Moonlight Creek Picnic Area
Moonlight Creek Picnic Ground in the
Mount Worth State Park must surely be one of the most romantically named picnic areas you're ever likely to come across. Over the years I've learned to be deeply suspicious of places with such names – they sound great on the map, but so often the reality doesn't live up to the title.
But this appealing picnic spot genuinely deserves its pretty name. It's peaceful, surrounded by forest and tree ferns, has picnic tables and shelters, clean toilets, plenty of space on its wide green lawns for a picnic blanket, and there's a soothing creek (Moonlight Creek, obviously) babbling away. There are no barbeques, but there are fireplaces with wood provided. Note that camping isn't permitted.
Robust picnic shelter in case of rain
Around 125 kilometres south east of Melbourne, Mount Worth State Park is between Warragul and Korumburra in Gippsland and easily accessible as a day trip. Follow the Princes Highway to Warragul, then turn onto Korumburra Road, Grand Ridge Road, then onto McDonalds Track. There's a map showing the park and picnic ground
here.
You can also approach the park from Darnum via the Darnum-Allambee Road and the Allambee Estate Road, but note that these roads are narrow, winding and mostly gravel. The views from them are stunning though – you can see right across the Latrobe Valley to the Great Dividing Range. There are also panoramic views from McDonalds Track – the viewpoints are marked on this
map.
Stunning views from McDonalds Track
Did I mention the views?
As you picnic beside the peaceful Moonlight Creek, it's hard to imagine that in the 1920's there were 12 timber mills operating here. The noise must have been incredible. The park was formed in the 1970's and now encompasses 1040 hectares of reserved forest.
There are several
walks from the picnic area, which take you into the tree fern forest and are an interesting way to explore the milling history of the area.
Walking tracks entice you away from picnicking
The park is maintained by
Friends of Mount Worth who carry out regular activities, working bees as well as walks where you can learn about the wildlife and plants of Mount Worth.
