By Kath Gannaway
MOTORISTS could drive past the turn off to Powelltown on their way to Warburton or through it on their way to Gippsland but they’d be happily surprised if they stopped a while and explored everything this fascinating village and surrounding area have to offer.
With its location in the centre of mountain ash timber country in the Little Yarra River Valley, it’s not surprising that bushwalking is the main attraction.
The drive into Powelltown along Little Yarra Road is one of the prettiest in the Yarra Valley and takes in lush green farmlands and apple orchards as the hamlets of Gladysdale, Gilderoy and Three Bridges are marked off along the way.
Powelltown itself is snuggled in a nest of the magnificent mountains that take walkers on tracks of discovery to places including one of the biggest living things in the world – the Ada Tree.
At about 76 metres high and with a 15.7 metre girth, the Ada Tree is the reward at the end of the 3.2 kilometre Island Creek Rainforest Walk.
Making the way through cool groves of ancient myrtle beech, sassafras and soft tree ferns, this is an easy walk, particularly suitable for young and elderly walkers.
Not such an easy trek, however, but every bit as rewarding, is the walk to Seven Acre Rock in the Yarra State Forest.
At 600 metres altitude, this large, rocky outcrop provides amazing views of the Yarra State Forest, the Bunyip River Valley, and the Bunyip State Park.
The walking track is reached via Learmonth Creek Road, west of Powelltown off the Little Yarra Road.
The two-kilometre return trek starts at the car park and picnic ground and while the first little bit looks quite accessible, it becomes more challenging as it wends its way along the mountainside.
A recent community plan has put tourism very firmly in the focus for the Little Yarra Valley with locals keen to showcase the valley’s heritage and the history that is still very much alive in buildings such as the Union Church, the hall and the timber workman’s cottages that are home to some of the town’s 200 residents.
The Walk Into History is a major attraction for serious walkers as well as for those who just want to take a stroll into some of the most beautiful timber country remaining in the Yarra Valley.
Unique in Victoria, the track follows historic timber tramways that wind their way through spectacular forest scenery, retracing the route of the original tramways and visiting the sites of former settlements and bush mills, now largely reclaimed by the forests.
Whatever the level of fitness, and time constraints, there are plenty of options from half-day sections to more extended overnight and three-day walks with camping areas available.
Visit parkweb.vic.gov.au (Walk Into History) for inspiration and practical information on taking a walk into Powelltown’s history.
If it’s a leisurely walk around town that’s needed or somewhere to re-energise after a hard-day’s trekking, the iconic Powelly Pub is the place to rest weary bones and sit down to some great food and conversation.
Talking food, be sure to pop in at the Coolstore at Three Bridges for some fresh off-the-tree apples as a souvenir.
It’s true, the locals lost the fight with bureaucracy a couple of years ago to get a sign pointing the way to Powelltown from the Warby Highway at Yarra Junction, but for those who know the best secret places to visit, perhaps that just means it’s all the more appealing when taking the road less travelled and discovering the Little Yarra Valley.
