Walking Tracks

A long walk of about 10-12 ks but has some good variety and one of the more interesting and evident historical sites in the forest. It does require a bit of getting to, about 10 kms of dirt fire trail with a couple of creek crossings and rutted patches which are generally ok unless it’s been really wet.

From Mendooran Rd turn right onto Freeman’s Trail opposite the junction with the Mogriguy Forest Road. There are some interesting spots along this road, particularly the shrubby elevated areas where the trail takes a sharp turn to the left. Freeman’s Trail temporarily ends at a T junction with Frazers, turn left and you will pick up the continuation of Freeman’s on your right after a k or so. There is a creek line just before Brennans Trail which usually has water so may be worth a stop.

Continuing east along Freeman’s you eventually come to the signed Murrungundy Trail. This is a pretty well maintained fire trail and although narrow at the start is usually drivable. Better to park along here as Mt Carl is less so. There is a range of different and unusual plants and wildflowers at the beginning of the track worth checking out.

Murrungundy Trail winds its way south through a variety of Ironbark woodlands and shrubby patches. It’s an easy walk and if you’re a birdwatcher there is usually a couple of spots where you will pick up the usual range of Goonoo woodland birds. 

After about 3 kms the trail turns east and becomes more rocky and slightly hilly. Interesting plants and wildflowers in this area too. Eventually you descend to a creek line dominated by River gums and just before here Mt Carl trail appears on your left.

Mt Carl Trail is much more overgrown than Murrungundy but easily walkable. The trail follows the creek line through some impressive River Gum forest until you cross the creek. After the creek crossing you move back into typical Goonoo Ironbark/Native Pine/Sheoak forest. There is usually good birdwatching in this area.

You will come to a large cleared area and this is the historical site of a Selectors hut and Sleeper cutters camp. On the west side of the camp you will note lots of sleeper offcuts. On the east side is an arrangement of what appears to be 3 stone fire pits, one with its stove handle intact, arranged in a square. The square is filled with a dense growth of youngish Ironbark. This is believed to be the site of a selectors house, either that of a W.Maberly or A.Maxwell, most likely veterans of the First World War, who held the lease between 1933 and 1945. Around this square are the remains of pens and fences perhaps to hold small stock such as goats and a small garden. Beyond the remains is an extensive scatter of tin cans and bottles.

Mt Carl trail continues north through dense groves of young Ironbark,Native Pine and medium to tall shrubs before rejoining Freeman’s Trail. Turn west to make your way back to Murrungundy Trail and your starting point.