Mount Cole: Valley, Mountain Backdrop and Birdlife

Mount Cole combines a peaceful rural atmosphere with nature and walking experiences. Warrak/Mt Cole lies in a beautiful valley against a mountain backdrop, with the birdlife of Mount Cole State Forest, several walks, outdoor activities and a winery at the foot of the mountain. This makes it easy to plan your stay around different interests: a two-day hike, time at Chinamans Campground or a visit to Mountainside Wines. The area’s history adds another dimension, linking the place with Victoria’s development.

Valley, Mountain Backdrop and Local History

In the 1860s, several sawmills operated in Warrak/Mt Cole. They supplied timber to the Ballarat goldfields and other new settlements in Victoria. This history gives the area a tangible connection to the state’s development at the time. Together with the valley and mountain backdrop, it creates a picture of Mount Cole that brings nature and the past together: the rural atmosphere shapes the place, while the sawmills recall an earlier history of work and supply.

Walking and Experiencing the Birdlife

The Beeripmo Walk is a two-day hike through Mount Cole State Forest and Mount Buangor State Park. It is a well-defined option for anyone wanting to include a longer hike in their travel plans. Beeripmo Campground is an overnight stop accessible only on foot via the Beeripmo Walk. If you plan to stay there, access on foot should therefore be part of your overnight arrangements from the outset.

On the Borella Walk, you can choose between two starting points: the Ben Nevis picnic area on Ben Nevis Road or Chinamans Campground on Chinamans Road. Both are in Mount Cole. The walk was named in memory of respected local birdwatcher Max Borella and honours the region’s rich birdlife. The Beeripmo Walk is notable for its two-day duration and access to the overnight stop; for the Borella Walk, the two named starting points provide practical guidance for planning.

Chinamans Campground is also a good place for birdwatching. More than 130 bird species have been recorded in Mount Cole State Forest. Bird enthusiasts will find both a named place to watch birds and a sense of the forest’s species diversity.

Activities at Chinamans Campground

Walking, camping, horse riding and four-wheel driving are possible at Chinamans Campground. Accessible parking and toilets, as well as wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, are available there. These activities offer several ways to spend your time, while the listed facilities provide additional guidance for your visit. The campground is also one of the starting points for the Borella Walk, so you can combine a visit with the start of this walk.

Wine Tasting and Finding Accommodation

Mountainside Wines is a family-run vineyard and winery at the foot of Mount Cole. Wine tastings are offered there. As offerings may change, check the current tasting options before your visit. A visit to the winery offers a different focus from the walks and outdoor activities.

Consider which of these experiences matters most to you during your stay, and base your search for a hotel or other accommodation on your own plans. This way, you can start choosing accommodation with the travel experience you want in Mount Cole in mind.

Discover more destinations:

Murray-Sunset, Burnley, Toolleen, Ladys Pass, Murtoa, Mickleham, Beaconsfield, Eurobin

For the main travel overview: Victoria.