Mount Eccles

Mount Eccles National Park (now known as Budj Bim National Park following UNESCO World Heritage inscription in 2019) encompasses approximately 1,750 hectares in southwestern Victoria near Heywood, protecting an ancient volcanic landscape of profound geological and cultural importance. The park centres on the Budj Bim volcanic complex, featuring a spectacular maar crater lake, extensive lava flows, and remarkable lava tubes. The Gunditjmara people's sophisticated eel aquaculture system at Lake Condah, dating back at least 6,600 years, is among the most extraordinary examples of Indigenous engineering and aquaculture technology in the world. The park is part of the broader Budj Bim Cultural Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Area.

Mount Eccles National Park supports diverse wildlife associated with the volcanic wetlands, heath, and woodland. Common wombats are abundant throughout the park and regularly observed by visitors. Swamp wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos, and echidnas are commonly seen. The maar lake supports waterbirds including black swans, wood ducks, and various migratory species. Koalas inhabit the surrounding woodland. The volcanic soils support distinctive plant communities that in turn support specialist invertebrates and reptile communities. Platypus have been recorded in the waterways connected to the eel management system.

The vegetation of Mount Eccles National Park reflects the complex mosaic of volcanic soil types. Grassy woodland of yellow gum and manna gum covers the lava flow areas. Dense heathland of tea-tree and various proteaceous shrubs grows on older, weathered volcanic surfaces. The maar crater walls support a distinctive assemblage of ferns and moisture-loving plants. Spring wildflower displays include native orchids and heathland flowers.

Mount Eccles is one of the most recently active volcanoes in Australia, with the last major eruptions occurring approximately 30,000 years ago. The park sits within the Newer Volcanics Province. The maar crater was formed by a violent phreatomagmatic explosion. Extensive lava flows, scoria cones, and lava tubes characterize the landscape. The volcanic landscape holds Dreaming significance for the Gunditjmara people.

The park experiences a cool temperate maritime climate. Summers are mild and relatively dry with temperatures rarely exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Winters are cool and wet with annual rainfall of approximately 700 to 800 millimetres. Mist and fog are common in the maar crater area.

Budj Bim is one of the most culturally significant landscapes for any Indigenous people in the world. The Gunditjmara people have inhabited this volcanic landscape for at least 30,000 years. The sophisticated eel aquaculture system constructed using stone channels, weirs, and holding pools dates back at least 6,600 years, making it one of the oldest examples of aquaculture technology in the world. Stone houses used by the Gunditjmara provide evidence of permanent settlement. The park was renamed from Mount Eccles to Budj Bim to honour the Gunditjmara name.

The park was originally named Mount Eccles National Park and was established to protect the volcanic landscape. Following the UNESCO World Heritage inscription of the broader Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in 2019, the park was renamed and management arrangements strengthened to reflect the central importance of Gunditjmara cultural heritage. Parks Victoria manages the park in partnership with Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

The Lake Surprise crater walk circumnavigates the maar lake through volcanic heathland. Lava cave exploration provides a geological and biological attraction. The Lake Condah aquaculture system can be visited on guided tours operated by Gunditj Mirring. The summit provides panoramic views across the volcanic plain. Wombat watching at dawn and dusk is consistently rewarding.

The park has a campground near the maar lake and a visitor centre providing information about the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape. The park is accessed from Macarthur via Budj Bim National Park Road. Heywood provides the nearest comprehensive services. Guided cultural tours of the Lake Condah aquaculture system are available.

Conservation at Budj Bim integrates ecological and cultural values. Water management in the Lake Condah eel system has been restored. Invasive willows have been removed from waterways. Weed control and feral animal management are ongoing. The park serves as a model of Indigenous-led co-management for protected areas.