Tyers - Peterson's Lookout
Peterson's Lookout has spectacular views, don't miss a visit to this site that will take your breath away. There is a steep section with safety rails to assist. The views are worth the effort!
At just under a 500m round trip, this is a delightful (and short) walk at the eastern section of Tyers Regional Park.
Just 6km north of the Tyers township on the Tyers-Walhalla Road (C481), keep an eye out for the brown-coloured sign on your left (just before the W2 track). You can also start the walk at the Tyers-Walhalla Rd at the W2 track, where there's signage and a trail; this will add an extra 2km (or 4km return) to your walk, and has been certified as a Heart Foundation Walk.
Sections of the track are steep, so you can't avoid a climb but there is a safety rail to hold onto (or that will help to pull you up the hill!). And though it may be steep, it's not a difficult walk and the view repays your effort.
The lookout provides a view of the Tyers Gorge where the Tyers River winds its way through steep forested slopes. Not far to your North West is the Moondarra Dam, the main water supply to the Latrobe Valley. To the south, you get some great views of the Latrobe Valley.
From the lookout, your gaze sweeps across a crag of limestone and conglomerate (made up of individual stones that have over time become cemented together) that will interest not only geologists. These rocks were formed about 140 million years ago during the early Cretaceous period. Two hundred metres below, listen to the sound of the water coursing down the Tyers River Gorge, carved by the river over thousands of years.
Peregrine Falcons are known to have nested near the Lookout's platforms and wildflowers are in bloom all through the year. Some of the Park was logged in the mid 20th Century as is evidenced by the remnants of an old timber mill near the commencement of the longer walk.
A historic cairn honours the man this site is named: Jim Peterson, whose tireless efforts to conserve the flora and fauna of central Gippsland was well-known. He was the editor of the Latrobe Valley Naturalist for many years, and his enthusiasm, energy and vision inspired many others to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
Review:
This is one of the most breathtaking lookouts we have been to. Epic!
We put "Peterson's Lookout" into Google maps but it took us to a long drive-way with a "Private Property" sign - obviously the owners are used to Google Maps malfunctions. The best way to find the road to the lookout is to drive 6.2km north from Tyers on the Tyers-Walhalla Road and look out for a brown sign which says "Peterson's Lookout". Turn left and travel down this narrow gravel road (W2 Track). When we visited the road was in very good condition but some visitors have commented that it can have potholes and is a lot more difficult in a standard car when it is wet. There is a carpark (and a small overflow area back up the hill). At the carpark are no toilets but there is a single picnic table (dedicated to the memory of Peter "Crackers" Cramer, a much loved and respected employee of the Department of Sustainability and Environment for 30 years from 1983-2013. Peter passed away whilst on active fore service in Tasmania).
You will pass a cairn dedicated to Jim Peterson (1924 - 1971). Senior vice-president of the Latrobe Valley Field Naturalists Club to which he gave enthusiasm, energy, vision and friendliness. He was the editor of the Latrobe Valley Naturalist and a tireless worker for the conservation of natural resources and protection of natural beauty. The cairn overlooks Tyers River gorge and the Moondarra Tyers Park, for the establishment of which he worked as long as health permitted.
There is a fairly steep 250m walk down to the lookout. The track branches to two separate lookout points. The first lookout is perched above a massive gully with a glimpse of the Tyers River below.
The other lookout is perched out on a rock platform and has spectacular views including the Tyers River valley and Tyers River below.
Photos:
Location
W2 Track, Tyers 3825 View Map
Web Links
→ Petersons Lookout (Walking Maps)
