The Burchell Trail Hike (35km)

The Burchell Trail is a 35 km, grade 4 hike through Brisbane Ranges National Park in Victoria, usually completed over two to three days. It is one of the park’s signature longer walks, offering a steady and immersive way to experience the changing landscapes of the ranges, from open woodland and forest to areas rich in seasonal wildflowers.

The trail can be walked from either end, starting at Fridays Campground in the south or Boar Gully Campground in the north. Orange trail markers guide the way along a combination of walking tracks, management roads, and short stretches of public road. Navigation is generally straightforward, allowing you to focus on the surroundings rather than constant route finding. With daily distances averaging around ten kilometres, the pace feels relaxed and leaves plenty of time to stop, observe, and enjoy being out there.

Plant life is a major highlight of the Burchell Trail, particularly in warmer months when wildflowers appear across large sections of the park. The unique geology of the Brisbane Ranges has supported plant communities that are uncommon elsewhere in Victoria, and the variety along the route keeps the walking visually interesting. Wildlife is another feature, with koalas often spotted in the trees and a wide range of birdlife present throughout the park.

Despite its length, the walk is not especially steep. Most of the terrain is gently undulating, with gradual climbs and descents rather than long or punishing ascents. This makes the trail well suited to walkers looking for a multi day hike that is more about time in the landscape than physical difficulty. It is also a popular option for families with older children who are comfortable walking several days in a row with packs.

Designated campsites at Old Mill Camping Ground and Little River Bush Camping Ground break the trail into comfortable stages and provide well placed places to rest for the night. Walking north to south from Fridays Campground, the route is commonly divided as follows:

• Stage 1: Fridays Campground to Old Mill Camping Ground, 11.5 km
• Stage 2: Old Mill Camping Ground to Little River Bush Camping Ground, 13.5 km
• Stage 3: Little River Bush Camping Ground to Boar Gully Campground, 10 km

Starting from Boar Gully simply reverses this order.

The Burchell Trail rewards those who take their time. It is a walk that unfolds gradually, where the enjoyment comes from noticing subtle changes in vegetation, spending unhurried evenings at camp, and settling into a comfortable rhythm over a few days in the Brisbane Ranges.