On the way from Warnambool to Hamilton we stopped to admire the sunset from the top of Mount Rouse Victoria. Mount Rouse is an extinct volcano that lies in the charming town of Penshurst, just twenty minutes south-east from Hamilton. The summit provides panoramic views of the lava plain and far reaching views of the surrounding district.
A part of Kanawinka alongside Mt Napier and Budj Bim (Mt Eccles), Mount Rouse is located in the Newer Volcanic’s Province on the third largest volcanic plain on Earth.
This extinct volcano is responsible for the rocky landscape surrounding Penshurst and which dominates much of the landscape from Penshurst to Port Fairy on the Victorian South Coast.
The Mount Rouse Reserve has lots to offer for those looking to enjoy some time in nature. The Crater Lake is located on the way up Mount Rouse along Mount Rouse Tourist Road. The crater was once believed to be bottomless and holds a lake of water in its lowest point. A walking track down to the crater leads off the viewing area car park and takes walkers through natural bush flora and fauna with many animals calling the crater home or using it as grazing grounds.
The viewing platform is further up the road where there is a car park before the stairs to the summit. From the top enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounds with the Grampians to the north and farmland and stony rises to the east, south and west.