The Mortimer Nature Walk follows the course of William Wallace and Diamond Creek and provides an introduction to the plants of Bunyip State Park. The trail takes you through Damp Sclerophyll Forest, Swampy Riparian Forest, and Healthy Woodland communities. Generous parking is available in the area as several hiking trails start from Mortimer Picnic Ground.
Trail Head Options:
- The only way to get to the start of this trail is by car.
- It is located 7km south east from the small town of Gembrook.
This is a very short 1.2km, 45 minute easy hiking trail, also suitable for walkers. The track is mainly single track sandy/muddy trails with some quaint wooden walkways between.
Trail Features:
- Mortimer Picnic Ground, Mortimer Camping Area located opposite picnic ground
- Damp Sclerophyll Forest, Healthy Woodland, Paperbark Swamp
- The Mountain Grey Gum, Rough/Soft Tree Ferns, Broad Leaf Plants, Narrow Leaf Peppermint, Prickly Plants, Messmate Stringybark
- Granite Boulders
Mortimer Picnic Ground:
Explore and discover remnants of an old log tramway or depressions in the ground from sawdust pits. Mortimer Picnic Ground was the site of one of the earliest saw mills in the Gembrook area, operating from 1898 to 1903. George, John, and David Mortimer established their mill at the confluence of the Diamond and William Wallace creeks. Sawn timber was taken 13km south to Nar Nar Goon to be transported to Melbourne on the main Gippsland railway line. In the first couple of years this was by horse and bullock wagons, later by narrow gauge railway.
Trail End Options:
- Jump back in your car and head home.
- Go for another hike on Mortimer Circuit (to be added soon).
Trail Statistics:
- Starting Point: Mortimer Picnic Ground off Gembrook-Tonimbuk Road near Gembrook.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.2km
- Trail Type: Loop Hike
- Elevation Gain: 25m
- Elevation Loss: 25m
- Minimum Elevation: 140m
- Maximum Elevation: 170m
- Time to Complete: 30-45 mins
- Ending Point: Mortimer Picnic Ground off Gembrook-Tonimbuk Road near Gembrook.
Detailed Hiking Trail Guide:
When you first turn into Mortimer Picnic Ground, this hiking trail is located on the left hand side park area (the description sign is on the other side).
It is a little confusing at first where this trail starts from because there are no clear signs pointing it out. Head towards the rear of this camping ground for the start of the trail, beyond the picnic bench.
Some construction works were underway on my visit. At the treeline you will see a white sign.
The trail begins next to the green post. These white information signs are scattered throughout the Mortimer Nature Walk describing various aspects of the walk.
For such a short walk, the scenery really is very beautiful. Make sure you have your camera on hand.
Several wooden bridges are scattered throughout this walk crossing William Wallace and Diamond Creeks.
The trail inclines slightly towards the road.
You will need to cross the road here. Please be careful, this is a 100km/h road.
The tall trees are stunning along this section.
Another gentle incline.
You will come to another road crossing back to the other side of the walking trail.
A lack of sign-posting could otherwise lead you down the garden path. Take a right at this intersection just after crossing the road.
Up ahead is another unmarked intersection. Go straight here down the lesser defined path.
This is the final bridge that will take you back to your car.
What a lovely little circuit!
Last modified: October 4, 2017
