Hiking Trails and Destinations

The Ted Errey Nature Circuit

The Ted Errey Nature Circuit forms the more demanding part of this combined loop. At 8km long, this circuit takes you through some of the park’s most impressive terrain and viewpoints.
After having done this hike multiple times, I strongly recommend starting from the Anakie Gorge picnic area rather than Stony Creek. The trail feels more balanced this way, and you’ll hit the lookouts at just the right time when you need that motivation boost.
The circuit includes several noteworthy sections:

• Outlook Track: This section offers your first taste of the panoramic views that make this hike special. From here, you can see across the Stony Creek Water Catchment perfect for a quick breather and some photos.
• Nelson Track: This section features some of the best lookout points in the entire park. On clear days, you can even spot the You Yangs in the distance. The views here are absolutely worth the climb.

A friend of mine calls Nelson’s Lookout the “reward point” of the hike and I couldn’t agree more. After putting in the work on those uphill sections, standing at the lookout with views stretching across the Brisbane Ranges is genuinely satisfying.

Anakie Gorge Walk

At 3.5km one-way, the Anakie Gorge Walk serves as the gentler counterpart to the Ted Errey Circuit. This trail follows Stony Creek, connecting the Anakie Gorge and Stony Creek Picnic Areas.
What I love about this section is how it follows the contours of the gorge, giving you a completely different perspective of the park. The trail is relatively flat, making it a nice mental break after tackling the more challenging circuit.

Lower Stony Creek Reservoir

One spot you absolutely shouldn’t rush past is the Lower Stony Creek Reservoir. I highly recommend taking a proper break here it’s the perfect spot to reset with some zen water views before continuing your journey. The calm water reflects the surrounding landscape, creating a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts nicely with the more rugged sections of the hike.

Hiking Gear and Equipment

For the Ted Errey Nature Circuit via Anakie Gorge Loop, you’ll want to come prepared with:

• Proper footwear: The rocky sections and steep climbs demand supportive hiking shoes or boots. This isn’t the place for your casual trainers.
  
• Water: Bring at least 2 litres per person. I’ve made the mistake of underestimating my water needs here, and parts of the trail offer little shade. During warmer months, consider bringing even more.
  
• Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunnies are non-negotiable. The Australian sun is unforgiving, even on cooler days.
  
• Layers: Weather in the Brisbane Ranges can change quickly. A light windbreaker or raincoat can be a lifesaver if conditions turn.
  
• Snacks and lunch: Pack more than you think you’ll need. The combination of varied terrain and interesting stopping points means you might spend longer on the trail than planned.

Gear Recommendations for Different Seasons

Hiking Tips and Techniques

Tackling the Trail Loop

After hiking this trail multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make the experience more enjoyable:

1. Start early: Getting on the trail before 9 am gives you plenty of time to complete the loop without rushing, plus you’ll avoid the worst of the day’s heat.
2. Direction matters: I recommend tackling the loop in an anti-clockwise direction if starting from Stony Creek, or clockwise if starting from Anakie Gorge (my preference). This approach helps you manage the steeper sections when you still have energy.
3. Pace yourself: The Ted Errey section has some challenging climbs. Take short breaks on the uphills rather than pushing to exhaustion.
4. Watch your footing: Some sections of the trail have loose rocks and uneven surfaces. Going downhill can actually be trickier than going up.
5. Avoid warm days: This is crucial advice from my own experience. This hike can be really uncomfortable when temperatures climb above the mid-20s. The exposed sections become seriously draining in the heat.

Wildlife Spotting

One of the joys of hiking in Brisbane Ranges is the abundant wildlife. The park hosts Victoria’s highest density of koalas, plus kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and over 170 bird species.
Always keep your eyes peeled for movement in the trees or along the trail edges. I’ve spotted echidnas crossing the path and koalas dozing in eucalyptus trees countless times. The trick is to scan both above and around you as you walk, especially in quieter sections of the trail.
Morning and late afternoon tend to be the best times for wildlife sightings, when animals are more active. Moving quietly and taking occasional pauses to listen and look around will significantly increase your chances of spotting something exciting.

