Self-Guided Victorian Goldfields walk

TRANSFERS: There are several options to get to this walk. Choose to drive to Hepburn Springs, or catch the regional train/coach service from Melbourne and walk directly to your accommodation.

ITINERARY: Arrive in Hepburn Springs at your leisure. There is no planned walking today, so take some time to explore this elegant township, rich in both indigenous and European history. Located on the traditional lands of the Djadjawurrung Nation, this area was opened to pastoralists as the exploration of Victoria grew in the late 1830s-1840s, with the gold rush of the 1850s heralding a new era for the area. The latter part of the 19th century saw an increase in population as the railway-line advanced, offering options for employment, travel, and the transport of goods; the tourism industry had its foundations laid. Settle into your accommodation and make the most of your surrounds on this expansive property. Tonight enjoy your accommodation in the heart of Hepburn Springs.

TRANSFER TIMES: Morning transfer 6 minute drive. Afternoon transfer from the trail to your accommodation 20 minute drive.

WALK GRADE: 15km one-way, ~5-6 hours walking plus breaks, Easy-Medium Grade; the track gradient varies from flat to mostly gentle undulations, with some short, steep sections. The compact surfaces shift between uneven and rocky, to gravel back-roads and 4WD tracks

FLEXIBLE WALKING: There are several vehicle access points along this walk, allowing you to negotiate a shorter walk option should you wish.

WALK ITINERARY: After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the start of your walk. Today’s walk takes you through a variety of landscapes, meandering up and down through natural bushland and exposing the canyon-like formation of Beehive Gully, bearing evidence of the bygone search for gold. You will enjoy a well-deserved break at the Chocolate Mill, and a chance to sample some delicious local Belgian-style chocolates and a refreshing beverage. From here, you mostly follow rough 4WD tracks as you continue through scrubby box forests which bear evidence of the toil connected to the search for gold. The volcanic cone of Mount Franklin formed about 500,000 years ago, will be visible from the track, and keep you company for some time. After you finish your walk your driver will meet you to whisk you back to your accommodation. Tonight enjoy dinner in a local restaurant..

TRANSFER TIMES: Morning transfer 25 minute drive. Afternoon, walk into your accommodation at Castlemaine.

WALK GRADE: 14km one-way, ~5-6 hours walking plus breaks, Easy-Medium Grade; the track gradient varies from flat to mostly gentle undulations on compact surfaces which shift between narrow walking tracks to gravel back-roads and 4WD tracks

FLEXIBLE WALKING: There are several vehicle access points along this walk, allowing you to negotiate a shorter walk option should you wish.

WALK ITINERARY: After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Fryerstown with time to explore this historic town before continuing your walk. Nestled in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, the township boasts many fine old buildings reflective of its vibrant gold rush history. As you proceed, you will feel like you are wandering through an open-air museum of mine relics as you pass several old mining sites in this abandoned landscape. You will encounter Spring Gully Mine, one of the most famous in the district (1850s-1930s). A short side trip up to the summit of “The Monk” offers spectacular views of the surrounding region. The route follows a series of water-races as you work your way mostly “down” on the last leg toward Castlemaine. Initially named Forest Creek, then Mount Alexander, Castlemaine’s beginnings stem from the pastoral industry, but with the discovery of gold in 1851, the area soon became overrun with diggers seeking their fortunes. Spreading to over 100km2 by 1852, the Castlemaine Diggings peaked with a population of more than 40,000 and was considered home to the richest alluvial gold deposits in the world. The town’s many historic buildings reflect the wealth of the gold rush era. Here, you find yourself at the endpoint of your exploration of this region of the famous Victorian Goldfields, where you will walk into your accommodation. Tonight enjoy a superb dinner and celebrate the end of your historic walking journey.