Brisbane Ranges Loop (13.4km)

Summary

From the Court House walk across Steiglitz Road and head down a gravel track onto Durdidwarrah Road. As soon as cross New Chum Bridge turn right onto Hay Track, a clearly defined walking trail.

Continue along Hay track until you reach the trail junction of School Track, Hay Track and Durdidwarrah Road. Turn right onto Durdidwarrah Road and walk a short distance across Hut and Alliance Tracks until you reach Mulrooneys Track on your left opposite the Pines Carpark.

Follow the Mulrooneys Track down into Yankee Gully. After a few hundred metres you will reach a section of The Burchell Trail on your left. (You can shortcut the trail at this point by taking The Burchell trail through to Native Youth Track.) Keep to your right and continue along Mulrooneys Track up to Yankee Gully Road.

From this point you have a few options. Turn left and walk along Yankee Gully Road for approximately 500m until you reach Native Youth Track on your left. This hike continues across Yankee Gully Road and picks up a foot trail through to Kinglock Mine. This was one off the last working mines in the area, closed during World War 2.

From Kinglock Mine continue along Yankee Gully Road for approximately 300m and turn left onto Native Youth Track. Continue along Native Youth Track until you reach The Burchell Trail junction. Turn right at The Burchell Trail and follow the trail down into the gully at the Crossing Picnic Area. A good spot for morning tea or lunch.

From the picnic area follow the gravel road out of the gully until you reach its end at Steiglitz Road. On the opposite side of the road you will see the Deadmans Loop Track. Take this track and follow it through open woodland down into Sutherland Creek.

From this point you can continue across the creek and return to the trail head via Deadmans Loop Track. The continuation of this hike follows Sutherland Creek downstream for two kilometres before leaving the creek at Miners Track. You’ll need to pick your way carefully along the creek as the trail is not defined. Your choice of route will depend upon eater levels and in dry weather you may find it easier to simply walk in the creek bed.

Leave the creek at Miners Track and simply follow the track back to South Steiglitz Road. Turn left onto Wrixon Street then right onto Stawell Street returning to the Court House Carpark.

Tips

The Sutherland Creek section can be avoided by continuing along Deadmans Loop Track. Another shortcut can be completed by linking Native Youth Track to the Pines Carpark via The Burchell trail.

Suggested items to pack: Day Pack with Picnic Lunch

History

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 gold year. The court house is open on Sunday and public holidays, and at other times by arrangement.

 

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