Mt Cole Overnight Walk

About the Walk

Overview

Traversing North to South through Mt. Cole State Forest and Mt. Buangor State Park, walkers will have the opportunity to visit Mt. Cole Reservoir, climb the highest peak on the plateau Mt. Buangor (990m), marvel at Mugwamp hut and relax at Fern Tree Waterfalls. A hard 2 day walk.

The Walk in Detail

Traversing North/South through Mt. Cole State Forest and Mt. Buangor State Park, walkers will have the opportunity to visit Mt. Cole Reservoir, climb the highest peak on the plateau Mt. Buangor (990m), marvel at Mugwamp hut and relax at Fern Tree Waterfalls.

Start: Chinaman Camping Ground, Mt Cole State Forest
Finish: Middle Creek Camping Ground, Mt Buangor State Park

Day 1
Start at Chinamans Camping Ground, follow track markers along Blue Gum Tk, cross Main Mt. Cole Road to reach junction of Sandy Pinch & Dutchman's Rd. Onward to Mt. Cole Reservoir, where youwill, weather permitting, enjoy views over Langi Ghiran. Head south-east to camp overnight in the Mt. Buangor/Mugwamp area. Mugwamp has a camping area, picnic tables and fireplaces but no toilets.

Day 2
Reach Freemans & Firebreak Tk junction, descend to Fern Tree Waterfall Picnic Area, and via Two Mile and Middle Creek Tk, arrive at Middle Creek Camping Ground.

What You'll Need
Be an experienced overnight walker, self-sufficient in bush camping, also carry personal first-aid kit, wet weather gear, and a sense of humour. Be comfortable with off track, steep prolonged up-and-down, rock-face walking and other challenging 'bits'. Good gripping shoes (and knees!) are recommended. Appropriate repellent/treatment for leeches may be needed, particularly if rainy.

Getting There

Take the Western Highway to Beaufort. From Beaufort, travel west on the highway through Buangor, turning right at the Warrak turn off (Buangor-Ben Nevis Road). Travel 12 km to Warrak. Turn right, after 4 km take the left fork to Chinamans Campground.

This is a one-way walk requiring a car shuffle with at least one car left at the end point, Middle Creek Campground. This adds about 15 km to the distance to start. Take the Western Highway to Beaufort. Travel west through Beaufort for 11.8 km and turn right onto Ferntree Gully Road. Follow this for 7.5 km, ignoring any side roads, until you enter the Mt Buangor State Park. The first turn left will take you to Middle Creek camping ground. Return to the Western Highway and proceed through Buangor as above.

Walk Precautions

Need to be a fit and experienced overnight walker, self-sufficient in bush camping. Walking poles, good gripping shoes (and knees!) are recommended. Appropriate repellent/treatment for leeches may be needed, particularly if rainy.