Women's Culture Jill

W O M E N ' S C U L T U R E 41 Natural surroundings help prevent lifestyle-related health conditions such as diabetes, cardio-vascular disease, depression and anxiety. Spending time in the outdoors triggers more activity, reduces stress levels, helps people recover faster from illnesses and injuries, and foster social connections that contribute to social and mental wellbeing. Top five nature walks Hidden beaches offer visitors an escape from popular, crowded hot spots. They are unlikely to be patrolled, and often require a challenging hike. These tranquil little beaches are some of Victoria’s best. Top five hidden beaches 1. C A P E L I P T R A P C O A S T A L PA R K Located in South Gippsland, Cape Liptrap boasts greenery and beautiful sandy beaches. Visitors can camp at Bear Gully campground, go fishing and check out the historic Walkerville South Lime Kilns along a cliff walk. 2. F I N G A L B E A C H, M O R N I N G T O N P E N I N S U L A N A T IO N A L PA R K Fingal Beach is near Fingal Picnic Area two kilometres north of Cape Schanck. Walking tracks lead to nearby lookouts with spectacular views of basalt cliffs and Fingal Beach which is exposed at low tide. The return walk (3km) and access to the beach is via a steep staircase. 3. C A P E C O N R A N C O A S T A L PA R K This secluded beach in Mallacoota is a patch of coastal paradise. The beach can only be reached by foot from a staircase near the carpark and visitors will be greeted with tranquil rock pools and a small sea cave that can be accessed during low tide. 4. R E F U G E C O V E, W I L S O N S P R O M O N T O R Y N A T IO N A L PA R K To reach Refuge Cove visitors have two options, hop in a boat or hike 15km across Wilsons Promontory from Tidal River. The cove is surrounded by steep forested slopes, rising to 300m and offering a stunning backdrop. It is home to two sandy beaches with deep water extending to their shores. Camping facilities are also available. 5. G R E A T O T W A Y N A T IO N A L PA R K - R E D R O C K S B E A C H To get to Red Rocks Beach take the Surf Coast Walk, Ironbark Basin to Anglesea – 9.7km, 3.5 hours one way. Walk along Ironbark Track toward the coast, through to Point Addis Road then down onto Red Rocks Beach before climbing inland to the spectacular cliff tops and wind-swept heathlands as the Anglesea township comes into view. 1. T A R R A B U L G A N A T IO N A L PA R K – C O R R IG A N S U S P E N S IO N B R I D G E, 1.2 K M Walk this impressive suspension bridge, which stretches through the rainforest canopy and presents views of the lush fern gully on the forest floor below. 2. K I N G L A K E N A T IO N A L PA R K – S H E L L E Y H A R R I S T R A C K, 3.5 K M R E T U R N Leaving from Jehosaphat Gully Picnic Area, enjoy ferns and mountain ash trees, and look out for the holes in the track made by burrowing crayfish. 3. W A R B Y- O V E N S N A T IO N A L PA R K – M T G L E N R O W A N, 9 K M Enjoy the best views of the Ovens and King Valley, and the Victorian Alps. Excepting a steep section at the beginning of the track, the walk is moderate-to-easy. 4. D A N D E N O N G R A N G E S B O T A N IC G A R D E N, 4 K M The former National Rhododendron Gardens offer stunning views to the Yarra Valley, particularly when a winter fog is rising through the Mountain Ash trees. 5. G R E A T O T W A Y N A T IO N A L PA R K – M A D S E N'S T R A C K N A T U R E W A L K, 1.2 K M At Melba Gully, take this 35-minute loop through a world of ancient, mossy trees and cool fern gullies. Visit at night and try to spot glow-worms.