Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the Fiery Loop Walk, a 3.2km circuit located near Raglan-Elmhurst Road. This Grade 3 moderate trail offers a walk through a vibrant eucalypt forest, alongside Cave Hill Creek and Fiery Creek, alive with birdsong and home to the occasional black-tailed wallaby. Ideal for bushwalkers and hikers seeking an hour-long nature immersion close to town.

Length:

3.2km

Duration:

1 hr

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 456m

Min elevation: 424m

Total Ascent: 66m

Start: Cave Hill Track

End: Cave Hill Track

Mount Cole State Forest

Victoria

Nearby town: Raglan

From state capital: 180km

Latitude: -37.30313428

Longitude: 143.2911801904567

Overview

Map

Gallery

Similar

Region

Weather

7,188 views

Hike overview

Starting from the Raglan-Elmhurst Road, the Fiery Loop walk runs alongside the Cave Hill Creek Education Centre for the first 0.5km before joining the loop of the walk passing through mixed species eucalypt forest carpeted with bracken, skirting Cave Hill Creek and Fiery Creek. The area is alive with birdsong and you may also see the occasional black tailed wallaby.

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Fiery Loop Walk (3.2km)

Total distance: 3183 m
Max elevation: 456 m
Min elevation: 424 m
Total climbing: 66 m
Total descent: -66 m

Gallery

Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.

Click to add your photos >>

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Mount Cole State Forest.

From Beaufort, drive north towards Raglan on the Main Lead Road which turns into the Raglan-Elmhurst Road. After 19.7km (just 0.2km past the Cave Hill Creek Turnoff) pull off the main road to the start of the Management Vehicle Only Track where the walk commences. Ensure you park your car off the track to avoid blocking access for management vehicles.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

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.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Amphitheatre, Ararat, Avoca, Beaufort, Elmhurst, Landsborough, Lexton, Moonambel, Raglan, Scarsdale

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Mount Cole State Forest? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

Reviews
Fiery Loop Walk (3.2km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Fiery Loop Walk (3.2km)