Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the geological wonders of the Organ Pipes Trail, a 3km circuit hike just outside Melbourne, Australia. This Grade 2 easy trail offers a unique journey through basalt plains, lava formations, and captivating native flora. Stand in awe of the trail's namesake, the Organ Pipes - a breathtaking set of basalt columns formed by cooled lava. Don't miss the opportunity to view the Tessellated Pavement and Rosette Rock, and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the surrounding Kangaroo Grass fields. Perfect for bushwalkers, bird watchers, and photography enthusiasts alike.

Length:

3km

Duration:

1.25 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 123m

Min elevation: 55m

Total Ascent: 131m

Start: Visitor Information Centre

End: Visitor Information Centre

Organ Pipes National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Calder Park

From state capital: 20km

Latitude: -37.667257

Longitude: 144.766127

Overview

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Hike overview

The Organ Pipes Trail commences at the Visitor Information Centre and follows the walking track to explore the many wonderful features of the park. The Organ Pipes, a set of basalt columns formed by the cooling and cracking of molten lava, are the parks best known feature. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic range of picnicking, walking, bird watching and photography opportunities available.

1. Keilor Plains
Walk through the small gate to the two viewing platforms. All around you are the basalt Keilor Plains, one of the world's largest lava flows. These plains, formed by lava which came from volcanoes near Sunbury, are fairly flat except where streams, like Jacksons Creek below you, have cut deep valleys.

2. Native plants revival
As you walk down to the Organ Pipes look closely at the trees and shrubs. In 1972 this area was covered with weeds, mainly thistles and boxthorn. Each year since the weeds have been removed more native trees and shrubs have established. The task of re-establishing native grasses and herbs has been more difficult, but there is now a substantial field of Kangaroo Grass (themeda triandra) on the north side of the track.

3. The Organ Pipes
About a million years ago, molten lava flowed over the Keilor Plains from Mount Holden and other nearby volcanic hills. It filled the depressions and valleys of the former land surface, then cooled and solidified into basalt. Here at the Organ Pipes, it is believed that the lava filled a river valley running at right angles to Jacksons Creek and was perhaps 70 metres thick. Once a surface crust had formed, the lava beneath cooled very slowly. During cooling, the lava contracted and surface cracks developed (as they do in a drying mud puddle). As it continued to harden, the cracks lengthened until the basalt mass was divided into columns.

Over the million years since the lava flow, Jacksons Creek has cut a deep valley through the basalt and revealed the Organ Pipes.

4. Sandstone Bedrock
Walk down the stream for 200 metres, past wellestablished trees and you will see yellowish rocks across the creek. These are sandstones and mudstones, sedimentary rocks laid down under the sea. Fossils in these old rocks suggest they were formed about four hundred million years ago. The old river valley now filled by the Organ Pipes was cut in this sedimentary bedrock.

5. Rosette Rock
Now walk back upstream. About 400 metres past the Organ Pipes, look across the creek to see Rosette Rock, a radial array of basalt columns like the spokes of a wheel.

6. Tessellated Pavement
Three hundred metres further on is the Tessellated Pavement, which consists of the tops of basalt columns 'filed down' by Jacksons Creek.

7. Scoria Cone
You can now return to the car park by the shortcut path shown on the map. The carpark is on an eroded scoria cone - a small volcano that ejected molten volcanic rock called scoria. Scoria is reddish-brown and light in weight; it has many airholes because it was full of steam when ejected.

Tips

Access to the Organ Pipes, Rosette Rock and the Tessellated Pavement is via a sealed but very steep path. Just below the picnic area the slope reaches a gradient of 1 in 4. This walk should only be undertaken by fit, surefooted visitors.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file

Organ Pipes Trail Walk (3km)

Total distance: 2997 m
Max elevation: 123 m
Min elevation: 55 m
Total climbing: 131 m
Total descent: -131 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Organ Pipes National Park.

