Melodious Expeditions

Lake Mountain is roughly a 2-hour drive from Melbourne in the same direction as Mt. Baw Baw that you would have read a few months back, another good skiing destination for those wishing to try cross country. This time, however, I decided to take a trip there in the summer months, where snow would have no chance in surviving in the temperatures and sunshine even at that altitude. The region was affected by the massive bush fires that raged through Victoria several years back and is currently in the phase of re-establishment, both ecologically and in terms of facilities.

Arrived at lunch time at the main hut and had a picnic lunch with coffee that was required to stay awake (have been tired working quite a bit on various things so coffee is always welcome).

Green and red colours of vegetables on a bright summers day, healthy food By now you’ll have notice that I’m one that loves to zoom into his food when taking pictures!

The main parking lot is pretty much deserted in the spring and summer time. This place is more attractive in the winter and loses out to a number of other hiking destinations during the warmer times of the year.

Leaves have all disappeared and are only growing back slowly. This barren landscape gives off an eerie yet interesting feeling. As you drive up to the mountain, you’ll notice a lot of trees that have been affected by the bushfires spawning greenery from the roots up along the trunk.

The toboggan run lacks a bit of snow for the enjoyment

There are a few hiking paths around the mountain, each with varying difficulty (the number of uphill and downhill slopes). Most of them start out like this…

I remember coming to this clearing a few years back in the snow. Just as you come out of the dense forest, you are greeted with green plains (or white in winter). On a clear day like this one it feels like the clouds are passing behind you with speed and as if the winding path will continue forever.

Depending on the hiking path you choose, you’ll end up walking for a good few hours. Bring heaps of water because there aren’t any stations in between. You’ll come across the odd rubbish bin or two.

The eerie feeling continues through the forests. A green floor and a grey-ish surrounding.

The path is well marked and you are unlikely to get lost. Be sure to stop by some of the lookouts on the way.

The views are quite splendid and you will be able to see the real extent of the mountain.

Noticed some completely charcoaled tree trunks that take funny shapes.

This “arrow” looks like it came from the sky and got stuck in the ground.

If your eyes are good and you are able to see what’s 14000km ahead, you can get a clear view of the Panama Canal or just the Parliament House in Canberra. Some of these Mountains have very amusing names! Would you go to “Mt. Terrible”?

I stopped by a few lookouts and most of them look in the east direction. There is a separate summit trail that you’d have to get to from the carpark that gives you a view of the western side (towards Melbourne).

Lake Mountain summit, 1433m above sea level. Doesn’t compare to the mountains in Europe, but hey, it’s still a good hike uphill!

And on a hot day like this one, you’d be happy to reach the top and lie down on the rock while enjoying the warmth of the late afternoon sun!

View Lake Mountain Alpine Resort in a larger map

If you’re interested in visiting Lake Mountain (be it in the snow or summer), it’s a 2-hour drive from Melbourne over the Black Spur (a long, winding and spectacular mountain road between Healesville and Narbethong).

Related posts:

1. Hiking in the alps – The Stubai Valley, Austria
2. Hiking in the alps – The Northern Chain (Nordkette)