Goldfields Track

Stretching 210 kilometres through Victoria's historic goldrush country, the Goldfields Track is a multi-use trail that weaves together cycling, hiking, and horse-riding routes from Ballarat to Bendigo. This epic journey follows old coach roads, rail trails, and bush paths, passing through ghost towns, gold-diggings, and eucalypt forests. Whether you tackle a section or the whole track, you'll feel the echoes of 1850s prospectors while enjoying modern-day café stops and native wildlife.

Highlights & What to See

• Ballarat to Creswick – Ride or walk through the historic goldfields, passing the former gold-mining town of Creswick with its grand bluestone buildings and nearby St George's Lake.
• Daylesford & the Macedon Ranges – The track winds through the spa country, where you can soak in mineral springs and explore the quirky boutiques of Daylesford.
• Castlemaine & Maldon – Detour into the historic town of Castlemaine for its Victorian architecture and art galleries, or visit Maldon, one of Victoria's best-preserved gold-rush towns.
• Bendigo – The trail ends in Bendigo, a city of grand Chinese heritage and the stunning Bendigo Art Gallery. Don't miss the Central Deborah Gold Mine for an underground tour.
• Wildlife & Wildflowers – Keep an eye out for kangaroos, echidnas, and a dazzling display of wildflowers in spring, especially around the Wombat State Forest.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most people tackle the Goldfields Track over 3 to 5 days, cycling between historic towns and staying overnight in local pubs or B&Bs. Walkers often take 7 to 10 days for the full route, but it's easy to break into shorter day trips – for example, the 15-kilometre section from Ballarat to Creswick makes a fine half-day ride. Allow extra time for side trips to Sovereign Hill and the spa towns.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Sovereign Hill – An open-air museum in Ballarat that recreates the gold-rush era, complete with costumed characters, underground mine tours, and gold-panning.
• Great Ocean Road – A 3-hour drive south leads to the dramatic coastline of the Twelve Apostles and rainforest walks in the Otways.
• Grampians National Park – About 2 hours west, this park offers rugged mountain hikes, Aboriginal rock art, and abundant wildlife.
• Yarra Valley – Head east for a day of wine tasting and gourmet food in Victoria's premier wine region.
• Melbourne – The state capital is just over an hour's drive from Ballarat, perfect for beginning or ending your Goldfields adventure.

Please check official sources for current details.