Today I did my first walk for the ‘150 Walks in 2018 Challenge’, that I set for myself.

I had an early start at work but finished by lunchtime so set off to walk in the Heathcote Graytown National Park. This walk started almost in the centre of Heathcote, but in no time at all, I found myself and heading up and up and up, on a steep ascent.

This walk is In the area of the 19th century gold diggings. Firstly, there was a crossing over the McIvor Creek on a swinging bridge. This track passed the historic powder magazine which unfortunately is closed to the public. This beautiful, stone building was used in the 1860s, to house the gunpowder and explosives needed to mine the gold.

This path led to Devils Cave, which is in a formation of rocks. From there the path became very narrow and very steep. A bit of a goat track really, as it took me very steadily higher.

Eventually I arrived at the Viewing Rock, a picturesque spot for a photo opportunity.

From there it was a steady descent back to the starting point.

I found this walk really enjoyable and starting in the heart of Heathcote, it is accessible to most. Tracks at the top were very rocky and very narrow and required care. But mostly the walk was on rocky 4 wheel drive tracks.

This 10.77k walk took just over 2 hours with 720 calories burnt off.

#150 Walks in Victoria – Tyrone Thomas and Andrew Close

Walk no 43 on Page no 32 – Heathcote