The Borella Walk at Ben Nevis is a 10 kilometre, grade 3 circuit located in Mount Cole State Forest in Victoria. Allow around three and a half hours to complete the walk, though many people take longer to enjoy the quieter moments along the way. The circuit can be started from either Chinaman’s Campground or the Ben Nevis picnic area, giving some flexibility depending on how you plan your day.
From the outset, the walk makes it clear that this is a climb, with several steep sections that reward a steady pace rather than a rush. Taking regular breaks feels natural here, not just to catch your breath but to take in the calm of the forest and the shifting views through the trees. As you gain height, the landscape opens out and the sense of space grows. Reaching the summit of Ben Nevis is a highlight, with wide-ranging views across the surrounding ranges and valleys. It is an ideal place to stop, have something to eat, and reflect on the walk rather than simply ticking off the destination.
The northern end of the range is particularly steep and can be a little confusing in places. There was once a footpad leading from Chinaman’s Campground, but this may no longer be obvious. If you cannot find it, the safest option is to follow the 4WD track that heads north from the campground into the gully behind it. This section is very steep and climbs for roughly one and a quarter kilometres, so allow extra time and take care, especially in wet conditions.
The Borella Walk section itself is especially appealing for anyone with an interest in wildlife. Named in memory of local bird observer Max Borella, the track passes through varied forest and offers several lookout points where it is worth stopping quietly and listening. Birdlife is abundant, and patient walkers are often rewarded with sightings and calls from a range of native species. Near the Ben Nevis lookout, a small monument marks the site associated with the tragic 1942 RAAF Avro Anson aircraft crash, adding a reflective note to the walk and a reminder of the area’s history.
For those who want to slow things down even further, Chinaman’s Campground provides a simple overnight option. Staying the night allows you to experience the forest at different times of day and turns the Borella Walk into a relaxed nature escape rather than a single outing.
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.
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.
- 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.
- Dog Friendly
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Steep Terrain
- Untreated Water
Total distance: 10519 m
Max elevation: 874 m
Min elevation: 401 m
Total climbing: 1093 m
Total descent: -1071 m
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Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Mount Cole State Forest.
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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Small Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Table
- Campfire Pit
- Camping Area
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Amphitheatre, Ararat, Avoca, Beaufort, Elmhurst, Landsborough, Lexton, Moonambel, Raglan, Scarsdale
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Mount Cole State Forest? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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1 Review on “Borella Walk Ben Nevis Hike (10km)”
Just a heads up that this trail is closed, you can walk on the 4wd track but the main hiking trail is closed. I had to walk back through thick grasses to go back and was not ideal for snakes this time of year… Great view point !
Thanks so much for the update. Greatly appreciated. I have added a note at the start of the hike so people can check the Visit Pyrenees website.