Trip Summary A day trip on the Tallarook plateau 80 km north of Melbourne . We approached the plateau via Landscape Rd , traversed a series of tracks eastward to Warragul Rocks , then to the Reservoir for lunch before we made or way back to the summit of Mt Hickey . Vegetation recovery from the 2015 Mt Hickey fire was well progressed . Most of the trip stayed north of Ennis — Main — Fairview Rd in the area to be closed after Queens Birthday weekend but this did mean we were on some tracks that were slick from the previous day of rain .

Distance & Route Approximately 100 km around the plateau . There are many route options on the plateau depending upon the group capabilities .

Fuel & Supplies We met at that Tallarook General Store which sells food , drinks , Rooftop maps , and the Tallarook Plateau guidebook . Toilets available 200m north of Store , and it was pleasing to see the Mechanics Institute has been re-built after a fire in 2018 . There is a toilet at 1ARC / Freeman Camp on the plateau , but no shops on the plateau , no fuel and unreliable water except at the Reservoir .

Difficulty Level / Vehicle Requirements Mostly medium though a little challenging on Wheeler and Brockwell tracks which have become washed out over the last year . Requirements were AT tyres , recovery gear , and proficiency level and / or some demonstrated prior experience .

Tips , Notes and Special Remarks Not suitable for towing or soft-roaders . This Wednesday in Autumn was a perfect day and there were no bikes or other vehicles on the plateau . Permission is required for the private Warragul Rocks which form the best viewing area . Tallarook plateau is fine for all year except the northern end is shut off through winter . It can get cold due to the altitude , and dangerous in bushfire season if it is windy : have a fire plan before departure and know the four ( only ) routes off the plateau . The Tallarook General Store is receiving excellent community reviews for its service and products and is initiating a service for cyclists ( and walkers ) who want to use the rail trail between Tallarook Station and Mansfield