the south-east of the summit. The descent, however, presents a different challenge. The track can be tricky to navigate due to a layer of leaves and bark obscuring the path. At the end of the descent, you'll transition to a 4WD track for the rest of the hike. Be aware that this section can be rather mundane and get very slippery when wet.
During spring, wildflowers may bloom along sections of the trail, adding a touch of beauty to the challenge.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
- Overgrown sections can be encountered along the trail.
- Pay close attention to markers, especially when navigating the descent clockwise from the summit, as finding the trail can be difficult.
- The access road is rough and requires a 4WD or all-wheel-drive vehicle.
Total distance: 3876 m
Max elevation: 942 m
Min elevation: 790 m
Total climbing: 194 m
Total descent: -186 m
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Mount Samaria State Park is 130km north-east of Melbourne, 28km south of Benalla on the Samaria Road via Swanpool, and 14km north of Mansfield via the Whitfield Road. A gravel road traverses the range from north to south and, although steep and rocky in places, is open all year to most vehicles. Extra care is needed in wet weather conditions.
- 4WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Winding Road
- Small Car Park
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Just a few hours' drive from Melbourne, Mount Samaria State Park is a serene, semi-remote sanctuary for wildlife, native flora and nature lovers alike.
The region's plateau, formed by volcanic activity during the Devonian period nearly 420 million years ago, has created abundant habitats for native Australian animals. Watch for Swamp Wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, possums and gliders. You might see snakes and lizards sunning themselves on the granite rocks. Keep an eye out for the park's many bird residents as well, including lyrebirds, rosellas, and the Wedge-tailed Eagle.
The tall forest of the plateau is a stronghold for the Greater Glider, a vulnerable species of marsupial which only comes out at night.
See remnants of the park's more recent history at the kilns and in the mounds of sawdust left over from logging operations in the 1920s. Enjoy the rejuvenated native forests that now blanket the area. Majestic Blue Gums, giant Messmate Eucalypts and Mountain Grey Gums inhabit the moist elevated areas. In drier areas you can walk through forests of Stringybarks, Boxes and Peppermints interspersed with hardy shrubs and tussock grasses, as well as Grass Trees with their unique flower spikes in spring.
In spring and early summer, marvel as a dazzling array of native wildflowers burst into multi-coloured bloom, including peas, trigger plants, everlasting daisies, milkmaids and orchids.
Walk the tracks that start at the park's central gravel road to take in 360-degree vistas from the summit of Mount Samaria, or linger by the rushing waters of Wild Dog Falls and Back Creek Falls. This is a park that's best savoured slowly - take your time and experience all it has to offer.
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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.Â
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!
