Backpack from Mt Baw Baw to Mushroom Rocks

Please note that the weather on this walk can change drastically, so be prepared for anything! The first day on our walk was +15 and sunny and we woke up to a blanket of snow and had to walk back in freezing temperatures. Please note that, depending on the year, you may need to buy a permit to drive on the mountain. As well, you may need chains - I advise phoning if you are hiking in the shoulder seasons or winter months to check the conditions on the mountain. 

Once you get to the top of the mountain, or Baw Baw Village, there are several numbered car parks. Park at the highest car park, in #1 if possible, as you start the track near the visitors centre there. Across the road from the #1 car park, walk down Tingaringy Crescent, following it until you reach Candle Heath Drive. At the bottom of the hill, you will see the start of the Muellers Track. Follow this track until you reach "Five Ways," where you have the option to summit Mt Baw Baw via the summit trail, which is around 1km return. This section will bring you up to the top of the mountain where the lifts bring skiiers/snowboarders in the winter.

From "Five Ways," head left on the Village Trail until you reach the junction with the trail towards Mt St Gwinear again to your left. This section is relatively wide, easy, and well marked, walking through McMillans Flat. From here, enter Baw Baw National Park, taking the trail to a junction with the Australian Alps Walking Track. On the way out, please note that when you join the Australian Alps Walking Track, the junction's sign redirecting you back to Baw Baw Village is broken, so take note of this junction for the way back to the village. At this junction, take a left towards Mt St Gwinear.

Please note that you have the alternative walking route through the village to the Village Trail, where you can instead turn left at the junction with Baw Baw National Park. This trail can flood, so check first with the resort to make sure you are able it is not closed.

Please see the link here for a map of the village prior to joining the Australian Alpine Walking Track: Village Map

From the village trail, the track immediately begins to start descending, then ascending slightly to summit Mt St Phillick (1,566m) and Mt St Gwinear (1509m). The trail then starts to descend, making its way through open grass fields and forests, taking you to the end of the Baw Baw Plateau. There are some small streams along the way, but not many for some time. 

Continue to follow the markers, which are stamped into the trees along the trail. Just before you reach Mt Erica, there is a junction in the track, of which to the right is a trail to the Talbot Hut ruins (another campsite) and to the right is Mt Erica and the continuation of the Australian Alps track. Turn right here, where you can immediately see a wooden bridge over a creek. Here is the last source of water, and the cleanest along the trail. Fill up here.

Continue along the trail, summitting Mt Erica (1,509m), then descending to the Mushroom Rocks campground. We did not see any signs for the campground itself, but once you see the very large mushroom rocks, there are areas for your tent both at the start of the rocks and further down the trail. If you follow the trail, you will find bathrooms across from a ski hut (privately owned). I recommend bringing TP and lots of bug spray (there were lots of flies and mosquitos!). The rocks in the area are amazing - they make you feel really small! We spent quite a while doing some exploring - it's a cool area.

The next day, make your way back the way you came.

Take a look here for another map of Baw Baw and the Australian Alps Walking Track: Parks Victoria Map - Baw Baw National Park