The Pyrenees Endurance Walk is a strenuous walk that offers spectacular views of rugged mountain ranges, abundant wildlife and historic sites. The Pyrenees Endurance Walk is a challenging but rewarding 22km one-way hike that commences at Waterfalls Picnic Area on the northeast side of the ranges and finishes at Warrenmang Road in the southwest.
From the start, you are thrown right into the walk with a steady and unrelenting 2.5km climb to the summit of Mount Avoca (747m). The trail then winds its way west across the Great Dividing Range to Cameron Track (approx. 12km from the start).
If you're planning a two-day hike, turn right onto Cameron Track and walk approx. 400m to Cameron Camp. Return to this junction the following morning to continue the walk.
From Cameron Track, the trail continues west using a combination of walking tracks and short sections of 4WD tracks.
In places, the track is narrow, steep, and overgrown. As the trail descends from Smith Track through tall Iron Bark forest, it can be barely visible in places due to leaf litter and shed bark. Keep your eyes on the sparse marker poles with orange triangles to avoid going off track.
Overnight Hike
Due to the length and steepness of this trail, it is recommended as an overnight hike. Once you reach Cameron’s Track Campground you're about halfway. Set up camp and make use of the facilities including shelter, rainwater tank, drop toilet toilet and fire pits, before completing the walk the next day. Alternatively you could approach this as a return hike and return to the trail head on the second day.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding hike, the Pyrenees Endurance Walk is a great option. With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, the walk is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Cameron Camp
- Camp in an existing campsite at least 20 meters from any stream, lake, or reservoir.
- Do not dig trenches around tents.
- Take all rubbish home.
- Use drop toilets for their intended purposes only.
- Campfires are permitted only in a fireplace or trench 30 cm deep, and must be no more than 1 square meter. Clear 3 meters around the fire and never leave it unattended. Extinguish the fire completely before leaving.
- Collect only fallen wood for fires. Cutting down trees or damaging standing vegetation is prohibited.
- All fires are prohibited on days of TOTAL FIRE BAN. It is your responsibility to know if a TOTAL FIRE BAN is declared.
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.
- The trail is well marked with orange markers on posts as well as other signage
- An untreated rainwater tank can be found at Cameron's Track Campground but should not be relied on for supply in drier months. It is recommended you carry your own water.
- The creeks are usually dry except after rain.
- Be prepared for a challenging hike. The walk includes some steep sections and can be difficult in hot weather.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots.
- Carry plenty of water and snacks.
- If you are camping overnight, be sure to bring all of the necessary camping gear.
- Be aware of the weather conditions and dress appropriately.
- Be aware of the wildlife in the area and take precautions to avoid snake bites.
- Rough Trail
- Trail Running
- Dog Friendly
- Urban
- Waterfalls
- Steep Terrain
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Untreated Water
- Overnight Campsites
Total distance: 22387 m
Max elevation: 755 m
Min elevation: 348 m
Total climbing: 1275 m
Total descent: -1335 m
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The Pyrenees Ranges State Forest is in the Central Victorian Goldfields, approximately 200 kilometers northwest of Melbourne. It is near the town of Avoca, which can be accessed via the Sunraysia or Pyrenees Highways. The Pyrenees Endurance Walk starts at the Waterfalls Picnic Area. Waterfall Picnic Area is located approximately 12 kms west of Avoca. Once in Avoca travel west along Vinoca Road (which turns into Waterfall Track) then on to the Waterfalls Picnic Area.
- 4WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Gravel Road
- Large Car Park
- Accessible Toilet
- Public Toilets
- BBQ Facilities
The Pyrenees Ranges, located at the southern end of the Great Dividing Range, rise from 300 to over 750 meters above sea level (980–2460 feet). Mount Avoca (747 meters) and Mount Warrenmang (537 meters) are two of the highest peaks in the range.
Rising nearly 800m the Pyrenees Ranges is a diverse environment with more than 200 species of plants and over 100 bird species recorded in the forest. It’s also home to mammals and reptiles including kangaroos, koalas, bats, goannas and snakes. The Traditional Owners of this area are the Dja Dja Wurrung People, who knew the region as ‘Peerick’.
