Hike at a Glance

Australia > Victoria > Budj Bim National Park

Quick overview: Embark on the moderate graded, 2km Lake Surprise walk in Victoria's Budj Bim National Park, located near Macarthur and 309km from Melbourne. This circuit starts and ends at the Budj Bim Picnic Area, guiding you around a dormant volcano crater and through lush Manna Gum and Blackwood bushland. This trail, overlooked by the culturally significant Budj Bim peak, offers an abundance of wildlife, but remember to respect their home - especially the local snakes. Don't forget to pack your hat, water, sunscreen and sturdy shoes for the uneven terrain.

Length:

2km

Duration:

1 hr

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 123m

Min elevation: 97m

Total Ascent: 94m

Start: Budj Bim Picnic Area

End: Budj Bim Picnic Area

Budj Bim National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Macarthur

From state capital: 309km

Latitude: -38.05881193

Longitude: 141.92254811525348

2 Reviews

Overview

Map

Gallery

Similar

Region

Weather

4,829 views

Hike overview

Head out on the Lake Surprise walk and descend into the crater of this dormant volcano. Follow the lake's edge through Manna Gum and Blackwood bushland before looping back to Budj Bim Campground. The peak of Budj Bim, which has great cultural significance to the Gunditjmara people, overlooks the trail.

All walks start from the picnic area or the Lake Surprise Lookout carpark. Ensure you have good shoes for the uneven terrain. A hat, water and sunscreen are essential. You may encounter wildlife including snakes on these walks, as this is where they live. They are protected here. If you see a snake on the track leave it alone and wait for it to leave.

Camping and picnicking

The Picnic Area offers a tranquil setting for day visitors Facilities include picnic tables, barbecues and toilets. The campground is near Lake Surprise and adjacent to the picnic area. Sites are in protected hollows between rocky ridges formed by ancient lava flows. Toilets, water (untreated, natural supply), hot showers and 10 shared fireplaces are provided. Most campsites can accommodate up to six people with provision for one vehicle.

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.

Practical information

Dogs are not allowed

Walk map and GPX file
Lake Surprise Walk (2km)

Total distance: 1885 m
Max elevation: 123 m
Min elevation: 97 m
Total climbing: 94 m
Total descent: -88 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: Budj Bim National Park.

Budj Bim National Park is located approximately 300km west of Melbourne. Macarthur is the nearest town to the Visitor Area and Campground. Hamilton is the nearest city to this end of the park. The road to Budj Bim National Park is sealed all the way to the visitor picnic ground. There is a short gravel road from there to the campground, about 200 metres. It is suitable for 2WD.

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

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find Accommodation

Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.

Nearby towns: Apollo Bay, Cavendish, Hamilton, Heywood, Lake Condah, Macarthur, Mortlake, Port Campbell, Port Fairy, Portland, Tarragal, Warrnambool

About the region

Budj Bim is a long dormant volcano. Budj Bim is the source of the Tyrendarra lava flow which extends over 50 kilometres to the southwest. It is central to the history of the Gunditjmara people. Budj Bim National Park is Victoria's first co-managed national park. The park is managed by Gunditjmara Traditional Owners and Parks Victoria.

The park's tranquil crater lake and pleasant bushland surrounds make it a pleasant place for picnicking, camping and bushwalking. Nature trails follow the old crater rim.

The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape has formally been recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is the only Australian World Heritage property listed exclusively for its Aboriginal cultural values. The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape features the earliest living example of aquaculture in the world, with a history of eel farming dating back over 6,000 years.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Budj Bim National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Favourite

Natural Bridge Walk (4km)

Budj Bim National Park

Victoria

7 Reviews

4km

2 hrs

Return

Favourite

Budj Bim Crater Rim Walk (2.8km)

Budj Bim National Park

Victoria

11 Reviews

2.8km

2 hrs

Circuit

Favourite

Lava Canal Walk (6.5km)

Budj Bim National Park

Victoria

6 Reviews

6.5km

3 hrs

Circuit

Favourite

Byaduk caves walktrail hiking australia 600x254

Byaduk Caves Walk (1.5km)

Mount Napier State Park

Victoria

9 Reviews

1.5km

45 mins

Circuit

Gallery

Suggest an edit

Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.

Click to suggest edits >>

Suggested edit

Trail statusThis trail is OPEN.This trail is permanently CLOSED.Please only report permanent closures and provide evidence in the edit box below.

Trail Features (select all that apply)Aboriginal ArtAlpine HutsAlpine RegionBeach & CoastalBicycle TrailConcrete PathDog FriendlyDrinking WaterExposed LedgesFishing SpotsGoldfields & MiningGorgesGravel PathHeritageHorse RidingLakesLighthouseManual WheelchairMotorised WheelchairMountain Bike TrailOff TrailOvernight CampsitesPrams & StrollersRail TrailRainforestRiver CrossingsRiversRock ScramblingRough TrailSandy TrailScenic ViewpointsSteep TerrainSwimming SpotsTimber BoardwalkTrail RunningUndefined TrailUntreated WaterUrbanWaterfallsWell Marked Trail

Access Conditions (select all that apply)2WD Access4WD AccessAccessible ParkingAccessible ToiletBBQ FacilitiesBitumen RoadCampfire PitCamping AreaDrinking WaterEntry FeeGravel RoadLarge Car ParkPicnic ShelterPicnic TablePublic ToiletsPublic TransportSmall Car ParkSpeed BumpsSteep RoadUntreated WaterVehicle FordWinding Road

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Please do not fill in this field.

Reviews
Lake Surprise Walk (2km)

2 Reviews on “Lake Surprise Walk (2km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

A gentle and fascinating walk, Lake Surprise is easy underfoot and rich in history. It is a great way to slow down and take in the lava landscape and wetlands without needing much time or effort.

08/01/2026, 10:42

Like
Log in to Reply
Peter Dohnt

Magic spot (Y)

15/07/2025, 10:29

Like
Log in to Reply
1. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  I agree, it is very cool.
  
  15/07/2025, 22:39
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
2. Darren Edwards
  
  Peter Dohnt it certainly is. Plenty to explore. And plenty of leeches last time I was there with my family.
  
  15/07/2025, 13:22
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
  1. Peter Dohnt
    
    Darren Edwards Aaaaah Leeeches – they do not treat me well (Y) (Y) 🙂
    
    15/07/2025, 16:40
    
    Like
    Log in to Reply

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Acknowledgement of Country

Lake surprise walk (2km) trail hiking australia

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

Camping and picnicking

Track grade

Practical information

Walk map and GPX file
Lake Surprise Walk (2km)

Lake Surprise Walk (2km)

Explore safely

Leave a trip plan

Planning checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

About the region

Similar walks nearby

Natural Bridge Walk (4km)

Budj Bim Crater Rim Walk (2.8km)

Lava Canal Walk (6.5km)

Byaduk Caves Walk (1.5km)

Gallery

Suggest an edit

Reviews
Lake Surprise Walk (2km)

Lake Surprise Walk (2km)

2 Reviews on “Lake Surprise Walk (2km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

Tips and advice

Get involved

About