The Lal Lal Bungal Circuit is a rewarding 23-kilometre hike tucked away in the Lal Lal Bungal Historic Area of Victoria. Graded as a level 3 walk, it’s typically completed in around six hours, though that may vary depending on your pace and how often you pause to take in the surrounding bushland. While the track itself is moderately challenging, it offers a compelling mix of natural beauty and historical significance that makes it well worth exploring.
Starting at the Blast Furnace picnic area near Ironmine Road, the trail begins with a gentle climb into the Lal Lal State Forest. Early on, you’ll catch glimpses of the Lal Lal Reservoir, a peaceful expanse of water framed by native trees. From here, the route winds deeper into the forest, tracing paths once carved out by the Lal Lal Iron Mining Company in the late 1800s. It’s easy to miss unless you’re looking for it, but the landscape still holds clues to its industrial past—remnants of tracks and earthworks quietly blending into the surrounding bush.
Further into the walk, the terrain becomes more varied as you approach the lower forested slopes of Mount Doran (545m) and Champion Hill (520m). These summits don’t require any technical climbing, but they do offer a bit of elevation and a satisfying sense of progression through the hike. The forest here feels expansive, with stretches of open woodland, shaded gullies, and the occasional clear view across the surrounding countryside. The area is home to plenty of birdlife and the occasional wallaby, so keep an eye out as you make your way along the network of old mining trails.
The circuit eventually loops back to the starting point at the picnic area, where you’ll find toilets, picnic tables, and a peaceful spot to rest under the trees. For those with time and energy to spare, it’s worth making the short drive to the nearby Lal Lal Falls Scenic Reserve. The falls themselves plunge about 30 metres into a rocky gorge and are most impressive after rain, though the viewing platforms still offer a lovely perspective even during drier months. The reserve includes a grassy picnic area with a few sheltered tables and BBQs, a water tap, and basic facilities. A short 200-metre path leads to a viewing platform, or you can continue further to the von Guerard lookout for a broader view of the landscape.
What makes this hike especially appealing is its flexibility. If you're walking with younger hikers or simply want a shorter day out, there are several connecting trails that allow you to tailor the route to suit your needs. Whether you’re in it for the exercise, the history, or the sense of quiet that comes with being out in nature, the Lal Lal Bungal Circuit offers a bit of everything in one well-rounded loop.
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Total distance: 23241 m
Max elevation: 546 m
Min elevation: 401 m
Total climbing: 646 m
Total descent: -646 m
Getting to the trailhead: Lal Lal Bungal Historic Area.
Reaching the Lal Lal Bungal Circuit is straightforward and offers a scenic drive through Victoria’s central highlands. Lal Lal is located around 130 kilometres west of Melbourne, making it an easy day trip for those travelling by car.
You have a couple of options depending on your preferred route. One way is to follow the Western Freeway all the way into Ballarat, then head south via the Midland Highway towards Clarendon. After passing through Buninyong, look for the turn-off to Lal Lal on your left. Alternatively, you can exit the Western Freeway earlier, either at Gordon or Ballan, and make your way through the smaller towns of Mount Egerton and Yendon before arriving at Lal Lal.
Once in the area, follow the signs directing you to Lal Lal Falls. Keep an eye out on the right-hand side of the road for a modest sign pointing towards the blast furnace site. The reserve is well set up for visitors, with a car park, toilets, picnic tables, and wood-fired barbecues available, making it a comfortable spot to pause and explore.
Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Ballarat, Buninyong, Lal Lal, Mount Egerton, Mount Helen, Myrniong, Smythesdale
Tucked away in a quiet pocket of the Lal Lal State Forest, the Lal Lal – Bungal Historic Area offers a rare combination of natural beauty and industrial history. Covering around 75 acres of forest, the area is dominated by stands of Peppermint and Messmate trees, their tall trunks rising from a gently undulating landscape that feels a world away from nearby towns. But this peaceful setting holds an unexpected story—one of ambition, innovation, and the early efforts to build an iron industry in colonial Victoria.
At the heart of the reserve lies the Lal Lal Blast Furnace, an imposing stone structure that seems almost out of place among the trees. Weathered and moss-flecked, the furnace stands as the only surviving example of a nineteenth-century iron smelting furnace in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s also the site of Victoria’s sole attempt to smelt iron ore locally. Recognised with an 'A' classification by the National Trust, the furnace is not just a relic—it’s a striking and important part of Australia’s industrial heritage.
In the mid-1870s, the Lal Lal Iron Company began developing the site, bringing in mining equipment and constructing a substantial blast furnace. A tramway was laid to transport iron ore from the quarry to the smelting site, and for a short but industrious period in the early 1880s, more than 100 men were employed here. They mined the iron ore, gathered limestone to use as flux, collected firewood, and produced charcoal to feed the furnace. The company even operated a foundry in Ballarat, linking the remote forest site to the broader industrial network of the time. Despite this flurry of activity, the venture was short-lived. By the end of the 1880s, the iron works had ceased operations, leaving behind a site that has slowly been reclaimed by the bush.
Today, visitors can follow a short trail through the reserve to reach a raised wooden platform overlooking the furnace ruins and nearby mine. Interpretive signage adds context, painting a picture of what life might have been like for those who worked here more than a century ago. There’s a quiet dignity to the site—the crumbling stonework, scattered remnants of old infrastructure, and the enveloping forest all contribute to a sense of both resilience and stillness.
For those looking to spend a little more time in the area, the site includes a basic picnic ground with toilets, fire pits, BBQs, and a few camping spots. It’s a peaceful place to rest and reflect, especially after a walk along the nearby trails. Whether you're drawn by the natural setting, the historical intrigue, or a mix of both, the Lal Lal – Bungal Historic Area offers something quite different—an experience that blends the bush with a seldom-told chapter of Victoria’s past.
Looking for more walks in or near Lal Lal Bungal Historic Area? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Lal Lal Falls Scenic Reserve
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Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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5 Reviews on “Lal Lal Bungal Circuit Hike (23km)”
Did the walk today. It was mainly 4WD tracks, which were not difficult, but the total length made it quite a good exercise. As Justin mentioned, the reservior was closed to public, meaning that the picnic area can not be accessed from the Egerton side if driving from Melbourne (google map is not aware of the closure and still navigates through Thynes road). The picnic area can only be accessed from the Lal Lal side,
Really disappointed in this trail, exploerd 2/3, gave up and went to the falls. No real scenery due to tree coverage and the reservior is closed to the public. The blast furnace was worth the look though.
I did the walk clockwise and really enjoyed it. There was quite a bit of variation in fauna from the ridges down into the valleys and the heath was flowering nicely.
A word of warning for hikers with kids: i did come across some gold mining shafts that have not been filled in – notably on Champions Hill. They are big and obvious, but not safe for curious kids.