Tuesday 23/10/2023 The Pines-Centenary Park Campground – Grapples Lane – B240 – Natimuk – Lake Road – Lake Natimuk – Meyers Lane – Wyn Wyn Road – Rasmussen’s Road – Grapples – Grass Flat Road – C213 – Centenary Park Road
Mount Arapiles – Tooan State Park, VICTORIA
Wotjobaluk Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
Having picked up the Arapiles Big Sky Bicycle Trail pamphlet from Horsham Tourist Office we decided this afternoon was our big chance for a quiet mountain bike ride along a very flat route. We headed off from The Pines-Centenary Park Campground after lunch, having completed the gully loop through Mount Arapiles in the morning.
Max elevation: 164 m
Total climbing: 548 m
Total descent: -548 m
Average speed: 17.06 km/h
Total time: 03:07:31
The weather was ideal for riding, something neither of us had done much of the in last few years. It all looked great to begin with, with signs and route markers to indicate the way. The trail itself was great, providing firm and fast riding. The route is entirely through farmland, with plenty of wheat all around us, interspersed with the occasional tree. We weren’t far along before we found the first interpretative sign, unreadable due to fading, this was to become a pattern and warning of what was to come. Looking back there are good views of Mount Arapiles across green fields.
After about 12km we reached Natimuk, a quaint, small village with a tiny shop to grab something if you wish. From Natimuk we turned north and followed Lake Road to Natimuk Lake before following it around the western shoreline. I became a little concerned as we reached the northern end of the lake, having an image in my head that we should have already made our next turn. Stopping to check my map, that hunch proved correct, so we backtracked whilst looking much more closely to find what we had missed. Eventually, and only with the aid of GPS mapping, we found where the turn was meant to be made. As the roadside had recently been slashed on both sides for kilometres we were surprised to find the turnoff beyond the slashing. We didn’t end up progressing far along this official route either, as it quickly became overgrown to the extent that it appeared identical to the wheat fields in all directions. I don’t know whether the property owner had fallen into hard times or had decided to no longer keep supporting the track or what, I just hope that either way, it wasn’t from people abusing their earlier support of the trail.
Official route off Lake Avenue, yes straight ahead!
This now forced us to navigate our route back and as this added about 8km to the original 33km, we ended up skipping the Mitre Rock section. As we were getting a little tired and enjoying an easy, long bitumen section we just weren’t very enthusiastic when we saw the long hill up a gravel road to get there.
Just past here we also saw a lace monitor cross the road and climb a tree, perfectly positioning itself for a photo. Not cycling around Mitre Rock, however, did end up allowing us to get some nice views of Mitre Rock from the south across the wheat fields.
Overall we found this to be a really good, easy ride away from traffic. However, keep in mind the forced route variation that will more than likely be required, taking the total distance to over 40km.
From Local Council Signage in Natimuk
HISTORIC NATIMUK
Welcome to Natimuk, Aboriginal for Little Creek, which offers a friendly and fascinating gateway to the great outdoors. Surveyed by Easton Johnstone in 1875, Natimuk developed to meet the needs of the selectors, and by 1880 was a thriving centre. Natimuk was one of the largest towns in the area and there were over and there 70 shops and industries, including a flour mill and three steel foundries. Channelled water arrived here in 1888 and the railway in 1890.
Natimuk has retained much of its original character and tourists from all over Australia and the world come here to enjoy the many sights, climb Mt. Arapiles, camp at Natimuk Lake and enjoy the natural environment.
Features of Natimuk are marked on this map and many information plaques have been placed on significant historical buildings and sites. A “heritage walk” and other brochures are available below. Enjoy. herit Enjoy
From Horsham Rural City Council Tourist Guide
The Arapiles Big Sky trail is located in Natimuk, 26km to the west of Horsham in western Victoria.
