Within Kooyoora State Park in Brenanah, Victoria lie the spectacular Melville Caves, named after notorious bushranger
Captain Melville who supposedly used the caves as a hiding place in the mid 1800s.
The caves are formed beneath huge boulders which are staggered across the mountainside, and the views from the top are simply breathtaking.
The walk to the caves from the top car park takes roughly 20 minutes and takes you alongside gorgeous, gigantic rock formations and a well structured lookout, which offers incredible views and a monument showing the names/directions of many visible landmarks.
Keep an eye out along the way for little signs at the base of shrubs/trees which state their common and scientific names. A lovely elderly couple walking down to the caves together this winter noticed one particular sign and didn't miss the opportunity for a traditional kiss beneath the mistletoe.
Children will love clambering over the rocks and climbing trees, but make sure they are well supervised because there are dangerous cliffs surrounding the area.
The path winds down a short set of steps before opening out into a clearing. Straight ahead you will see a seat located at the edge of a drop off, so if you are taking this walk with small children then be particularly cautious at this spot. From this point forward there are a lot of sudden cliffs and uneven ground.
The path to continue to the caves is well signed and to the left of this clearing. You will find the caves right around the corner.
There are multiple caverns and pathways beneath/through the giant rocks. The main cave has two levels and a small staircase which helps you get through safely.
Back at the carpark there are multiple picnic tables (some of which are across the road from the parking area and easily overlooked) and a couple of particularly beautiful trees. One of the trees alongside the beginning of the walking track is a great one for kids to climb.
Also not to be missed along this road is
Barry's Rock, a huge impressive boulder which has a hollow cavern within.
Another rocky outcrop similar to that at Melville Caves is
Rock of Ages in Maldon, Victoria - enormous boulders are staggered across the top of Mt Mooral and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
The following image of Melville Caves from the 1860's shows the enormous boulders with far less trees than seen today.
Melvill's Cave. Mt. Kooyoora, formerly the haunt of the notorious bushranger Captain Melville, c 1860 - 1869.
Source: State Library of Victoria
An 1855 cartoon of a bushranger robbing a traveller. Courtesy State Library of Victoria, ID MP00/00/56/21.
BBQ
Brenanah
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