Ted Errey Nature Circuit is a 12.6km, grade 3 hike located in Brisbane Ranges National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 3 hours to complete.
Hike overview
The Brisbane Ranges have a knack for throwing unexpected beauty your way, and the Ted Errey Nature Circuit is no exception. While it might not challenge you with grueling inclines or treacherous terrain, this walk unveils stunning scenery, breathtaking vistas, and diverse landscapes that will have you craving more.
The Ted Errey Nature Circuit is an interesting walk that explores sections of the Anakie Gorge walk. The Ted Errey Circuit uncovers various vegetation types and tracks ranging from well maintained management tracks through to small creek crossings, boardwalks and steep rocky sections. This particular section of the range was subjected to bush fires in 2006 so the regeneration is well underway and as always, it's very interesting to see the effects, particularly from the higher vantage points.
The trail starts and finishes at the Anakie Gorge Picnic Area and is identified by blue triangles once you pass through the Gorge so keep an eye out for them as they cross the Burcell trail and various 4WD tracks in places as you progress. I found the trail quite easy to follow. Just make sure you keep a keen lookout for side tracks and check your map at all junctions.
There are a few short side trails to outlooks along the way which are certainly worth the short detour as you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the ranges and local farmlands. Be sure to stop and look around every now and then, particularly as you pass through the Anakie Gorge section as the landscape is both rugged and beautiful.
For a truly enchanting experience, plan your visit in spring. This season paints the landscape with vibrant wildflowers, fills the air with the melodies of songbirds, and might even offer a glimpse of the elusive echidna.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 345 m
Min elevation: 174 m
Total climbing: 422 m
Total descent: -434 m
Tips
- A varied hike which would be great at any time of year.
- Hiking poles may be beneficial in places, particular on the final descent back into the gorge where the trail can be steep and rocky in places.
- Carry plenty of water during summer. This area can get hot and dry and no there is no drinking water is available.
Trail location
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Getting there
The park is 80 km west of Melbourne via the Princes Highway. Turn onto the Ballan Road from Geelong or take the Western Freeway to Bacchus Marsh and follow the Geelong Road, turning off to Boar Gully. (ParkWeb Park Note: Brisbane Ranges National Park - Visitor Guide)
The turn-off from Switch Road onto Ballan Road isn't signed so check the Melways or Park Note map and look out for the other roads nearby. Follow Switch Road to the Stony Creek Picnic Area which is well signed.
About the region
Little more than an hour's drive from Melbourne takes you to the state's richest wildflower habitat. Set in a low range of mountains dissected by rocky gullies, the unusual geology of Brisbane Ranges National Park has preserved plants that have long since vanished from the region, together with a correspondingly diverse bird population and the greatest density of koalas in Victoria.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
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
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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.
3 Reviews on “Ted Errey Nature Circuit Hike (12.6km)”
I think this is one of the best hikes in the Brisbane Ranges NP.
Completed on 20.05.18. Note that the reservoir track appears closed atm. This shortens the circuit by possibly a couple of km. I’m not sure how long it is now but we competed it in 3hrs flat with probably 30 mins of breaks. Don’t skip the lookouts as they’re strong highlights.
Did this walk yesterday, 11-03-2020. Warm day, high 20’s, two 600ml bottles of water were sufficient for the walk. Thoroughly enjoyed the hike. First visit to the gorge since 1978. The Brisbane Ranges are not as high profile as the walks south of Geelong in the vicinity of the Great Ocean Rd and the Otway Ranges. I was the only person on the walk and thoroughly enjoyed the solitude. Walked in a clockwise direction from the Anakie Gorge carpark. Got a little bit confused at Switch Rd and missed the Aqueduct Tk Loop (would have been clearer if travelling in the opposite direction). Don’t miss Nelson Lookout. Also the view across the Balliang Plains towards Gisbourne / Macedon is quite spectacular. Completed the walk in 3.5 hrs which included a walk across the top of the concrete Dam. Geelongs original water supply was harvested from this area in the 1800’s.
Did this circuit yesterday – only car in the car park. Was a pretty easy hike with the only steep section lasting about 15 minutes after hitting the first trail. Lots of bird life about, spotted a kangaroo too. Took about 3.5 hours to complete