Trail summary

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Quick overview: Experience the thrill of the historic 9.5km Beards Gully and Deadman’s Loop hike in Brisbane Ranges National Park, located south-west of Steiglitz. This challenging Grade 4 trail reveals the region's gold mining past as it ambles along Sutherland Creek, with rugged terrain and steep ascents. Be prepared for a 4-hour adventure and remember to exercise caution due to the presence of old mine shafts. Starting from Steiglitz Court House, the journey offers unique sights of quartz deposits and distinctive rock formations.

Length: 9.5km

Duration: 4 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Circuit

Start: Steiglitz Court House

End: Steiglitz Court House

Location: Brisbane Ranges National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Steiglitz

From state capital: 92km

Latitude: -37.877095486256394

Longitude: 144.17816787958145

Hike Overview

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Hike overview

The Beards Gully and Deadman’s Loop is a challenging 9.5-kilometre hike through the Brisbane Ranges National Park, located south-west of the historic Steiglitz. This grade 4 walk follows the course of Sutherland Creek, offering glimpses into the region’s gold mining history. The hike typically takes around four hours to complete.

Be prepared for rugged terrain, including steep ascents and descents. The presence of old mine shafts poses a significant risk, requiring caution throughout the walk.

Commence the hike at the Steiglitz Court House and follow Sailors Track to Sutherland Creek, turning north upon reaching the creek. Evidence of early gold mining activities can be observed along the way. Exercise extreme caution, as hidden mine shafts and uncovered holes are often concealed within the long grass near the creek’s edge. Navigate the creek bed by rock hopping where possible.

As you progress upstream, quartz deposits may be visible in the creek bed. Approximately two hours into the hike, look for distinctive rock formations on the creek’s left side, north of Miners Track.

Map and GPX file

Beards Gully & Deadman's Loop Hike (9.5km)

Total distance: 9485 m
Max elevation: 267 m
Min elevation: 162 m
Total climbing: 313 m
Total descent: -336 m

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Getting there

Beards Gully & Deadman's Loop Hike (9.5km)

To reach the trailhead for the Beards Gully and Deadman’s Loop, follow the directions to Steiglitz Court House. Once in Steiglitz, locate Sailors Track and follow it until you reach Sutherland Creek. The trailhead for the Beards Gully and Deadman’s Loop begins where Sailors Track meets Sutherland Creek.

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Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

About the region

Steiglitz Historic Park

Steiglitz Historic Park offers a glimpse into Victoria's gold rush era, situated within the Brisbane Ranges National Park, just over an hour's drive from Melbourne. Once a bustling gold mining town with a population exceeding 1000, Steiglitz now stands as a ghost town, preserving its history from the 1860s to the 1890s. At its peak, the town boasted four hotels, a newspaper, various shops, and even an undertaker, serving a community of over 1500 residents.

Today, the town and its surrounding area are protected within the Steiglitz Historic Park. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, or even try their hand at gold panning. A visit to the Steiglitz Court House is essential, showcasing photographs, maps, and relics from the gold rush era. The court house is open to the public on Sundays and public holidays, with additional visits available by arrangement.

Originally named Steiglitz Forest, the area derived its name from the von Stieglitz family, early pastoralists who settled nearby before returning to Ireland. Gold was discovered in 1854, leading to a rapid growth of the town. By the 1860s, the mining industry was dominated by companies, employing a workforce that included a significant number of Chinese miners.

The Steiglitz Court House, constructed in 1875 as gold production declined, stands as the most prominent remaining building. The town's population dwindled further, and by the 1940s, many buildings were removed. The Steiglitz Historic Park was established in 1976, with the court house restored as an information centre.

Visitors to Steiglitz can explore the ghost town, following interpretive signs to learn about its history. Several walking trails offer opportunities for picnics and to appreciate the surrounding natural environment. It is important to respect private property and dwellings within the area.

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Brisbane Ranges National Park, located west of Geelong and southwest of Bacchus Marsh, approximately an hour's drive from Melbourne, is Victoria's richest wildflower habitat and boasts the highest density of koalas in the state. This 7,700-hectare park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of walks, bushwalks, and hikes suitable for all fitness levels, from leisurely strolls to multi-day treks.

The park's unique geology, characterised by low mountain ranges intersected by rocky gullies, has preserved a remarkable array of plant and animal life. With over 619 native plant species, including the rare Brisbane Ranges Grevillea, the park is a botanist's paradise. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of birdlife, including over 170 recorded species.

Beyond hiking, the park offers opportunities for picnicking, scenic drives, and camping. It is also significant as part of the Aboriginal cultural landscape, being the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung People.

Want to find the best trails in Brisbane Ranges National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running and more.

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Reviews

Beards Gully & Deadman's Loop Hike (9.5km)

3 Reviews on “Beards Gully & Deadman's Loop Hike (9.5km)”

Overall rating

Lynda Maddison

Muriel Pepper Steven Parker Mani Andreetta ?

11/01/2024, 13:31

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1. Steven Parker
  
  Lynda Maddison I have done this one before. Was fun exploring so happy to do it again.
  
  11/01/2024, 13:51
  
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2. Muriel Pepper
  
  Lynda Maddison I think I might have done this one too. 🤔
  
  11/01/2024, 16:48
  
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3. Lynda Maddison
  
  Muriel Pepper Steven Parker I don’t think I’ve done it and it sounds fun so let’s put it in the list 😁
  
  11/01/2024, 18:33
  
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4. Mani Andreetta
  
  Lynda Maddison Like. Let’s do it.
  
  11/01/2024, 18:34
  
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5. Muriel Pepper
  
  Lynda Maddison if I remember correctly part of this walk is in a dry riverbed which is very overgrown. Best time to do it would be winter when the danger doodles are asleep.
  
  11/01/2024, 21:38
  
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Darren Edwards

Fun hike this one. Nice bit of exploration along the creek.

11/01/2024, 12:27

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1. Susan Love
  
  Darren Edwards must be good after all the 🌧
  
  11/01/2024, 16:02
  
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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

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Acknowledgement of Country

Beards gully & deadman's loop hike (9. 5km)

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.