123 MESMERISING MOUNTAINS – The Hoddle Mountain Trail

MESMERISING MOUNTAINS

The Hoddle Mountain Trail

WORDS BY DANIELLE RALPH / PHOTOS BY DOUG PELL & DANIELLE RALPH

At the base of a 200-metre steep incline up another impressive hill, all I could think to say was… “wow”! This challenge is definitely relentless! I’m asking a lot of my legs. Even more so, I’m asking a lot of my mind to complete this hike.

But those vistas were calling. The expansive beauty of South Gippsland will be worth the effort. I will get what I came for.

The allure to take on the Hoddle Mountain Trail is the promise of stunning panoramas of Wilsons Promontory, Corner Inlet, Shallow Inlet, and the Strzelecki Ranges. The diverse flora and fauna, rolling hills, lush fern gullies and farmland along the journey make this track a glorious, natural wonderland. Officially opened on 20 January 2019, the Hoddle Mountain Trail had a passionate committee approach the South Gippsland Shire Council back in 2017 to seek support for development of the trail. Richard Dargaville, President of the Hoddle Mountain Trail Management Group (HMTMG), names locals Tim Farrell, Gary Wallis, and Barry McGannon as key figures in the early advances.

“My introduction to the route was on a Fish Creek Landcare walk in 2012,” the HMTMG President begins. “I had a lifelong interest in bushwalking and the idea of helping the further development of the trail was appealing. My personal passion relates to the pleasure I get from walking the Hoddle Mountain Trail, and especially hearing of the enthusiasm of others who have had the same experience.”

“Naturally we were delighted with the support of the South Gippsland Shire Council. The HMTMG devoted a lot of time and energy to get to this stage. I am pleased to have been involved in putting Fish Creek on the Victorian bushwalking map,” says Richard.

With regular liaising between the South Gippsland Shire Council and HMTMG, the Hoddle Mountain Trail benefits from ongoing maintenance. A pedestrian counter was installed in June 2018, which has since seen 4000 walkers make use of the trail. Additional signage in the form of a map where the Hoddle Mountain Trail joins the Great Southern Rail Trail is also on the cards. If you are an active person up for a challenge, then the full 17km circuit will suit. Commencing at Fish Creek as a detour off the Great Southern Rail Trail, the Hoddle Mountain Trail begins with farmland to the Laver's Hill quarry, crosses the catchment area for the Battery Creek reservoir to join the Loader Track through to the Mt Nicoll Lookout before re-joining the Great Southern Rail Trail.

If you are like me, an average Victorian who has allowed the covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns to weaken motivation for any form of physical challenge, you may also like to phone a friend. I invited my sisters to join me. As we had two vehicles, we parked one at the Laver’s Hill carpark and the other at Mt Nicol Lookout. In doing so, we shortened our hike to approximately 7km, which we completed in 2.5 hours.

MESMERISING MOUNTAINS

The Hoddle Mountain Trail

After every demanding climb, the views on the other side were our reward. We laughed at the thought of how sore we would be, smiled for photographs to mark our achievements and collectively were in awe of the beauty that surrounded us on this hike. We also caught a glimpse of The Church House, proudly sitting on its perch, where I would spend my evening in Fish Creek.

Common sense bushwalking protocols including carrying water and wearing appropriate footwear are a must on this hike. The ground can be slippery, and sections are narrow. Walkers must be snake aware and respect nearby grazing cattle and sheep.

The picnic table marked on the trail map (point 9) is the perfect lunch spot. Or, as we spotted a few people with coffees in hand doing at the end of our journey, opt for the short 300 metre trek to Mt Nicoll Lookout and sit and enjoy the serenity for a while.

Although no easy stroll in the park, having completed what at times felt beyond my capabilities was also incredibly liberating. Feeling your heart race and then calm while taking in deep breaths of clean air is therapeutic. What better environment for that than amongst the mountains.