Pine Mountain and Rocky Knob is a 10km, grade 4 hike located in Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 5 hours to complete.
Hike overview
The hike to Pine Mountain and Rocky Knob is long and strenuous, with a number of climbs and descents. The summit area offers panoramic views of the surrounding Murray River valleys. Rock cairns mark the track as it traverses large, granite outcrops fringed with Black Cypress Pine and other rare and interesting vegetation. For the less adventurous it is possible to experience the special atmosphere of Pine Mountain with a shorter walk to Rocky Knob and return (2km).
The route to Pine Mountain is inconsistently marked with the usual triangular markers, as well as a number of stone cairns, however you should take a copy of the VicMap 1:50 000 sheet Corryong (in print or digital format) with you, and log waypoints on your GPS as you go. This will help you to monitor your progress, and to recover your sense of place if you get confused.
Setting off from the car parking area there are a number of false trails to choose from; make sure that you follow the triangles, and do not depend on following what might appear to be a well used footpad. The closest feature to aim for is Rocky Knob; this takes about 30 minutes to reach, being about 1.5km from the start. Depending on where you stand on Rocky Knob, you will have reached an altitude of about 640m, with some good views in several directions.
Continuing on from here leads to what many hikers refer to as Little Pine Mountain. This takes a further 60 minutes to reach, with more ascents and descents along the way, as well as several rocky outcrops to ascend, and then descend. The effort is well worth it, as Little Pine Mountain is a fascinating place, with a jumble of huge pink granite boulders to wander through. This is at an altitude of about 920m, with correspondingly great views; if you wander around the boulder field sufficiently you will have almost got the 360o coverage.
If you are tackling Pine Mountain itself, the walking track now continues for a further six kilometres, taking up to two hours to reach. Overall, this is a strenuous hike but one of the best ridgeline walks in Victoria.
Camping
Basic visitor facilities are located at Bluff Creek, near the main entrance to the park, and also at Blue Gum Camp, Hinces Creek and Pine Mountain.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1048 m
Min elevation: 540 m
Total climbing: 723 m
Total descent: -723 m
Tips
- The park has limited permanent water sources - carry adequate drinking water when walking.
- Walking conditions can be rough and rocky areas slippery when wet - wear sturdy footwear.
- Cliffs and rocky bluffs occur within the park - be alert near the edge and look out for falling rocks.
- Remote walking tracks may be poorly defined - carry an adequate map and compass or GPS.
- Longer walking tracks require a good level of fitness and experience
Trail location
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Getting there
The park is located approximately 120 km east of Albury-Wodonga and 25 km northwest of Corryong. It lies between the Murray Valley Highway and the Murray River. Access to many popular visitor areas is from the all-weather Cudgewa Bluff Road, which passes through the park and is a pleasant scenic drive.
From Corryong, take Parish Lane from the western side of town (signposted to Burrowa Pine Mountain National Park). Not far out of town, Parish Lane becomes the Briggs Gap Road, and provides a scenic start to the day, with the bitumen leading over the range from Corryong to the Cudgewa Creek Valley. Follow Briggs Gap Road through to the C548 (the Cudgewa - Tintaldra Road, about 12km from town) and turn right, following the valley floor route through to the Cudgewa North Road, going off to the left. This is signposted to the National Park, and leads through cleared farmland, and then a section of the Park, emerging again amongst cleared farmland, with Sandy Creek Road coming in from the right.
Gallery
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About the region
The Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park is a national park in the Hume region of Victoria, Australia. The 18400ha national park is situated approximately northeast of Melbourne and east of Albury-Wodonga. The park stretches between Walwa Creek in the north-west and Cudgewa Creek in the southeast , both tributaries of the Murray River. There you will find Pine Mountain, one of the largest monoliths in the southern hemisphere, which is 1.5 times the size of Uluru. Another peak is Mount Burrowye.
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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.
Let someone know
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Gear to consider
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
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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.
3 Reviews on “Pine Mountain & Rocky Knob Hike (10km)”
Did this hike the weekend before last! Amazing hike, just note though that they cut a new track, so don’t follow the GPS!
Sharyn White Maree Bourne Kristie Pitt Lyn Quade this was the hill behind us when we stopped at the lookout for lunch. Have to go back again ??
Aaron Cardy
Brittney Dane wish we actually had of finished this hike
Lynda Katthagen can you show this to Bernard, I think it’s a walk he talked about, tks