Walking Tracks

This is a very good introduction to the forest and an accessible short track even when a bit wet. Access via Mogriguy Forest Rd, there is a parking area just before the marked Goondy Creek Bridge. The walk is about 3km return and a little overgrown in patches but is suitable for most including robust children.  Predominately Ironbark open forest, there is an interesting patch of medium height heathland about 1/2 way along the track with a variety of shrubs that are well worth visiting in Spring during flowering. Both Painted Little Button and Brown Quails have been seen here.

At the end of the track where it rejoins a heavily eroded Goondy Creek you will come to an open area and note patches of ground covered with ashes and metal remains strewn about. This is the site of an old charcoal burners processing plant. Remains of boilers and piping can be found on the eastern side of the track. Brick platform sites can be found on the western side. A wide variety of woodland birds including Eastern Yellow and Red Capped Robins have been seen here. The track you have been walking along does continue on the other side of the washed out creek bed but is very overgrown. There is an aboriginal scar tree in the vicinity along this section.

You can continue east along the southern side of the creek along a narrow trail bike trail to Gates Trail  bordering agricultural land. A couple of branches of the creek enter the forest here, Diamond Firetail Finches and a variety of small birds have been seen in the area when there is water in the creek.  At the charcoal burning area you may also notice there is afaint path heading south east. This is a fairly unremarkable sleeper cutters trail, you will find various spots with sleeper cutters offcuts. The trail is difficult to follow and eventually peters out close to where Gates Trail can be picked up again.

You can return along the track or if dry follow the creek back to your parking spot. There is no marked trail but it is a relatively easy walk. Black-eared Cuckoos have been recorded on the creek. White Box and Blakely’s Red Gum are more common closer to the creek and more of the heathy shrubland in parts.