On Saturday, 28 October 2017, seven members of the Green Trails hiking group joined me for a challenging loop through Murrindindi Scenic Reserve. Our route took us through the forest to Wilhelmina Falls before continuing around the reserve and returning to our starting point.
I had previously completed this hike in April with another Meetup group, so I already had some familiarity with the route and the terrain. Returning as the leader of my own group provided an opportunity to share the walk with a new group of hikers.
Hike details
- Date: Saturday, 28 October 2017
- Location: Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, Victoria
- Hike type: Circuit
- Recorded distance: 15.16km
- Completion time: 4 hours and 5 minutes
- Elevation gain: 496m
- Number of hikers: Seven, including the hike leader
- Difficulty: A good level of fitness and bushwalking experience recommended
Murrindindi Scenic Reserve
Murrindindi Scenic Reserve lies beside the Murrindindi River on the northern edge of Toolangi State Forest. Located on Taungurung Country, the reserve contains tall eucalypt forest, fern-filled gullies, rocky waterways and several waterfalls and cascades.
The river and surrounding forest give the reserve a cool, sheltered character, particularly in the gullies. A network of walking tracks, bridges, campsites and picnic areas makes it possible to complete anything from a short walk beside the river to a more demanding circuit through the surrounding hills.
Wilhelmina Falls is one of the reserve’s main natural features. Water descends approximately 75 metres over a steep granite rock face, with designated viewpoints providing views of the falls and surrounding forest. Walkers should remain on the formed track and viewing platforms, as the rocks around the waterfall can be steep and slippery.
Hiking to Wilhelmina Falls
The event was advertised as a 15km hike taking approximately five hours, with 525 metres of climbing. Our Garmin recording was very close to those estimates, measuring 15.16km with 496 metres of elevation gain.
The group completed the circuit in 4 hours and 5 minutes, making us considerably quicker than the original five-hour estimate.
The route included dirt tracks, rocky sections and metal staircases around the falls. Although much of the climbing was manageable with a reasonable level of fitness, the uneven ground and slippery rocks meant that careful footing was important. Sturdy hiking footwear would be preferable in wet conditions, even though comfortable runners may be adequate for experienced walkers when the tracks are dry.
Showers had been forecast for around late morning. While rain can make the rocks and steps more slippery, recent rainfall can also improve the flow over Wilhelmina Falls and the other waterways throughout the reserve. Carrying lightweight hiking rainwear is worthwhile in this type of forest, where conditions can change during the walk.
Preparing for the walk
Because this was a longer circuit with almost 500 metres of climbing, participants were asked to bring lunch, snacks and approximately two to three litres of water. A hydration bladder can make it easier to drink regularly without repeatedly stopping to remove a bottle from your pack. You can browse the available equipment in the Green Trails hiking shop.
Gaiters can also be useful around Murrindindi, particularly where the track is muddy or bordered by wet vegetation. They provide an additional layer of protection against moisture, scratches and trail debris. You can read my Sea to Summit Quagmire gaiters review for more information. Gaiters may add some protection around the lower legs, but they should not be regarded as snake-proof or used as a substitute for remaining alert on the trail.
A successful group circuit
With seven people attending, this was one of the larger Green Trails hikes we had run by this stage. The combination of forest walking, steady climbing, river scenery and the visit to Wilhelmina Falls made it a rewarding half-day circuit.
It was also satisfying to return to a route I had previously walked with another group and lead Green Trails members through it myself. Completing the hike in just over four hours showed that the group maintained a good pace across the full 15.16km.
The original event and attendance details can be found on the Murrindindi Wilhelmina Falls Meetup event. Green Trails group hikes are organised and managed through Meetup.
Route information
Our recorded distance is similar to the Mill and Boroondara Hike published by Trail Hiking Australia. That route is a 15.7km circuit incorporating Wilhelmina Falls, Mill Track, Boroondara Track and sections beside the Murrindindi River.
As trail conditions, access arrangements and route information can change, anyone planning a present-day visit should also consult the official Murrindindi Scenic Reserve walking information before setting out.