Mt Ritchie VK3/VC-003 and Mt Toolebewong VK3/VC-033

Paul VK3HN and David VK3KR.

David VK3KR and I made plans for a visit to Mt Ritchie VK3/VC-003, 1255m (8 pts) and Mt Toolebewong VK3/VC-033, 735m (4 pts). This would be our first use of the approach from the north, rather than using the usual 8km round trip via Road 15 (from Acheron Way) then Road 10. While the southern route is a great hike in the Yarra Ranges, it takes up most of a day. But more so, some more skilled cartographers than I have determined that an alternate route in, from the north, has greater clearance from the water catchment area boundary. Two good reasons to choose the new route, from the north.

Mt St Leonard VK3/VC-006 and a bonus (Mt Toolebewong VK3/VC-033)

On 12th April 2015  I set out on a sunny day with light wind to activate Mt St Leonard (VK3/VC-006). From the eastern end of Healesville St Leonards Road (which becomes Meyers Creek Road) takes you north through a valley of mountain ash and fern gullies on a variously tight cornered and winding country road typical of the area. After about 18 km Monda Road on the right takes you east and up the mountain, a dirt and gravel but good surface. An easy drive in a small 2wd and not too much dust. Near the top is a gate in front of a fire track stretching out ahead. Several walkers were coming down the hill, including a family with several children making lots of noise and shouting in the hope of hearing an echo, or at least the reverberation off the mountain top behind them.  The walk to the top was easy and enjoyable, not too steep so as to allow a steady but not tiring walk. The summit is a large cleared area with a significant communications facility behind a high wire mesh fence.