Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience Victoria's lush landscapes on the Ferntree Falls Nature Walk in Mount Buangor State Park. This moderate 1.5km circuit immerses hikers in verdant Manna Gum, Messmate, and Blue Gum forests, adorned with ferns and three cascading waterfalls. Starting from the Ferntree camping area, this hour-long trek offers scenic views of Middle Creek's fern-filled upper reaches, making it a must-visit for all bushwalkers and nature enthusiasts.

Length:

1.5km

Duration:

1 hr

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 652m

Min elevation: 541m

Total Ascent: 144m

Start: Ferntree Visitor Area

End: Ferntree Visitor Area

Mount Buangor State Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Beaufort

From state capital: 182km

Latitude: -37.310443418857616

Longitude: 143.2400733218339

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

Similar

Region

3,481 views

Hike overview

The Ferntree Falls Nature Walk offers a captivating exploration of the upper reaches of Middle Creek within Mount Buangor State Park, Victoria. This 1.5-kilometre circuit, classified as grade 3, typically requires approximately one hour to complete.

The walk traverses through a predominantly Manna Gum, Messmate, and Blue Gum forest, with a series of bridges and boardwalks providing access to various vantage points. Abundant tree ferns and water ferns line the creek, creating a lush and verdant atmosphere.

A short five-minute detour from the main walk leads to Cascade Falls, where visitors can admire the water cascading over a large granite rock face. The Ferntree Falls walk itself extends for one kilometre and takes approximately 45 minutes to return. Commencing at the Ferntree camping area, this trail showcases three waterfalls, including Cascade Falls, offering scenic views of the fern-filled upper reaches of Middle Creek.

The Ferntree Picnic Area offers picnic tables, fire pits and wood fire barbecues, non-flush toilets (one with disabled access), a small hut (named Joffa's Hut) with seating and fireplace, and plenty of room.

Ferntree Camping Area

Enjoy a shady tent site in this secluded dry forest and woodland setting, a great base from which to get active and enjoy one of the many walks or just rest and relax at camp, re-energising as you immerse yourself in nature amongst resident wildlife, watching crimson rosellas darting between trees or wedge tailed eagles soaring overhead.

Gallery

Add your photos

Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!

Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.

Walk map and GPX file

Ferntree Falls Nature Walk (1.5km)

Total distance: 1582 m
Max elevation: 652 m
Min elevation: 541 m
Total climbing: 144 m
Total descent: -144 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Amphitheatre, Ararat, Avoca, Ballarat, Beaufort, Buangor, Clunes, Elmhurst, Linton, Moonambel, Moyston, Raglan, Skipton, Snake Valley, Wickliffe, Willaura

Getting to the trailhead in Mount Buangor State Park.

The Mount Buangor State Park and Ferntree Picnic Area is located between Ararat and Beaufort on the Western Highway, Route A8. Take Ferntree Gully Road off the Western Highway. The camping areas are located just inside the park entrance.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Mount Buangor State Park is located 60 kilometres west of Ballarat, Victoria in Bayindeen. The 2400 hectare Park takes in varied eucalypt forest, creek flats, a waterfall, steep escarpments and Mount Buangor, the area's highest peak. The park contains a 15 km network of walking trails, many extend into the adjoining Mount Cole State Forest. Dogs are not permitted in this park.

Mount Buangor State Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Eastern Maar Peoples. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Eastern Maar Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

The Mount Buangor State Park allows you to explore a variety of landscapes including eucalypt forest, creek flats, waterfalls and steep escarpments. From the peak of Mount Buangor, the highest in the area, you can experience spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Middle Creek is a good spot for large groups to camp or for camping in caravans. The section of the Bukkertillible and Sugarloaf walks between The Cave and 2 Mile Circuit is a semi remote and steep walk suitable for experienced bushwalkers only. Please be aware that in wet conditions this section of track can become quite slippery.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Mount Buangor State Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

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.

Explore safe

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.

Packing checklists

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.

Let someone know

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

Reviews

Ferntree Falls Nature Walk (1.5km)

9 Reviews on “Ferntree Falls Nature Walk (1.5km)”

Overall rating

Trail Hiking Australia

Such a pretty waterfall

04/06/2024, 11:39

Like
Log in to Reply

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Suggest an edit

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.

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.

Hike at a Glance