Walking Trails of Mt Leura & Mt Sugarloaf Reserves

Climb volcanic peaks, the breathtaking views make the effort worthwhile.

Mt. Leura and Mt. Sugarloaf provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can see landmarks such as Camperdown's clocktower, Lake Purrumbete, and Mount Elephant. You might even see the Grampians National Park, located about 100 kilometers away.

Parking is available at the Lower Shelter or you can drive directly to the Mt. Leura lookout to take in the vistas.

Mt Leura & Mt Sugarloaf Management Committee website

Mt Leura & Mt Sugarloaf Walks & Trails Map

Reflection Trail

One way | 50 metres | 2 mins | EASY to MODERATE

Located to the east of the Crater Shelter, this short trail takes you to the perfect location to reflect on the 20 million year history of this landscape and its recent transformations. Enjoy the sounds of the reserves and reflect on its importance to indigenous Australians.

Maar Lookout Trail

One way | 80 metres | 2 mins | EASY

Take advantage of the seat to enjoy the magnificent views: Lake Purrumbete and Mount Porndonto the east; the smaller scoria cones nested within the volcanic maar to the south; Mount Sugarloaf and the 100m deep crater to the west.

Crater Trail

One way | 375 metres | 7 mins | EASY to MODERATE

Experience what it is like at the bottom of this unique 100m deep crater and enjoy the solitude. The line of stones is the result of previous farm management. As you circle your way down keep your eyes and ears open for wallabies, kangaroos, birds, reptiles and koalas enjoying the seclusion and shelter.

Banksia Trail

One way | 300 metres | 10 mins | EASY some steps

This is a significant section of the ‘Volcanology Trail’. Note the Banksia marginata (Silver Banksia) trees grown from the various Victorian Volcanic Plains provenances. These plantings will provide seed to reintroduce this severely depleted species.

Silver Banksia was once widespread across much of the Victorian Volcanic Plain. Locally is was common to volcanic cones including Mount Leura, Mount Sugarloaf and Mount Elephant, as well as on the plain between Lismore and Derrinallum.

Volcanology Trail

One way | 500 meters | 20 mins | EASY some steps

This trail includes seven information boards highlighting different aspects of the volcanology within the two reserves and the surrounding landscape.

Find out about Volcanic bombs, crystals and tuff. As you walk this path reflect on the idea that 10-40,000 years ago indigenous Australians were witness to its fiery creation.

Lower Shelter Trail

One way | 650 metres | 15 mins | MODERATE to STEEP

A great place for a picnic, and to learn about volcanic history and revegetation of these reserves. The facilities at the start of this trail are major features of the Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf Reserves.

Starting as a grassy paddock, this area has changed significantly. The indigenous trees were planted as part of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Tree Planting Program, in honour of one of our local Olympians, the late Mr Bill Roycroft, a renowned equestrian champion. In 2002, the shelter was constructed from cypress milled on site. The stone wall was constructed in 2003. In 2007 work started on the local Volcanic Plains Wildlife Garden featuring approximately 30 different species with information labels. The Volcanic Education Centre was established in 2014 and creation of an outdoor learning space and nature play area commenced 2018.

NB: This trail offers access to all trails on the reserve

Southern Loop Trail

One way | 650 metres | 15 mins | EASY to MODERATE

This walk takes you past the disused Mt Sugarloaf scoria quarry. Mt Sugarloaf was saved from destruction in a conservation battle which set a precedent at the time. In 1969, local people took direct action to save this natural landmark by sitting in front of a bulldozer. With State Government and local financial support, the National Trust acquired the land in 1971 to guarantee the preservation of the rest of the mount. Areas at the top of the quarry are slowly eroding, and over time, it is almost certain that the quarry face will reach the summit of Mt Sugarloaf. In the 1970s the lower slopes of the quarry were planted with Australian trees and shrubs to hide the quarry face.

Further on, the trail offers a seclude experience of the southern area of the maar which includes many smaller scoria cones. The trees in this area were planted in 2005 during a very dry period, but have grown exceptionally well. The native bracken fern has regenerated naturally.

The Lower Southern Loop Trail offers and alternate route, with an easy to moderate walk of 730 metres

Mt Sugarloaf Trail

One way | 1km | 15 mins | EASY to MODERATE

Before it was quarried, Mt Sugarloaf was considered the best example of a scoria cone in Western Victoria. Winding your way to the top offers 360 degree views. The track, as well as many others across the Mt Sugarloaf Reserve, was constructed by the previous landowner as part of his farm management program. Today, these tracks provide ready-made walking trails, as well as access for emergency vehicles.

Panorama Trail

Circuit | 1.7km | 45 mins | MODERATE

This walk offers a wide range of experiences, including: views into the crater and across the maar; glimpses of the township and local lakes; and stunning views over the volcanic plains. Look out for a variety of variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, koalas, wallabies and echidnas. A bird list is located on our website (www.mtleura.org.au). Bird of prey are often seen soaring on the thermal updraughts created by the steep hillsides. Almost all trees you see have been grown t Camperdown Collage community nursery and were planted between 1995 and 2007 by local, regional and international volunteers. Have a rest at the ‘Crater shelter’, learn about the past 20 million years, and enjoy the intriguing sculpture of Mount Sugarloaf. The Panorama Circuit links with all the other walking trail within the reserve.

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