The Kinglake Ranges and Attractions
Welcome to Kinglake - A mountain town with a wealth of natural attractions.
Kinglake is a small and elevated settlement situated at the top of the Great Dividing Range, 61 kms north-east of Melbourne.
The Whittlesea-Kinglake Road stretches north-west along the crest of the Dividing Range from Kinglake through Kinglake Central and Pheasant Creek to Kinglake West.
These settlements are named after surveyor Alexander Kinglake who passed through in 1870.
KINGLAKE NATIONAL PARK
Surrounding the area is the Kinglake National Park (11,430 ha), which is the largest national park near Melbourne. Established in 1928 to protect native fauna and flora, it is divided into three sections; one to the south and east of Kinglake, one to the west and one to the north. It is situated on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range and features such popular attractions as Masons Falls, Jehosaphat Gully and Wombelano Falls.
To access Masons Falls, situate yourself on Main Road which connects Kinglake and Kinglake West. 3km east of Kinglake West there is a turnoff into National Park Road which heads south-west into the western section of the park. At the end of this road is the park office where there are toilets and information boards. At the park office there is a left turn into Mt Sugarloaf Road which leads south to Mount Sugarloaf of a right turn which leads down to the Masons Falls Picnic Area where are disabled facilities, toilets, gas barbecues, water and sheltered tables. This picnic area lies at the intersection of a number of walking tracks.
The Lyrebird Circuit Track
(500m) is surfaced with asphalt for those with limited mobility. This shady path takes in some of the park’s tallest trees and has information boards detailing historic and natural features.
The Boundary Track
(2.4km one way) follows the park boundary from the Masons Falls picnic area to the park office, separating the forest from the agriculture and housing subdivision.
The Goodenia Track
(750m one way) cuts from the picnic area across to reach a T-intersection with the Boundary Track. It climbs gradually through an area that is dotted in spring with redolent hakeas. Both are open to cyclists as well as walkers.
The Masons Falls Walk
(500m one way). This gravel track follows Running Creek from the Masons Falls picnic area carpark to a viewing platform offering scenic views over the falls and the gorge below which are situated amidst native bush and fern gullies. The falls are best seen after heavy rains. Both the Lyrebird and Mason’s Falls tracks are for walkers only.
Running Creek Track
For the energetic, this track extends southwards from the viewing platform to a point on Mt Sugarloaf Road about 1km from the summit. It passes through a range of habitats and vegetation types, including the cool, moist fern bully of Running Creek (inhabited by platypuses, water-rats and lyrebirds). Note: there are steep sections.
The Sugarloaf Ridge Track
(3km one way) commences from a point just near the park office. It pursues a gently undulating path to the summit where there are limited views of the Melbourne skyline.
Jehosaphat Gully
A beautiful fern gully with walking tracks, a picnic area and parking facilities. Lyrebirds are sometimes seen in the gully.
Wambelano Falls
In the park’s northern sections, more remote and somewhat larger than Mason’s Falls. There are no facilities.
The park also has other fine walking tracks, picnic areas and scenic lookouts. An admission fee is charged to some areas. To book campsites or obtain further information, ring 131 963 or the park office on (03)5786 5351.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Fern Acres Nursery
1052 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road, Kinglake West, 3757
Telephone: (03) 5786 5031
Web: www.ferns.com.au
Business Hours: Monday 10.30am - 5.00pm, Tuesday - Sunday 9.00am - 6.00pm. (Winter hours may be shorter due to light conditions).
A large selection of tree and ground fern varieties. Specialising in Elkhorn and Staghorn ferns.
Frank Thomson Reserve
Frank Thomson Reserve is situated at the highest point in the district and it offers a fine vantage point over the Melbourne skyline and, on a clear day, Port Phillip Bay. It is adjacent to Whittlesea-Kinglake Road about 1.5km south east of Kinglake Central, on the southern side of the road.
House of Bottles
8 Parkland Road, Kinglake, 3763
Telephone: (03) 5786 1328
Business Hours: Saturday to Thursday and all school & public holidays from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Constructed entirely of bottles and carefully arranged with an eye to colour contrasts. Adjacent is a windmill built of 5,000 bottles. There is also a vast collection of bottles, fossils, minerals, rocks, memorabilia and an unusual collection of 5,500 ornamental shoes to view.
Giverny Estate Wines
69 Cherrys Lane, Toolangi, 3777
Telephone: (03) 5962 9421
Web: www.givernyestate.com
Established in the early 1980’s, Giverny Estate is situated in Toolangi 65kms east of Melbourne close to Kinglake. In a hidden valley nestled between the Yea River and majestic eucalypts, Toolangi Wines are produced beside a lake reminiscent if a Monet Painting. Kiwi fruit flourish in the crisp mountain air and produce a wine renowned for its delicate flavours, perfectly balanced with a hint of citrus.
Kinglake Produce and Artisan Market
Market held on the second Sunday of each month in the heart of the Kinglake Township. Buy direct from the grower, producer or maker. Producers offer the best local, fresh, seasonal fruits, vegetables, fresh meat and sausages and other goods. Join in the fun of a tradtional style market. Take home some delicious treats for your family and friends.
Markets open 9.00am - 2.00pm - For more information phone 0419 598 732
Misty Valley Nursery & Gardens
1894 Whittlesea-Yea Road, Kinglake West, 3757
Telephone: (03) 5786 5776
Business Hours: Thursday/Friday/Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm. Other times by arrangement.
Stocking a wide variety of native and exotic trees and shrubs, including Rhododendrons, Camellias and feature flowering plants throughout the year.
St Andrews Market
12km South-West of Kinglake along the Kinglake-Heidelberg Road is the locality of St Andrews where an alternative market is held in a bush setting every Saturday from 8.00am to 1.00pm with a variety of stalls including organic fruit and vegetables and food.
BERRY FARMS
Kinglake Raspberries
Tooheys Road, Kinglake, 3757
Telephone: (03) 5786 5360
Web: www.kinglake-raspberries.com.au
Kinglake Raspberries is a 25 hectare Raspberry Farm nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range just northeast of Melbourne (Victoria, Australia). This is Victoria’s largest U-pick raspberry farm. For opening times / seasons, please contact Kinglake Raspberries.
Kadarina Berries
606 Extons Road, Kinglake, 3763
Telephone: (03) 5786 1389
Business Hours: Open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm from mid December to May.
A U-pick organic berry farm offering silvanberries, raspberries, loganberries, blueberries and more. Jams, sauces and frozen fruit are available all year.
Other Sites to visit include:
www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au
www.krbn.com.au
Visit Victoria Website - Kinglake Page
www.visitvictoria.com/displayObject.cfm/objectid.0002B7A4-40D8-1EF1-A1C280C476A902CB/vvt.vhtml
Parks Victoria Website - Kinglake Page
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=121
