Introduction

This Book details tracknotes records from four expeditions bushwalks undertaken by Boronia Technical School (now Boronia Heights College) on the East Gippsland coast. All four walks were done as part of the year 12 Environmental and Outdoors Education Course.

From these four walks we have learnt a lot about the area and its animals, plants geomorphology and history. All this has been included in this book to provide useful information to individuals and groups planning a walk in the area.

The book also aims to provide useful environmental information. This focuses on the plants and animals that we have seen on our walks. The regularity of these encounters is one thing which makes the area special and this information we hope will aid walkers appreciation and understanding of what can be seen.

Finally this book is also about safe enjoyment of the area because we have seen it in all its moods and know that its reputation for mild sunny days belies what it can be like when bad weather strikes.

We have found that adverse weather can occur there at any time of the year. For experienced and well equipped parties this just adds to the atmosphere of the place, but an in experienced an ill-equipped group can be put at risk by these conditions and the isolation which gives the area its wilderness feel. Avoiding risk is a simple matter of being prepared and keeping to the walks within the capabilities of your group.

Enjoying the Wilderness Coast is then east and there are a number of ways in which you can do it.

Firstly you can do extended overnight walks as we have done. Secondly you can do day walks and cycling trips from the various access points along the coast, and thirdly you can explore the area's secluded rivers, lakes and estuaries by canoe. You can also do a combination of the latter two because the access points for both are much the same.

All these options are outlines in this book with the aim of enabling people to plan memorable holidays in this magnificent area.

The information provided is accurate as of the time of writing but contact with the local rangers is recommended to check for any recent changes.

The authors welcome your input in the form of corrections or other information of interest in the area. We wish you enjoyable and safe walking in this splendid part of Australia the Wilderness Coast.

Peter Cook and Chris Dowd