Sugarloaf and Christmas Hills Circuit is a 15km, grade 3 hike located in the Sugarloaf Reservoir Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 4 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
The Sugarloaf and Christmas Hills Circuit is a relatively easy hike around the Sugarloaf Reservoir with one or two modest climbs. The route is fairly well defined with great views, plenty of kangaroo's and the occasional deer. The hike commences at the Saddle Dam Picnic Area and car park on Simpson Road. Cross the Reservoir wall to the east and continue on the well formed Ironbark Ridge track to the Ridge Picnic Area. The official trail does not continue beyond this point however the route is clearly marked with orange markers as it circumnavigates the reservoir. Along the route you will pass Mount Graham, Rosella Spur, Eagle Point (the highest point in the park), Cockatoo Knoll, Plover Point, Finger Ridge, Sugarloaf Hill and the Sugarloaf Dam Wall with the highest points providing views of the city and Yarra Valley. At most times the water is within view as you walk through open bushland and more heavily timbered areas.
Opening times
The park is open every day of the year. Gates open at 8.30am and close at 7.00pm during daylight saving. Outside of daylight savings, the park closes at 5.00pm.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 265 m
Min elevation: 169 m
Total climbing: 326 m
Total descent: -326 m
Gear you might need
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Location
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Getting there
From Melbourne travel via Doncaster, Eltham, Reservoir, Kangaroo Ground and Watsons Creek. Continue on Eltham - Yarra Glen Road to Simpson Road (this is the entrance to Sugarloaf). Saddle Dam Car Park is on the left just beyond the dam wall.
Gallery
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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.
0 Reviews on “Sugarloaf and Christmas Hills Circuit (15km)”
Great hike. Recommend a packed lunch and to stop at the top of the “big†climb and enjoy the views. About 4hrs total walk time if you hustle.
MaxandJanet Wiggins
Nice walk, highly recommend it. Lots of kangaroos and birds. Not much water in the reservoir when we went a few weeks ago.
Nicholas Shaw
On like donkey Kong pumpkin
May Ling Yong
MaxandJanet Wiggins I’d like to! Just went to sign up and it’s already full ?
MaxandJanet Wiggins on that
Ye should be fine.
Our backyard! This is a lovely spot.
Rhiannon Riches this is close
Simon Izzard
Timmy Watts this looks nice ?
This is a great one.
Wait list???