Wednesday 22/03/2023 Old Coast Road – East Yeerung Track – Yeerung River East Branch – Yeerung Gorge
Cape Conran Coastal Park, VICTORIA
Brabuwooloong Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
Yeerung Gorge sounded like a good walk to do on the parks information flier so we determined that we would. As there is a lot of storm damage around the area, that eliminated the suggested starting which involved crossing the Yeerung River bridge which is now closed to vehicular use. Instead, we found ourselves driving around via the Old Coast Road and East Yeerung Track to the start, from where it would be a very short walk
Max elevation: 100 m
Total climbing: 135 m
Total descent: -130 m
Average speed: 4.94 km/h
Total time: 01:16:00
The 4WD driving app has East Yeerung Track as green, so no trouble with our 4motion VW van. As we turned off on the East Yeerung Track there was a Parks sign indicating it was a 4WD-only route. As we drove through a couple of sandy sections we ease we were confident all was good. About halfway along, however, the was a steeper sandy section with a couple of humps that looked to have been created by vehicles spinning out some of the sand. With no boards or recovery gear, we opted out of driving any further.
Point on East Yeerung Track we decided to stop driving
Now feet to the ground we walked the track to the small parking spot and sign to the gorge. The spot we stopped was probably the worst on the track but we were more than happy with our decision.
From the turnoff, the track is narrow with pretty thick bush alongside. The walk is only short. The so-called gorge is more of a rocky slope about 20m deep. Here the East branch of Yeerung River forms a very dark-coloured pool of water surrounded by shrubs. There is nothing particularly interesting in what we saw and there is also no good swimming available. Been there, done that, will not be back.
The local flora, fauna, geology, history and some other walks (ChatGPT)
Cape Conran Coastal Park is a pristine coastal reserve located in the far east of Victoria, Australia, spanning over 11,700 hectares of land. The park is situated on the traditional lands of the Bidawal and Gunaikurnai people, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years.
Geologically, Cape Conran Coastal Park is characterised by its rugged coastline, stunning beaches, and towering cliffs, which are formed by sedimentary rocks of the Bairnsdale Formation. These rocks were deposited in a shallow marine environment during the Early Cretaceous period, around 120 million years ago. The park is also home to extensive sand dunes, which were formed by the prevailing winds blowing sand off the beach and into the hinterland.
The flora of Cape Conran Coastal Park is diverse and abundant, with over 500 plant species identified within the park. The vegetation is dominated by a mix of open forests and woodlands, which feature eucalyptus species such as Messmate, Manna Gum, and Swamp Gum. Other notable plant species include the Coast Banksia, Coastal Tea-tree, and Silver Banksia. The park is also home to a range of plant communities, including heathlands, sedgelands, and grasslands, which provide important habitats for a range of fauna.
The fauna of Cape Conran Coastal Park is equally diverse, with a range of native animals and bird species inhabiting the area. The park is home to several species of wallaby, including the Swamp Wallaby, the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, and the Red-necked Wallaby. Other notable mammals include the koala, echidna, and possums. The park is also home to a range of reptiles, such as the Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard and the Eastern Water Dragon, as well as a variety of bird species, including the Superb Fairy-wren, the Eastern Yellow Robin, and the Crimson Rosella.
The history of Cape Conran Coastal Park is rich and complex, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 20,000 years. The area has been traditionally used by the Bidawal and Gunaikurnai people for thousands of years, with the coast providing an important source of food and resources. In more recent times, the park has been used for a range of activities, including logging, grazing, and farming. Today, the park is managed by Parks Victoria, which has worked to protect and conserve the natural and cultural values of the area.
Visitors to Cape Conran Coastal Park can enjoy a range of walks and activities, including bushwalking, birdwatching, and fishing. The park features several walking tracks, including the Banksia Bluff Walk, which provides stunning views of the coastline and surrounding landscape, and the East Cape Walk, which takes visitors through heathlands and woodland areas. The park also features several camping grounds, which provide an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area up close. Overall, Cape Conran Coastal Park is a unique and special place, offering visitors an opportunity to connect with nature and experience the rich cultural and natural history of the area.
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