Trail Fast Facts
Borella Walk Ben Nevis is a 10km, grade 3 circuit hike in the Mount Cole State Forest, Victoria. This hike typically takes 3.5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Borella Walk Ben Nevis circuit can commence at either Chinamans Campground or the Ben Nevis picnic area. Borella Walk is a bird watchers delight. It was named in memory of noted local bird observer Max Borella and offers great lookouts. As the walk can be quite steep in places, it is recommended that you take your time and enjoy the views. Panoramic Views can be enjoyed at the summit of Ben Nevis.
This is a steep hike located at the Northern end of the range. There was an old foot pad from Chinamans Campground but this may have disappeared so if you cannot locate it, follow the 4WD track from the campground which is north to the gully at the back of the campground. The 4WD track very steep 4-wheel for approximately 1.25km.
Borella Walk was named in memory of noted local bird observer Max Borella and offers great lookouts. A monument stands at the Ben Nevis lookout in memory of the tragic victims of a 1942 RAAF Avro Anson plane crash, which occurred on the mountainside blow.
Chinamans Campground
Chinamans Campground is a fantastic free camping area within the Mount Cole State Forest – a beautiful scenic area with amazing views, popular for camping, horse riding, four wheel driving, walking and picnicking. A large central shelter contains sturdy wood-slab picnic tables and an open fireplace, and is a great spot for a picnic lunch. The shelter is surrounded by a large clear area with multiple campsites. Picnic tables, fire pits and wood fire barbecues are scattered throughout the campground, and a toilet block provides non-flush toilets.
Track Grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Tips
Dogs are permitted in the forest and a horse pen is available for visitor use so be sure to bring along your four-legged friends.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 874 m
Min elevation: 401 m
Total climbing: 1093 m
Total descent: -1071 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Located one hour drive west of Ballarat, just off the Western Highway, Mt Cole State Forest is 25 kilometres from the township of Beaufort and marks the gateway to the Pyrenees Wine District and the Grampians.
Chinamans Campground: Turn off the Western Highway onto Buangor-Ben Nevis Road just past the town of Buangor and continue on for 13km, then turn sharp right onto Mount Cole Road. After 4.5km turn off onto Chinaman Road and continue on for 0.6km to the site.
Ben Nevis picnic area: In dry conditions, Ben Nevis is easily reached by all vehicles via well-formed gravel roads. During wet seasons visitors may require a four wheel drive vehicle. Access is via Ben Nevis Road, which turns off from Mount Cole Road.
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Small Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Table
- Campfire Pit
- Camping Area
About the region
Mount Cole is a great place to getaway from it all. Camp the night at one of the many campgrounds in the parks and stroll after dark to spotlight the forest night life. Mt Cole State Forest is located one hours drive west of Ballarat, just off the Western Highway, 25 kilometres from the township of Beaufort and marks the gateway to the Grampians.
Mount Cole or ‘Bereep-bereep’ was home to the Beeripmo balug tribe that form part of the larger Djab Wurrung language-speaking people. Through translation of the local language we can get a feel for these people and what they saw, ‘Bereep-bereep’ meaning wild, and Beeripmo translating to “wild mount”. Following Major Mitchell's 1836 expedition, settlers quickly moved into the area. Timber harvesting with axe and cross cut saw began during the mid 1840's.
In 1856 the use of steam powered mills commenced. By 1889, demand from the goldfield towns for building materials, firewood and railway sleepers led to thirty mills operating within the region until 1904. The Forests Commission was established in 1918 and soon after Mount Cole State Forest was closed for timber harvesting. Timber harvesting was reopened in a managed structure from 1947, by the Forests Commission. In the 2000's timber harvesting was significantly scaled back and is largely a by-product of land management activities.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
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Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.