Hike at a Glance

Australia > Victoria > Budj Bim National Park

Quick overview: Explore the unique volcanic terrain of Budj Bim National Park on the Lava Canal Walk, a 6.5km circuit beginning and ending at the Budj Bim Picnic Area. Located a stone's throw from Macarthur and a scenic drive from Victoria's capital, this Grade 3, moderate difficulty hike leads you through ancient lava flows, past intriguing features like Tunnel Cave, Lava Blisters, and Natural Bridge. Remember to pack your hat, water, and sunscreen, and keep an eye out for local wildlife - just remember to give snakes a wide berth!

Length:

6.5km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 164m

Min elevation: 102m

Total Ascent: 131m

Start: Budj Bim Picnic Area

End: Budj Bim Picnic Area

Budj Bim National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Macarthur

From state capital: 309km

Latitude: -38.05869155

Longitude: 141.92264735698703

6 Reviews

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Hike overview

The Lava Canal Walk follows the floor of lava flow that began with the volcanic eruption of Budj Bim 30,000 years ago. See the broken basalt of the old lava flows, lava blisters and stop at Tunnel Cave, a remnant of lava flow activity. A longer, more challenging loop walk, uneven underfoot as it follows a lava flow channel. This walk includes the Tunnel Cave, Lava Blisters and Natural Bridge.

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
Lava Canal Walk (6.5km)

Total distance: 6347 m
Max elevation: 164 m
Min elevation: 102 m
Total climbing: 131 m
Total descent: -124 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.

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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.

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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

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Reviews
Lava Canal Walk (6.5km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Lava canal walk (6. 5km) 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
Lava Canal Walk (6.5km)

Lava Canal Walk (6.5km)

Explore safely

Leave a trip plan

Planning checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

About the region

Similar walks nearby

Budj Bim Crater Rim Walk (2.8km)

Lake Surprise Walk (2km)

Natural Bridge Walk (4km)

Byaduk Caves Walk (1.5km)

Gallery

Suggest an edit

Reviews
Lava Canal Walk (6.5km)

Lava Canal Walk (6.5km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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