This Mount Buninyong - Union Jack Reserve circuit commences at Union Jack Reserve where a maze of bush tracks wander through the old gold mining area on the north-east corner of Buninyong. The trail follows a series of gravel lanes to the foot of Mount Buninyong before ascending the Wallaby and Zig Zag Tracks to the 745m summit of Mount Buninyong. From the summit this hike then follows Mount Buninyong Road before descending the Wallaby Track back to the foot of the mountain. Following a series on track and lanes you will then return to the trail head via the Buninyong Community Reserve.
Mount Buninyong is an extinct scoria cone volcano located 15km south east of Ballarat near the township of Buninyong. Unlike most other elevated points of eruption in Western Victoria, it supports some native vegetation.
The summit of the mountain is 745 metres and can be reached by either road or walking track. Superb views of the surrounding landscape can be seen from here.
Mount Buninyong is surrounded by a scenic reserve with an overstorey of eucalypts, a tussock ground cover and a very limited understorey. The remnant understorey has been interpreted in the light of both Mount Buninyong's European history and remnants from associated sites. Timber harvesting and an extended practice of grass fires with follow up grazing greatly reduced the shrub layer.
There are three walks on Mount Buninyong, the Crater Walk with a viewing platform (accessible to people with a disability), the Summit walk (a zigzag track) and the Southern Walk. The Summit and Southern Walks are graded as category three walks.
- The Crater Walk - an easy walk, approx 1 km, 20 minutes
- The Zigzag Summit Walk - steep slope requiring good footwear and reasonable fitness, approx 3 kms, 1 hour
- The South Walk to the summit via Crater Walk - steep slope requiring good footwear and reasonable fitness, approx 3.5 kms, 1 hour
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.
If you feel you have a bit more energy to expend on reaching the summit try to climb the fire tower as many times as you legs will allow you.
Total distance: 9391 m
Max elevation: 753 m
Min elevation: 459 m
Total climbing: 355 m
Total descent: -355 m
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From the Old Library, walk (or drive) north along Warrenheip St. After five blocks, turn right into Elizabeth Street and proceed 750m to the Union Jack Reserve entrance.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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 Mount 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.
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Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve
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Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve
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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.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
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.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
3 Reviews on “Mount Buninyong: Union Jack Reserve Hike (9.4km)”
Luke… some local walks for you ?