Section 12Tom Groggin to Healesville

• Challenging.
• It is suitable only for fit and experienced travellers.
• This section should not be travelled alone.

• Cool temperate – mild, warm summer, cold winter. The altitude of the National Trail in Victoria is mostly in the 800 m – 1300 m range.
• Snow is a possibility on any day of the year, and a change in weather can be very rapid and dramatic, with temperature falls of up to 20 degrees C in just a few minutes.
• Even in summer you should be prepared for extremes of temperature.
• Summer days are usually dry and mild with cool nights however heatwaves occur occasionally and these can be severe.
• Special fire precautions should be taken January to March.

• The first few days out of Healesville are relatively gentle, especially if the first climb out of Healesville is bypassed.
• However, once the Big River is reached, a very steep climb over Mt Terrible marks the end of the easy terrain. Most of the remainder of this section is over big, rugged, steep and remote country.
• It is not feasible for horse-drawn vehicles to follow much of the Trail in Victoria, and the steepness excludes all but the most determined mountain bike riders.

• Topographic maps should be obtained .
• Use of a compass is necessary.
• Unexpected detours may be required.

• Usually available

• Sections of the Trail are closed (with locked gates) by the Department of Conservation and Environment in winter so be sure to plan trips between October and mid April.
• This is important for there is too great a risk of being caught in bad weather outside this period.

Horse riders and Pack Animals

• Some short trip suggestions can be found here: Dargo to the Big River

• The steepness excludes all but the most determined mountain bike riders.