Hiking Preparation

Physical Preparation

While this hike isn’t extremely difficult, it does require a moderate level of fitness due to some steep sections and the overall distance. If you’re not regularly active, consider building up with some shorter walks before tackling this loop. A simple preparation routine might include:

• Regular walks of increasing distance in the weeks before your hike
• Some basic stair climbing to prepare for the uphill sections
• Core-strengthening exercises to help with balance on uneven terrain

Planning Your Visit

The best times to visit Brisbane Ranges National Park are during spring and autumn:

• Spring (September to November): This is when the park truly shines, with over 600 native plant species putting on a wildflower display. The moderate temperatures make hiking comfortable too.
• Autumn (March to May): The cooling temperatures and stable weather make this another excellent time to visit.
• Summer (December to February): Unless you’re starting at dawn, I’d personally avoid summer hikes here. The limited shade and dry conditions can make for an uncomfortable experience. If summer is your only option, start very early and bring extra water.
• Winter (June to August): While cooler and sometimes wet, winter offers peaceful hiking with fewer visitors. Just be prepared for muddy sections after rain.

Resources

Maps and Guides

Before heading out, I recommend downloading the Parks Victoria visitor guide for Brisbane Ranges National Park. This guide includes detailed trail maps and important information about the park.
Several hiking websites also provide useful information about the Ted Errey Nature Circuit and Anakie Gorge Walk:

• Trail Hiking Australia features comprehensive information about hikes in the Brisbane Ranges
• AllTrails App – Ted Errey Nature Circuit via Anakie Gorge 

Facilities

Both the Stony Creek and Anakie Gorge picnic areas offer basic facilities:

• Toilets
• Picnic tables
• BBQ pits
• Parking

If you’re planning to extend your stay, camping facilities are available at Boar Gully and Fridays campgrounds. These provide basic amenities for overnight visitors.
One important note on access: The road to Stony Creek Camp Ground is unsealed and can be rough in spots. If you’ve got a vehicle with low clearance, you might find the Anakie Gorge entrance more accessible.

Environmental Awareness and Conservation

Ecological Significance

Brisbane Ranges National Park isn’t just a pretty place to hike—it’s an ecological treasure. The park hosts:

• Victoria’s richest wildflower habitat
• The state’s highest density of koalas
• Over 600 native plant species, including the endemic Brisbane Ranges Grevillea

The park’s unique geology – low mountain ranges cut by rocky gullies creates diverse microhabitats that support an impressive range of plant and animal life.

Leave No Trace

When hiking in the Brisbane Ranges, practicing Leave No Trace principles is essential:

• Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive vegetation
• Pack out all rubbish (including fruit peels and other “biodegradable” items)
• Observe wildlife from a distance
• Leave natural objects where you find them
• Respect fire restrictions, especially during the summer months

Remember that the Brisbane Ranges ecosystem has adapted to relatively dry conditions and poor soils. This makes it particularly sensitive to human impact, so treading lightly is crucial. Related Post.

Fire Awareness

Parts of the Brisbane Ranges show evidence of past bushfires. This natural process shapes the Australian bush, but it also means visitors need to be fire-aware:

• Check fire danger ratings before visiting
• Comply with all fire restrictions
• Be particularly cautious on hot, windy days
• Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately to emergency services (000)

Conclusion

The Ted Errey Nature Circuit via Anakie Gorge Loop offers one of the best day hiking experiences near Melbourne. By combining challenging climbs, gentle creek-side walking, and stunning lookouts, this trail showcases the diverse beauty of the Brisbane Ranges in one comprehensive package.

What makes this hike special isn’t just the physical challenge or the views it’s the way it connects you to one of Victoria’s most unique ecological areas. Whether you’re spotting a koala dozing in a eucalyptus tree, marvelling at the spring wildflower display, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the Lower Stony Creek Reservoir, this hike delivers moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned to the city.

So lace up your boots, pack plenty of water, and discover for yourself why the Brisbane Ranges deserves a spot on any Victorian hiker’s bucket list. Just remember my personal tip: avoid those warm days, start from the Anakie Gorge picnic area, take that break at the reservoir, and always keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. The memories you’ll make are well worth the effort.

