Daylesford & Goldfields Guided Walk – 4 Days

Day 1 – Hanging Rock and Eureka Reef to Castlemaine

Distance: 5kms (Approx.) Grade: 2-3 (Easy to Moderate)

Once we depart from Melbourne, we head in a north-westerly direction and arrive in the idyllic village of Mt Macedon where we will pause for a morning tea break. Here you’ll have the chance to savor local baked treats and recharge.

We then proceed to Hanging Rock, where we’ll wind our way up the summit track, offering stunning panoramic vistas. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the discovery center, immersing ourselves in the Hanging Rock Reserve, we have approximately 2 to 3 hours to take in all the reserve has to offer.

Continuing our journey from Hanging Rock, we continue northward to Chewton, commencing our exploration into the area’s rich gold mining legacy. Within this historic setting, we’ll traverse old water race tracks and encounter remnants and ruins from the bustling gold rush era.

These leisurely walks through the dry eucalypt landscape will serve as your introduction to the Goldfields track. As you stroll through what was once a bustling mining village, your experienced guides will pause along the way to showcase relics, share insights, and facilitate discoveries.

Before moving on to Daylesford, take a refreshing swim or unwind by the waterside. Upon arrival in Daylesford, you’ll settle into your accommodation. The evening presents a delectable two-course meal, thoughtfully prepared by your guides, allowing you to savor a well-deserved culinary experience.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Manor House in Daylesford

Day 2 – Hepburn to Chocolate Mill, Fryerstown to Spring Gully and Castlemaine

Distance: 10kms (Approx.) Grade: 2 (Easy)

After breakfast and the preparation of lunch we set off to Hepburn Springs Reserve, where an insightful 5km walk awaits us. Setting out along the trail from Hepburn Springs, we journey a segment of the historic Dry Diggings trail, leading us to the chocolate mill—a rendezvous point where our transport awaits.

While we reserve our chocolate indulgence for a later, distinct chocolatier experience, our next destination is Fryerstown. After a drive from the Chocolate Mill, we partake in a walk to Spring Gully. This journey commences with time to explore Fryerstown’s and its historical buildings, including the Burke and Wills Mechanic Institute dating back to 1863. Reconnecting with the Dry Diggings track, we traverse open farmland and the rustic beauty of the box ironbark forest, passing by remnants of gold mining history—gullies, sluices, and mines—before reuniting with our transportation in Spring Gully.

En route back to Castlemaine, we pause at Guildford for insights into the indigenous heritage of the region. Amidst this enlightening stop, we relish a packed lunch while marveling at an ancient River Red Gum that has gracefully stood for nearly 1000 years. This remarkable tree, honored as a tree of State significance on the National Trust Register, symbolises the profound connection between the community and its traditional custodians, the Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal people.

Later in the day, our path leads us northward to Castlemaine, where we dedicate time to exploring the vibrant artisan precinct, The Mill. Former Castlemaine Woolen Mills established in 1875, is a rambling complex of brick factories and chimneys now housing artisans, food and wine outlets, vintage treasures, and an exceptional Austrian coffee house. Here we have our anticipated opportunity to taste some local chocolate and coffee while exploring the precinct.

The evening culminates in the comfort of our accommodations, where we enjoy a two course meal prepared by your guides.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: Manor House in Daylesford

Day 3 – Three Lost Children walk, Sawpit Gully to Porcupine Ridge, Mt Franklin and Hepburn Bath house

Distance: 12kms (Approx.) Grade: 2-3 (Easy to Moderate)

After preparing breakfast and assembling our lunch, we return to another segment of the Goldfields Track, this time within the Wombat State Forest. Our day’s expedition begins with the Three Lost Children walk, guiding us through historical footprints and tales that continue to resonate to this day.

A short journey from here, we embark from along another stretch of the trail, meandering from Sawpit Gully to Porcupine Ridge. Each of these areas offers an immersive journey through the regional parks surrounding Daylesford, once bustling goldfields ripe for exploration.

After lunch, our course leads us to the dormant volcano of Mt Franklin. This picturesque mountain is shrouded in coniferous forest, adorned with ornamental Silver Birch, White Poplar, Sycamore, and Californian Redwoods. We traverse the 2km circuit trail encircling the volcano’s rim, culminating at a lookout providing panoramic views of the surrounding plains.

Later in the day, our destination is the renowned Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, inviting us to unwind in the tranquil mineral springs pools. Since 1895, the Bathhouse has offered the timeless pleasure of communal bathing, boasting the Relaxation Pool and Spa Pool—both rejuvenating spaces harnessing the essence of mineral water to replenish and oxygenate, nurturing a profound sense of wellbeing.

Following a period of leisure, we gather for a final group dinner at a local restaurant—a moment to reflect upon our discoveries and engage in meaningful discussions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: Manor House in Daylesford

Day 4 – Lake Daylesford, Domino Rail Trail and Trentham Falls

Distance: 9kms (Approx.) Grade: 2-3 (Easy to Moderate)

Following breakfast and lunch making, we gather our belongings and checkout of our accommodation. Our final day of walking commences from Daylesford as we head to the Convent Gallery.

Once known as the Holy Cross Convent and the home of a group of Presentation Sisters, the Convent Gallery has evolved since its establishment in 1991. This heritage complex now encompasses various galleries, bars, reception spaces, a museum, lush gardens, a gift shop, and a charming café, we have time this morning to meander at your own pace within this rich space.

From here, our journey carries us homeward, with a pause in the charming town of Lyonville where we begin our 6km walk at the Domino Rail trail. Traverse a Special Protection Zone, delving into the habitat of the endangered Powerful Owl as you trail the former Trentham railway line—a vital conduit in times past, serving as a lifeline for the transportation of provisions, livestock, and timber within the region.

Upon reaching the idyllic village of Trentham, our final destination is the revered Red Beard Bakery, offering a taste of living history. This bakery, with its original wood-fired oven, harks back to a bygone era. The stalwart Scotch oven, employed continuously from 1891 to 1987, boasts a weight of 75 tonnes and the capacity to produce 600 loaves in a single firing. Since 2005, it has been crafting sourdough breads. An observatory window grants patrons a glimpse into the bakery’s bustling operations. For afternoon tea we indulge in a treat from the bakery’s offerings before commencing your journey back to Melbourne, drawing the curtains on your enriching adventure.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch