Our first walk on arrival, we take the East - West Track which is a 4.5 km circuit.  

The walk climbs past granite outcrops as we saddle around the East side of Flinders Peak. As we are walking we receive excellent views of the flat plain across to Port Phillip Bay and to the left, Melbourne. One can't help but notice that in the last 20 years we have so many skyscrapers.

We also noticed that Spring is upon us as the noxious South African Boneseed shrubs are blooming their yellow flowers.  Further on to the left is a large open area, most of the South African Boneseed has been cleared and is now open woodland around the Saddle. This shows what can be done with an active weed eradication program.

As we continue around we pass a rock shelter which would have been used by Aboriginal people when they lived in the area. 

Coming around the West Track which offers excellent views of the plains.  We come to a rocky outcrop with a steel lookout platform which provides views to the south - west. 

Continuing on through scrubby forest before we descend down to the carpark where we have lunch.  

Thanks to all the group, everyone contributed to a lovely lunch of Chicken Coriander Sandwiches, Fruit buns, Mandarins and a cup of tea.

After lunch, with the need to work it off we take up the challenge and walk up to Flinders Peak. The walk is 2.4 km return, and begins with a steady climb, zig-zagging up the slightly timbered spur. This walk is well constructed with over 450 granite steps which has helped to reduce erosion. The You Yangs Regional Park is ever so popular with hundreds of visitors, so it is necessary to protect the environment with the necessary infrastructure. 

Arriving at the Fenced Lookout, we see fine views over Port Phillip Bay and we got to spot a few wild Goats. We continue our walk to the summit. 

Arriving at Flinders Peak, we climb the stairs of a steel framed platform to receive 360 degree views encompassing Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay, Geelong and The Heads.

There is also a plaque to honour Mathew Flinders who on the 1st of May 1802, with three of his fellow sailors walked across the volcanic plains from Point Wilson and climbed the summit of Flinders Peak in order to better survey the surrounding area.

 Flinders Peak was originally named "Station Peak", but changed to honour Mathew Flinders.

 We finally return the same way we walked up. 

On departure Peter and I stopped to see the Duck Pond School (1866) before leaving the grounds of The You Yangs Regional Park.

By the way, your four legged friends are very welcomed as we came across many owners who had their dogs on leads.