Noorat - Mount Noorat (Alan Marshal Memorial) Walk
Perched on the rim of one of Victoria's best-preserved volcanic craters, the Alan Marshall Discovery Trail is a short but rewarding walk that combines spectacular scenery with literary history. The trail climbs Mount Noorat, an extinct volcano rising above the rich farming country of the Western District, and was named after celebrated Australian author Alan Marshall, whose classic autobiography I Can Jump Puddles was inspired by his childhood in Noorat.
The walk begins through a gate on Morack Street, just off Glenormiston Road. A well-formed crushed bluestone path steadily climbs for around 500 metres to a viewing platform overlooking the enormous volcanic crater. From here, walkers are treated to magnificent views into the crater, which is approximately 159 metres deep and 400 metres across, making it one of the finest examples of a dormant volcanic maar in Victoria.
For those wanting an even better view, the trail continues for another 500 metres along a steeper, less-formed track to the 310-metre summit of Mount Noorat. From the top, panoramic views stretch across the Volcanic Lakes and Plains, taking in rich farmland, volcanic cones and nearby lakes including Lake Keilambete and Mount Elephant on a clear day.
The trail is suitable for most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. The first section to the crater lookout is on a formed path, while the final climb to the summit is noticeably steeper and can be slippery after rain. Allow 25–30 minutes return to the crater lookout or 40–60 minutes return if continuing to the summit.
Mount Noorat has long been an important landmark. For thousands of years it was a significant meeting place for Aboriginal people, while in more recent history it became closely associated with Alan Marshall, whose stories of growing up in Noorat introduced generations of Australians to the district's unique landscape and community.
At a glance
Distance: 2 km return to the summit (1 km return to crater lookout)
Time: 40–60 minutes return (25–30 minutes to crater lookout)
Grade: Easy to moderate (steep near the summit)
Trail type: Return walk
Dogs: Permitted on a leash
Toilets: No
Picnic facilities: No
Best time to visit: Clear mornings or late afternoon for the best views
Access for Dogs:
Dogs permitted on a leash
Location
Morack Street, Noorat 3265 View Map
Web Links
→ Mount Noorat (Allan Marshal Memorial) Walk (Walking Maps)
