Exploring the Industrial Past on Foot at Lal Lal – Bungal Historic Area

Set among 75 acres of gently sloping forest, the Lal Lal – Bungal Historic Area is a fascinating destination for walkers and history enthusiasts alike. Just 20 minutes from Ballarat and around 120 kilometres west of Melbourne, Victoria, this forested reserve near the small town of Lal Lal is rich in natural beauty and industrial heritage. The area is dominated by tall stands of Peppermint and Messmate trees, providing a peaceful backdrop for short walks or more immersive bushwalks.

At the heart of the reserve lies the Lal Lal Blast Furnace, an extraordinary reminder of Victoria’s brief flirtation with iron smelting in the nineteenth century. Built in the mid-1870s by the Lal Lal Iron Company, the site includes the remains of a blast furnace, iron mine, and tramway that once carried ore from the mine through the bush. At its peak in the early 1880s, more than 100 workers were engaged in mining ore, collecting limestone, cutting firewood, and manufacturing charcoal. There was even a foundry operating in nearby Ballarat. Though the iron works ceased operations by the decade’s end, the site remains the only surviving nineteenth-century blast furnace in the Southern Hemisphere. Today, it holds an ‘A’ classification from the National Trust.

Visitors can follow well-formed walking tracks that lead through the historic area, taking in the interpretive signage that shares the story of the furnace and those who worked here. A timber viewing platform gives a clear look at the old furnace stack and surrounding ruins, while the shaded picnic area is equipped with toilets, BBQs, fire pits, and camping facilities—making it a great spot for a relaxed day out or an overnight stay.

The network of tracks throughout the reserve offers opportunities for all kinds of all trails experiences, whether you’re after a short walk, a more challenging hike, or a quiet bushwalk through tall eucalypts and historic remnants. This blend of nature and history gives visitors a unique way to connect with both the land and the past.

Want to find the best trails in Lal Lal – Bungal Historic Area for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.