Mount Buangor State Park

Mount Buangor State Park in Victoria has creek flats, steep escarpments and eucalypt forests. Managed by Parks Victoria the park is over 2,400 hectares with spectacular views, wildlife and walking tracks. Whether you’re an experienced bushwalker or looking for a family-friendly adventure the park’s awesome trails, waterfalls and camping areas are the perfect escape into nature.

History and Significance

The area around Mount Buangor has been significant to the Aboriginal people for thousands of years, particularly the Djab Wurrung. This is evident in the preservation of traditional hunting grounds and natural resources. European settlers arrived in the 19th century and established homesteads, and later, the area was set aside as a state park. Today, Mount Buangor State Park is a reminder of both its Indigenous and European history, and conservation is in place to protect it for future generations.

State Park Trails

Mount Buangor State Park has several hand crafted trail maps for both beginners and experienced walkers. These enjoyable trails wind through creek flats, steep escarpments and eucalypt forests – so every trail is an adventure and sometimes a challenge.

Summit Walk

The Summit Walk offers one of the most rewarding hikes in the park, with views stretching across the Grampians and surrounding landscapes. It is a popular choice for hikers wanting a challenge and is part of the park’s connection to Victoria’s trail network.

Ferntree Gully Nature Walk

The Ferntree Gully Nature Walk is a 45 minute return walk through cool shaded fern filled gullies. A family friendly walk for those who don’t want to do a longer hike. The towering eucalypt trees, lush ferns and trickling streams make this walk perfect for visitors during the warmer months when shade is welcome. The nearby Ferntree Falls is another highlight, a popular spot for nature lovers to take photos of the park’s natural beauty.

Middle Creek Circuit

For a more extensive experience, the Middle Creek Circuit is a must. This looped trail is a 5-hour return walk and takes you through different forest types – from creek flats to fern gullies. The Middle Creek Visitor Area has good facilities – picnic tables and access to drinking water. Along the way, you’ll cross creeks, dry stone steps and steep sections. The Middle Creek Campground is nearby, so campers can base themselves here and walk the surrounding hiking trails.

Camping and Accommodation

Buangor State Park has several camping areas. Ferntree Camping Area and Middle Creek Camping Area are the most popular, unnumbered camping sites. These camping areas have basic facilities – toilet blocks, non-flush toilets and water. Whether you’re at Mugwamp Camp Area, Ditchfields Camp Area or Bailes Camping Area, you’ll find the camping-friendly facilities. Unpowered sites only and be prepared for wet weather camping at times of the year.

Wildlife and Flora

See Wildlife

Mount Buangor State Park is home to many species of wildlife: kangaroos and wallabies, echidnas and cockatoos and eagles. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see them. You may also see species that rely on the park’s vegetation, water ferns and wildflowers that bloom in spring.

Flora

The park has a wide range of plant life, Manna Gum trees, seasonal wildflowers and lush fern gullies. The Middle Creek Circuit and Mount Buangor Walk will show you many examples of the park’s native flora. The shaded fern gullies on the Ferntree Falls Nature Walk are peaceful, with tall ferns creating a shaded track.

Waterfalls and Scenic Spots

Mount Buangor Waterfalls

Mount Buangor is famous for its waterfalls, Middle Creek Falls is the best of them. After rain the waterfalls are even more spectacular with streams of water cascading down rocky cliffs surrounded by greenery. The Waterfalls Nature Walk – 1km will take you close to these natural wonders and is a great spot for photography.

Sugarloaf Lookout

For panoramic views the Sugarloaf Lookout is one of the best in the park. Accessible via the Mount Sugarloaf Circuit Walk the lookout has great views of the park and beyond. On a clear day you can see for miles and it’s a popular spot for both hikers and sightseers.

When to Visit

Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit Mount Buangor State Park with Grampian Tours, it is a time when the weather is mild and the park is flowering. The walking trails are more accessible, and you can enjoy the extensive views without the summer heat. Winter is quieter, and the wet weather makes the waterfalls even better.