Glenrowan - Mount Glenrowan Lookout Walk
Mount Glenrowan Lookout Walk is a scenic 9 km return bushwalk in Warby-Ovens National Park, leading to spectacular panoramic views across the Ovens Valley, King Valley and Victorian Alps.
The walk follows Ridge Track from Taminick Gap to Morgans Lookout, near the summit of Mount Glenrowan.
The mountain has a fascinating connection with Ned Kelly and the bushrangers who once used the rocky Warby Ranges as vantage points and hiding places.
The trail combines beautiful bushland, granite formations, interesting wildlife and sweeping views of North East Victoria.
Although the initial climb is steep, much of the remaining walk is moderate to easy, making it suitable for reasonably fit families with older children.
Walk Details:
- Distance: 9 km return
- Time: Approximately 4 hours return
- Difficulty: Grade 3, moderate
- Start: Taminick Gap, at the beginning of Ridge Track
- Finish: Morgans Lookout on Mount Glenrowan
- Route: Return along the same track
- Terrain: Initial steep sealed climb followed by moderate to easy walking along Ridge Track
- Suitable for: Families with older children and a reasonable level of fitness
- Mountain bikes: Permitted on Ridge Track
- Prams and wheelchairs: Not suitable
- Dogs: Not permitted
Mount Glenrowan Lookout Walk:
The walk begins at Taminick Gap, where a dirt parking area is located beside Ridge Track, before the management gate.
From the parking area, walkers pass through the stile and begin climbing the sealed road towards the communications towers.
This first section is the steepest part of the walk.
There are views west towards Winton Wetlands during the climb, providing an excuse to stop and admire the scenery.
After reaching the higher section near the communications towers, the route becomes considerably easier.
The track follows the ridgeline through native bushland, with granite formations and occasional views through the trees.
Walkers continue along Ridge Track towards Morgans Lookout.
The lookout provides magnificent views across the Ovens and King valleys, with the Victorian Alps stretching across the horizon.
The return journey follows the same route back to Taminick Gap.
Allow approximately four hours for the complete walk, including time to enjoy the views and take breaks.
Morgans Lookout:
Morgans Lookout is the main destination of the walk and one of the outstanding viewpoints in Warby-Ovens National Park.
Located on Mount Glenrowan, the lookout provides expansive views over the surrounding countryside.
From this elevated position, visitors can appreciate the broad agricultural plains, winding river valleys and distant mountain ranges.
The landscape includes the Ovens Valley, King Valley and the mountains of the Victorian Alps.
The lookout is particularly rewarding on clear days when distant features can be seen across the region.
The summit area is approximately 515 metres above sea level.
Although modest in height compared with the Victorian Alps, Mount Glenrowan provides excellent views because of its position above the surrounding plains.
Ned Kelly and Bushranger History:
The Warby Ranges have an interesting association with Ned Kelly and other bushrangers during the nineteenth century.
The rocky hills and elevated vantage points provided places where bushrangers could observe movement across the surrounding countryside.
From Mount Glenrowan, it was possible to see activity around the small township of Glenrowan and the surrounding valleys.
Ned Kelly and other bushrangers are known to have used the ranges while travelling through the district.
The lookout's historical associations add another dimension to the walk, particularly for families interested in the history of the Kelly Gang.
Visitors can combine a walk to Mount Glenrowan with a visit to the nearby Ned Kelly Discovery Hub at Glenrowan to learn more about the bushranger era.
History of the Warby Ranges:
The Warby Ranges are a prominent granite range west of Wangaratta.
The granite formations are approximately 400 million years old and form part of the rugged landscape of Warby-Ovens National Park.
Explorer Major Thomas Mitchell named the area Futters Range during his travels in 1836.
The range was subsequently renamed after Ben Warby, who established the extensive Taminick Pastoral Run in 1844.
Today, the ranges are protected within Warby-Ovens National Park and are popular for bushwalking, mountain biking, wildlife watching and exploring historic sites.
