Werribee Gorge – 0628
Western Bluff and Falcons Lookout, Werribee Gorge
DATE: Sunday June 28th
WALK LEADER: Peter Boadle M: 0407 826 902. E: peter.boadle@gmail.com
TIME: 9.30am for a 9.45am start start. Walk duration is approximately 4 to 5 hours including stops and a lunch break at Falcons Lookout.
DIFFICULTY: The walk is rated Hard. While it is a loop walk of only about 5,0km, there are several very steep sections of rough track both down and up, and 2 crossings of the Werribee River. The final descent into the gorge involves some scrambling along a narrow rocky spur where care is
essential. At low river levels the river can be crossed by using rocks as stepping stones, but at higher water levels it may be boots off! The overall elevation change both up and down is 300 metres. Walking poles are useful.
LOCATION: The loop walk is on the western side of Werribee Gorge State Park. Details will emailed to registered walkers prior to the event.
DESCRIPTION: This relatively short walk in the less visited western part of the Werribee Gorge State Park is spectacular, but is deceptively adventurous because it involves steep descents, ascents and river crossings.
The first section of the walk to Western Bluff is relatively straightforward, but then descends steeply down to the river via Needles Spur. This section of the walk pass through a short section of private property but access is currently permitted to walkers. After crossing the river for the first time, we join the Sunday throng walking the popular Gorge Circuit for a few hundred metres before we then cross the river again and climb steeply up a spur to Falcons Lookout for our lunch break. There may be some rock climbers to watch on the cliff below while we enjoy the break. We
then return to our cars via the Falcons Lookout walking track.
DOGS: Because the walk is in a State Park, dogs are NOT permitted.
REGISTRATION: Registration is essential no later than mid-day June 26th.
Check your inbox for a confirmation email; if you don’t get one within a couple of hours, try again or contact the walk organizer
If you have difficulty with on-line registration, contact the walk leader, Peter, at peter.boadle@gmail.com
HEALTH AND SAFETY: Because there are river crossings and rocky scrambles, if there is significant rain in the days before the walk, or forecast for the day, the walk may need to be cancelled. If you are ill on the day of the walk, please stay at home. Please call or text the walk leader if you are unable to attend on the day.
BRING: Walkers should bring their own first-aid kit and any required personal medications, water bottles, sun screen and personal hiking gear (sun glasses, walking sticks, small pack, etc). Wear clothing appropriate for the predicted weather conditions on the day. Hiking boots or good walking shoes are recommended. Bring light refreshments for lunch and snacks
MEET: You can expect to be contacted by email by the walk leader with final details, including where and when we meet, in advance of the walk day. ‘ Do not plan to use the main entrance to the park; we will be coming in from the west side via Bacchus Marsh or Ballan
