Mount Buninyong the Crater Walk is a short and gentle 1.8 kilometre loop in the Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve, just south east of Ballarat. Graded as an easy walk, it typically takes around 45 minutes and is well suited to families, casual walkers, and anyone looking for a relaxed outing with a bit of local history underfoot.
Starting from the Blackberry Lane Picnic Area, the track follows Blackberry Lane toward the base of Mount Buninyong before curving around the rim of an ancient volcanic crater. The walking surface is straightforward, making it an accessible option for children and those new to bushwalking, while still offering plenty to look at along the way.
Mount Buninyong is an extinct scoria cone volcano, rising to 745 metres and standing out from much of the surrounding landscape in Western Victoria. Unlike many nearby volcanic peaks, it supports patches of native vegetation, giving the reserve a distinct feel. The mountain can be reached by road or walking track, and from higher points there are broad views across the countryside toward Ballarat and beyond.
The surrounding scenic reserve is characterised by tall eucalypts, tussock grasses, and a sparse understorey. This landscape reflects a long history of land use, including timber harvesting, frequent grass fires, and grazing, all of which have significantly reduced the shrub layer. Interpretive elements around the reserve help explain how both natural processes and European settlement have shaped what you see today.
With its short distance, gentle gradients, and interesting setting, this is a great little walk for kids and an easy way to enjoy one of the region’s quieter volcanic features without committing to a longer hike.
Mount Buninyong has three established walking tracks, offering options that range from an easy, accessible stroll to more challenging summit routes.
- Crater Walk: An easy walk of about one kilometre, taking around 45 minutes, with a viewing platform and accessible for people with a disability.
- Zigzag Summit Walk: A steeper track to the summit requiring good footwear and reasonable fitness, approximately two kilometres and about two hours return.
- Southern Walk to the summit via the Crater Walk: A grade 3 circuit that loops around the southern side of the mountain before climbing to the summit, around 3.5 kilometres and about one hour to complete.
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
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.
Total distance: 1710 m
Max elevation: 719 m
Min elevation: 653 m
Total climbing: 72 m
Total descent: -72 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve.
From Buninyong town centre head east along the Midland Highway turning left onto Mount Buninyong Road. Continue along Mount Buninyong Road turning right into Blackberry Lane, just after the junction of Hogarths Road. Park in the Blackberry Lane Picnic Area.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Ballarat, Ballarat East, Buninyong, Delacombe, Invermay, Invermay Park, Mount Helen, Redan, Sebastopol
Mount Buninyong is an extinct volcanic mountain 745 metres above sea level. A great landmark of the district, it stands out from the vast Western Plains next to its northern sister Mt Warrenheip and is visible from the high-rise towers of Melbourne in the west and the Grampians in the east, providing a welcome sign of home to countless generations of local people.
Mount Buninyong was long the spiritual home of the Keyeet Balug clan of the Wathaurang (or Wada Warrung) people who occupied this area for thousands of years before new waves of settlers arrived in the early nineteenth century. An aboriginal burial site was located in the 1860's and stone tools have been found there but no archaeological survey has yet been carried out.
Walks through the crater and up to the lookout tower are a popular recreation and if snow falls in the district it will always be best on the Mount.
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Looking for more walks in or near Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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