Budj Bim National Park

Budj Bim National Park in south west Victoria is where nature meets deep cultural significance. One of the oldest and most important cultural sites in Australia where you can connect with the environment and the Gunditj mara culture. With its stunning volcanic landscapes, ancient lava flows and well preserved Indigenous aquaculture systems Budj Bim is a must see for nature lovers, history buffs and adventure seekers.

Visit Budj Bim

Visiting Budj Bim National Park is a rare opportunity to see cultural and natural heritage coexist. The park is home to the Budj Bim Volcano, an extinct volcano that has shaped the landscape for thousands of years. The Gunditjmara people have lived on these ancestral lands for generations and used the lava flow canals and series of weirs to create one of the oldest aquaculture systems in the world. This ancient aquaculture system includes fish traps and drainage patterns and was used to farm eels for food, a favourite food source that provided a reliable year-round food supply. A visit to Budj Bim is not just a walk in nature but a step back in time into Indigenous culture and land management practices.
Join a Great Ocean tour to Budj Bim National Park! Explore the stunning scenery and uncover the rich Indigenous cultural heritage tied to the world’s oldest aquaculture systems.

History

The history of Budj Bim is the story of the Gunditjmara people, who have been on this land for over 6,600 years. The name Budj Bim refers to the Creation-Being form of the dormant volcano, a key part of the local Aboriginal creation story. The lava from Budj Bim reshaped the landscape, creating fertile plains and water flow networks that the Gunditjmara used for sophisticated aquaculture. The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, which includes Lake Condah Mission and the Budj Bim Volcano, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognising its universal values and the history of eel farming and stone houses. You can visit these cultural heritage sites and learn about the traditional land management practices that have supported the Gunditjmara community for thousands of years.

Getting Here

Budj Bim National Park is 300km west of Melbourne and is suitable for day trips or longer stays. To get to the park, you can travel along the Princes Highway and turn off at Macarthur or Portland, which are the gateways to the park. From these towns, it’s a short drive to the park entrance, where you can pick up the Budj Bim National Park Visitor Guide to help plan your visit. If you want to stay longer, Port Fairy is a lovely coastal town nearby with more amenities and attractions. Whether driving from Melbourne or Adelaide, the journey to Budj Bim is a beautiful one, passing through rolling farmland and historic towns that showcase the area’s European settlement history.

Things to Do

Budj Bim National Park is wild and rugged. Start your visit with a Budj Bim Tour with a Gunditjmara Elder and learn about the ancient aquaculture and cultural values in the landscape. The park has many walks, including the Lava Canal Walk, which takes you through ancient lava flow canals and volcanic features. If you’re into Aboriginal history, the park has many sites to see, including the ingenuity of the Gunditjmara people. Birdwatchers can spot koalas, kangaroos and many bird species that live in different habitats, including the Manna Gum trees.

Budj Bim – High Head

The High Head of Budj Bim, also known as the Budj Bim Volcano, is the main feature of the park. This dormant volcano, with its views and crater lake, is a must-see natural wonder. From the top, you can look out over the aquaculture systems and the greenery on the crater rim. From the crater edge, you can see the drainage pattern and volcanic landscape, which are shaped by thousands of years of natural and cultural history. The Crater Rim Walk is a popular walk that goes around the peaceful crater lake and has great views of the Budj Bim Heritage Landscape.

The Lava Cave

Budj Bim’s Lava Cave is a must see for geology enthusiasts and curious visitors. Formed by ancient lava flows this network of underground tunnels and chambers gives you a look into the park’s volcanic past. Locally known as Budj Bim’s Lava Cave this geological feature was historically used by the Gunditjmara people for shelter and storage, showing the ingenuity of the Aboriginal people. Guided tours of the lava caves are a safe and fun way to see the volcanic rock formations and learn about the geological processes that created them.

Lake Surprise & Crater Rim Walk

Lake Surprise is a peaceful and pretty spot in Budj Bim National Park. The lake is in the crater and surrounded by steep crater walls. The lake reflects the changing colours of the sky and is a great place to chill out. The Crater Rim Walk is a 3.2km loop that has great views of the crater lake and native wildlife. This moderate walk is suitable for all ages and has several lookouts that show the volcanic landscape and the crater lake ecosystem.

The Bridge

The Natural Bridge is one of the park’s most impressive features, and it is formed by ancient lava flows. This natural rock arch spans a small gap and is a great spot to stop and take a photo. The bridge is a short walk away and is surrounded by a volcanic landscape. The Bridge is not just a view but also a cultural site and a symbol of the ongoing connection to the land for the Gunditjmara people.

Camping

Camping in Budj Bim National Park is the way to experience the park’s natural and cultural values. The Budj Bim Campground has several campsites with basic facilities, toilets, picnic tables and BBQ areas. Fees apply and bookings recommended during peak season. Overnight stay and enjoy the peace and the stars above, perfect for stargazing and connecting with the land. Always follow park rules and respect the cultural values of the area.

Picnic & BBQ Areas

Budj Bim National Park has several picnic and BBQ areas where you can sit back and enjoy a meal. These areas have picnic tables, BBQ facilities and shelters and are perfect for families and groups. Take a break from all the park’s natural and cultural attractions and have lunch in the scenery, where you can hear the native wildlife and feel the fresh air. These areas are near Lake Surprise and the Lava Canal Walk so that you can take a break between all the park’s many wonders.

Mountain Bike & 4WD Tracks

For the adventurous, Budj Bim National Park has mountain bikes and 4WD tracks. These tracks go through the park’s rugged landscape and access remote areas and hidden gems of the Budj Bim Heritage Landscape. Whether you’re on the 4WD tracks or cycling on the nature trails, these tracks are the way to see the park’s many landscapes and volcanic features. Always check track conditions and park rules before going; some areas may be closed to protect the park’s sensitive ecosystems and cultural sites.