The You Yangs Peaks Circuit is a 12.8km, grade 4 circuit hike located in You Yangs Regional Park Victoria. The hike should take approximately 4hrs to complete.

Summary

This circuit is a great hike for anyone looking to improve their off-trail navigation skills as a large portion of this trail is not on formed trails and essentially heads from peak to peak. While the main trails at the You Yangs are rated as grade 3, this circuit is rated as grade 4, simply due to the off-trail navigation requirement. The navigation is not difficult as as long as you keep heading for the peaks you should not get easily lost. Only attempt this hike is you are confident about not following formed trails though.

The You Yangs Peaks Circuit commences at Turntable car park and climbs the 450 steps to Flinders Peak where you are offered rewarding views of the You Yangs and the surrounding plains. From here you will head off-trail from peak-to peak and will rejoin the Northern Range Circuit after your final granite tor ascent. This circuit will provide you with the opportunity to scramble through an overhanging rock and will have countless opportunities for a rock hopping, scrambling and a little bit of unassisted climbing. If you have a fear of heights, don’t worry as there are always alternate routes to be found around these sections.

About the region

The granite peaks of the You Yangs rise dramatically from the surrounding volcanic plains between Melbourne and Geelong. Although only 340 metres high, they dominate the landscape, and are clearly visible from as far away as the bay side of Melbourne and beyond. The You Yangs is a fantastic park for hiking and mountain biking. It has defined walking trails, horse trails and two mountain biking areas with over 50 kilometres of exciting trails catering for riders of all ages and ability. The park is also popular for rock climbing, its magnificent views, birdlife and for bush walks and picnics.

Getting there

The You Yangs Regional Park is 55km southwest of Melbourne CBD and 22km north of Geelong. Access to the park from the Princess Freeway is clearly signposted via Lara.

Tips

• The You Yangs is a great location for the family. Be careful on the trails as they are often used by walkers, hikers, trail runners and MTB riders.
• Opening hours The park is open from 8.00am to 4.30pm year round. Extended hours apply during daylight savings on weekends and public holidays from 8.00am – 6.00pm.

You Yangs Peaks Circuit (return via East Walk) | 12.8km

This circuit returns you to the trail head via East Walk.

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You Yangs Peaks Circuit (return via West Walk) | 13km

This slight variation returns you to the trail head via West Walk rather than East Walk as per the hike above.

Please note that you need to be registered and logged in to download GPX Files. If you aren't you will automatically be redirected to the registration/login screen before being returned to this page. Then click the download button again. By downloading any GPX files from this site you agree that its use, and reliance upon, is entirely at your own risk. These files are for non-commercial, personal use only. I will endeavour to ensure the accuracy and currency of the data, but accept no responsibility in this regard, or the results of any actions taken, when using the digital route files.