Mount Worth State Park

Deep within the Strzelecki Ranges, 125km southeast of Melbourne, lies the majestic Mount Worth State Park. It’s a place where towering Mountain Ash trees, some probably 300 years old, stand sentinel over a landscape teeming with life. Mount Worth State Park encompasses over 1000 hectares. This park offers a variety of walking experiences. From the easy Maslin’s Mill track, suitable for those with limited mobility, to the strenuous Moonlight Circuit for experienced hikers, there’s a path for everyone. Imagine yourself on the Giants Circuit, a 1.8km loop. You’re surrounded by lush fern gullies, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and eucalyptus. Suddenly, you come face to face with the Standing Giant, a colossal Mountain Ash with a girth of 14 meters. This ancient giant has witnessed centuries of change, from the time of the indigenous peoples to the arrival of European settlers in the 1870s. The park bears the scars of intensive timber milling, which began in the 1920s. Remnants of these old mills can still be seen along the trails, a reminder of the impact humans have had on this environment. But nature is resilient. Thanks to the efforts of groups like the Warragul Field Naturalists Club and the Shire of Warragul, the forests are regenerating. Today, Mount Worth State Park is a haven for wildlife. Lyrebirds scratch in the leaf litter, while the forest canopy provides shelter for Crimson Rosellas, King Parrots, and even the rare Sooty Owl. Keep an eye out for wombats, wallabies, and the elusive platypus. Listen carefully, and you might even hear the squelching of the Gippsland Giant Earthworm beneath your feet. This incredible creature, featured in Sir David Attenborough’s “Life in the Undergrowth,” thrives in the park’s rich soil. As you continue your walk, you might notice sections of the track covered in holes. These are the burrows of the endangered Narracan Burrowing Crayfish, a small, brightly colored crustacean found only in this region. If you’re planning a visit, remember to check the Parks Victoria website for updates on closures. Currently, the Giants Circuit is temporarily closed for essential repairs, but there are plenty of other trails to explore. Bring your own firewood for the BBQs at the Moonlight Creek picnic area, as collecting wood within the park is prohibited to protect the habitat of smaller animals. Mount Worth State Park is a place of natural beauty and rich history, a testament to the power of nature to heal and thrive.