the rock nature reserve

Located just a few kilometres outside the town of the same name, The Rock is a great spot to go for a bit of a bushwalk / hike. The Yerong walking track is quite well-maintained (especially at the start as you walk around the base) and easy to follow. If you're fairly fit, it will more likely take you only 2.5 hours to get to the top and back but best to give yourself the indicated 3 hours and take your time.You need to watch your step in places, due to loose rocks and slipping dirt, but overall the track is not too difficult for the reasonably mobile. Proper walking or hiking shoes are a must, as it wouldn’t take much to go over on an ankle on the uneven ground. It definitely gets your heart rate up as you climb more steeply towards the top but there are plenty of spots to stop and catch your breath. The view from the top is amazing, especially on a clear and sunny day, and makes the trek up worthwhile.There is also a very well-maintained rest area, with two stainless steel gas barbeques and half a dozen fixed bench seat and table combos. There is a tap to the side of the rest area, presumably for washing up, but I’m not sure how drinkable the water is. There are also two toilets with a wash basin but it might be wise to bring your own toilet paper. There is enough parking for at least 20 cars so even if the walking track isn’t your thing, it’s a nice spot for an outdoor barbeque or picnic.

I did this walking track on a clear sunny day at the end of August, and the view was stunning and well worth the effort. The sky and fields looked like they would never end. It is not a hard track, I completed it in 2.5hrs (including 20 minutes at the top taking in the view and taking photos). It is fairly flat but the last part is quite steep. The track is well worn, so it is very clear, and pretty much impossible to get lost. Wear decent hiking boots as most of the trail is loose stones and gravel, so it would be easy to slip and twist an ankle.

Look for the Rock Lockhart Road turnoff on your left hand side just before entering town.A 3km drive will take you to the start of the Nature reserve where there is a parking area with an information shelter.There are also several picnic areas here with BBQ's, toilets, drinking water which is why we went here for a lunch stop. The area is very clean and well kept.You can take the pathway with a moderately difficult climb to the top of The Rock, which I'm sure would give you stunning views and some nice photography of the surrounding area, although we did not do this as time was not permitting for us.