Starting from the Mack Creek (Gate 4) car park on Humbug Scrub Road, Yattalunga, this walk takes you on a circuit around the Mack Creek section of Para Wirra Conservation Park via the Horseplay Trail. This moderately easy loop meanders around the Mack Creek section at the southern end of Para Wirra Conservation Park, passing through various native bushland habitats. The walk initially follows the Mack Creek Boundary Track, parallel to Humbug Scrub Road, then continues alongside Bassnet Road, crossing Mack Creek before following Frank Barker Road along the park's southern boundary. After passing an optional side trip to the Orchid Dam, the walk follows the Ruins Track, crossing the creek again before following the Mack Creek Boundary Track back to the car park. Horse riding is also permitted on this trail. Walkers should note that a short section along Frank Barker Road is a dead-end sealed road shared with vehicles. This loop consists of wide fire tracks, unsealed roads and sealed roads, with compacted natural surfaces, bitumen surfaces, short steep hills and creek crossings, suitable for average fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Getting started From the Mack Creek (Gate 4) car park on Humbug Scrub Road, Yattalunga, head through the green metal gate, passing a 'Fire track only' sign (to your right) before reaching a signposted intersection marked with a yellow 'Horseplay Trail' directional sign. Turn left and follow the Mack Creek Boundary Track ahead for about 1.8km, until you reach a signposted junction with the Ruins Track. From there, head left along the Mack Creek Boundary Track and continue the Horseplay Trail (clockwise).....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 55 m turn left.
After another 1.7 km turn left.
After another 510 m continue straight.
After another 10 m pass the car park (10 m on your left).
After another 4 m veer right.
After another 2 km veer right, to head along Frank Barker Road.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to the Orchid Dam, providing you scenic views over the dam's water and good birdwatching opportunities, with colourful displays of native orchids along the track in spring. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 345 m continue straight, to head along Frank Barker Road.
After another 40 m (at the intersection of Frank Barker Road & Orchid Dam Track) continue straight, to head along Frank Barker Road.
After another 1.4 km (at the intersection of Ruins Track & Frank Barker Road) veer right, to head along Ruins Track (a vehicle track).
After another 1.2 km (at the intersection of Ruins Track & Mack Creek Hike) continue straight, to head along Ruins Track.
After another 175 m (at the intersection of Ruins Track & Mack Creek Hike) continue straight, to head along Ruins Track.
After another 690 m turn left.
After another 1.7 km turn right.
After another 55 m come to the end.
An optional side trip to the Orchid Dam, providing you scenic views over the dam's water and good birdwatching opportunities, with colourful displays of native orchids along the track in spring.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 40 m continue straight, to head along Orchid Dam Track.
Continue another 560 m to find at the intersection of Orchid Dam Track & Mack Creek Hike at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 600 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Horseplay Trail
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
9.9 km
Time
3 h to 4 h
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)