Bunyip State Park Southern Circuit Hike (16km)

Bunyip State Park, nestled within the traditional lands of the Bunurong and Wurundjeri Peoples, offers a window into Victoria's natural and cultural heritage. This vast, unspoiled wilderness is a mosaic of diverse ecosystems, from the delicate heathland swamps to towering mountain ash forests. It’s a place where the southern-emu wren flits through the undergrowth, and the vibrant swamp bush-pea brightens the landscape—rare treasures waiting to be discovered.

For walkers, the park offers a network of trails, including the picturesque Lawson Falls Circuit Walk. This narrow path winds through dense bushland and fern-lined gullies, eventually opening to a secluded clearing where you can glimpse the park’s only waterfall, Lawson Falls. Beyond walking, Bunyip State Park caters to a variety of outdoor pursuits, from horse riding and trail biking to four-wheel driving, with tracks like the Gentle Annie and Blue Range Trails providing endless adventure.

Camping here is an immersive experience, with options to suit every preference. The hike-in-only Freemans Mill Camping Area, located in a grassy clearing near the Bunyip River, is perfect for those seeking solitude. For easier access, Nash Creek Campground offers a spacious grassy site with picnic tables and a nearby toilet, though vehicles must remain in the adjacent car park. Forest Road Camping Area, equipped with a non-flush toilet, welcomes campervans and camper trailers, while Mortimer Camping Area, nestled beside William Wallace Creek, is ideal for tent campers looking to explore the park’s many day walks. All campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with no booking or fees required—a rarity in modern camping.

Bunyip State Park is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s one of the few places in Victoria where you might encounter the state’s floral emblem, the delicate Common Heath, alongside the elusive Leadbeater’s Possum and the vibrant Helmeted Honeyeater, both symbols of Victoria’s rich biodiversity. Whether you’re exploring its trails, relaxing in its campgrounds, or simply soaking in its tranquil beauty, Bunyip State Park offers an experience that’s as diverse as the landscape itself.