Ben Nevis Lookout
Due to fire impact this walk is closed for public safety until further notice. For the latest on Mount Count Cole State Forest closures, head to www.deeca.vic.gov.au
Stop in for a picnic and spend an afternoon exploring Ben Nevis, a striking mountain within the Mount Cole State Forest which offers incredible views over the surrounding peaks, bushland and fields.
Easily accessed via a gravel road which travels right up to the summit. Travel along Buangor-Ben Nevis Road in Mount Cole and turn onto Mount Cole Road which leads runs nto telephone E Track and then turn onto Ben Nevis Road.
The carpark is equipped with a picnic hut, tables, water tank and toilet so be sure to pack a picnic.
The walk to the lookout from the carpark is a easy short 200m walk. There are some obsticles and uneven ground at the lookout and large drops and cliffs withour guard rails so ensure you supervise children at all times.
If you prefer to hike to the lookoout, park at Chinamans campground and hike the scenic Borella Walk, known as a birdwatcher’s delight and is approximately 5km each way to the look out. The hike is quite steep in places and graded as moderately difficult.
Ben Nevis is a popular destination for rock climbing, with three cliff faces and many climbing options. There is a detailed guide for rock climbing at Ben Nevis over at chockstone.org.
1942 PLANE CRASH AT BEN NEVIS
A monument stands at the Ben Nevis lookout in memory of the tragic victims of a 1942 RAAF Avro Anson plane crash, which occurred on the mountainside blow. The plaque displays the following text:
On the 21st May 1942, an RAAF Avro Anson W2020, crashed below this point.The following people were on the aircraft.
F Sgt Edward Hope Illingworth
P Off George William Holman
Sgt Denis Aloysius Lenihan
LAC Edwin Cyril Snell
LAC Arthue Edmond Pott (KIA 04 Nov 44)This plaque was unveiled on the 60th anniversary of the event.
