Macarthur - Budj Bim National Park
The Budj Bim National Park was formerly known as Mount Eccles National Park. It is one of several places in this area's rich cultural landscape formed by powerful ancestral creation forces. Many visitors return to explore and relax in the tranquil surrounds.
Mount Eccles (Budj Bim) is a long dormant volcano. Geologists estimate that Mt Eccles first erupted around 30,000 years ago producing a river of hot molten lava that flowed around 50 km south to the sea. This lava flow effectively dammed rivers and streams forming large wetlands and swamps.
The park's tranquil crater lake and pleasant bushland surrounds make it a pleasant place for picnicking, camping and bushwalking. Nature trails follow the old crater rim.
Geological features include Lake Surprise, a crater lake, lava canals, a natural bridge, lava blisters, collapsed lava tunnels and a lava cave (take a torch).
The park also contains Victoria's last great stand of manna gum woodland, the favourite food of the resident koala population.
Things to See and Do
The park is rich with birdlife, animals and plants and interesting volcanic features to discover on walks. Expect to hear koalas calling at night with their unruly grunting, groaning and squealing. Quiet visitors may be rewarded on walks with a range of sightings and bird sounds from parrots, honeyeaters, kookaburras, wrens, hawks and eagles.
Walking
All walks start from the picnic area or the Lake Surprise lookout carpark. Ensure you have good shoes for uneven terrain. A hat, water and sunscreen are essential. It is not unusual to see wildlife, including snakes on these walks. This is where they live. They are protected here. If you see a snake on the track leave it alone and wait for it to leave.
1.Natural Bridge - 3.2km, 2 hours return or drive and park for a 200m walk. Grade: Moderate
This short walk leads to the Natural Bridge, a lava canal, and a cavern which you can enter and explore. The cavern is dark and slippery; carry a torch and wear appropriate shoes. This walk can also be commenced after driving along the Natural Bridge Road to the Natural Bridge carpark. A 200m walk from the carpark leads to the Natural Bridge cavern.
2.Lake Surprise - 2km, 1 hour circuit Grade: Moderate
Starting at the lookout, this easy walk ventures down and around the lake edge. This hidden lake is a bit of a surprise. Lake Surprise is not suitable for swimming.
3.Crater Rim - 2.6km, 2 hour circuit Grade: Moderate
This trail is like the Lake Surprise walk but higher up along the crater rim it offers a different perspective. Tunnel Cave, which is a remnant of a lava flow, is 250m along the Crater Rim Walk. A torch is recommended for the cave.
4.Lava Canal - 6.5km, 3 hours circuit Grade: Moderate
A longer, more challenging loop walk, uneven underfoot as it follows a lava flow channel. Includes the Tunnel Cave, Lava Blisters and Natural Bridge.
Camping and Picnicking
The Picnic Area offers a tranquil setting for day visitors. Facilities include picnic tables, barbecues and toilets.
The campground is approximately 250m from Lake Surprise and adjacent to the picnic area. Sites are located in protected hollows between rocky ridges formed by ancient lava flows. Toilets, water (untreated, natural supply), hot showers and 10 shared fireplaces are provided. Most campsites can
accommodate up to six people with provision for one vehicle.
The campground has 22 campsites, some, not all, are suitable for small caravans and camper-trailers. Camp fees apply for all sites and bookings are required.
Budj Bim Trail - Cycling and four-wheel driving
A range of vehicle tracks are open and available to vehicles and mountain bikes to share in the national park.
Management Vehicle Only (MVO) tracks in the national park are closed to all vehicles including mountain bikes. They are however, open to walkers and offer quiet walk options.
Budj Bim Trail is a longer mountain bike track that extends beyond the national park area and can be attempted in one day or split over three days. Riders can find camping along the way at Allambie, Murphy's Hut and Lake Gorrie. These three camping areas are all outside of the national park on Gunditjmara managed land. Booking for these three camping areas should be made with Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs and cats are not permitted in the park.
Getting there
Budj Bim National Park is 330km south-west from Melbourne. Take the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road to Macarthur and then travel west along the sealed Mt Eccles Road. Mount Eccles National Park is only a five minute drive west of Macarthur on a sealed road.
Location
Mount Eccles Road, Macarthur 3286 Map
Web Links
→ Budj Bim National Park (Parks Victoria)
→ Budj Bim National Park Campground Map (PDF)
→ Budj Bim National Park - Visitor Guide (PDF)
