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An adventure guide to the Goldfields, Macedon Ranges & Spa
regions of Victoria
Back to Victoria
Map of the Goldfields | Map of the Macedon Ranges & Spa
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 Visit the Goldfields of Victoria
The discovery of gold in Victoria’s central region over 150 years ago has left a rich and lasting legacy of grand hotels and public buildings along the main streets of Ballarat and Bendigo, historic gardens and homesteads, and quaint shopfronts and miners’ cottages in townships such as Maldon, Castlemaine and Stawell.
Learn about gold rush history at one of the region’s historic attractions. Visit Sovereign Hill, The Eureka Centre and the Central Deborah Gold Mine to learn about Victoria's gold rush period. All of these facilities offer a fascinating insight into life above and below the ground during the 1850's and 1860's.
 At the Eureka Centre you will learn about the nation’s only armed rebellion, the 1854 Eureka Rebellion. The Golden Dragon Museum is a colourful record of Bendigo’s enduring Chinese heritage and home to Sun Loong, the world’s longest Imperial Dragon.
From Ballarat to Bendigo to Maryborough and onto Stanwell, there is no better way to see this region than to travel the ‘Goldfields Touring Route’.
Whether you travel by 4WD or on the back of a bike you will be in for a great adventure.
Backpack the tracks of Mt. Cole State Forest filled with lush fern gullies and spectacular waterfalls. Take in the view of Harcourt Valley from the granite hills of Mt. Alexander Regional Park.
If cycling is your ‘thing’, why not try the Bendigo Bushland Trail. You will see fascinating Natural and historic features of Bendigo and its surrounding areas.
 The Tipperary Track (part of the Great Dividing trail) runs for 16kms from Lake Daylesford through great forests of deciduous trees alive with colour through the autumn months. The track finishes at Hepburn Springs.
Other great adventure activities include Hot-Air ballooning, 4WDriving, jet skiing, water skiing, bush walking, trekking, cycling and fishing.
 Major towns
 Ballarat
Bendigo
Castlemaine
Maldon
Ararat
Stawell
Wedderburn
Maryborough
Kyneton
Daylesford
Hepburn Springs
Walking Tracks of Interest:
Tipperary Track
Use an old gold mining track from Lake Dayleford to the Wonderful mineral spas of Hepburn Springs. The track is part of the Great Dividing Trail, linking Castlemaine, Daylesford, Hepburn Springs, Creswick and Ballarat.
Length: 16kms
Walk: 5 hours one way
Track: Moderate
Grade: Flat
Start: Lake Daylesford carpark
Finish: Hepburn Mineral Springs
Nearby township: Daylesford
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 Visit the Macedon Ranges and Spa Country
The region is a great ‘short break’ from Melbourne (60km). Take a journey back into the past at Woodend where you can visit Hanging Rock. Hanging Rock is the haunting backdrop to The Picnic at Hanging Rock book and film. Mount Macedon’s heritage gardens and the towering memorial cross at its peak, Trentham’s waterfalls and the extinct volcano of Mt Franklin, are all beautiful places to visit. You’ll also find kilometres of well-marked trails to explore forests, parks and lakes in the region.
For over 150 years, people have been drawn to the health-giving qualities of over 70 natural mineral springs that are located around the towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Use the mineral spas at Hepburn Springs before adventuring to Daylesford and beyond.
Whether you 4Wdrive or cycle, or ride a jet boat on Melton Reservoir you will have great adventures.
Other great activities are trout fishing, World Motor Cross Grand Prix, horse riding, jet boats, car rallies or walking trails.
Major Towns:
Bacchus
Daylesford
Diggers Rest
Gisborne
Hepburn Springs
Kyneton
Lancefield
Macedon
Melton
Romsey
Taradale
Trentham
Woodend
Walking Tracks of Interest:
Hanging Rock
Just like the novel, enjoy your own ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’. Caves, crevices, stunning rock formations and spectacular views.
Length: 2kms
Walk: 1.5 hours
Track: Moderate
Grade: Moderate to steep
Start/Finish: At picnic area
Nearby township: Woodend
National Parks & Forests
(The Great Dividing Range)
Wombat State Forest
Lerderderg State Park
Macedon Regional Park
Gellibrand Hill Park
Brisbane Ranges National Park
Hepburn Regional Park
Vaughan Glenluce Mineral Springs Reserve
For more information regarding your next visit to Victoria, go to Visit Victoria.
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Victorian National Parks can be closed at times because of bushfire and bushfire danger. We advise you check with Victorian CFA about current bushfire status before you set off. Or phone the Victorian CFA on 1800 240 667. Another source of valuable information regarding Victorian parks and reserves is Parks Victoria. Remember, play it safe and tell others where you go and when you will be back.
All images © Tourism Victoria.
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Disclaimer: The information contained about this region is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Break Loose Publishing disclaim any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For our complete Disclaimer please follow the link at the foot of the page.
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