Ballarat - Skipton Rail Trail (56km), Ballarat, Victoria

Ballarat - Skipton Rail Trail is a 56km, grade 3 hike located in the Ballarat, Victoria. The hike should take around 3 days to complete.

Length: 56km

Duration: 3 days

Grade: 3

Style: One Way

Start: Ballarat

End: Skipton

Location: Ballarat

Closest town: Cardigan

Victoria

From state capital: 110km

Longitude: 143.8026083

Latitude: -37.53374373

Hike summary

History boards with trail information are sited at various points along the trail.

This trail goes through significant remnant native grasslands.
The area is well known for its historical gold mining sites.
An impressive trestle bridge near Newtown is open for trail users.

Bike hire, spare parts, transport and great food for all users of the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail.

Route and GPX file

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Tips

Ballarat to Skipton in Western Victoria

110km north west of Melbourne

Fine gravel

Hilly

Photo credit: Rail Trails Australia. For more information and a location map please visit RailTrails Australia.

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About the region

Ballarat is Victoria's third largest city, located just over an hour by road or rail west of Melbourne.

Ballarat has enjoyed a rich and prosperous heritage thanks to the Gold Rush which began in 1851. News that the Ballarat region was home to the richest alluvial goldfield in the world resulted in a population explosion as people came from all over the world seeking fortune. By 1855, Ballarat had grown to a city with a population of 100,000 people. Impressive public and private buildings sprung up which were financed from the wealth generated by the diggings.

These days, long after the gold has run out, the city retains much of its rich gold heritage in the form of opulent buildings, fountains, and tourist attractions which celebrate the city's history. Notable buildings include Ballarat's Town Hall (built between 1870 and 1872), Her Majesty's Theatre (1875) and Craig's Hotel which was built in several stages between 1853 and 1891.

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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.

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