The Pinnacle is a rarely climbed peak but is well worth a visit if you're in the area. Despite its modest height (under 1000 metres), The Pinnacle has impressive views in all directions.
This hike commences at the Jerusalem Creek Day Visitor Area where the trail head marker can be located about 50 meters along Jerusalem Creek track (to the South-West), on the left hand side. From the roadside, the walking track is well defined and makes use of orange metal triangle markers to aid in navigating the route.
The trail leads South-East over an open grassy rise before following the river flat of Barnewall Creek for a short way until the vegetation closes in. This section of the track can be a little muddy and slippery if there has been wet weather. The trail crosses the creek via a small wooden bridge, shortly after the first sign-post for Pinnacle Track is reached (1.4km from start).
From here you will begin a gradual climb out of the gully, strictly following the ridgeline and markers. The ascent is gradual to start with but becomes quite steep, especially as the trail gets closer to the summit of The Pinnacle. A second set of signposts are reached close to 4km in and this is the beginning of Rocky Spur where an arrow points to Taylors Creek Rd to the North (your left), another points back to Jerusalem Creek Ford (start of the trail) and the third (to the right) is for Pinnacle track which continues southward towards the summit.
The trail levels out slightly from this point, but only for a moment until the final few steep ascents to The Pinnacle summit. Just before the summit there are views out to the East where Mount Torbreck can be seen. Views from the top of The Pinnacle are a bit obscured by trees but glimpses of the landscape beyond can be achieved, out to the North-West Mount Howitt can be seen on a clear day. The summit of The Pinnacle is unmarked but has been reached once the track begins to slope away to a seasonal road closure gate where Pinnacle Walking Track intersects and ends at Pinnacle Track (4x4).
From the summit, you will descend steeply to the south west towards Knowles Gap before turning west to pass near White Cow Gap. The trail then turns north along Gap Track. Follow this trail along its length as it gradually descends along the ridge line to the flats of Jerusalem Creek. Continue to follow the trail north for approximately 2km back to the trail head.
Jerusalem Creek Camp Area
There are a half-dozen designated camping areas at Jerusalem Creek, each with about 10 sites. These need to be pre-booked using the Parks Victoria website. Seasonal closure is in place for Jerusalem Creek Camping Areas from the Thursday following Queens Birthday weekend to the Thursday before Cup weekend. The closure is for regeneration and maintenance purposes. Areas 1, 2 and 8 remain open for camping during this time.
- Pet lovers, note: this is the only camping spot in the national park in which dogs are permitted.
Total distance: 16559 m
Max elevation: 923 m
Min elevation: 303 m
Total climbing: 792 m
Total descent: -792 m
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Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
The trail head is 155km from Melbourne's CBD on Jerusalem Inlet, 10 km south of the township of Eildon and reached by following Jerusalem Creek Rd. Once past all Jerusalem campsites a small vehicle ford (concrete base) must be crossed before parking at the Jerusalem Creek Day Visitor Area (space for about 4 cars), on the left.
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Winding Road
- Vehicle Ford
- Small Car Park
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Lake Eildon National Park is in the northern foothills of Victoria's Central Highlands, 150 km north-east of Melbourne. Situated on the shores of Lake Eildon, the park protects 27,750 ha of rugged hills with open woodlands through to dense forest. It is very scenic and offers the opportunity to experience an array of wildlife, natural and historic features and a wide range of recreational activities. Lake Eildon National Park offers a variety of settings to explore; from open bush in the north, to dense vegetation in the south and east. Enjoy bushwalking, cycling, boating and fishing or try the more adventurous pursuit of waterskiing. Relax in a scenic environment and experience native wildlife.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Lake Eildon National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
3 Reviews on “Jerusalem Creek Pinnacle Circuit Hike (17km)”
Stratos Kouvrakis our next hike?
Robyn Shingles put this on the list?
Martin have you done this ??
Ye Cheng You bookmarked
Suzie Sharp I hope you’re writing a list ?
This is a good hike up to the Pinnacle. Note at the moment there is a lot of fallen timber across the trail (some at head height – ouch!).
Also, as I was short of time I back-tracked 1.5km from the summit and took the faint foot pad across to Taylors Creek Rd, which is then a nice return with occasional views to the east. about 13-14km all up.
Karen Malloch ?
Like this one .
Jill we need to do this…
Tammy this looks good too!
Jamie Jamie
Belinda Miller
Dominic Tan we should do this!
Aaron Cardy
Felicity Kaye – another trip to Eildon??
Carmen Hollway
Craig Cuthbert ?
Well l had planned to do this in my build up for Hut2Hut but…… well you know…. lockdown.
Jim
James Harris