Freemans Mill Track to Bunyip Weir is a rewarding 13-kilometre hike in Bunyip State Park, Victoria, offering a blend of accessibility and natural beauty. Classified as a Grade 3 walk, it typically takes 4-5 hours to complete as a day hike, but it’s even better experienced as an overnight adventure. The trail leads to the lush and tranquil Freemans Mill campsite, hidden on the northern edge of the park, and accessible only on foot—a detail that adds to its serene charm.
The hike begins at the Freemans Mill carpark, with a gentle start along Aqueduct Road for about 400 metres until you reach the signposted trailhead for Freemans Mill Track. Here, the walk transitions onto a well-marked path that meanders through bushland, which grows progressively denser and more enchanting. After 2 kilometres, you’ll reach a dirt road crossing where the trail doglegs slightly to the left. Clear signage ensures you stay on track, with the path resuming just a few metres ahead.
As you continue, the trail is mostly flat and easy to follow, but at the 5-kilometre mark, a short, steep climb injects a burst of effort into the journey. The reward comes swiftly—a gradual descent leads you into the expansive Freemans Mill campsite, a picturesque clearing with grassy spaces perfect for pitching a tent. This inviting campsite is equipped with firepits, a picnic table, and access to refreshing water from Bunyip Creek, making it an ideal spot to rest and soak in the tranquillity of the surroundings.
The return journey follows the same route back to the carpark, though the nearby Aqueduct Track offers an alternative option if you’re seeking variety. Whether you choose to make it a day trip or a leisurely overnight stay, this hike combines ease of access with the immersive experience of exploring Bunyip State Park’s serene bushland.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife—enormous lace monitors were spotted during the hike!
- Ideal for families or beginners starting with overnight walking, as the track is well-maintained (updated as of November 2024).
- Allow extra time: while signs estimate 1.5 hours each way, it may take closer to 2 hours with a pack and minimal breaks.
- Enjoy the tranquility of a walk-in-only site, free from dirt bikes and 4WDs.
- The area is known for leeches—wear long pants and use an insect repellent (Bushmans is excellent) if you're not a fan.
- Filter or boil the water from Bunyip Creek before drinking.
- Note that there are no toilets at the campsite, so plan accordingly.
- Well Marked Trail
- Drinking Water
- Overnight Campsites
Return via Freemans Mill Walking Track (13km)
Total distance: 12969 m
Max elevation: 249 m
Min elevation: 95 m
Total climbing: 388 m
Total descent: -388 m
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Loop via Freemans Mill Walking Track and Aqueduct Track (12.5km)
Total distance: 12305 m
Max elevation: 249 m
Min elevation: 95 m
Total climbing: 345 m
Total descent: -345 m
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This walk is accessed via the Princes Hwy (M1, Monash Fwy) and is about a 90-minute drive from the Punt Rd onramp. However, be prepared for the possibility of delays, as traffic on the Monash is often unavoidable.
To reach the trailhead, take the exit for C421 Langwarry/Labertouche from the M1. If you’re coming from Melbourne, this turn-off is approximately 10km past Gumbuya World. Consider stopping at Lady Lavender’s Tea Rooms, located 7km before the turn-off, to enjoy a Devonshire tea—arguably one of the best in Victoria—and a bit of carb loading before your hike.
After exiting the freeway, turn right at the T-intersection onto Princes Way. Drive 500m and then turn left onto Labertouche Rd. Follow Labertouche Rd for 14.6km before turning left onto Bunyip River Rd. Although this road becomes unsealed, it is well-maintained and easily navigable in a 2WD. Continue for 2km and follow the signs to the Aqueduct Track.
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Gravel Road
- Small Car Park
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.
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.
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.
Looking for things to do in Bunyip State Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
1 Review on “Freemans Mill Track to Bunyip Weir (13km)”
This is a great little hike which also makes a nice short overnighter for anyone new to overnight hikes or with kids. Have you done this one? If not, which walks have you completed in Bunyip State Park (Vic)?
I recently did this hike, and it was a really enjoyable walk through a mix of shrubby woodland and beautiful tree-fern gullies. The first couple of kilometres had been recently cleared, which made for an easy start, though there were some overgrown patches along the way. That said, the track was still straightforward to follow.
Most of the hike was pretty easy, with just one short but steep climb that could get a bit slippery if it’s wet. The highlight for me was reaching Freemans Mill Campsite. It’s a fantastic spot with a large, open area, a picnic table, and a campfire setup. There are no toilets, but it’s perfect for an overnight stay or even just a quick breakfast or lunch break.
After soaking it all in, I retraced my steps back to the trailhead. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!