Wildlife and Vegetation:
The walk passes through native woodland and granite country supporting a variety of plants and animals.
Birdwatchers may spot different woodland species, while eastern grey kangaroos and reptiles can sometimes be encountered.
The vegetation includes eucalyptus woodland, grass trees and native wattles.
Spring is particularly attractive when wildflowers are flowering in parts of the national park.
The changing vegetation and views along the ridgeline make the walk interesting even before reaching the main lookout.
Is the Walk Suitable for Children?
Mount Glenrowan Lookout Walk is classified as Grade 3, making it more accessible than some of the steeper and rougher walking tracks in the Warby Ranges.
However, the complete 9 km return distance still requires good fitness and a reasonable amount of walking experience.
The steep climb near the beginning can be demanding, particularly during warm weather.
After this climb, the route is generally moderate to easy.
Families with older children who are comfortable walking for several hours may find the track suitable.
It is not recommended for toddlers or very young children, and the surface is unsuitable for prams and wheelchairs.
Families should bring plenty of water and allow time for rest stops.
Mountain Biking:
Ridge Track is a shared-use route where mountain bikes are permitted.
Cyclists can ride towards Mount Glenrowan along the management track, subject to park access restrictions.
The steep climb near the starting point requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Walkers should be aware that mountain bikes may be encountered along the route.
Cyclists should slow down when approaching walkers and give way as appropriate.
Facilities:
- Informal dirt parking area at Taminick Gap
- Walking access via Ridge Track
- Morgans Lookout
- Panoramic views over the Ovens and King valleys
- Views towards the Victorian Alps
- Mountain biking permitted on Ridge Track
- Native bushland and wildlife watching opportunities
- Historical associations with Ned Kelly and the Warby Ranges
Getting There:
The walk is located in Warby-Ovens National Park, near Glenrowan and Taminick.
The trail begins at Taminick Gap, where Ridge Track enters the national park.
Park in the dirt parking area beside Ridge Track, before the management gate.
Walkers should enter through the stile and follow the track towards the communications towers.
The route continues along Ridge Track to Morgans Lookout.
Visitors should not drive beyond the management gate, as vehicle access is restricted.
Check the official park directions before travelling, particularly after heavy rainfall or during periods of track maintenance.
Important Information:
- Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
- Carry plenty of drinking water and food.
- Allow approximately four hours for the return journey.
- Start early during warmer weather to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Take care on the steep sealed section near the beginning.
- Watch for mountain bikes sharing Ridge Track.
- Stay clear of steep edges and supervise children at the lookout.
- Be aware of snakes and other wildlife.
- Dogs are not permitted in the national park.
- Vehicles are not permitted beyond the management gate.
- Check park closures, weather and fire danger before visiting.
Opening Hours:
Track Access and Current Conditions
Cost:
Visitor Information
Review:
Mount Glenrowan Lookout Walk offers a rewarding combination of mountain views, bushwalking and local history.
The spectacular views from Morgans Lookout are the main attraction, with the surrounding Ovens Valley, King Valley and Victorian Alps creating an impressive panorama.
The association with Ned Kelly and the bushranger era makes the walk particularly interesting, adding a historical element to the natural scenery.
The initial steep climb is the most demanding section, but once the track reaches the higher ridgeline, the walking becomes considerably easier.
This makes the route more manageable than some of the difficult Grade 4 walks in the Warby Ranges, although the 9 km return distance should not be underestimated.
The native woodland, granite formations and opportunities to spot wildlife provide additional interest along the way.
For families with older children who enjoy longer bushwalks, Mount Glenrowan is an excellent opportunity to combine exercise, scenery and a little bushranger history.
It is particularly worthwhile on a clear day when the distant mountain views are at their best.
Location
Ridge Track, Glenrowan 3675 View Map
Web Links
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/mt-glenrowan-lookout-walk-
