The Little Forest is a 14km, grade 3 hike located in Bungal State Forest, Victoria. The hike should take around 5 hours to complete.
Hike overview
The Bungal State Forest is a small pocket of bushland wedged between Bungal Creek and the Moorabool River East Branch. This hike follows an attractive section of the river, grassy flats, ridges and various gold workings.
Within the park, no designated walking trails exist. The initial seven kilometers of this route follows park management vehicle tracks. The final section is where the fun begins as it ventures off the established tracks, mostly following the course of the river. Its a good chance to test your off-trail navigation skills.
The section along the vehicle track is not at all boring. The expanse of open woodland in this area features scattered diggings and becomes a vibrant spectacle during the spring months, bursting to life with wattles, orchids, and an array of wildflowers. Along the route, keep an eye out for stone chimneys and other relics of the area's gold mining history.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 422 m
Min elevation: 331 m
Total climbing: 311 m
Total descent: -312 m
Trail location
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Getting there
From Melbourne, follow the Western Freeway for 76 km to take the Ballan turnoff. Continue south along C141 towards Geelong for 4 km. Turn south onto Ballan-Meredith Road and continue for another 18 km, before turning right onto Egerton-Ballark Road. After about 3 km you'll cross a bridge over the Moorabool River East Branch and then continue for another 1.5 km to an unsigned vehicle track on your right.
If you have a 4WD, follow this track until you see a grassy car park on your left. If you only have a 2WD, drive along Crossing Track as far as you are able, park off the road and walk the rest of the way.
About the region
Often referred to the Little Forest Hidden, Bungal State Forest is set amongst undulating farmland to the west of Melbourne. Spanning only seven square kilometres, the park is rarely visited by walkers.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
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
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
2 Reviews on “The Little Forest Circuit Hike (14km)”
Love this walk. No people and heaps of variety. The views along the river section and quite stunning.
Lynda Maddison Muriel Pepper Steven Parker Steve. Interested?
This a fun little hike in an area not well know.
Spent a nice afternoon exploring the Bungal State Forest in western Victoria. It’s only a small park but has a lot to offer, including a bit of off-trail navigation. Will definitely have to head back to explore a bit further in search of more relics of the gold mining era.