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Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve

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Mountain Creek Road, Mount Beckworth VIC 3363

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Features

Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve offers free campgrounds and walking tracks, set in a beautifully rugged landscape just ten minutes from Clunes, Victoria. 


 

This striking granite outcrop is topped with a huge solitary pine tree known affectionately as the "Lollypop Tree", which is over 100 years old. 

Visitors to the reserve can hike up to the tree and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 

Free campgrounds at Mount Beckworth


There are three excellent campgrounds within the Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve, all well structured and free of charge - no bookings required. 
Other interesting features of the Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve include a giant spectacular boulder and the remains of a feldspar mine.

More information and history of Mount Beckworth


The following text is displayed on an information sign at Cork Oaks Campground. Sign provided by Parks Victoria and Hepburn Shire Council.

Many natural treasures are protected for future generations in the island of bushland that is Mt Beckworth Scenic Reserve. The Mount's lone lollipop-shaped pine tree is on Victoria's Register of Significant Trees. 

1836

Around this time Major Mitchell passed through the area and named this granitic outcrop Mt. Beckwith - in honour of Sir Sidney Beckwith, a fellow officer in the 95th Regiment of Foot (Rifles) later known as Rifle Brigade. It became known as Mt. Beckworth after an 1859 Parish survey.

1918

A group of students from Glendaruel Primary School plant a stand of five Monterey pine trees on the summit. 

1945

All but one tree were cleared for the establishment of an aerial survey beacon, leaving the present local landmark known as the 'lollipop' tree - trimmed of its lower branches.

During World War 2 the lollipop tree was used as a beacon for trainees from the R.A.A.F. No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School (WAGS) based at the Ballarat Airport. 

1962

Mt Beckworth is protected as a Scenic Reserve. Prior to this it was grazed, quarried and logged - a disaster due to their degrading effects on the Mount's fragile granitic soils. 

A haven for plants and animals

Spring wildflowers abound and more than 250 plant species are recorded here, including 35 orchid species. 

The very old gumtrees here remind us of an older forest long gone from the area. Trees and plants hold the Mount's delicate granite soil together. 

The open woodland, with its grassy understorey and logs also provides food and shelter for wildlife living here. Please do not pick wildflowers.

More than 100 bird species have been recorded here. Look for small finches, honeyeaters and larger parrots, falcons and eagles. Although not always easily seen many other animals live here also. Most are active at dawn, dusk and after dark.

Look and listen carefully during the day for kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas, while the cover of night brings out active possums, gliders and koalas. 

Healthy Parks, Healthy People

Take some time to get healthy; explore, enjoy and discover nature's treasures protected here.
  • Walking is a great way to discover the nature and breathtaking views of the Mount. Carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen.
  • Camp for short stays at a number of camping sites with limited facilities. Bring your own drinking water and firewood.
  • Horse and mountain bike riding is welcome on any of the open, formed roads used for public access. 





DID YOU KNOW...

  • Bushwalking is an excellent way to get outdoors and exploring nature.
  • Camping is a great way to explore the Victorian Goldfields. Many campgrounds are located close to interesting attractions and historic sites, and the Goldfields region is certainly not lacking in fascinating things to discover. 
 

Comments

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Jenny Morrison
17/06/2024
Mount Beckworth historical under threat fromwer 271 metre turbines towers transmission proposed by Àcciona. Spanish wind farm
Can't be allowed to pass EES because of biodiverse flora fauna Birdlife .
Jenny Morrison
22/07/2024
The Spanish owned company is Àcciona this 1962 protected scenic reserve with national trust scenic tree and flora and fauna biodiverse Birdlife home to Bunjil 🦅with recreational camping bushwalking should be protected from the planned industrial size turbines. See proposed map on their Naninyuk project.