Mount Eccles is an inactive volcano in southwestern Victoria, Australia near Macarthur. It is composed of scoria hill from a series of volcanic vents. The Gunditjmara name for the mountain is Budj Bim meaning High Head. The roughly conical shaped peak rises 178 metres.
A number of eruptions occurred between 20,000 years and 30,000 years ago, the crater now being Lake Surprise. The eruptions altered the drainage in the area producing the lava flows and wetlands of the Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape.
The mountain was named Mount Eeles in 1836 by Major Thomas Mitchell after William Eeles of the 95th Regiment of Foot who fought with Mitchell in the Peninsular War. A draftsman's error meant that the name was rendered Eccles from 1845.
Mount Eccles National Park at Lake Surprise encompasses 61.2 square kilometres and includes many interesting geologic features such as lava flows, lava caves, scoria cones and crater lakes. The park has a campground and the base of the vents supports Lake Surprise, a popular swimming hole in summer. The dreaming of local Koori nations incorporates tales of volcanic eruptions from the past. Mount Napier is located 25 km northeast of Mount Eccles.
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