Karen and I were down at the Prom last weekend and did part of the Southern Circuit Walk while researching a daywalk for our forthcoming Daywalks Around Victoria. It’s worth noting that during busy periods (such as the Christmas holidays, Easter and school breaks) you can leave your car at Tidal River as Parks Victoria run a shuttle bus runs between Tidal River and Telegraph Saddle (the start of the walk). There have also been some changes to the walk since the area was largely burned during the 2005 bushfres. Much of the old-growth dense tea tree has now vanished and in places the trail is much more exposed to the sun. One of the most affected sections is the trail linking Telegraph Junction to Oberon Bay Camp. This once a beautiful walking trail was shaded by dense old growth tea tree as it meandered through undulating sand dunes hugging Deer Flat and the swamp. Unfortunately the trail is now a wide sandy vehicle track. During the 2005 fires Parks Victoria decided to construct a wide fire break along much of its length. A great shame, especially as Parks are apparently going to maintain this fire break in the future and so greatly diminish the trails appeal to walkers. Walking trails should not have to follow fire breaks. By the way, the old toilets at Oberon Bay are no longer functioning as they are full. Parks have portable toilets in place and are currently constructing a new drop toilet facility.
Southern Circuit Walk (p146)
