This Bunyip State Park Southern Circuit hike commences at the Mortimer Picnic Ground just outside of Gembrook. The circuit does not follow a dedicated trail but follows a series of tracks and roads.
From the picnic ground, cross Genbrook Tonimbuk Road and head south along the Yarra Bubba Track. After approximately 2km turn left on to Sand Pit Ridge Road and follow it along its length (2.3km) to Pooley Road. Turn left at Tynong Road and walk a short distance to the junction of Avards Track. Continue along Avards Track to the junction of Luptons Track. Turn right at this point and walk approximately 200m before turning left onto Guide Track. Continue along this track to the junction of Camp Road, turning right, then left at the junction of Gembrook Tonimbuk Road. After approximately 1km you will reach the junction of Link Road. Turn right at this point and after approximately 200m locate the start of the Silvertop Ridge Track and find the start of the Ferres Walking Trail approximately 350m on your left. Continue along this trail back to the Mortimer Picnic Ground.
This is a moderate hike with a few short ascents and descents. Some of the trail follows maintenance tracks and roads so keep an eye out on these sections for vehicle traffic.
Closest towns to this walk: Bunyip, Garfield, Tynong, Longwarry, Nar Nar Goon
How to get to Bunyip State Park
Drive to Belgrave along the Burwood Highway and continue a further 24km to Gembrook. Drive through town (towards Beenak East) and along the unsealed Gembrook-Tonimbuk Road for 7km to Mortimer Picnic Ground on the left.
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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.
Looking for hikes and trails in Bunyip State Park or nearby? Try these similar graded walks.
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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.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
1 Review on “Bunyip State Park Southern Circuit Hike (16km)”
I walked parts of this trail today 16/07/2022 and there are 2 x errors in the route.
The Ferres Walking track section between 13,165m and 13,920m does not exist – use track shown as Silvertop Ridge Track.
The Ferres Walking track section between 14,608m and 14,982m does not exist – use alternative alignment of the Ferres Walking Track 50-100m north.
The areas has been revegetated and no trace of the previous track remains. Local parks service are actively discouraging walkers from attempting to use these parts of the track.
Please remove these sections of the Ferres Walking Track.
Hi,
I’m looking at doing this one soon but also looking to make it an overnighter.
Is there a place somewhere around the halfway mark (just roughly) where one might pitch a tent (especially near a stream or other water source)?
Any info would be much appreciated.
I can understand the concern… But seriously, anyone that takes note of the posts on this page should be able to understand that it is just coincidental bad timing that the scheduled post was released today.
It isn’t the first time that a hike has been posted when there is a fire near a hike. Because Bunyip has been in the media so much, that is why it’s been noticed…
Lets give Trail Hiking Australia a break (or at least the benefit of doubt)! Posting this is not telling people to go on this straight away, it’s saying under normal circumstances this is a hike and these are the details. Trail Hiking Australia is a free and extremely valuable service and would be relying on the commonsense of the readers/hikers to understand. Congratulations to those whose responses have recognised this and responded appropriately. Thanks for your ongoing valuable service Trail Hiking Australia
Hi folks, i think this is on an ‘auto’ rolling program, yes, it is very poor timing that the sequence has brought up Bunyip. Trail Hiking is a volunteer service just providing information. Irrespective of the timing, we’d all do our prep and check conditions at the time before setting off on any hike. I’m sure Darren (who does live in Vic) was not physically posting this, he would not have known when the auto rolling sequence brought up a particular hike.
Ill check this out today. Thanks ?