The Crater Rim & Summit trail
The Crater Rim & Summit Trail is approximately 2kms in length. This trail provides not only superb views of the crater but also a substantial portion of the Newer Volcanics Province (NVP), and beyond it to the Otway ranges in the east and the Grampians to the north.
Simply go through the kissing gate to your right (if you are facing the crater). The first stage of the walk to the Summit has a steep incline of just over 350 metres. This section of the walk is ranked moderate, it can be challenging, but not too strenuous.
You will encounter stunning 360˚ views of the surrounding countryside at the summit. Seating is available, a directional marker which indicates local townships & landmarks and a memorial plaque of the late John Niel Black, Great-Grandson of Niel Black, Pioneer. The summit height is 310 metres above sea level.
The crater rim has five seats located throughout the trail. The rest of the trail is pleasant with lovely views of the countryside, western district farming communities and other volcanoes in the area. Birds of prey are often seen hovering above the crater, enjoying the thermal winds. You may notice revegetation efforts have started in the crater, it is now fenced off from grazing cattle, to encourage regeneration of local species. At the north of the crater rim trail, you might be lucky enough to notice the lava bomb, formed around 100,000 years ago during the eruption of Mt Noorat.