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.
Let someone know before you go
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
Gallery
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Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.
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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)”
Brendan Williams,Kenan Hudaverdi,Sanjay Nathan
Kerrie Battisson our this on our list
I did it last year and it was a lot harder than we expected…. it was also about 25 degrees and hot!!! Not many kangaroos out. Saw more kangaroos at lysterfield lake
A lovely, fairly easy hike around the reservoir with numerous trail markers to keep you from getting lost. There’s a fair few different terrains you get to walk in. We had beautiful weather the day we went and were lucky enough to see a group of wallabies feeding just off the track.