Gear up and get ready to see the sky with this short but enduring hike up to Genoa Peak in Croajingolong National Park. This hike is just off of the highway, naturally through an unsealed road though.
There’s lots to see in the park, but this hike is a quick introduction to the park through 360-degree views.
I decided on this hike after staying at a nearby free campground, it’s the perfect hike in the morning, right after breakfast. There’s even a few picnic tables to make and enjoy a coffee at the foot of the trail.
Due to bush fires, many areas in Croajingolong National Park are still closed. Consult Parks Victoria before planning any trips to the.
Getting to Genoa Peak
The hike up to Genoa Peak is in Croajingolong National Park, right on the border of Victoria and New South Wales. The A1 Princes Highway, a major route for people doing the Sydney to Melbourne road trip, goes right through the park.
As mentioned, the road to Genoa Peak is through an unsealed road. Four-wheel drive vehicles aren’t mandatory, but they will help. I made it up fine in my ’99 Ford Econovan. The unsealed road until the hiking trail is about six kilometres, but it will feel longer in the bumpy and presumably slower parts.
It’s a beautiful and wondrous drive. And let’s face it, if you’re doing a long road trip, anything off the main highway is exciting.
Something important to know about this hike is that the parking lot is tiny, I mean, five car tiny. Don’t attempt if you’re in a huge recreational vehicle or with a trailer. Seriously, it won’t fit. There’s also no bathroom facilities so BYO toilet paper, as always.
For Google Map directions, follow this link to find the hike based on your location.
Hiking Genoa Peak
At the base of the trail, a sign by Parks Victoria rates Genoa Peak as a three hour hike. My partner and I are reasonably fit, and made it to the top in half an hour, took out time down and finished in an hour.
The trail up to the peak is well-marked, well-maintained and clear. As the trail heads towards the peak, there’s lots of steep hiking. But, with the right level of physical fitness, it’s nothing to be worried about.
On this hike, there’s more than just one lookout. There’s a few different lookouts whilst hiking to the top on specified platforms. Avoid trekking off the trail as it can create erosion and disturb natural regrowth of flora.
If you’re lucky, you might notice some wildlife along the trail. Even while other people were on the trail I saw wallabies, skinks and smaller reptiles.
The trail whirls through the top of Croajingolong National Park and different types of flora. Specifically starting at a lush green and breezy part of the woods, to dry-looking rigid trees. The trail spits you out to massive rocks and with the help of flags marking the trail, twirls up to the top and final lookout where the trail ends.
One of my favourite parts of this trail was trekking through the massive rocks and later rock steps before reaching the top. I can’t help but wonder how the rocks end up at such amazing heights.
Don’t worry about having to do any rock climbing to get to the peak. There’s secure bars, stairways and steps to get to the final platform. Be extra careful if it’s wet, or icy as these conditions could additionally compromise your safety.
Attempting an overnight hike? Check out my overnight hike packing list to stock up on everything you may need.
Even if it doesn’t seem quite that windy down at the beginning of the trail, you might be blowing away at the top. This is common for most mountain peaks, especially when there’s a 360-degree view involved.
At the top of the hike, there’s also maps of the area showing the surrounding peaks, their names and other important information.
After taking your time to enjoy the peak and the walk, enjoy a relaxed walk back down to the parking lot. Remember to take your rubbish with you and use a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Genoa Peak is right in the middle of the Melbourne to Sydney coastal route. Other national parks in the area to check out are Ben Boyd National Park and Wilsons Promontory National Park.
