Walks with Doug - Mt Cannibal

Each feature we will be promoting a walk that is accessible for most people, showing and highlighting why we all need to find some time in our busy routines to exercise our mind and bodies and take in some of the great highlights of Gippsland.

In this edition I have focussed on Mt Cannibal which was back a few years ago, almost destroyed by bushfire which devastated the area and for quite a while the reserve was closed to clear the many damaged trees.

This walk is a 2.3km loop trail located near the township of Garfield North. It takes around 45 minutes to complete that is if you don’t stop to take photos, which of course you should. The views from the various points are breathtaking and you can still see what damage the fires did and where the vegetation has regenerated.

The views from the Rotary Lookout are worth the walk, it is not a difficult walk, yes it is naturally all up hill to get to the top, but take your time. You can go from any of the two directions, I chose the left ,which was very good with wide steps and there were seats along the way if you wanted to rest and take in the flora and fauna.

The walk from the Rotary Lookout back to the bottom in parts is very rocky and narrow and you do need to look where you are walking as you could trip on the sharp edges, but most walkers do look where they are going and it is perfectly safe, but make sure you wear good walking foot wear with non slippery soles.

The walk is open all year round and there are toilet facilities and a spacious car park and it is well signed. Just one thing leave your dogs at home as dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.

PHOTOGRAPHY & WORDS BY DOUG PELL