Trail Fast Facts

Mount Sugarloaf Circuit is a 15km, grade 4 hike in Mount Buangor State Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 6 hours to complete.

Length: 15km

Duration: 6 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Circuit

Start: Middle Creek Campground

End: Middle Creek Campground

Location: Mount Buangor State Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Beaufort

From state capital: 181km

Latitude: -37.3326481

Longitude: 143.24650515568894

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Hike Overview

Mount Sugarloaf Circuit walk across the sections of the Mount Cole plateau provides spectacular views across the Western Plains, panoramic views of Langi Ghiran and the Grampians Major Mitchell Plateau in the distance. There are a number of small lookouts which take advantage of these prominent points. The circuit encompasses the Cave Hill cave, a massive granite arch some 100m wide and 15m in height.

While this circuit commences at Middle Creek Campground, it can be started from Bailes or Ferntree Campgrounds too.

Map and GPX file

Mount Sugarloaf Circuit Hike (15km)

Total distance: 15040 m
Max elevation: 942 m
Min elevation: 424 m
Total climbing: 1145 m
Total descent: -1145 m

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Getting there

Mount Sugarloaf Circuit Hike (15km)

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.

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If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

Track Grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

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.

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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.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Mount Buangor State Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

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Mount Sugarloaf Circuit Hike (15km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

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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.

Trail Fast Facts

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Mount Sugarloaf Circuit Hike (15km)