Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the adventurous 13.8km Blowhole to Shepherds Flat hike, a moderate Grade 3 circuit in the heart of the Great Dividing Trail. Starting at the Blowhole car park, this scenic trail offers a diverse terrain, crossing Sailors Creek, bushwalking through dense scrub and past a deserted stone house, and navigating open mine shafts. Wrap up your journey at Shepherds Flat after exploring the captivating Blowhole viewing site. Be sure to stay watchful during or after heavy rains and keep an eye out for open mine shafts.

Length:

13.8km

Duration:

5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 494m

Min elevation: 343m

Total Ascent: 349m

Start: Blowhole Carpark

End: Blowhole Carpark

Hepburn Regional Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Daylesford

From state capital: 119km

Latitude: -37.30891807

Longitude: 144.11824464797976

Overview

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Hike overview

The Blowhole to Shepherds Flat hike commences at the Blowhole car parking area and follow the marked Great Dividing Trail which descends to Sailors Creek. Cross the creek taking care during or after heavy rain. After crossing the creek, climb to a junction of four tracks. Take the right-hand vehicle track heading north then north-east and from in a northerly direction. After 2.9 km pass through an old gate and walk off-track through moderately dense scrub passing a deserted stone house on the right 300 m after the gate. After a further 500 m join Wayman Road and turning right follow it to the junction with Hepburn-Newstead Road. Continue along on the grass verge in a north-westerly direction for 1.4 km. Leave the sealed road at the Willow Cafe and follow Shepherds Flat-Weroona Road for 700 m before taking a minor track heading south.

Continue in a southerly direction off-track along a spur for about 1 km before meeting a track. Turn left and follow the track south-east and then south for 1.6 km keeping a watchful eye for open mine shafts until joining Basalt Gully Road. Follow the gravel road for 600 m then make a left turn along Boots Gully track with its steady climb for 1.2 km in a southerly direction. Turn east-north-east along Blowhole Track for 200 m before turning east-south-east along a poorly defined track which after 200 m becomes more clearly defined. Continue a further 800 m to a track junction visited earlier in the hike. Turn right along the track heading south-east and follow the remains of a former water race, which meanders along a contour in a south-easterly direction. Turn in a north-north-easterly direction to the Blowhole viewing site and then return to the car park.

Tips

This hike involves off-trail walking and should therefore only be attempted by parties experienced in the use of map and compass and equipped with a topographic map covering the hike. The provided hike map is unsuitable for navigation purposes.

Steep tracks and steps may be slippery when wet. The stream crossing may be up to 10 m wide after rain. Some off-track is through thick scrub. Good walking shoes or boots are required and walking poles may be helpful.

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Blowhole to Shepherds Flat Hike (13.8km)

Total distance: 13760 m
Max elevation: 494 m
Min elevation: 343 m
Total climbing: 349 m
Total descent: -350 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Hepburn Regional Park.

From Melbourne head west via the M1, M80 and the Western Freeway/Highway (M8) and take the C141 exit, turning north to Daylesford. From Daylesford continue north on Main Road for about 4 km, turn left onto Hepburn-Newstead Road and continue for 1.3 km to Eighteenth Street. Turn left and follow this road for 800 m and turn right into Blowhole Road. Continue for a further 600 m to the Blowhole parking area.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Bullarto, Castlemaine, Clunes, Daylesford, Dry Diggings, Eganstown, Glenlyon, Hepburn Springs, Lyonville, Musk, Trentham, Woodend

About the region

Hepburn Regional Park nestles around the famous mineral springs townships of Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs. Rich with natural springs and relics from the gold mining era, the park abounds with opportunities for bushwalking, mountain bike and horse riding, picnicking and nature study. Mount Franklin is a small volcanic crater with basic camping set amid exotic trees.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Hepburn Regional Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Blowhole to Shepherds Flat Hike (13.8km)

10 Reviews on “Blowhole to Shepherds Flat Hike (13.8km)”

Overall rating

Donna Spiller

Paige Hogan looks like a fun day out

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Rachel Raa Raa

Sian – David should this be on our list. Not sure if it’s near Daylesford

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Bree Bonaccorso

Oliver Bonaccorso

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Lynn Peterson

Sharyn Kitchen I’m soooooooooo hanging out for a walk in the beautiful bush.

24/03/2022, 05:23

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LS Gorms

Here’s the link, hard the tell exactly what is closed though http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/hepburn-r.p/things-to-do/blow-hole

24/03/2022, 05:23

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1. LS Gorms
  
  I read somewhere that the track to the blowhole is closed? I’ll find the page and post it here. Recently linked the Three Lost Children’s and Great Divide Trail to create a close to 20km loop hike. Was a good walk!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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  1. Gee Brown
    
    I will be in town for a gym session so yes. I can meet to discuss interest. 🙂
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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    1. Lucy Roberts
      
      It looks really good
      
      24/03/2022, 05:23
      
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      1. Lynn Peterson
        
        I’ve only done 10k
        
        24/03/2022, 05:23
        
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    2. Donna Spiller
      
      Joel Spiller you’re not Paige !
      
      24/03/2022, 05:23
      
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  2. Michelle Wyard
    
    Jill
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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  3. Grant Smith
    
    Liz Maggs Smith
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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    1. Cheryl Nash
      
      Looks a good track…..close to home …..
      
      24/03/2022, 05:23
      
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      1. Carolyn Bennett
        
        Lucy Roberts, a nice for you and I to do?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:23
        
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      2. Sharyn Kitchen
        
        Lynn Peterson …your fitter than me ?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:23
        
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      3. Sharyn Kitchen
        
        Lynn Peterson ?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:23
        
        Like
      4. Tayla Gobbo
        
        Maddison Ruggiero
        
        24/03/2022, 05:23
        
        Like
      5. Bec Maree
        
        Madeline Keating
        
        24/03/2022, 05:23
        
        Like
      6. Jo Tyson
        
        Martin looks nice.
        
        24/03/2022, 05:23
        
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      7. Maurs Rixon
        
        Mike Rixon
        
        24/03/2022, 05:23
        
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      8. Joel Spiller
        
        no it doesnt
        
        24/03/2022, 05:23
        
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2. Shawn Whittle
  
  Jason Whittle
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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3. Jozica Kutin
  
  Julie Roberts when you join us again
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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4. Paige Hogan
  
  Let’s do it together and leave Joel Spiller at home
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

Blowhole to shepherds flat hike (13. 8km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Blowhole to Shepherds Flat Hike (13.8km)