Salisbury Falls Friends Track (14km)

The Salisbury Falls Friends Track in Warby-Ovens National Park, near Wangaratta, offers a scenic and moderately challenging (grade 3) hike. The diverse trail boasts sightings of wildlife ranging from wedge-tailed eagles to echidnas, with iconic grass trees scattered along the way. Compared to nearby Mount Glenrowan, this track provides a richer ecological experience.

Begin by following the Salisbury Walk track uphill. Initial signage may warn of a steep path, but for experienced bushwalkers, the climb is manageable. Early on, a side track leads to Salisbury Falls, though water flow depends on recent rainfall. As you ascend the gully, you'll be rewarded with views stretching across the plains towards Mount Buffalo. Once the gully opens into flatter terrain, follow the creek for a while before branching off to join the loop section of the trail.

Here, you can choose your direction. This description follows a clockwise route. Be aware that mountain bikers share sections of the track in the opposite direction, so you'll likely see them approaching rather than surprising you from behind. The bikers are generally courteous and infrequent, so they shouldn't deter you from enjoying the trail.

Approximately 200 meters after joining the loop, a smaller path marked by a broken signpost heads right. Take this gently rising path to the stone cairn at the summit of Mount Warby. Two paths diverge here. Stay relatively straight (or take the leftmost path, again marked by a broken sign).

Shortly after, you'll approach a fence and road. Turn right and follow the road for 200 meters. Toilets and a campground are located here. The Friends Track you seek begins to the left of the carpark exit. It branches off shortly afterwards - stay right, and the path will descend near another small creek. The track branches again; take the right fork, crossing a small bridge to reach the opposite side of the creek.

The trail now winds back around the hill, crossing a few service tracks. At one such crossing, a sign points straight ahead on the Friends Track towards Wenhams Camp (50 minutes). A worthwhile detour exists here: head left down the service track for 500 meters to reach Kwat Kwat Lookout, offering the most expansive uninterrupted view of the plains, hills, and Wangaratta.

After rejoining the Friends Track, the path follows a gully with stands of grass trees before a slight climb and another fork. Here, deviate from the Friends Track and take the Alpine Views Track to the left. During spring, this section might be adorned with wildflowers. Eventually, the trail descends to a wider service track. Turn right, following the signpost for Alpine Views with a right-pointing arrow. This section leads you back to the completion of the loop, where you should turn left and retrace your steps back to the carpark (signposted).