Stanley - Walking Trails
Stanley is surrounded by picturesque walking trails through the township, orchards, grazing country, native bushland and pine plantations on the Stanley Plateau.
Located in the alpine foothills near Beechworth, Stanley's higher altitude, fertile soils and high rainfall have created a distinctive landscape known for apples, berries, nuts and other produce. The walking network provides opportunities to enjoy the countryside, native flora and fauna, historic creeks and views across the surrounding valleys.
There are three main mapped walking routes.
Village Loop
Distance: 12 km circuit
Time: 4 hours
Grade: 3
Beginning at Stanley Recreation Reserve, the Village Loop follows the outskirts of the township, passing through attractive rural landscapes with views across Stanley and surrounding farmland.
The route provides access to local farm gates and other places around the village and can be shortened or adjusted depending on the amount of time available.
Sections through Blue Gum Gully and Long Dick's Gully are suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
Short Cut Loop
Distance: 3.4 km circuit
Time: 2 hours
Grade: 3
The Short Cut Loop is a shorter alternative to the much longer Plateau Loop.
The walk passes through picturesque valleys and pine plantation country and takes in Stanley Barge Dam.
The walk can be extended towards the Mount Stanley picnic area and lookout, approximately 4 km further along the route.
Plateau Loop
Distance: 20 km circuit
Time: 6 hours
Grade: 4
The Plateau Loop is the longest and most challenging of the Stanley walks.
The route explores the Stanley Plateau through orchards, grazing country, native bushland and pine plantations. Seasonal highlights include orchards in autumn, views of historic Barwidgee Creek in winter and native wildflowers during spring.
There are picturesque views over Stanley and the surrounding countryside, but the walk includes steep sections and requires a reasonable level of fitness and bushwalking experience.
The Plateau Loop can be shortened by using the 3.4 km Short Cut Loop.
HVP Plantation Access
Sections of the Plateau Loop pass through HVP Plantations private working forests.
Walkers entering these sections must register for a free HVP Human Power Pass before entering the plantation. The pass is also available for activities including running, cycling, horse riding and dog walking.
Plantation tracks can occasionally be closed because of forestry operations or elevated fire danger. Obey all closure and worksite signs and do not enter active forestry operations.
See the HVP Human Power Pass page before entering plantation land.
Walking Map
Download the Walking Stanley Guide and map before setting out.
Opening Hours:
The walking trails are generally accessible at all times, subject to track, plantation and fire-related closures. Check the Walking Stanley page and HVP plantation conditions before visiting.
Cost:
Free. A free HVP Human Power Pass is required to enter sections of the HVP plantation used by the Plateau Loop.
Location:
Stanley Recreation Reserve, 2 Pioneer Road, Stanley. The Village Loop begins at the reserve and the walking network extends through Stanley and the surrounding plateau.
Location
2 Pioneer Road, Stanley 3747 View Map
Web Links
→ Stanley Walking Map (PDF)
→ www.explorebeechworth.com.au/walking-stanley
→ www.hvp.com.au/community-recreation/plantation-access/hpp
