The Mount Worth Waterfall Bower Circuit is a 10.2 km, grade 3 hike located in Mount Worth State Park in Victoria. Allow around four hours to complete the loop at a steady pace. It is a rewarding walk for those looking to spend a half day exploring tall forests, gentle creek lines, and quieter corners of the park without tackling overly steep or technical terrain.
The walk begins at the Moonlight Creek picnic area, which makes an ideal starting point and a comfortable place to prepare before setting off. This part of Mount Worth State Park offers a range of walks suited to different abilities, and the picnic area is well positioned to access several of them. Towering Mountain Ash and a cool, sheltered environment set the tone early, especially after rain when the forest feels particularly alive.
From the picnic area, the circuit follows the Moonlight Creek Track for about 3.2 km, gently easing you into the walk alongside the creek. The route then turns left onto the Moonlight Link Track, continuing for around 1.6 km before reaching a junction with the Moonlight Divide Track. A short stretch of about 500 metres brings you to the Waterfall Bower Track, which branches off to the right. This section is a highlight, leading through lush forest and past the waterfall bower, a quiet and atmospheric part of the park that feels well removed from the trailhead.
The circuit continues by following the Waterfall Bower Track to its end, then turning right onto Gardiners Mill Track. From here, the walk gently returns you to the Moonlight Creek picnic area, completing a varied loop that showcases the changing character of the forest without ever feeling repetitive.
For those wanting to add a shorter, more accessible walk to their visit, the Maslins Mill Track is a worthwhile option. Starting from the far end of the Moonlight Creek picnic area, this 800 metre one way track meanders through Mountain Ash and Blackwood forest to the historic Maslins Mill site. Allow around 40 minutes return. The gentle terrain makes it suitable for people with limited mobility and is a pleasant way to round out a day in the park or enjoy a relaxed stroll before heading home.
- What to Take:Â Please pack enough food and water, and wear appropriate footwear.
- Best Season to go:Â Spring, Summer and autumn
- Further Information:Â Parks Victoria
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 10174 m
Max elevation: 469 m
Min elevation: 318 m
Total climbing: 314 m
Total descent: -314 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Mount Worth State Park.
From Melbourne, drive south east along the Princes Highway for around 112 km to reach Darnum, a small town located about 7 km east of Warragul. In Darnum, turn right onto the Darnum Allambee Road and head south, following signs for Mount Worth State Park.
Continue for approximately 12 km along narrow country roads as they wind up into the Strzelecki Ranges. At the junction with McDonalds Track, turn left and follow it for about 1 km, then keep right onto Allambee Estate Road. This road leads directly into Mount Worth State Park.
The Moonlight Creek Picnic Area is located just inside the park, beyond a gate on the right immediately after a sharp hairpin bend where the road crosses Moonlight Creek.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Situated on the western edge of the Strzelecki Ranges, Mount Worth State Park covers around 1040 hectares of Mountain Ash forest and regenerating native bush. It is a place where the landscape still gives a strong sense of what much of Gippsland once looked like, with a network of walks that vary in length and difficulty. These walks suit a wide range of abilities and lead through changing forest types, with several routes also offering insight into the area’s past through subtle historical features along the way.
The park protects close to 1000 hectares of natural forest in the Western Strzelecki Ranges and offers a rare chance to experience tall, wet forest that once dominated the region. Before European settlement, this landscape was characterised by towering Mountain Ash, manna gum, blue gum, and mountain grey gum. Beneath the canopy, blackwood, silver wattle, sassafras, and dense fern filled gullies create a cool, sheltered environment that feels timeless, particularly after rain.
Wildlife is a constant presence for those who take the time to look and listen. Superb lyrebirds are often heard calling from the gullies and are frequently seen foraging along the forest floor. Crimson rosellas and grey butcherbirds add colour and sound to the canopy, while wallabies, wombats, and echidnas are all known to move quietly through the undergrowth. Together, these elements make Mount Worth State Park a rewarding place to slow down, walk at an easy pace, and connect with the forest on its own terms.
Looking for more walks in or near Mount Worth State Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
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7 Reviews on “Mount Worth Waterfall Bower Circuit Hike (10.2km)”
Sandra Rogers Craig Tilley I’ve walked around this place. Really lovely, if you ignore the leaches
Amanda Medwin
Loved this place and a very scenic drive to get there!
Jayne Carmody??
Bryan Samson. I didn’t know there was a 10km walk there? Cool!