Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 665m
Min elevation: 545m
Total Ascent: 160m
Essential information
There are a number of old mine shafts in the area. Those on or beside the track are covered and safe. However do not wander off the well signposted path as there are many more deep shafts in the area.
Hike overview
You can start this walk in the main street of Beechworth. Just 200m down Camp Rd from the main intersection in town is the Chinese Gardens.
Proceed down through the gardens following the small stream up to Lake Sambell. Follow the path to the left along the shore towards the Caravan Park. At the entrance to the caravan park you'll see a small swing bridge to the left, cross this and then turn right, following the creek path. There are several bridges across the creek as you follow its path. After a while the track climbs slightly and you'll pass numerous old mine shafts close by the path.
One bridge crosses to the edge of Beechworth Holiday Park. Look for another bridge close by on your left and keep going. Soon you'll come to a small mine entrance, Heaven's Mine. If you look over the fence on the other side you'll see Hell Mine (below of course €¦).
Further on the track meets a road. Turn to the left, following the Lake Kerferd sign. After a while this merges with a fire track with pasture on one side. This is the Pipeline Track, and following the signs to the left it will take you right up to the Lake.
There is good vehicle access to the lake, and if you did a car drop you have a ride back to Beechworth. Otherwise retrace your steps and enjoy a meal back at Beechworth.
Track grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Practical information
The hike starts in Beechworth and there is plenty of good eating places to pick up something to eat. There are no shops once you begin the hike.
The track has plenty of shade, so well suited to winter or summer hiking. After heavy rain it may be a little muddy, but still passable.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 665 m
Min elevation: 545 m
Total climbing: 160 m
Total descent: -41 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Beechworth Public Recreation Reserve.
Beechworth is a 3 hour drive from Melbourne via the M31 Hume Freeway. Take the Great Alpine Road B500 to Tarrawingee and the C315 to Beechworth. Sydney is a 6 hour drive to Beechworth via the M31 Hume Freeway to Wodonga, then follow the signs to Beechworth on the C315.
Rail services run daily from Melbourne and Sydney to Wangaratta and Albury. View VLine and NSW TrainLink XPT for timetable information.
Wangaratta Coachlines operate a service Monday to Friday to Beechworth. View timetables at www.wangarattacoachlines.com.au
VLine also operates regular coach service from Melborne, Wangaratta and Bright. View timetables at www.vline.com.au.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Beechworth, Chiltern, Eldorado, Murmungee, Wangaratta, Yackandandah
About the region
Beechworth is a beautiful historic town with an old gold mining heritage. Indulge and discover fabulous food, and hand-crafted wine and beer in Australia's finest historic gold-mining town. Wander, relax and re-connect amongst elms and oaks, heritage architecture and boutique shopping.
Beechworth is the ideal escape for those needing to recharge their batteries and reconnect with the body, mind and soul. Discover for yourself the sights and sounds of the beautiful surrounds of Beechworth.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Beechworth Public Recreation Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.





