Beards Gully and Deadman’s Loop is a 9.5km, grade 4 circuit hike located in Brisbane Ranges National Park, Victoria. The hike should take approximately 5hrs to complete.

Summary

Situated in one of the lesser known corners of the Brisbane Ranges, the Beards Gully and Deadman’s Loop follows Southerland Creek, just south wets of the historic ghost town of Steiglitz.

Expect hard off-track walking, steep climbs and dangerous mine shaft areas. Walk down Sailors Track and turn north on reaching Sutherlands Creek. Look for signs of early gold mining. Watch your step! Old mine shafts and uncovered holes are often hidden by long grass along the edge of the creek. Follow the creek north, rock hopping along the creek where possible.

Upstream you may see quartz in the creek bed. After walking about two hours, look for interesting rock formations on the left side of the creek, north of Miners Track.

About the Region

Situated between Geelong and Ballarat, Steiglitz is almost a ghost town today but in the 1860s and 1890s it was a busy goldmining township with hotels, shops, churches and a population of over 1000. At the height of the 1860s gold rush, Steiglitz township had more than 1500 residents, four hotels, a newspaper, a variety of shops and even an undertaker.

Now most of the town and its surroundings are included in the Steiglitz Historic Park. Enjoy a pleasant bush walk relax with a picnic or pan for gold. Of course, a trip to the park wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Steiglitz Court House, with its display of photographs, maps and relics of the gold years. The court house is open on Sunday and public holidays, and at other times by arrangement.

Suggested items to pack

Day Pack with Picnic Lunch