With respect to Elders past and present we acknowledge we walk on Taungurong and Kurnai Country
Bushwalking with the snow falling – magic – near Falls Creek 
The ferny friends of Victoria’s Alpine National Park
Kiewa River raging in winter – Near Fainter Falls and Bogong Village
Fainter Falls in full motion
snow coat over green
For detail on Adventures in Victoria’s Alpine National Park press here
With respect to Elders past and present we acknowledge that we walk on Jaara Jaara Country
Only a 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne – Walking Lanjanuc (Mount Alexander) has been a highlight of our winter. In Dja Dja Wurrung Language the mountain is Lanjanuc named by the Jaara Jaara people. Lanjanuc has many recreational walking tracks, ranging in degree of difficulty from easy to challenging. It took us 3 hours to walk the track from Leanganook Picnic Ground to Harcourt-Sutton Grange Road, and the walk was not as steep as we expected but the path is rocky. There are spectacular views along the trail, but the highlight for us by far was ‘Dogs Rocks’. 
Early Europeans named the area in homage to the dingoes that used it as their lair. 
Lanjanuc is sacred ceremonial ground, which is food for thought and feeling when walking the trail. We certainly felt a sense of spirit in the ancient granite rocks. Some history of the Jaara Jaara people can be found here. An interview with a Jaara Elder can be found here.
Ballantine antipoda (southern shepherd’s purse), is a unique tiny plant that grows in patches of moss and decorates the rocks of Lanjanuc. It is only found in this part of Victoria.
Walking in winter is invigorating and certainly helps to beat off any seasonal blues, but it is chilly! If you head out this way we recommend wearing layers; pack your gloves, wooly hats, and a thermos of soup! 
We made a one way walk of it by having our friends park their car at Harcourt-Sutton Grange Road; we then car pooled back to Leanganook Picnic Ground along Joseph Young Drive. The map below is available from the Castlemaine Visitor Centre – 44 Mostyn St. We always recommend a visit to the local information centre before any walk – It’s a great way to check on the conditions of tracks and call on local knowledge for other adventures. For more information from Parks Vic press here.
For intrepid adventurers wanting a longer trail, it is possible to bike ride or walk the Goldfields Track (formally known as The Great Diving Trail) from Ballarat to Bendigo. Mount Alexander is part of the Leanganook leg of the trail. The Leanganook track stretches 60kms from Castlemaine to Bendigo. Find more information on the Goldfields Track here.
After the Leanganook track passes over Joseph Young Drive, be sure to check out the views at Langs Lookout. On the way down, watch out for big Leaping creatures on the path.
For those interested in a shorter walk or picnic outing with the kids, try the loop walk from Leanganook Picnic Ground which includes veiws from the South Lookout. We suggest diverging from the loop to include Dogs Rocks on the walking menu, or driving down the road after the loop and parking to picnic at the rocks. 
To get to Lanjanuc from Melbourne, take the Calder Freeway towards Caslemaine. For a yummy breakkie and a decent coffee by an open fire, try Toggs Place Cafe on Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine. Happy Adventuring!
Be directed towards awe inspiring locations in Victoria, Australia and beyond. With detailed directions, you can take yourself there, or contact us for guidance – For details on adventures click on this link – Grace Adventures
We acknowledge that we walk on Barrindji Country, and we offer our respect to Elders past and present of the Paakantji, Ngyiampaa and Mutthi Mutthi people.
World Heritage Mungo National Park, home of the Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, a place rich in Aboriginal history. For current information on conditions at Mungo National Park press here
pace slow we quicken
a cold heart crossing
the sun dust indented
it scares us to be so
far into the heath
we choose a branch
and wander
and wonder
through the grass
some old curse
shedding
By Rebecca Sullivan
With respect to Elders past and present, we acknowledge that we walk on Bidawal and Nindi-Ngudjam Ngarigu Monero Country
The sound of the rolling waves makes for a good night sleep at Shipwreck camping ground. We woke refreshed and ready to walk. Down to the beach, through the creek and across the heathlands. The three hour return walk saw us nearly stumble on two snake, beautiful creatures. Be sure to bush walk with a first aid kit. Mobile reception is dodgy in this part of the land. FYI first aid procedures for snake bites can be found here. The isolation of the wide open beach at Seal Creek calls for a skinny dip, but take care – the water is wild! For details on how to get to Shipwreck Creek press here
grace touring 