Budj Bim National Park 3-day itinerary
World Hertiage-listed Budj Bim National Park is an ancient, volcanic landscape rich in cultural heritage. Home to a tranquil crater lake, lava canals and caves, and teeming with native wildlife, there’s so much to discover and learn in this park’s lush bushland setting.
Central to the history of the Gunditjmara people, the wider Budj Bim Heritage Landscape dates back at least 6,600 years. It shows evidence of large, settled communities systematically farming and smoking eels for food and trade.
It’s been formally recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its Aboriginal cultural values as the earliest living example of aquaculture in the world.
“Ngatanwarr wartee pa kakay teen Gunditjmara mirring”, welcome brothers and sisters to Gunditjmara Country. The Aboriginal Traditional Owners ask that you take the time to look, listen and feel the Country.
Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, Budj Bim Heritage Landscape. Image: Visit Victoria
Jump to section:
- How to get to Budj Bim National Park
- Where to stay in Budj Bim National Park
- Day one – see the volcanic features of Budj Bim on foot
- Day two – Visit the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre
- Day three – cycle or four-wheel drive the Budj Bim Trail
Download: Budj Bim National Park visitor guide
How to get to Budj Bim National Park
Budj Bim National Park is located 330km 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 with 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 22 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 six people. Toilets, water (untreated), hot showers, and 10 shared fireplaces are provided. There are no bins, you must take all rubbish away with you.
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.
Crater Rim Walk, Budj Bim National Park
Natural Bridge Walk
- Distance: 3.2km
- Time: 2 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. There's a good chance you'll spot koalas and kangaroos on the walk if you keep your eyes peeled.
Lake Surprise Walk
- Distance: 2km
- Time: 1 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: 2.6km
- 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. Tunnel Cave, a remnant of a lava flow, is 250m along the Crater Rim Walk. A torch is recommended for the cave. Take in the views over Lake Surprise and spot koalas among the Manna Gum and blackwood forest before descending back to Budj Bim Campground.
Lava Canal Walk
- Distance: 6.5km
- Time: 3 hour circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
A longer, more challenging loop walk, the Lava Canal Walk follows a lava flow channel. Sections of the trail are uneven underfoot. This walk includes the Tunnel Cave, Lava Blisters and Natural Bridge.
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 four-wheel drive the Budj Bim Trail
A range of vehicle tracks are open and available to vehicles 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