Organ Pipes National Park is just off the Calder Freeway about 20km north-west of Melbourne.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Airport West, Calder Park, Essendon, Gladstone Park, Keilor, Tullamarine

Access conditions

2WD Access
Bitumen Road
Speed Bumps
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Table
BBQ Facilities

About the region

The Organ Pipes National Park is located at the eastern-most edge of one of the world's largest ancient volcanic lava flows, stretching 350 kilometres from the edge of Melbourne to the western border of Victoria.Towering above charming Jacksons Creek, the impressive basalt columns that resemble organ pipes were formed about a million years ago when huge quantities of molten lava were ejected from volcanoes near what is now Sunbury and flowed over the Keilor Plains. These plains are fairly flat except where streams such as Jacksons Creek have cut deep valleys over the years.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Organ Pipes National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Organ Pipes Trail Walk (3km)

8 Reviews on “Organ Pipes Trail Walk (3km)”

Overall rating

Grant Hollingworth

An excellent little family hike. Certainly not long but great scenery

28/09/2023, 23:30

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Darren Edwards Trail Author

Great little hike. While its only short, it’s a fun one for the family

18/09/2023, 13:03

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Samantha Herald

Fantastic area for a short walk. Trails are well formed and makes for a nice couple of hours out with the family and kids. The actual ‘organ pipes’ are amazing.

15/09/2023, 00:26

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Catherine Elizabeth

Maty J Lewis looks cool!

24/03/2022, 05:16

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1. Sabine Heidt
  
  My husband and I did the walk today and found the Rosette Rock is currently fenced off due to repair work. It is still possible to see it tho.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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  1. Laura Jones
    
    Nicole Stephanie perfect ?
    
    24/03/2022, 05:16
    
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    1. Angela Mazur
      
      Phillip Moore you should do this
      
      24/03/2022, 05:16
      
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      1. Kylie Crawford
        
        Sharon Gallagher
        
        24/03/2022, 05:16
        
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      2. Kylie Crawford
        
        Sharon Gallagher
        
        24/03/2022, 05:16
        
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2. Oliver Bonaccorso
  
  So steep to get down there though and getting back up is even harder
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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3. Chris Vdv
  
  Sounds good to me.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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4. Lorelle Baylee
  
  Tepene we gotta go here
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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5. Kim Wright
  
  Yes!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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Kellee Anne

Adrian Pace this is on my list of things to do and it’s been on the list for years! Even though it’s so easily accessible!

24/03/2022, 05:16

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1. Phillip Moore
  
  Already been there ?
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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2. Jessica Van De Ven
  
  Chris Vdv can we please do this hike?! ?
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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3. Laura Vining
  
  Definitely!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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4. Matthew
  
  Did this hike with my daughter a couple of weeks ago and the shortcut path back to the carpark is very slippery, muddy and steep
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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5. Wayne Sheppard
  
  Fiona Gooding
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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6. Wayne Sheppard
  
  Fiona Gooding
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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7. Kirsty Sims
  
  I just saw this and didn’t realise it popped up because you tagged us and I was going to tag you both haha looks great!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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8. Nicole Stephanie
  
  I might write them in my diary.. we should definitely get a start on some of them one weekend
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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9. Laura Jones
  
  I need to actually write them all down or something ?
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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  1. Catherine Elizabeth
    
    Maty J Lewis looks cool!
    
    24/03/2022, 05:16
    
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10. Matthew Bowler
  
  Julia Claire
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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11. Allison Overington
  
  Kim Wright let’s start here!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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12. Allison Overington
  
  Kim Wright no dogs though. ?
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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13. Marnie Houghton
  
  Kirsty Sims Laura Vining we should do this one!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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14. Nicole Stephanie
  
  Laura Jones add it to the list
  
  24/03/2022, 05:16
  
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  1. Hike is Life Gear
    
    ltnc, thx for posting
    
    24/03/2022, 05:16
    
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    1. Anah Martinez Yuzon
      
      Marl Alfonso
      
      24/03/2022, 05:16
      
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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Organ Pipes Trail Walk (3km)