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| Mt Eccles |
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Mt Eccles National Park is on the western edge of the Victorian volcanic plains. Access to the park is via a sealed road, 5 minutes drive south west of Macarthur. The scoria material of Mt Eccles was formed when lava from volcanic eruptions 20,000 years ago was thrown into the air. Hidden within the crater is Lake Surprise, which can be viewed from a lookout at the carpark area.
The lake, fed from underground springs provides a unique habitat for flora and fauna within the volcanic landscape. A walking trail follows the shoreline of the lake and will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. Further information on the park can be obtained at the office, located within the picnic grounds. The park also offers basic camping for those wanting to spend more time exploring the area |
The Volcanic Discovery Trail
Mt Eccles, Mt Napier, Mt Rouse, Byaduk Caves and the Lava Tumuli (blisters) are all part of the Volcanoes Discovery Trail encompassing western Victoria and south-east South Australia
Byaduk Caves Mt Napier State Park also takes in the Byaduk Caves, considered to be the most extensive and accessible sets of lava caves in Australia. The caves were formed when lava flowing from the volcanic crater was quickly cooled by outside air, forming a crust with hot liquid lava flowing beneath.
When the lava flow ceased, a hollow tube was left behind. The caves are accessed through collapsed roof sections and display many well preserved features left by the retreating and cooling lava including lava tide marks on cave walls, lava stalactites and various joint and flow layering structures. The largest caves are 18 metres wide, 10 metres high and extend 20 metres below the surface. Walking tracks follow cave edges and have a number of viewing points to observe flora, fauna and lava features.
Lava Tumuli or Blisters
West of the Byaduk caves, near the limits of the Harmans Valley flow are a number of unusual clusters known as Lava Tumuli or Blisters. Lava Tumuli are clusters of unusual circular mounds or hummocks of rock, up to 10 metres high and 20 metres in diameter, caused by the lava flow. These blisters are considered to be unique in Australia and most likely rare on a world scale.
The lava tumuli can be seen along the edge of the Harmans Valley flow at Wallacedale, 13 kilometres west of the Byuduk Caves.
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