Trail Fast Facts
Mount Hickey Circuit is a 4.5km, grade 3 circuit in Tallarook State Forest, Victoria. The hike typically takes 2 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Mount Hickey Circuit Trail is a moderately challenging 4.5-kilometre loop hike situated within Tallarook State Forest, Victoria. Rated as grade 3, the trail typically takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
The hike begins at Flat Rock Campground (an open basic bush camp). Walk east a short distance along Flat Rock Track until you reach the junction with Main Road. Look for Phone Track branching off to your right roughly 50 metres past this junction. Here, the challenging ascent to Mount Hickey's summit commences via a steep and rocky trail. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views across the valley upon reaching the summit clearing.
While the DEPI fire lookout tower on the mountaintop is restricted to authorised personnel only, you can still enjoy the views offered by the surrounding area. You can choose to descend via the same route for a shorter return trip. Alternatively, a trail branching southwest from the summit leads back to Main Road. Turn left here, walk a short distance, and locate the track on your right to loop back to Flat Rock Track and the trailhead.
Track Grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 807 m
Min elevation: 590 m
Total climbing: 236 m
Total descent: -234 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Getting there
Finding Flat Rock Campground requires navigating through Tallarook State Forest. While signage within the forest can be helpful, consider using a detailed map or GPS for accuracy. Once entering the forest from Ennis Road, continue towards Main Road. Consult your map or GPS for directions to Flat Rock Track, a smaller track branching off from Main Road. Follow Flat Rock Track until you reach the campground itself. Remember, some forestry roads may be closed seasonally, so check with DEPI or use a map that reflects current conditions.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
The Tallarook State Forest, encompassing 5,100 hectares of mixed eucalypt forest, lies roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Melbourne.
The land traditionally belonged to the Kulin Nation, with the Taungurung people acting as stewards. Evidence of their presence can be found throughout the forest in the form of scattered artefacts and scarred trees.
European settlement brought gold mining to the area in the 1870s, leading to the establishment of towns like Strath Creek and Reedy Creek. The following decade saw the rise of sawmilling, with many mills operating within the forest boundaries. Notably, Tallarook also served as a military training ground. Limited timber harvesting and military training continue to this day.
Camping and day-trip opportunities abound within Tallarook State Forest. Freemans Camp and Picnic Area, situated near the intersection of Main Road and Freemans Road, is the only location with amenities such as toilets, picnic tables, and barbecues. Unfacilitated campsites can be found at Flat Rock, Trawool Reservoir Camp, and Tassie Camp.
Trawool Reservoir:Â Built in the 1890s to supply water to Seymour and the nearby railway, Trawool Reservoir features a 350-foot long and 23-foot high granite weir constructed from ashlar masonry. While no longer used for its original purpose, the reservoir holds water year-round and remains a scenic attraction within the forest. The spelling of the reservoir's name was changed from Traawool to Trawool in the early 1900s. The area is popular for picnics and fishing, although there are no designated facilities.
Mount Hickey:Â Standing at 405 meters above sea level, Mount Hickey is the highest point in the forest. It houses a Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) fire lookout tower, staffed during most summer days. Public access to the tower is restricted.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
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
Suggest an edit
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
Weather
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.