Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 548m
Min elevation: 414m
Total Ascent: 219m
Hike overview
The Jenny Clayton Circuit provides an opportunity for an easy walk or a relaxing bicycle ride on a loop circuit. This area of the park has been set aside for education purposes with its diverse display of vegetation communities.
Camping
Middle Creek, Mt Buangor State Park, is a large grassed campground dotted with large gums. Suitable for both tent and caravan/trailer based camping the site has drop toilets and a covered picnic area. Easy to get to the area makes for a great base camp for trial bike riders, 4WD enthusiests hikers and wild life watches. The site is free.
Track grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 548 m
Min elevation: 414 m
Total climbing: 219 m
Total descent: -219 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Mount Buangor State Park.
Mount Buangor State Park is located between Ararat and Beaufort on the Western Highway, Route A8. Take Ferntree Gully Road off the Western Highway. Just after the park entrance keep left on to Jimmy Smith Rd and Middle Creek Camping Area is on the left. The access road is unsealed but suitable for 2WD.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Amphitheatre, Ararat, Avoca, Ballarat, Beaufort, Buangor, Clunes, Elmhurst, Linton, Moonambel, Moyston, Raglan, Skipton, Snake Valley, Wickliffe, Willaura
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 walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Mount Buangor State Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.






10 Reviews on “Jenny Clayton Circuit Hike (8.5km)”
Is it open again? I thought Mt Buangor State Park was still closed.
Tracey Quinn broadly, the state park is still closed but the following is open: Dairymaid rd, Mount Buangor lookout, Grevillea lookout and the Beeripmo walk. These are accessible by the the Mt Cole State Forest.
At 8.5km and grade 2, it’s a super chill 2.5 hour loop that’s perfect for a laid-back hike. The circuit winds through a beautiful area with a variety of plant life, making it a nice educational walk as well. Middle Creek Campground looks like a great spot to base yourself if you’re exploring the park further – big open area, free camping, and toilets.