Mount Buninyong Zigzag Summit Walk (2.5km)

Mount Buninyong Zigzag Summit is a 2.5 kilometre, grade 3 walk within Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve, just south east of Ballarat. While relatively short, this is a steady and rewarding hike that typically takes around two hours return, allowing plenty of time to explore the summit area and take in the changing landscape along the way.

The walk begins from the Blackberry Lane Picnic Area, following Blackberry Lane to the base of the mountain. From here, the track wraps around the southern side of the volcanic crater before climbing steadily via the Zigzag Track. The zigzagging path softens the ascent and makes the climb feel approachable, even as the track gains height. After reaching the summit, you return the same way, looping north around the crater before retracing your steps back to the picnic area.

Mount Buninyong is an extinct scoria cone volcano rising prominently from the surrounding plains. At 745 metres above sea level, it is one of the higher points in this part of western Victoria. Unlike many nearby volcanic features, the mountain still supports areas of native vegetation, giving the walk a distinctly different feel to the open farmland that surrounds it.

The scenic reserve is characterised by an open eucalypt canopy with tussock grasses underfoot and only a sparse shrub layer. Much of the original understorey was lost through timber harvesting, repeated burning and grazing during the area’s European history. What remains today offers a glimpse into how land use has shaped the mountain over time, adding an extra layer of interest as you move through the forest.

At the summit, the sense of elevation becomes clear, with broad views stretching across Ballarat and the surrounding countryside on a clear day. If you still have energy to spare, the fire tower provides an extra challenge. Climbing its stairs adds a surprising leg workout, but the elevated outlook is well worth the effort if conditions are calm and visibility is good.