Mount Everard Circuit - Kinglake Hike (20km)

Kinglake National Park sits on the traditional Country of the Taungurung and Wurundjeri Peoples, whose connection to this landscape stretches back thousands of years. Visiting the park offers not only time in nature, but also an opportunity to acknowledge and respect the long history of people who have cared for this country.

Set along the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, Kinglake National Park is an easy drive from Melbourne yet feels a world away once you are among the forested ridgelines. The park is known for its mix of tall eucalypt forest, fern gullies and open ridges, with many walking tracks and picnic areas scattered throughout. On clear days, elevated points within the park offer sweeping outlooks across Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and even as far as the You Yangs.

Wildlife is a constant presence here, especially birdlife. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are often heard before they are seen, while patient walkers may spot Superb Lyrebirds scratching through the leaf litter. King Parrots and colourful rosellas are also common, adding movement and colour to the forest. For those who enjoy riding, Bowden Spur is a popular mountain biking destination, with a challenging downhill trail that features rock gardens, dirt jumps, flowing berms and off camber sections that reward confident riders.

Mount Sugarloaf is another highlight and easily reached by car. From the top, the surrounding forest drops away to reveal broad views back towards the city skyline, offering a striking contrast between bushland and suburbia. It is a good place to pause, take photos or enjoy a quiet moment before heading back into the trees.

Picnic and barbecue areas are dotted throughout the park, often set among tall eucalypts that provide welcome shade. Masons Falls is a short walk from its nearby picnic area and is one of the park’s most popular stops. Here, water spills over sheer mudstone walls formed from ancient fossilised sea beds, creating a dramatic drop into the gully below, particularly after rain.

For those wanting to stay longer, The Gums Camping Area offers a peaceful base within tall eucalypt forest beside a gentle mountain stream. It is suitable for tents, caravans and camper trailers, making it a comfortable option for an overnight stay or a relaxed weekend exploring the many tracks and attractions of Kinglake National Park.