The spectacular Mount Arapiles
Mount Arapiles is a spectacular feature, rising sharply from the Wimmera plains to form part of the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park.
The park includes Mitre Rock, adjacent to Mount Arapiles and the Tooan block. The 5060 hectare park is valuable for nature conservation, with about 14% of the State's flora species represented in the Mount Arapiles section alone.
Things to Do
- Mount Arapiles, widely regarded as the top rock climbing area in Australia, is of world renown.
- Two short walking tracks link Centenary Park to the summit of Mount Arapiles and the sealed Lookout Road gives easy access to a short walk that leads to the summit. There is also a short but interesting nature walk from Lookout Road.
- The vehicle track which circles the Mount is suitable for cycling and driving and is a good walk in wildflower season. All but the eastern end of the track is closed to vehicles during winter.
- Birdwatching, painting and nature studies are also popular activities.
The main picnic area and the only location where camping is permitted is Centenary Park, near the base of the cliffs. There are fireplaces, picnic tables, water and toilets, but no showers.
There are basic picnic areas at the carpark summit and at The Bluff picnic area where views are spectacular.
There are no facilities in the Tooan Block.
Camping fees apply. Generally, water supply is limited. There are no powered sites throughout the park.
Backpacker and hotel accommodation is available in Natimuk, and there is a caravan park at Natimuk Lake, 4 km north of the township.
Heritage
For thousands of years, an Aboriginal clan inhabited the area around what is currently known as Mount Arapiles but they were displaced by European settlement. Some of their descendents still live in the area, and there are a number of archaeological sites. Explorer Major Sir Thomas Mitchell was the first European to see Mount Arapiles. On 23 July 1836, he climbed to the summit and named it after a hill of the same name in Spain.
Fauna
Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park is a habitat for a variety of mammals and invertebrates.
A total of 109 bird species has been recorded. Notable species include the Peregrine Falcon, Rainbow Bee Eater, Gilbert Whistler and Southern Scrub Robin.
Kangaroos may be seen grazing the lower slopes and possums observed at night foraging in the tree canopies.
During the summer, Shingle Back Lizards and Eastern Brown Snakes soak up the warm sun.
Vegetation
Mount Arapiles shares the climatic features of the northern part of the State and geological characteristics more common to the south.
Most of the Arapiles plateau is covered by low, open forest of Long-leaved Box in association with some Buloke and White Cypress Pine. Below the plateau, Yellow Gum woodland is found.
Throughout the park, wildflowers present a colourful display during spring. About 500 species of native plants occur in the park, including several such as Rock Wattle and Skeleton Fork-fern which are rare or endangered.
Looking After the Park
- Light fires only in fireplaces provided. If possible, use a fuel stove. Collecting of firewood is prohibited in the park - wood can be purchased in Natimuk.
- Do not disturb wildlife or pick wildflowers or plants - they are all protected.
- Shooting is prohibited.
- Vehicles may only be used on roads open to the public. They must be registered, and drivers and riders must be licensed. Put your rubbish in a bin, or take it away with you.
Rock climbing can be a hazardous sport and should only be undertaken by climbers with experience and training, or under the guidance of skilled and qualified instructors.
How to Get There
The park is 320 km north-west of Melbourne and 440 km from Adelaide (Melway 520 A9). It is directly accessible from the Wimmera Highway, 30 km west of Horsham. Mount Arapiles and Mitre Rock are 8 km west of the small town of Natimuk and Tooan another 12 km to the south-west. Access into the Tooan block is via minor roads.
Nearby Parks
- Black Range State Park
- Dergholm State Park
- Grampians National Park
- Little Dessert National Park
For more information, visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au.
by: Parks Victoria