Situated in the scenic Pyrenees the Valley Walk is an easy 500m walk from the Waterfalls Campground. Whilst we had hoped to see a waterfall the walk itself is still very pleasant. We visited in Spring time and sadly the rock where a waterfall can be seen was damp with a “trickle” of water. They say in winter or after heavy rains you can see the waterfall. The sound of the birds chirping as they flew from tree to tree was music to our ears.
The area is a lovely place to meet family/friends to have a picnic after you have strolled along the Valley Walk, perhaps take a cricket ball/bat or the footy with you. For those looking for serenity its a perfect place to pitch the tent or bring your camper van/caravan.
Pyrenees Endurance Walk
For those more energetic this is where you can take the Pyrenees Endurance Walk, One Way 21km approximately 2 days!! Needless to say we didn’t even attempt 1km of this walk. We thought we should save this walk for the fit and athlete visitors to this area.
Our Experience of the Valley Walk
We stumbled upon this short walk into a valley of the Pyrenees State Forest. As we we exploring the Pyrenees State Forest we noticed a sign to the “waterfall”. We decided to first head to the Governor Rock Lookout Tower as the day was coming to an end. After driving the windy dusty unsealed road to the Governor Rock Lookout Tower where we had an amazing view of Avoca we made our way back down the hill and to the road to visit the “waterfall”.
We were rather surprised where the road took us. In our minds we had the assumption we were heading to see a waterfall, however instead we found ourselves in a free camping area which later learnt is the “Waterfall Camping Ground” which is free.
We opted to stay here the night still thinking in the morning we were going to see a waterfall. It was a superb place to stay. Prior to finding this little gem of a place we had in mind to stay along the Avoca river at Avoca RV Park which is another free camping area. In the morning when we arose we headed to the walking track. Here is was clearly sign posted “Valley Walk” with no mention of a waterfall. There was however another sign advising “waterfall tk” so yes, we were still hopeful we were going to see a waterfall!!
Off we headed on the Valley Walk which was a short walk through the forest. The track winds its way around above what once would’ve been a stony creek. The creek however on our visit was dry, not a drop of water in it which is really sad for the native animals.
Reaching the end of the track we came across a rock cliff which was damp, we guessed that in heavy rains you could witness a waterfall here. Although it was a lovely walk and we loved hearing the birds chirping happily around us we were disappointed for a number of reasons there was no waterfall!! Mainly our disappointment was for the native animals.
Valley Walk Facilities
- Drop Toilets
- Picnic tables
- Fire pits with BBQ’s
- Free camping area – Waterfalls Campground
- Walking tracks
Valley Walk Location
- Valley Walk, Percydale VIC 3478
- Approximately 13km, 17mins from Avoca
- Approximately 75km, 57mins from Ararat
- Approximately 196km, 23mins from Melbourne CBD
Our Tips
If you are going to enjoy a picnic or BBQ here ensure you bring the following. If you love camping throw in your tent or bring along your camper van/caravan and make a night of this beautiful area. Don’t forget to look out for the kangaroos. We saw them jumping down into the valley from the nearby mountains and across the sheep paddocks.
- Firewood
- Drinking Water
- Water for extinguishing your fire
- Toilet Paper
Nearby Attractions
Our trip to Avoca was spontaneous. The night prior we spent at the scenic Green Hill Lake Reserve in Ararat. After exploring Ararat we visited the Ararat Visitor Information Centre where they talked highly of Ararat. Without a second thought off we headed.
Below are some of the places we explored on our 3 day escape whilst in Ararat and Avoca. Both places are very beautiful and have a lot to offer. Staying at the Waterfall Campground free camping area which is approximately 500m from the Valley Walk was a great place to stay. Check out our link for 3 day itinerary Melbourne – Ararat – Avoca – Melbourne
- Historical town of Ararat
- Alexandra Gardens Park
- Green Hill Lake Reserve
- J Ward Asylum
- Avoca
- Avoca Chinese Gardens
- Governor Rock Lookout Tower, Pyrenees State Forest
- Maryborough
You can also follow our 3 day itinerary Melbourne – Ararat – Avoca – Melbourne by clicking on the link.
If you are looking at where to visit after Avoca check out our 3 day stay at Halls Gap, Grampians and our experience at Green Hill Lake Reserve which is in Ararat.
Another place which has a great free camping ground is Mt Franklin which is situated on an extinct volcanic crater nearby to Daylesford. If you are heading back to Melbourne this is a perfect place to stop.
Feedback/Comments
We are looking to explore more of the old gold mining area of the Pyrenees. We would love to hear of your adventures here or nearby and any suggestions you may have of places we should explore.
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