Yarra Ranges National Park

Heritage

The dense forests of this area were a barrier to European settlement until the 1860s when hopeful prospectors passed through the area to Woods Point goldfields. Soon the area was recognised as a valuable source of timber. The water catchment value of the forest was also recognised last century, and dams were built at Maroondah and later at Upper Yarra.

The Black Spur (or Blacks Spur) gained its name from the route taken by displaced Aboriginal people from northern Victoria on their way to a mission settlement at Corranderk near Healesville.

Severe fires, such as those experienced in 1939, have burnt this area, but the vegetation and wildlife are adapted to survive or regenerate after such events.
 

Precautions

 

If you are walking in the snow you should hire Sorrels (or other snow boots) as normal walking boots become saturated after a time and VERY cold. If you're not intending to walk in the snow, sturdy walking boots are recommended.

During winter you should always have good water proof pants and jacket, and a warm jumper/polar fleece as the weather can change quickly bringing rain and snow. Always tell some one where you intend walking and report to them when you return.

You can take a mobile phone, however, there are few places where they work in the Yarra Ranges. Having a good map (and knowing how to read it) and not leaving the track are your best safety measures.