Yan Wirring Mirr Loop

Yan Wirring Mirr Loop is a 4.5 km circuit from Bundjil Mirr Lookout through Anglesea Heath, with open ridges, damp gullies, a Salt Creek crossing and an old vehicle-track climb back to the start. It suits a short outing for varied heath and woodland. The route is described as easy to moderate; allow about two hours, or closer to two and a half if you stop to look for flowers.

The track drops through open heath and crosses Bald Hills Road before following undulating ridges among grass-trees and banksias. Views open across Bald Hills, with glimpses of Anglesea, the coast and the former mine pit. The route then dips into cooler gullies with Scented Paperbark and becomes sandy as it winds down among taller eucalypts and tea-tree. A branch leads out to Bald Hills Road as an alternative access; stay on the circuit to return to the lookout.

Salt Creek can be wet underfoot, and the damp heath around it is a good place to listen for frogs. From the creek, the track rises more gently through heath and over several small watercourses, then climbs steadily on an old vehicle track to the lookout. The start and finish share a short section of track.

This walk is especially rewarding when you take time over the heath. The route's plant list includes bush-peas, Victorian Smoke-bush, Heath Milkwort, Western Peppermint, banksias and orchids. A 2026 field report recorded Twisted Beard-heath, with its spiral leaves, and Pink Swamp-heath here. More than 100 bird species have been recorded in the surrounding heath; Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos may pass overhead, while Common Eastern Froglets and Eastern Banjo Frogs can be heard near wetter ground.

The loop opened in 2021 and was named in consultation with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. Yan Wirring Mirr means “walk, listen, look,” which is good advice here: the interest is in the changing vegetation and small details as much as in the lookout view. At Bundjil Mirr Lookout, frame grass-trees in the foreground to connect the heath below with the coast and former mine landscape beyond.

The approach uses gravel roads and the final 300 m of Alcoa Boundary Track; parking is near Bundjil Mirr Lookout. Lot capacity, fees, toilets and drinking water were not confirmed, so bring water. Clean footwear at the hygiene station before and after the walk to help prevent Cinnamon Fungus spread. Dogs are not allowed in Great Otway National Park.