Distillery Creek to Painkalac Dam

This is an easy out-and-back from the upper Distillery Creek car park to Painkalac Reservoir: about 6 km (3.7 mi) round trip and roughly 90 minutes. A narrow eucalypt path gives way to an unsealed gravel access track with a gradual climb. The mapped route ends at the designated reservoir access and returns the same way. A longer local version continues across below the spillway and climbs to a shaded south-shore track and picnic table; it is described as about 8 km return in 3 hours, but its far endpoint could not be matched confidently to a mapped public path, so that extension is not included here.

Start beside the toilet block on the track signed toward Moggs Creek. After about 1 km, turn left onto the gravel access road. It winds through wattles and eucalypts, with gradual uphill stretches and glimpses of tree-clad Otway hills. Blackened ironbark trunks along the opening section recall the 1983 bushfires and later planned burns. This is mostly a forest approach rather than a continuous waterside walk.

Keep to the signed public section of the reservoir path; there is no public vehicle access to the water, so bring provisions. The shoreline is the payoff, with reeds, water and forested slopes. The upper and lower picnic areas are separate stops with tables and wood-fired barbecues; bring your own wood, and toilets are at the upper area. No drinking-water source is confirmed. Barwon Water advises watching for snakes in warmer months. Birds listed for the area include wedge-tailed eagles, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, New Holland honeyeaters and spotted pardalotes, though sightings are never guaranteed. The gravel access is shared with cyclists and horse riders in places. Dogs on leash are allowed at the upper visitor area, but the rule for the whole route is unclear; follow posted guidance.