Mount Cole State Forest

Author: Darryl Glover - Ballarat
Courtesy of Department of Sustainability and Environment.

"Walk through cool fern gullies and alpine plateaus then rest to take in the views across the spreading plains to Langi Ghiran and the Grampians. Experience a night at the charming Beeripmo campground, then descend through spectacular tall forests."

Located one hours drive west of Ballarat, just off the Western Highway, Mt Cole State Forest is 25 kilometres from the township of Beaufort and marks the gateway to the Pyrenees Wine District and the Grampians.

History

The mountain was created 390 million years ago when hot magma pushing up from deep beneath the earth, but failing to break through, crystallised to form granite rock. Daily for millions of years nature continued to sculpt the area eroding the softer sediment, leaving the hard rock protruding from the plains below.

Mt Cole or `Bereep-bereep' was home to the Beeripmo balug tribe that form part of the larger Djab Wurrung language-speaking people. Through translation of the local language we can get a feel for these people and what they saw, `Bereep-bereep' meaning wild, and Beeripmo translating to "wild mount".

Following Major Mitchell's 1836 expedition settlers quickly moved into the area. Timber harvesting with axe and cross cut saw commenced during the mid 1840's, but it was in 1856 that steam powered mills swung into action. By 1889, demand from the goldfield towns for building materials, firewood and railways needing sleepers, saw thirty mills operating within the region until 1904, when all millable timber had been taken. The Forest Commission stepped in and closed the Mt Cole Forest until 1947 when it was reopened for managed timber harvesting.

Plants, birds and wildlife

Large native trees including Messmate, Manna Gum, and Blue Gums can be seen on the wetter southern half, while woodland species such as Yellow box and Red Stringybark grow to the north. Plants such as the rare Mt Cole Grevillea can be found in a few locations, as can native orchids and a plethora of wild flowers. Bird watching can be very rewarding with more than 130 species of birds sighted in the forest. Kangaroos, wallabies, echidna, koalas and possums are also often seen.

Things to see and do

Enticed by tranquility and views of the area, visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities including camping, horse riding, four-wheel driving, walking and picnicking.

Bushwalking

Mt Cole is a walker's paradise. Whether you have a day or a week to spend there is a walk for you.

Beeripmo Walk

Distance 21 km 11 hours 2 day return (moderate) Starting at Richards campground, the most recent walk at Mt Cole is a journey of discovery for the novice and experienced hiker. Walkers can experience a variety of different forest environments from lush forests with ferns, falls with a gentle sound of running water, the brilliant green of the moss covered rocks, weather beaten rocky outcrops and magnificent vistas of the tablelands below and surrounding mountain ranges.

Grevillea Walk

Distance 1.8 km 45 min one way to Richards (moderate) The Glut picnic area is the starting point for this walk that takes you on a short journey through Mt Cole to Richards and return. Other walking tracks in the area include:

Woods Gully Walk

Distance 1.4 km 40 min return (moderate)

Paradise Walk

Distance 9.2 km 4 hours one way (difficult)

Borella Walk

Distance 5 km, 3 hours one way (moderate)
This walk from Chinamans to Ben Nevis is a bird watchers delight. It was named in memory of noted local bird observer Max Borella and offers great lookouts. As the walk can be quite steep in places, it is recommended that you take your time and enjoy the views.

On the right track

Choose appropriate footwear for the terrain. Solid but lightweight walking boots are best. Avoid sensitive vegetation by staying on the walking tracks. Stay on tracks even if they are rough or muddy. Walking on the track edges and cutting corners on steep `zigzag' tracks will increase the risk of damage to the environment and the risk to personal safety.

Four-wheel driving

Popular for both private and organised 4WD club activities, a range of different forest types and
topographies mean there is something for everyone. Remember that seasonal road closures apply in a number of areas from mid June to early November.

Horse riding

Riders are welcome to use most areas of the State Forest, the majority of riding opportunities are along existing State Forest roads. Smith's Bridge picnic area provides the best base for horse riding in the Mt Cole area. Horse riding on walking tracks is not permitted.

For more information:

For a printout of the Mt Cole State Forest Notes including Maps
Mount Cole State Forest - Forest Notes

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is responsible for managing Victoria's State Forest. For further information contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment office at Ballarat (Ph: 5336 6856) or DSE's Customer Service Centre on Ph: 136 186.

For more information visit the DSE's Forest Service website at http://www.dse.vic.gov.au then select "forestry"