FAQS

1. Is the Ted Errey Nature Circuit suitable for beginners?

While not extremely difficult, the Ted Errey Nature Circuit does include some steep and rocky sections that require a moderate level of fitness. Beginners might find the complete loop challenging but could consider starting with just the Anakie Gorge Walk section, which is flatter and more accessible. If you’re new to hiking but reasonably fit, you can tackle the full loop—just allow extra time, take plenty of breaks, and bring adequate water.

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2. Can I complete this hike in regular trainers, or do I need hiking boots? 

For the Ted Errey Nature Circuit via Anakie Gorge Loop, proper footwear is strongly recommended. Parts of the trail feature rocky, uneven terrain and steep sections that can be slippery, especially after rain. While you might manage in sturdy trainers on a dry day, hiking boots or shoes with good ankle support and grip will make your experience much more comfortable and safe. The extra traction helps on those steeper sections, and the support reduces fatigue over the 11.5km journey. If you only have trainers, stick to the flatter Anakie Gorge Walk section and save the full circuit for when you have more suitable footwear. 

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3. Is there mobile phone reception in Brisbane Ranges National Park?

Mobile reception in Brisbane Ranges is patchy and unreliable. You might get service at higher points along the Ted Errey Nature Circuit, particularly at the lookouts, but don’t count on having consistent coverage throughout your hike. It’s wise to download offline maps before you go and let someone know your planned route and expected return time. For safety, consider bringing a personal locator beacon if hiking alone or in a small group, especially if you’re tackling the full loop. The picnic areas sometimes have slightly better reception than the trails themselves, but it varies by carrier.

4. Are there toilet facilities along the trail?

Toilet facilities in Brisbane Ranges National Park are limited to the main picnic areas at Anakie Gorge and Stony Creek. There are no toilets along the actual Ted Errey Nature Circuit or the connecting Anakie Gorge Walk. Plan accordingly by using the facilities at the trailhead before setting out and being prepared to follow leave-no-trace principles if nature calls during your hike. This means carrying a small trowel to dig a hole at least 15cm deep and 100 metres away from any water source, and packing out all toilet paper and hygiene products. Most hikers complete the loop in 4-5 hours, so with proper planning, the lack of trail facilities shouldn’t pose a major issue.

5. How likely am I to see koalas during my hike?

Brisbane Ranges National Park boasts Victoria’s highest density of koalas, so your chances of spotting these iconic Australian animals are quite good. They’re most commonly seen in the eucalyptus trees along both the Ted Errey Nature Circuit and Anakie Gorge Walk. Your best bet is to look up into the tree canopy regularly, especially in areas with taller gum trees. Koalas are often more active in the early morning or late afternoon but can be spotted sleeping in tree forks throughout the day. Remember to keep noise levels down to increase your chances of wildlife sightings.

6. How does Brisbane Ranges compare to nearby You Yangs Regional Park?

Brisbane Ranges and You Yangs are both fantastic hiking destinations close to Melbourne, but they offer distinctly different experiences. The You Yangs, visible from the lookouts on the Ted Errey Circuit, feature more dramatic granite peaks and offer shorter, more varied trail options including the popular Flinders Peak climb. While Brisbane Ranges is known for its rich wildflower displays, koala populations, and secluded bush setting, the You Yangs are famous for their mountain biking trails, panoramic views of the surrounding plains, and distinctive rock formations. The You Yangs typically feel more exposed, with less tree cover, whereas Brisbane Ranges provides a more enclosed bush experience. If you’ve enjoyed the Ted Errey Circuit, consider the You Yangs for your next day trip—they’re only about 30 minutes apart by car, making it possible to explore both parks over a weekend for a perfect contrast in Victorian landscapes.

Disclaimer

This blog post is based on personal experience and research. Trail conditions may change seasonally, and facilities may be affected by maintenance or weather events. Always check the Parks Victoria website for the most current information before visiting Brisbane Ranges National Park. Practice safe hiking by being prepared, telling someone your plans, and carrying adequate water and supplies.