Firth Park Circuit Walk - Trentham East

A pleasant circuit walk from the Firth Park campground south east of Trentham through bushland along 4WD and walking tracks to Andersons Mill, the site of a former sawmill.

GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate 8.7 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System), mostly on the well-made Anderson Mill walking track and occasional gravel roads and paths, with some short climbs. Some parts of the track could be wet and boggy after rain, and some parts of the track are poorly marked.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Firth Park is located on the northern slopes of the Great Dividing Range in the Wombat State Forest, about 80 km north-west of Melbourne. At the meeting point there are toilet facilities. The campground is close to a number of sawmills established in the late 1800s, taking advantage of the eucalypt forest that surrounded the area. Today, visitors exploring the area are greeted by a lush forested area which attracts campers, picnickers, 4WD enthusiasts and horse riders. 

Firth Park was first established by Joseph Firth who became the superintendent of the State Nursery at Macedon in 1881. In 1890, Firth obtained 100 hectares, cleared some land, dammed the creek and built a small house. Many exotic trees were planted by Firth which can still be seen around the site today. The area was later used as a source of gum leaves for a eucalyptus oil distillery run by Firth's sons.

The weather for Sunday 12 January is currently forecast to be 17 to 27C with a shower or two (0-4mm). So assume some humidity. The walking tracks are mostly well made but take sensible shoes, light raincoat etc. Note that some roads are gravel and slightly corrugated - take them carefully.

Either have lunch after the walk by the lake back at Firth Park, or head to the Pig and Whistle Hotel, a local watering hole in nearby East Trentham (one horse/pub town!) that caters for casual lunches and drinkies all Sunday afternoon. Large amount of space inside and in beer garden. 

BOOKING: By Friday 10th January. To register click on Get Tickets.
Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

• Vic Gov: Explore Outdoors: exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/activities/camping/firth-park.
• Route Map: Google My Maps version of the walking route.

MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at the Firth Park Campground. This is accessed from Firth Road via the Firth Loop Track. It's also signed as the starting point for the Anderson Mill Walk.

MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/3Js9yg46RnY6fjvNA. 

DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Located 88 kilometres from Melbourne. Follow the Calder Highway to the township of Woodend. Along Woodend's main High Street, turn left on Forest St (C317, to Daylesford), head west. Pass straight through Tylden then turn left down James Lane,  just west of Tylden. Follow this sealed road, passing through Trentham East (only Pig and Whistle Hotel on corner), continue straight on James Lane but turn left at Oconnells Rd, which later veers right and becomes Firth Road. From Occonells Rd / Firth Road (~5 km), turn left at Firth Park Access Track (sign posted).
Meet next to the lake and its car park/camping ground, that is on the one way loop road.

FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water.

APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Trentham is generally cooler than Melbourne.

LEADER: Robert H. | Email LeaderRobertH@nomads.org.au if you have any questions.
Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.

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