About the Walking Trails

With an unspoilt natural environment, Bendleby Ranges offers remote campsites nestled amongst gum lined creeks, 4WD tracks and hiking and mountain bike trails.

The gem of the bushwalks are through Hidden Valley, in the Bendleby Ranges. These hikes begin from the Rest Area next to the gate near Solly’s Well. The road to here from ‘The Springs’ homestead (the main Bendleby Ranges camping area) is generally 2WD accessible, although the last several kilometres may be difficult if the road hasn’t been recently graded – in which case you could drive as far as possible before parking, and then walking to the Rest Area.

It’s possible to continue past the Rest Area, along the 4WD track, past most of the campsites to the end of the track, and commence a shorter hike into Hidden Valley from there.

 Hidden Valley Hike

1.4km return, 2 hours

Experience the highlight of Hidden Gorge, walking along the creek bed.

Start from the end of the 4WD track through the camping areas. Walk along some of the creek bed, and return along the same route.

 Loop A through Hidden Valley and Kokoda Trail

5.4km loop, 3 hours

An easy to follow longer hike through Hidden Valley and along 4WD tracks.

Start from Rest Area near Sollys Well gate. This walk option is well marked, and much of it is shared with mountain bikers and 4WD vehicles.

 Loop B through Hidden Valley and open country

6.4km loop, 3 hours

Enjoy a stunning walk through Hidden Valley and the upper creek. Walking clockwise, the walking across open country is good for bushwalkers confident in navigation over complex topography.

After leaving the main creek (with Loop A going to the left), the trail has no more markers. 120m beyond a waterfall rock pool, the route goes up a valley to a saddle. The exit is not marked, nor the trail up the valley. The trail is scant and easily confused with animal tracks. From the saddle the track becomes increasingly difficult to follow with many animal tracks and no markers, so is suited to hikers confident in navigation over complex topography.

Start from Rest Area near Sollys Well gate.

 Loop south of Rest Area

2.5km loop, 1 hour

Enjoy an easy walk around the low hills. Follow the markers along faint walking trails and tracks.

Start from Rest Area near Sollys Well gate. This trail is shared with mountain bikers.

 Trail to The Springs homestead

5.1km one-way

Follow the markers along faint walking trails and tracks which parallel the 4WD track back to the main homestead.

Start from Rest Area near Sollys Well gate, or from ‘The Springs’ homestead (the main camping area). This trail is shared with mountain bikers. It is reasonably well signposted, but it has has been a good season for rain it may be harder to follow.

Other walks include:

• Some experienced bushwalkers use the Loop A walk above but walk further west upstream, returning on the further away 4WD track
• Many of the 4WD tracks are suitable for walking, and walkers are permitted to walk anywhere across the property
• Progressive and leisure walkers are able to pre-organise tailored routes with staff to suit individual needs of time, distance, and expertise. Walkers can arrange meeting points where water and firewood can be supplied.
• Marchant Hill, 8km return (half on 4WD track)
• Yakka Gorge, Hungry Ranges, 2km one-way
• Ekes Peak Lookout and Eke Hill, Hungry Ranges, 2km return