Trail summary
Hike overview
Escape to the cascading beauty of Wild Dog Creek Falls and panoramic rewards on the Mount Samaria Summit with this scenic and somewhat challenging 6.5-kilometer, grade 4 hike in Victoria's Mount Samaria State Park.
The well-maintained trail to Wild Dog Creek Falls begins conveniently off Mount Samaria Road. You'll pass the inviting Wild Dog Creek Campground along the way, offering a perfect spot for a post-hike picnic or a base for further exploration of the park. As you ascend, the track leads you to the top of the waterfalls, where the true magic unfolds. Panoramic views of the sprawling Lake Nillahcootie and the majestic Strathbogie Ranges burst into view, creating a breathtaking backdrop to the cascading falls. The descent to the viewing platform involves a set of stairs, offering a safe and manageable way to reach the base of the falls for a closer look and the refreshing sound of cascading water.
Retrace your steps, turning left past the campsite and commence the gradual, then steeper ascent to the summit of Mount Samaria. The track can be a bit tricky to navigate due to a layer of leaves and bark obscuring the path. During spring, wildflowers may bloom along sections of the trail, adding a touch of beauty to the challenge.
After taking in the views, either retrace your steps back down the mountain or locate a footrail that heads south-east before turning east off the summit. Enjoy the scenic beauty, the refreshing falls, and the captivating views.
Tips
- 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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 942 m
Min elevation: 670 m
Total climbing: 312 m
Total descent: -311 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Benalla, Mansfield, Wangaratta, Euroa, Violet Town
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.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
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.
About the region
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 views 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.
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Mount Samaria State Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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.