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Ben Nevis Lookout

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Mount Cole
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Ben Nevis Road, Mount Cole VIC 3377

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Features

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, the lookout is equipped with a picnic hut, tables, water tank and toilet. The scenic Borella Walk, known as a birdwatcher's delight, travels between Ben Nevis and the nearby Chinamans Campground.


PICNICS AT BEN NEVIS

Ben Nevis is a great place to stop in for a picnic before exploring the views from the summit and embarking on a scenic walk. A wooden picnic hut contains a single picnic table and an open fireplace, and stands alongside the parking area. 


A second picnic table (fairly weathered) stands outside the hut. A rainwater tank is located alongside the hut, and there is a toilet alongside the parking area near the beginning of the Borella Walk. 

Walks from Ben Nevis

Short walk to the lookout

The lookout at Ben Nevis is accessed via a very short and easy walk, beginning from a gate beyond the parking area. 
  • Roughly 200m 
  • Short, easy walk
  • Some obstacles and uneven ground at the lookout
  • Warning - no safety rails. Large drops and cliffs. Supervise children at all times. 
Borella Walk


The Borella Walk sets out to the left of the parking area, travelling between Ben Nevis and Chinamans Campground. 
  • 5km each way
  • Moderate difficulty

Rock climbing at Ben Nevis


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.

The following article was published in The Argus on the 14th July 1942:

Inquest into the deaths of 4 air crash victims

ARARAT, Mon: An inquest was held today by Mr P. R. Biggin, PM, district coroner, into the deaths of an officer and 3 airmen who were killed when an RAAF aircraft from a SA training school crashed at Eversley, Mt Cole (V), on May 21.

The victims were: Plt-Off George William Holman, 32, married, Brighton (V); Flt-Sgt Edward Hope Illingsworth, 22, single, Narrogin (WA); Sgt Denis Aloysius Lenihan, 31, single, Gilberton (SA); and LAC Edwin Cyril Snell, 25, single, Brisbane.

It was stated that the plane was on a flight from Mount Gambier to Essendon, via Rainbow, and there was a fog over the pyrenees Range at the time of the crash. Arthur E. Pott, 21, single, of Bowen (Q), an Air Force trainee, who was also in the plane, escaped with a fractured arm and ankle.

Mr Biggin recorded a finding that the deaths were due to injuries received in the aeroplane crash, and he said he thought everything within reason had been done to give assistance in view of the great difficulty in reaching the plane. 

Accessing Ben Nevis

In dry conditions, Ben Nevis is easily reached by all vehicles via well-formed gravel roads. During wet seasons visitors may require a four wheel drive vehicle. Access is via Ben Nevis Road, which turns off from Mount Cole Road. 

Maps and information

Also of interest


From iconic poppet head lookout towers to panoramic hillside views, there are so many stunning lookouts across the Victorian Goldfields. Discover new places where you can look down over waterfalls, mine sites and beautiful gold rush towns, as well as appreciate the gorgeous surrounding mountain ranges, forests and fields. We've gathered this huge collection of our favourite lookouts throughout the region! Check them out and get some fresh inspiration for your next day out.


The beautiful, varied landscape of the Victorian Goldfields provides countless fantastic settings for bushwalkers to enjoy. Along with the epic 210 km Goldfields Track, you can take many scenic walks throughout the region which showcase our rich history and stunning natural treasures. Take a look through this huge collection of local bushwalks and start planning your next day out exploring in the Victorian Goldfields.


With many fantastic campgrounds located close to historical sites, natural treasures and scenic walks, camping is a great way to explore the Victorian Goldfields. Take a look through the following list to discover some of the best campgrounds throughout the region!


DID YOU KNOW...

  • Bushwalking is an excellent way to get outdoors and exploring nature.
  • There are many great places throughout the Goldfields that offer gorgeous, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
 

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