Tuesday 24/10/2023 Mitre Rock
Mount Arapiles – Tooan State Park, VICTORIA
Wotjobaluk Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report)
Our last, very short hike in Mount Arapiles – Tooan State Park was to Mitre Rock. We had earlier seen Mitre Rock from a couple of different viewpoints and were inquisitive as to how the views back to Mount Arapiles might appear from this perspective.
Need Sues
Max elevation: 220 m
Total climbing: 134 m
Total descent: -136 m
Average speed: 2.62 km/h
Total time: 00:38:34
The track is rough and does not appear to be anywhere nearly as often visited as the neighbouring tracks at Mount Arapiles. This track heads straight up and through the middle of the peak mostly over exposed bedrock. It provides good views along the way. Quickly to the pass between the twin peaks, we made our way down the other side, heading off track a couple of times to find better vantage points for photos. The views are excellent with Mitre Rock forming a splendid foreground.
Arapiles and Mitre Rock
The track further down seemed to peter out, so at times we just followed the contours of the hill around below the climb base. We were glad we did as we then came around to be right in front of a “three sisters” rock formation and later found what looked to be swallow nests under an overhang.
This super short hike turned out to be the most worthwhile.
The local flora, fauna, geology, history and some other walks (Bard)
Local Flora
The local flora of Mount Arapiles – Tooan State Park is a diverse mix of woodland, grassland, and heathland vegetation. The woodland is dominated by Eucalyptus species, such as the red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), the yellow gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon), and the greybox (Eucalyptus microcarpa). The grassland is dominated by native grasses such as kangaroo grass (Themeda australis), wallaby grass (Danthonia spp.), and spear grass (Stipa spp.). The heathland is dominated by shrubs such as wattles (Acacia spp.), grevilleas (Grevillea spp.), and hakea (Hakea spp.).
Local Fauna
The local fauna of Mount Arapiles – Tooan State Park is also diverse, and includes a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the common mammals include kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, koalas, and echidnas. Some of the common birds include emus, kookaburras, parrots, honeyeaters, and wrens. Some of the common reptiles include snakes, lizards, and turtles. Some of the common amphibians include frogs and toads.
Geology
Mount Arapiles – Tooan State Park is located in the Wimmera Plains, which is a large basalt plain in western Victoria. The park is underlain by a variety of volcanic rocks, such as basalt and tuff. The park also contains some sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and shale.
Indigenous History
The Aboriginal people of Australia have lived in the area now known as Mount Arapiles – Tooan State Park for thousands of years. The park is on the traditional land of the Wotjobaluk people. The Wotjobaluk people used the land for hunting, gathering, and fishing. They also used the land for ceremonial and spiritual purposes.
White History
The first Europeans to visit the area now known as Mount Arapiles – Tooan State Park were explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell in 1824. The area was first settled by Europeans in the 1830s. The park was established in 1977.
Walks
Mount Arapiles – Tooan State Park has a number of walking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to difficult. Some of the popular walks include:
The Arapiles Ridge Walk: This is a moderate 4 km walk that takes in some of the most scenic views in the park, including the Arapiles Ridge, a series of rock formations that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The Tooan Creek Walk: This is an easy 2 km walk that follows Tooan Creek. The walk passes through woodland, grassland, and wetland vegetation.
Additional Information
The park is also home to a number of rock art sites and Aboriginal burial grounds.
The park is a popular destination for rock climbers, with over 1000 climbing routes located throughout the park.
The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the park.
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