Trail summary
Hike overview
A lovely short walk that you can do from Myrtleford itself. Great views of the town, Mt Buffalo and up the Ovens Valley to Mts Hotham & Feathertop. There is a well marked track near some of the old gold mining equipment. Head up the hill and at the first fork take the left track. There is plenty of side trips to view some points of interest from the gold mining days or a memorial to Hume & Hovell.
The track starts at Percy Reserve, just near an old ore crusher where it heads up hill. Shortly after the track branches left and right. This is the start of the loop you will hike. Take the left track where you soon come to a memorial to the early European explorers Hume and Hovell who travelled this way in 1824.
As you make your way up the track there is mine shafts and entrances. The concrete basin was an early town water supply. You eventually see a sign on a spur up to the lookout. It's only 100m and the views of the town and up the King Valley as far as the alps and Mt Buffalo in particular are excellent.
Retrace your steps to the main track and head down the Spur track. It swings away from town for a while before a sharp turn back to follow the contour of the hill back to where you joined the loop near the start.
There are a number of short side tracks not shown on this GPX file but like the rest of the track they are well signposted. By taking these excursions you could add up to another 2 km to the trip.
Tips
- A good track for the whole year.
- Only real risk is old mine shafts but the track is perfectly safe and easy to follow. You'd have to be trying hard to get lost!
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 368 m
Min elevation: 221 m
Total climbing: 208 m
Total descent: -208 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Myrtleford, Porepunkah, Wandiligong, Bright, Oxley
Jones Reserve is on the main road heading from Myrtleford towards Bright. Still within the 60km zone you’ll see Jones Reserve and the Murray to the Mountains bike trail on the left. Plenty of parking along the road.
Photo gallery
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Track grade
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.
About the region
Myrtleford, situated in the Ovens Valley, approximately 330 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, Victoria, offers a charming blend of rural tranquillity and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and with Mount Buffalo as a dramatic backdrop, the town invites exploration on foot or by bicycle.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of walks and hikes in the surrounding area, with Reform Hill providing a popular vantage point for panoramic views of the town and valley. Myrtleford's history is intertwined with its natural environment, as evidenced by the Phoenix Tree and the Big Tree, significant landmarks for both Indigenous and European communities.
The town also features several parks, including Apex Park, Jubilee Park, Rotary Park, Jaycees Park, and Cundy Park, offering recreational spaces for locals and visitors alike. The patchwork of tobacco and hop fields, combined with pine plantations, creates a distinctive visual landscape.
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Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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.