Three hikers set out from Mortimer Picnic Ground on the morning of Saturday 13 January 2018 to complete a clockwise circuit through Bunyip State Park.

The walk was advertised as a moderate 10km circuit with approximately 200m of ascent. Our completed route was longer and hillier than expected, with the Garmin recording 12.31km, 3 hours and 36 minutes, and 299m of total climbing.

The circuit combined fern-lined walking tracks, broad forest roads and raised walkways through the damp, sheltered vegetation surrounding Mortimer Picnic Ground.

Hike at a glance

Beginning at Mortimer Picnic Ground

Mortimer Picnic Ground provides access to several walks through the southern section of Bunyip State Park. Our clockwise circuit began by following the shorter Mortimer Nature Walk before continuing farther into the forest.

The opening section introduced the landscape that would characterise much of the morning: towering gums, moss-covered trunks, dense ferns and shaded walking tracks.

Moss covering a large tree, a forest mushroom and one of the fern-lined walking tracks.

The group walk incorporated part of the shorter Mortimer Nature Walk, but continued well beyond it to form a substantially longer circuit.

Raised walkways and fern gullies

Raised timber walkways carried the route through some of its dampest and most densely vegetated sections. Ferns crowded around the structures, sometimes partially concealing the path ahead.

Raised walkways passing through the dense fern understorey.

These sheltered sections offered a very different experience from the wider roads and tracks used elsewhere on the circuit. In places, the tall ferns formed walls of vegetation on either side of the path.

Tree Fern Track and the wider circuit

The advertised circuit continued from the Mortimer Nature Walk towards Steege Road and Tree Fern Track. From there, the route crossed Link Road before joining Nichols Hut Track, Silvertop Ridge Track and Ferres Track for the return to Mortimer Picnic Ground.

The combination of narrow walking trails and broader management tracks made navigation at the intersections important. Orange track markers helped identify the route through some of the more enclosed forest sections.

Although the original Parks Victoria description listed the circuit as approximately 9.5km, our Garmin recorded 12.31km. This suggests that the route followed by the group included additional distance or a variation from the shorter published circuit.

Beneath the forest canopy

The scale of the trees became particularly noticeable when looking upwards. Tall tree ferns filled the lower canopy while mature gums rose high above them into the blue sky.

Looking into the crowns of a tall tree fern and one of the towering gums of Bunyip State Park.

The forest floor also contained fallen trees and logs. These formed part of the changing character of the route but could become slippery or unstable, particularly after wet weather.

After 3 hours and 36 minutes, the three hikers returned to Mortimer Picnic Ground. The final Garmin distance of 12.31km placed the walk comfortably within the half-day range, while its 299m of climbing made it a moderate Grade 3 circuit.

Following a break, the same three hikers prepared to complete another, longer Mortimer circuit in the opposite direction that afternoon.

Planning a Mortimer Circuit walk

This report describes the route and conditions experienced in January 2018. Tracks, signs and official circuit alignments may have changed since the hike was completed.

Parks Victoria identifies Mortimer Camping and Picnic Area as an access point for walks into the lush interior of Bunyip State Park. Check the official page for current closures and visitor information before travelling.

Walkers should:

• Carry a current park map and know how to use it.
• Pay attention at track and forest-road intersections.
• Carry sufficient water because untreated natural water should not be relied upon.
• Wear footwear suitable for damp, muddy or uneven tracks.
• Watch for falling branches, particularly during or after windy conditions.
• Check weather, fire danger and park closures before leaving.
• Remember that dogs are not permitted in Bunyip State Park.

A selection of Victorian hiking maps is available through the Green Trails Australia shop.

Trail Hiking Australia’s Four Brothers Rocks Hike also begins at Mortimer Picnic Ground, but it is a different 13km circuit and should not be treated as identical to this recorded clockwise route.

This group walk was managed through Meetup. View the original Mortimer Circuit clockwise event.