The Beeripmo Walk and Campground in the Mount Cole State Forest and Mount Buangor State Park is now open following bushfire recovery works.
A favourite spot for adventurers, the Beeripmo Walk and Campground in the Mount Cole State Forest and Mount Buangor State Park in Victoria’s west is now open following bushfire recovery works.
The forest, park and surrounds near Bayindeen, just east of Ararat, were hit by a large bushfire in February 2024. The fire burnt 22,000 hectares and damaged campgrounds, walking tracks, roads and private land.
Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria have been working hard to reopen impacted recreation sites within the forest and park over the past 11 months.
'We are thrilled to welcome the community back to the Beeripmo Walk and Campground, which is such a popular spot for locals and visitors alike,' said Grampians Deputy Chief Fire Officer Jason Hellyer.
The Beeripmo Walk is a 21km loop and popular 2-day scenic hike that shows off the best of both Mount Cole and Mount Buangor.
The Beeripmo Campground marks the halfway point of loop, where campers will enjoy recently upgraded picnic tables and BBQ firepits.
Works undertaken on the Beeripmo Walk included assessment and treatment of hazardous trees, repairs and replacement of damaged boardwalks and steps, new directional signage, repairs to eroded sections of the track, removal of debris and brush cutting.
'Forest Fire Management Victoria staff in Beaufort have been working hard to make this track, and the whole forest, safe following the February 2024 bushfire.'
Richards Campground is the most popular place to start the Beeripmo Walk and is also now open for overnight campers with repaired toilets.
Hikers can also access the loop from Ditchfield Camp, Mugwamp Hut or the carpark on Main Mount Cole Road opposite Camp Link Road.
These campgrounds have all been upgraded in recent years thanks to Victoria’s Great Outdoors – a $106 million dollar investment in better campgrounds, walking trails and visitor facilities for Victoria.
The Mount Buangor State Park remains closed aside from the Beeripmo Walk.
In the Mount Cole State Forest, works continue to reopen the Grevillea Walk, Paradise Walk and Borella Walk and the community will be updated as soon as these tracks are safe to enter again.
Visitors are encouraged to obey signage and not enter any tracks or sites that are marked closed.
'Please take care and be aware of your surroundings while exploring this long weekend. The forest is still recovering from the fire and hazardous trees may still be present.'
To find out more, visit Beeripmo.
