Enfield Bald Hills Loop (15.5km)

Summary

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 ??km 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.

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.

Getting There

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.

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.

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.

 

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Thank you to Koil Schonie for sharing this trail