In 1836, the explorer and surveyor Thomas Mitchell became the first European recorded to have traveled through the area. The ranges reminded him of the Pyrenees in Europe, where he had served as an army officer, so he named them after the European mountain range. Mitchell found the Pyrenees Ranges to have a more temperate climate and better water supply than inland New South Wales, so he encouraged settlers to take up land in the region, which he described as "Australia Felix".
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Mount Cole State Forest & Mount Buangor State Park
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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.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
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
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
3 Reviews on “Pyrenees Endurance Walk (22km)”
Maryanne, Mohsen, Honey, up for an endurance challenge?
Matthew, Nene, Winda
May Ling Yong
My next hike!
Natalie Jane Birt I’ve heard this is a challenging hike?
Natasha Hamilton!
Sounds good. Haven’t been there before
note we have over grow sections to walk through.. so snake gear protection and snake bite first aid I will have on hand.
Tania Smith Cass Fitzgerald
This is a great hike for trek or pack training and can be done as a day or multi day hike
Tu Le?
Sound good always up for a challenge
Sarah Rowley Talea Loeskow
Poles also
Oh yes!
thats some decent elevation
Peta Claire
Next trek Evonne ???
Sure! Im always up for a chelenging hike..could do it in spring also
ohhhhh! Yes!! Let’s plan this! ?
Erryn Koil Craig a day hike in summer? ?
Erryn Stephens for a YHA Saturday walk??
Got a ways to go yet!
Have you screaming and crying again
I completed this hike as a one way east to west yesterday and the day before. Happy to report there are a TONNE of new markers with the actual track in excellent condition, no tree fall whatsoever, all logs freshly cut away. Markers were sometimes spaced only 50-100mt apart and so never lost the trail once. Lots of new 4WD track posts and signage everywhere. Plenty of water at Camerons. A terrific walk!
I have been sent these comments by an outdoor enthusiast, following completion of this hike recently.
…
Thanks for the work you do with hiking info.
Today i completed a return section of the Pyrenees Endurance Trail…waterfall carpark to Cameron Camp and back over two days.
I have noted the following and you may wish to add these observations to the report currently on your site.
There is no water at the Waterfall carpark or in the creek or waterfall…Cameron Camp currently has water in the tank….the side trip to Cameron Camp from the PEW is more like 800m up steep 4×4 road….resident Koala is very vocal. The return (west to east) was easier to find with the markers…usually spaced at 50 paces…or 100 if trail is clear or the marker lost…i suggest looking up to spot markers to plot your path….look for cut logs that show man made access too. Unfortunately i lost the trail for an hour heading E to W on day 1..the gpx file was not of any assistance…i needed my map and compass and google maps to stay on course and eventually stumbled across an orange marker. East to west may be easier if i were to do it again given my new observations of the track and application of skills.
Happy to report about 7 1/4 hrs to Camerons camp including breaks and list trail and about 6 1/4 return due to more down hill. Both camp sites great. Would not recommend if the temp is over 30 as the terrain certainly impacts fatigue and hydration requirements.
Is there a good option for a return walk other than just retracing your steps?
It’s like they made it just for us ?
Jenn Aedo
Katie Spain – we should train for ours at Victoria’s Pyrenees ?
Lea Audrey Hardy
Lemme know when you do this !
Leona Xu maybe
Lets do it!!!!!
Looks good
Looks good.
We can do that.
Put it in the list.
Lost the trail few times due to fallen trees. Wanna go this month or anytime after mid autumn?
Lucia Zelesco OMG put this on our list ?
Maddison Ruggiero
For those interested in completing a shorter (~3 hour) circuit along a section of this trail from Waterfall Carpark:
Following the trail from Waterfall Carpark to Mt. Avoca (~1 hour).
Continue along the signposted path until you get to ‘Emery Track’. Instead of crossing the track to continue the full hike, turn right and follow this track eastward to continue with the shorter 3-hour loop (watch-out for dirt-bike riders).
From Emery Track you can then either make your way back to Waterfall Carpark via ‘Fraser Track’ (which takes you back to the Fraser Track Trail Bike Carpark, and then follow Ebling Track (not so nice) back to Waterfall Carpark), OR
Turn right from Emery Track when you get to Main Break track and follow this southwards before you get back to the original outwards track (turn left off of Main Break) and retrace your steps down the original track back down to Waterfall Carpark.