Trail Fast Facts
Mount Worth Gardiners Mill is a 3.3km, grade 2 hike in the Mount Worth State Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 1.25 hrs to complete.
Hike Overview
The Moonlight Creek picnic area provides a good base from which to explore the Mount Worth State Park . There are a number of walks available to people of all levels of experience.
Commencing at Moonlight Creek picnic area, this Mount Worth Gardiners Mill Circuit hike extends beyond The Giant Circuit and takes you through regenerating Mountain Ash forest and along the tree fern lined Clark Creek.
OPTIONAL WALK - Maslins Mill 800 metres One-way, 40 minutes return
Commencing at the far end of the Moonlight Creek picnic area this track meanders through forest of Mountain Ash and Blackwood to Maslins's Mill site. Suitable for people with limited mobility.
Location
The Mount Worth State Park protects some 1000 hectares of natural forest in the Western Strzelecki Ranges. It provides an opportunity to view the forest that once covered Gippsland. Before the arrival of European settlers, most of the area was covered with tall, wet forest of mountain ash, manna gum, blue gum and mountain grey gum with an understorey of blackwood, silver wattle, sassafras and dense fern filled gullies. The park is also rich in bird and animal life; lyrebirds are common in gullies and crimson rosellas and grey butcher birds too. Wallabies, wombats and echidnas may also be seen.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 359 m
Min elevation: 318 m
Total climbing: 84 m
Total descent: -84 m
Getting there
From Melbourne follow Princes Hwy south-east for 112kms to Darnum. This is a small town 7km east of Warragul. Turn right and follow the Darnum-Allambee Road south, following the 'Mount Worth State Park' signs for 12kms along narrow country lanes up into the Strzelecki Ranges. Turn left at the junction with McDonalds Track, continue 1km then bear right along Allambee Estate Road to Mount Worth State Park. Moonlight Creek Picnic Area lies beyond a gate on the right immediately after the sharp hairpin bend across Moonlight Creek.
What to Take
Please pack enough food and water, and wear appropriate footwear. Additional information on how to prepare for a day hike can be found here:
Best Season to go
Spring, Summer and autumn
Further Information
Track Grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
About the region
Situated on the western rim of the Strzelecki Ranges, Mount Worth State Park encompasses 1040 hectares of Mountain Ash forest and regenerating native bush. There are a number of walks within Mount Worth State Park that range is distance and difficulty level. The walks explore a variety of native vegetation and many incorporate historical interpretation.
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Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Mount Worth State Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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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 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
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.
Weather
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.