Christmas Hills

Christmas Hills created by Ray Peace

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Summary

A challenging walk in dry open forest, partly on country lanes and partly on track, including some local heritage sites and scenic views

Description

This walk is mostly in or near the Warrandyte/Kinglake nature conservation reserve. As such, it is a favorite with bird-watchers, and also local mountain bike riders. Part of the walk is on local farm roads, and part on forest tracks of varying quality and gradient. There are also relics of the area's past in the form of mines, one active and one long out of use. With the walk involving a vertical rise and fall of close to 200m, the steeper sections are a challenge, and would be slippery in wet weather. The reward for surmounting them is good scenic views from the high points, and also the local fauna, including wallabies and a profusion of native birds.
Christmas Hills derives its name from a shepherd, David Christmas, who became lost in the area in early days. The area also had a short-lived gold rush, from 1859 to 1864, of which some evidence can be seen on this walk.
Access is by car from the main Christmas Hills road, public transport being sparse in this rural area.

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Points of Interest

1. Ford

The ford and gate beyond the picnic area mark the start of Happy Valley track. The ford may not be passable after heavy rain.

2. Happy Valley track

The lower sections of Happy Valley track are well graded and well shaded on a warm day. Several small dams provide a home for local frogs.

3. Mine site

This mine is still active, as denoted by the mullock heap. The mine site is private property, but can be seen from the track.

4. Mine Shaft Rd picnic area

This basic picnic area provides a spot to rest after the stiff climb. There are no toilets, and the tank is not accessible for drinking water.

5. Rosella track

After the descent from One Tree Hill, Rosella track is a gentler descent of the hill than Beardsells track. Watch for local traffic on One Tree Hill and O'Shea's Rds

6. Chainsaw art

Not a bird's nest- the local humorists with a chainsaw have created this square opening in a dead stump.

7. Mine site too

Unlike the other mine on this walk, this 160 year old shaft is long forgotten. Take care not to fall in! The last 400m of Ridge track are steep and may be slippery.