Walks around Bendigo (Elmore) - Suggestions?

[Pongo]

Hey Folks.

I'm heading up to Elmore soon and was looking at doing some hiking in the area when I do. Does any one have experience hiking in the area or any suggestions on where to go. A look at the map tells me that the Kamarooka state park is nearby, and Mount Black is to the east. Again, any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks ♥

[peregrinator]

I've done several walks in Kamarooka combining minor roads (I've never seen any vehicles), a few walking tracks, and off-track navigation (there are some densely vegetated areas, but most is fairly open). I've found the old 1:25k Vicmap sheets Mayreef and Summerfield very useful. Not sure what's replaced these. They show some foot tracks, not all of which still exist.

The Parks Vic visitor guide for Greater Bendigo National Park will give you a basic orientation. Then there's a 19.2km walk described in John and Lyn Daly's "Take a walk in Victoria's National Parks" (along with a few very short walks).

There are good opportunities for off-track walks around Mount Black and Bob's Bluff in Heathcote-Graytown National Park. The latest map is Costerfield 1:50k. You might find though that distant detonations from Puckapunyal sometimes disturb the pleasant bush sounds.