Mount Baw Baw, Mount Saint Phillack, and Mount Saint Gwinear: 1 Jan 2023


 Day Hike to Mount Saint Phillack, and Mount Saint Gwinear


 Mount Saint Gwinear

                                               

Driving from Melbourne to Mt Baw Baw takes about 2h30min, beware the road up to Baw Baw village is very scenic, but narrow, there are areas with no centre lines, hence watch for oncoming traffic, and I did find a few very impatient drivers, so be sure to pull over in the slow vehicle spots.

The parking at the village has tons of spots, and there is a restaurant, public restrooms and lots of signage.

In saying that, it did take us a try or two to find the start of the trail we wanted to do

Start of trail


Once on the right track, there are quite a few ways to get to your destination.
I was Gaia maps to plan my route, and track as well, I definitely suggest using something.

There is a bit of elevation, so be prepared for a few "ups and downs" :)
We had great weather starting around 23C, but coming from the Pacific Northwest this was really warm for me!

I did carry a ton of water and the usual 10 essentials

I also recommend a Cooling Scarf, as this was a lifesaver on such a warm day.

It took around an hour to get to the Mt St Phillack, Mount Saint Gwinear trail link
Trail Link

                                            

This winds on for a bit till we got to the Mt St Phillack saddle, there is a great camp spot there, and a little bit of a view.
A little further is the actual Mt St Phillack "rock pile" we stopped here had a bit of a snack, under a tree and since we were early we pushed on to Mount Saint Gwinear.
This does present a nice downhill, but beware this will be a steep uphill on the way back!
You will eventually reach some really cool rock formations, the trail reaches a junction here, going left will take you to Mount Saint Gwinear., and right continues along the Australian Alps walking track where you can get to Talbot peak, and Mt Erika.

                                                        Rock formations

After a small stint through a beautiful meadow and up another small hill, you will reach Mount Saint Gwinear. The view from here is awesome!
There are some nice rocks and a lovely tree to rest and lunch, and admire the views :)
Cool Tree!




On our way back the temperature really picked up! according the report it was between 26 and 29C
There is a small stream where you can wet your hat, and clothes for a quick cool down, there were a few bugs around..so beware..



All up it took us about 4.5 hours including breaks for photos and snacks, and a few chats to I reckon only 3 people we saw on the trail!



The view from Mount Saint Gwinear


Safe hiking, and enjoy!



Location: Mount Baw Baw, Baw Baw Village VIC 3833, Australia

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