Sugarloaf and Christmas Hills Circuit is a 15km, grade 3 hike located in Sugarloaf Reservoir Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 4 hours to complete.
Hike overview
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
Trail 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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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.
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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 “Sugarloaf & Christmas Hills Circuit Hike (15km)”
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???
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.
Fiona
Great hike! Watch out for Magpies if going in September! I got swooped A LOT and had to carry a stick for safety – at least 7 or 8 different magpies wanted a piece!
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.
Kerrie Battisson our this on our list
Brendan Williams,Kenan Hudaverdi,Sanjay Nathan
Loved it. Take time at the top with the views. If you go straight ahead at the top there is a fence line walk option and unmarked bush bash option just keep the water somwhere off to your right as you move off the shored area. Eventually there are wires overhead to follow. Preplan with a few general concepts of direction with the paper map and compass.
Anthony Brown we should do this
Joelle Parrott
Ben Wyatt next time in Melbourne!!
Elise Pritchard
Karen Bleijswijk
Emma Chester
Harry Harilaou – next Saturday??
Jarrad Huckshold
Anna Billing
Brad Atkinson
Liz Maggs Smith