Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the tranquil beauty of Mount Buangor State Park in Victoria with the Middle Creek Walk, a 6km return trail starting from Middle Creek Campground and ending at Ferntree Campground. Ideal for an easy, 2-hour bushwalk near Beaufort, this trail offers a peaceful journey through diverse forest types, home to significant Hedcarya trees, Yarra Gums, fern gullies, and grassy woodlands. Keep an eye out for local wildlife including parrots, wallabies, and kangaroos, and enjoy the natural soundtrack of the Australian bush.

Length:

6km

Duration:

2 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 535m

Min elevation: 424m

Total Ascent: 153m

Start: Middle Creek Campground

End: Ferntree Campground

Mount Buangor State Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Beaufort

From state capital: 181km

Latitude: -37.33261185

Longitude: 143.24648648500445

Overview

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Hike overview

Middle Creek Walk links three visitor areas, Middle Creek, Bailes and Ferntree as the walk follows the creek through a variety of forest types. Along the way you will encounter some significant Hedcarya trees (Australian Mulberry), Yarra Gums, fern gullies and grassy woodlands. Watch for parrots, wallabies and kangaroos and listen out for the interesting sounds of the bush.

This is an undulating trail that can be started from Middle Creek or Ferntree.

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.

Gallery

Middle Creek Walk (6km)

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Walk map and GPX file

Middle Creek Walk (6km)

Total distance: 5829 m
Max elevation: 535 m
Min elevation: 424 m
Total climbing: 153 m
Total descent: -153 m

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.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: 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.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - 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.

Explore safe

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.

Packing checklists

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.

Let someone know

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

Reviews

Middle Creek Walk (6km)

7 Reviews on “Middle Creek Walk (6km)”

Overall rating

Andrew Cowell

Have the trails reopened since last year’s fire?

19/01/2025, 04:36

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1. Trail Hiking Australia
  
  Andrew Cowell yes I believe some areas of the park are still closed. Beeripmo walk is meant to be opening Feb 2025
  
  19/01/2025, 05:06
  
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  1. Andrew Cowell
    
    Trail Hiking Australia Thankyou 🙂
    
    19/01/2025, 05:07
    
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Rob Gillespie

Buangor and Cole are hidden gems in plain sight. There’s a good range of walks there, across a range of lengths, with great camps for the end of the day. Great spot to fall asleep sitting up under the stars too, the sky’s always clear!!

17/01/2025, 11:42

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1. Trail Hiking Australia
  
  Rob Gillespie totally agree. Many know the region for the Beeripmo Walk but there are many other great tracks to explore. Falling asleep under the stars sounds pretty peaceful. Wish I was there now.
  
  17/01/2025, 11:54
  
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  1. Rob Gillespie
    
    Trail Hiking Australia when the weather is good and Beeripmo’s going to be busy, there’s plenty of options for 1 & 2 day walks.
    
    17/01/2025, 12:46
    
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Suggest an edit

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.

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance