The Mount Buninyong - South Walk is a moderate walk commencing at the Blackberry Lane Picnic Area. The trail follows Blackberry Lane to the foot of Mount Buninyong before continuing around the southern foot of Mount Buninyong. The final ascent of Mount Buninyong is a steep slope requiring good footwear and reasonable fitness. The walk then descends Mount Buninyong via the Zigzag Track back to the Blackberry Lane Picnic Area.
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. The final ascent of Mount Buninyong is a steep slope requiring good footwear and reasonable fitness.
Total distance: 3436 m
Max elevation: 752 m
Min elevation: 626 m
Total climbing: 170 m
Total descent: -170 m
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From Buninyong town centre head east along the Midland Highway turning left onto Mount Buninyong Road. Continue along Mount Buninyong Road turning right into Blackberry Lane, just after the juntion of Hogarths Road. Park in the Blackberry Lane Picnic Area.
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
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A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed 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.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
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
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.
