Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 475m
Min elevation: 308m
Total Ascent: 298m
Hike overview
The Enfield Bald Hills Loop commences at the Surface Point picnic area in the Enfield State Park; one of the largest conservation reserves in the region. Locate the start of the Forest Park Walking Track (at the northern end of the car park) and follow it east past the southern slopes of Mount Misery and Wattle Track to Halls Road. Cross the road and continue to follow the track as it turns north then east towards the small township of Little Hard Hills. On reaching the car park at the end of Dredge Road locate the track on your left and follow it a short distance to the junction of Incolls Road.
Turning west, follow Incolls Road, past Halls Road for approximately 2.6km and locate a walking trail on your right.This trail will take you to the summit of Bald Hills at 477m. From the summit, return via the same route to Incolls Road or follow the road that heads in a westerly direction to the junction of Incolls and Misery Creek Roads.
Leave Misery Creek Road at this point and continue directly west along an old management track. This track eventually fades as it enters Firth Gully. Continue to follow creek as it turns south into follow Firth Gully. After a short distance you should be able to locate the Long Gully Loop Track. Following this track south along its length will take you back to the trail head at the Surface Point picnic area.
Fossicking
Nearly half of the park is available for fossicking or panning for gold along Misery Creek. Remember to fill any holes made and leave the area as you found it. Relics are protected by law and must not be disturbed or removed.
Tips
The Surface Point picnic area has barbecues, tables, toilets. Camping is allowed for short periods but you need to bring your own water. Firewood also may be in short supply and fires may only be lit in the facilities provided.
The park features a number of walks of varying distances. Experienced walkers with navigational skills can hike completely off trail in this park and can bush camp overnight at Frith Gully.
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 475 m
Min elevation: 308 m
Total climbing: 298 m
Total descent: -298 m
Thank you to Koil Schonie for sharing this trail
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Enfield State Park.
25 km south of Ballarat on the Colac-Ballarat Road C146. VicRoads 76 E6. Turn right into Misery Creek Road and proceed approximately 3 km to Surface Point picnic area. It is also accessible from the Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road by turning left into State Forest Road.
Closest towns to this walk: Ballarat, Beaufort, Dereel, Enfield, Rokewood, Scarsdale, Smythesdale
About the region
Enfield State Park is one of the largest conservation reserves in the region. Several unsealed, all-weather roads transect the area and provide scenic drives particularly in spring. The area was extensively mined during the gold mining era of the 1850s and 1860s. Surface Point was the site of a Chinese settlement and their round mine shafts are still to be found. Remnants of smelting works, mining dams and water races can be found.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Enfield State 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
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
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.
5 Reviews on “Enfield Bald Hills Loop Hike (15.5km)”
I completed this walk recently, starting from Dredge Road in Enfield. Walking clockwise from here has some advantages in that the Surface Point picnic area is roughly a third of the total distance into the walk, so it’s a good spot to stop for morning tea or lunch depending on your arrival time. Several relics of mid-nineteenth century gold mining can be found along this first section if you keep your eyes open. Look for hand dug dams, water races and mine shafts in gullies and along hillsides. Until you get to Bald Hills, the walk is along dedicated walking track, which winds through open forest of Stringybark, Broad-leafed Peppermint, and Candlebarks. An understory of heath and other native shrubs adds interest and looks spectacular when in flower. Often Sulfur-crested Cockatoos can be heard screeching above from the treetops. Unfortunately, the walking tracks are occasionally accessed illegally by trail bike riders, but the tracks are largely in reasonable condition and this doesn’t detract from the overall experience being pleasant bushwalking. When I visited recently vandals had smashed signage at the Surface Point picnic area, which hopefully is an isolated event. There are a few steep pitches to raise the heart rate along Firth Gully, between Surface Point and Bald Hills. The other advantage of walking clockwise from Dredge Road is that it is mostly an easy downhill walk back to the car along a quiet forest road. Happy walking.
Lisa Maree van Bergen were we talking about this one?
Lucas Cowland Scott Haskins This is another one ive been planning
Mathew Lawrence definitely when it’s better though
Mathew Lawrence I would go but don’t know if I would be able to do the walking track with my saw foot
Maurs Rixon
Melissa Mathews Shane Mathews
Not a bad hike. Seems like a popular trail for motorbikes and there’s lots of rutted trail. Overall a pleasant bushwalk.
Ryan Trahar keen!
Simon Izzard
Suzie Sharp, Tracky Dax, another one for when the weather gets warmer. Might need snow gear to do it this time of year ??
true, didn’t think of that