Budj Bim National Park 3-day itinerary
How to get to Budj Bim National Park
Budj Bim National Park is located 330 km south-west of Melbourne. The nearest town to the visitor area and campground is Macarthur, which is less than 10 minutes away from the national park.
The road to Budj Bim National Park is sealed all the way to the visitor picnic ground. There is a short gravel road from there to the campground, about 200 meters. Access is suitable for 2WDs.
Extend your trip by combining a visit to nearby Port Fairy (40 minutes), Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park (1 hour) or Discovery Bay Coastal Park (1 hour).
Where to stay in Budj Bim National Park
Budj Bim Campground is located near Lake Surprise and adjacent to the picnic area. There are 17 campsites nestled in protected hollows between rocky ridges formed by ancient lava flows.
The campground is suitable for small caravans and camper-trailers. Most sites can accommodate up to 6 people. Toilets, water (untreated), hot showers and fireplaces are provided. Please take home all rubbish for disposal.
As Budj Bim Campground is located within a national park, dogs are not permitted.
Fees apply and bookings are required for all sites – book here.
Budj Bim Campground, Budj Bim National Park
Budj Bim National Park itinerary
Day one – see the volcanic features of Budj Bim on foot
After getting settled at your campsite, spend your first day exploring Budj Bim National Park on foot. The camping area is within walking distance of Lake Surprise where several trails start. Choose the right walk for you by considering your fitness, the time you have available and what kind of things you want to see. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Ensure you're dressed appropriately by wearing the right clothes, a hat and shoes. Get the most out of your hike by reading all visitor safety tips.
Natural Bridge Walk
- Distance: 3.4 km
- Time: 2.5 hours return
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Natural Bridge Walk follows an ancient lava flow where the roof has collapsed. At the end of the walk, you will come to a section where the roof of the lava flow remains intact, forming a cavern.Carry a torch and wear appropriate shoes as the cavern is dark and slippery.
This walk can also be commenced after driving along the Natural Bridge Road to the Natural Bridge carpark. A 200 m walk from the carpark leads to the Natural Bridge cavern. There's a good chance you'll spot koalas and kangaroos on the walk if you keep your eyes peeled.
Lake Surprise Walk
- Distance: 2.5 km
- Time: 1.5 hour circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Lake Surprise Walk starts at the lookout next to the campground. You’ll follow the lake’s edge through Manna Gum and Blackwood bushland before looping back to the camping area. Note: Lake Surprise is not suitable for swimming.
Lake Surprise, Budj Bim National Park
Crater Rim Walk
- Distance: 2.8 km
- Time: 2 hour circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Crater Rim Walk is similar to the Lake Surprise Walk but offers a different perspective as you travel higher up along the crater rim. Along the way, enjoy views of Lake Surprise from two lookouts, including a dramatic cantilevered viewing platform. Tunnel Cave, a remnant of a lava flow, is 250 m along the Crater Rim Walk. A torch is recommended for the cave. Spot koalas among the Manna Gum and blackwood forest before descending back to Budj Bim Campground.
Crater Rim Walk, Budj Bim National Park
Lava Canal Walk
Distance: 6.6 km
Time: 3 hour circuit
Difficulty: Moderate
A longer, more challenging loop walk, the Lava Canal Walk follows a lava-flow channel and features uneven terrain throughout. Highlights include Tunnel Cave, the Lava Blisters and the Natural Bridge, offering a closer look at Budj Bim’s remarkable volcanic landscape.
Lava Canal Walk, Budj Bim National Park
Day two – Visit the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre
30 minutes from the campground, the unique Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre on the shores of Tae Rak/Lake Condah is the perfect place to learn more about Gunditjmara Country.
Admission is free, but it’s highly recommended to book a Gunditjmara guided cultural walk of this ancient landscape. There’s also a cafe serving bush tucker, a retail space, and a kooyang (eel) display tank.
Find out more about experiences on offer in the Budj Bim cultural landscape.
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape tour, Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre. Image: Visit Victoria
Day three – cycle or hike the Budj Bim Trail
A range of vehicle tracks are open and available to hikers and mountain bikes to share in the national park.
Budj Bim Trail is a longer mountain bike track that extends beyond the national park area and can be attempted in one day or split over three days. It meanders through the pristine landscapes of Budj Bim National Park, Lake Condah and Lake Gorrie Indigenous Protected Areas.
Allambie, Murphy’s Hut and Lake Gorrie camping areas along the trail have minimal facilities. These three camping areas are all outside of the national park on Gunditjmara managed land. Bookings can be made directly with Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
Whether you walk the trails, visit the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, or venture onto the Budj Bim Trail, you’re sure to leave Budj Bim National Park with a deeper connection to nature and Country.
Download: Budj Bim National Park visitor guide