Anakie

A little further north, at 130 Staughton Vale Road (3 km north of Anakie) is the Mt Anakie Vineyard which has been operating since 1968. It produces cabernet sauvignon, Rhine riesling, chardonnay, cabernet franc, dolcetto, shiraz, semillon and biancone. The restaurant is open for weekend lunches and other times for group bookings. The cellar door is open seven days from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5284 1256 or (03) 5284 1452.

Located next door to the Fairy Park, the del Rios of Mt Anakie vineyard is the newest in the region. The first wine was produced in 2000. It produces cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz, merlot, sauvignon blanc and rose. It is located at 2320 Ballan Rd. The cellar door is open Friday to Sunday from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5284 1221

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Brisbane Ranges National Park (7718 ha), to the north of Anakie, is noted for its extensive native flora. There are 619 species in the park (one-fifth of all species in Victoria). Many of them are rare (e.g., the golden grevillea and the velvet daisy-bush) or are remote from their usual habitat. Grey kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, possums and gliders can be found in the park, along with over 170 bird species, including the yellow-tufted honeyeater, white-throated nightjar and rainbow bee-eater. The park also contains the state's greatest density of koalas. which live in the park's mana gums.

The Brisbane Ranges were elevated above the Werribee Plains by earth movements along the Rowsley Fault which developed some four million years ago. The Wathaurong people occupied the area until they were decimated by European settlement which commenced with the granting of pastoral leases in the late 1830s. Gold was found in the Anakie hills in 1851 and the Steiglitz rush got under way in 1855. Gold mining created a great demand for timber and much of the forest was cut down as a result. In 1859 the remaining members of the Wathaurong clan were relocated to a reserve which was closed in 1901 after minimal use.

The Brisbane Ranges became the main water source for Geelong when two dams were completed in 1873. The park was established in 1973 with additions in 1979 and 1995.

The Anakie Gorge Picnic Area has fireplaces, toilets, water and an information board. It is also the start of the Anakie Gorge Discovery Walk (3 km one way) which follows Stony Creek westwards, crossing the creek at several points, passing through Stony Creek Picnic Area and finishing at Lower Stony Creek Reservoir. A pamphlet, available from Parks Victoria, provides details which relate to a series of numbered posts. It traverses primarily flat terrain, focusing on koala habitats, the north-facing rock escarpments, rock faults, flora types, bird-watching opportunities, bushfire scarification, creek pools and a pipeline built through the gorge in the 1870s to funnel water to Geelong. The pipes were carted to the tops of the spurs by horse teams then taken down the gorge by bullock drays.

The Nelson Track Walk (3 km one way) intersects with the Anakie Gorge Walk about 1 km west of the Anakie Gorge Picnic Area and 2 km east of the Stony Creek Picnic Area. It is a narrow track which climbs steeply to the crest of the ridge then follows a fence, joining up with a management vehicle track near Switch Rd. A shot track, near the corner of the fence, leads along a narrow ridge to Nelsons Lookout which provides fine views over the Lower Stony Creek Reservoir and Anakie Gorge. To access Anakie Gorge Picnic Area, follow the Staughton Vale Rd (sealed) north of Anakie for 7 km then take the signposted turnoff on the left.

The Stony Creek Picnic Area is also accessible by road: follow the Staughton Vale Rd north of Anakie for 4 km then turn left onto the Ballan Rd (also sealed). After a little over 2 km turn right onto Switch Rd (surfaced but unsealed) and it is another 2 km to the picnic area. It has tables, fireplaces, water and toilets. This is a good birdwatching area. As previously mentioned, it is also an alternative access point to the Anakie Gorge Discovery Walk and thus to Nelsons Track Walk. If you head west of the picnic area along the walking track, towards Lower Stony Creek Reservoir, you will soon come to a turnoff on the left onto the Outlook Walk which heads south-west for 2 km. It climbs steadily over a saddle, descends, crosses a broad water course then climbs again to join a vehicular management track (known as the Outlook Track). Follow this eastwards for 100 metres to the Outlook which furnishes views over the Stony Creek Water Catchment. From here you can follow a 1.25-km circuit walk along the Outlook and Redbeak Tracks. In spring it reveals many wildflowers.

An alternative is the Kurung Walk (2.5 km return). To get to the start of this track, follow the walking track westwards from the Stony Creek Picnic Area. 30 metres beyond the start of the Outlook Walk (on the left) is the turnoff on the right onto the Kurung Walk which heads northwards along the track which ultimately leads towards the Little River Picnic Area and reservoir. It climbs steadily, offering good views of Anakie Gorge and the Stony Creek water catchment area. After about 1 km it joins up with the Switch Road. Turn right and follow it southwards back to the picnic area, taking in views of the gorge and the You Yang mountains.

The Boar Gully bush camping area is located further to the north. It is a pleasant woodland area which is a good base for bushwalking and offers several campsites, toilets, a picnic area and a water supply. To get there follow the Staughton Vale Road north of Anakie for 4 km then turn left onto the Ballan Road. 20 km along this road is Mt Wallace. Turn right here onto the Bacchus Marsh Road and follow it for 6 km until you see the signposted turnoff on the right which leads to the camping area.

If you wish to camp in the park it is necessary to contact the Anakie office first, tel: (03) 5284 1230. Lists of local birds and plants, a detailed map and a brochure outlining a three-day walk through the park are also available from the Anakie office. For further information ring the Parks Victoria infoline on 131 963 or check out the website: http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Restaurants

Staughton Cottage
Cnr Ballan & Staughton Vale Rds
Anakie VIC 3221
Telephone: (03) 5284 1477