Mount Beckworth Northern Circuit (8.5km)

Mount Beckworth Northern Circuit offers a rewarding way to explore the rugged granite landscapes of Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve in Victoria. This 8.5 kilometre loop typically takes around three hours to complete and is graded as a moderate walk, suited to hikers with some experience. Starting from The Dam Campground, the track moves through a varied landscape where exposed granite, scattered eucalypts, and seasonal wildflowers create constant change underfoot. A defining feature of the reserve is the solitary pine known as the Lollipop Tree, perched on a granite outcrop and visible from across the surrounding plains.

Following the circuit clockwise, the track gradually climbs toward the summit of Mount Beckworth. The ascent passes through patches of open bushland that support birdlife and occasional wallabies, with sections of rock becoming more prominent as you gain height. At the summit, around 634 metres above sea level, the landscape opens out to wide views across the Goldfields region. The contrast between the granite high point and the surrounding agricultural land gives a strong sense of how isolated this outcrop is within the broader landscape.

From the summit, the walk continues by descending toward the Cork Oaks, a distinctive grove that introduces a different texture to the reserve. Planted in the past for cork production, their thick, deeply furrowed bark stands apart from the smoother trunks of the surrounding eucalypts. Beyond this point, the track eases into a gradual return, with flatter sections following the perimeter of the reserve back toward The Dam Campground. In spring, this part of the reserve is especially engaging, with orchids and wattles adding colour across the granite and forest floor, though the mix of rock, woodland, and open views makes this circuit worthwhile at any time of year.