Lake Surprise Walk (Budj Bim National Park)

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Lake Surprise Walk (Budj Bim National Park)

Head out on the Lake Surprise walk and descend into the crater of this dormant volcano. Follow the lake's edge through Manna Gum and Blackwood bushland before looping back to Budj Bim Campground. The peak of Budj Bim, which has great cultural significance to the Gunditjmara people, overlooks the trail.

How to get there

Lake Surprise Walk (Budj Bim National Park)

Lake Surprise Walk (Budj Bim National Park)

Need to know

Lake Surprise Walk (Budj Bim National Park)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

  • No camping
  • No fires permitted
  • No horses
  • No generators
  • No bicycles
  • No motorised vehicles, including electric bikes or scooters allowed on management vehicle only paths, tracks or roads
  • No firearms allowed
  • No dogs allowed
  • No drones without a permit

Warnings

  • Terrain hazards
    • Slippery rocks
  • Other warnings
    • Limbs may fall take care
  • Water hazards
    • Deep water

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

Budj Bim National Park Campground Closure

Budj Bim National Park campground will be closed for improvement works on Wednesday 1 July 2026 and again from Sunday 9 August 2026 through to Friday 14 August 2026.  The campground will not be accessible to visitors during this time.   

Temporary site closures for invasive animal control program

Parks Victoria is conducting an invasive animal control program from early evening to early morning from Monday 20 to Friday 24 April across Budj Bim National Park. To ensure visitor and contractor safety, closures are in place throughout the program during the hours of 5pm - 5am. These closures are indicated by on-site signage. 

The visitor area near Lake Surprise, including the campground, Crater Rim walk and Lake Surprise walk, will remain open during this period as there will be no operations in close proximity. All other areas of the park, including Natural Bridge, Laval Canal walk and all vehicle tracks will be closed from 5pm - 5am.

Budj Bim National Park Internal Road Upgrades

A high volume of heavy vehicle movements is expected throughout Budj Bim National Park between Monday 27 April 2026 and Friday 19 June 2026 as part of road upgrade works.  This includes numerous truck movements in proximity to the Lake Surprise visitor area and Budj Bim Campground along with temporary road closures throughout the park.  Visitors are urged to be cautious when using the road network during this period and to follow any signed changed traffic conditions.  Enquiries can be directed to Parks Victoria’s customer service team by calling 13 1963 or by email to info@parks.vic.gov.au

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