Penshurst’s own resident volcano, Mount Rouse is responsible for the rocky landscape surrounding Penshurst and which dominates much of the landscape from Penshurst to Port Fairy.

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.

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.

Further along Mt Rouse Tourist Road is the picturesque picnic area with views out across the countryside. An art decorated shelter, houses an electric barbecue and seating, with more seating and public toilets also at the picnic area. A walking trail leaves from this area which wraps around the front of Mount Rouse and leads either down to the Mount base or up to the viewing platform.

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. 

A walking trail also leaves from the base of the viewing platform stairs, taking you around the Mount and either back to the picnic area or down to the base.