The Arapiles Big Sky Trail connects the small town of Natimuk to Mt Arapiles which rises dramatically from the Wimmera plains. Mt Arapiles is a world renowned rock climbing area. There are over 2000 climbing routes and some of the climbs are among the world’s hardest. While at Mt Arapiles there are bush walks or other short rides that you can do. From the top of Mt Arapiles you get magnificent views of the surrounding areas stretching from the Little Desert National Park in the north to the Grampians in the east.
Just a short ride away is Mitre Rock which also provides great climbing routes and short walks and Mitre Lake which is part of a natural chain of wetlands that stretch from Douglas in the south to the north of Mt Arapiles. Closer to Natimuk, Natimuk Lake is a popular recreational place where people enjoy fishing, waterskiing and various other water based activities.
On the trail
The Arapiles Trail is unique in Victoria in that it traverses mainly broad acre farm land. In this area crops include wheat, barley, canola (yellow flowers) and various beans, lentils and pulses. You may also see sheep or cattle grazing in the paddocks. Farming operations vary from season to season. In autumn and winter many farmers are sowing crops. During this time emerging crops may be sprayed. Spring will see the cutting of pasture and crops for hay. People who experience hay fever may wish to take appropriate precautions before riding at this time.
Ploughing of strips beside fences is still common practice for containment of fire and riders may see this happening in late spring and early summer. Summer is harvesting time and farmers are busy day and night. You’ll see farm equipment such as headers harvesting crops. If you see machinery adjacent to the trail, it may be better to wait until it has moved away before continuing.
About the bike trail
The Arapiles Bike Trail starts near Natimuk’s central parking area opposite the National Hotel near the skate park. Toilets and electric BBQ’s are located beside the car park. An Orientation Sign about the trail is located here.
What sort of bike?
The trail is a 33km off road recreational trail looping through the natural landscape of Natimuk, Natimuk Lake, Mitre Lake, Mitre Rock and Mt Arapiles. Mountain bikes are the most suitable for this trail.
You’ll find ten interpretive signs with stories along the trail. The trail can be completed as a loop or divided into smaller sections.
Natimuk to Natimuk Lake
Natimuk to Natimuk Lake is a 3.7km flat ride on compacted gravel. This section follows Natimuk Creek between Natimuk Lake and Natimuk. Start this trail next to the old courthouse building in the Main Street.
Natimuk to Mt Arapiles car park
Natimuk to Mt Arapiles Car Park is a 10km relatively flat ride on compacted gravel. Start this trail next to the rotunda and the artillery gun just near the skate park.
At the rotunda the path follows Natimuk Creek out of town to Gladigau Rd and then winds its way to the camp ground at Mt Arapiles. The picturesque Mt Arapiles is always in sight.
Arapiles Car Park to Mitre Rock is a 3.3km undulating ride Mt Arapiles car park to Mitre Rock the base of Mt Arapiles on the Centenary Park Access Track before heading out of the park crossing the Natimuk-Frances Rd to reach Mitre Rock. along an unsealed surface. This trail follows the Centenary Mt Arapiles Car Park to Vinegar Hill is an 8km undulating ride Mt Arapiles car park to Vinegar Hill Park Access Track before heading towards Mitre Rock. From Mitre Rock, the trail heads north through the Mitre Lake Reserve toward Vinegar Hill with magnificent views. There is no formed trail and riders may have to negotiate fallen trees and variable ground conditions. This section of the trail is not suitable in wet conditions.
Mt Arapiles car park to Natimuk Lake
Mt Arapiles Car Park to Natimuk Lake is a 23km ride on mixed undulating terrain including quiet shared dirt roads, specific bike trail, some unused road reserves and on-road sections. This scenic section takes you along the base of Mt Arapiles, past Mitre Rock (if time allows take in the view from the top of ‘Vinegar Hill’ and Mitre Lake and back along the edge of Natimuk Lake. This section will take you right to the Natimuk Lake Caravan Park, with shower, barbecue and camping facilities. This section of the trail is an off road section. There is no formed trail and riders may have to negotiate fallen trees and variable ground conditions. This section of the trail is not suitable in wet conditions.
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