Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the challenging but rewarding Brisbane Ranges Loop, a Grade 4, 13.5km circuit located in the stunning Brisbane Ranges National Park. This hard trail, typically completed in about 5 hours, starts and ends at the historical Steiglitz Court House, taking you on a journey through diverse terrains, crossing roads, tracks, and gullies, with a highlight being the Kinglock Mine, a relic of World War II. Don't forget to take a well-deserved break at The Crossing Picnic Area before concluding your adventure.

Length:

13.5km

Duration:

5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 341m

Min elevation: 177m

Total Ascent: 375m

Start: Steiglitz Court House

End: Steiglitz Court House

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Steiglitz

From state capital: 93km

Latitude: -37.877095486256394

Longitude: 144.17816787958145

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Hike overview

The Brisbane Ranges Loop is a challenging 13.5-kilometre circuit within the Brisbane Ranges National Park. This grade 4 hike typically requires around five hours to complete.

Commencing at the Steiglitz Court House, cross Steiglitz Road and follow the gravel track onto Durdidwarrah Road. Immediately after crossing the New Chum Bridge, turn right onto Hay Track, a clearly defined walking trail.

Continue along Hay Track until reaching the junction with School Track and Durdidwarrah Road. Turn right onto Durdidwarrah Road and walk a short distance to Mulrooneys Track, located on the left opposite the Pines Carpark.

Descend Mulrooneys Track into Yankee Gully. After several hundred metres, the Burchell Trail intersects on the left. For a shorter route, take the Burchell Trail to Native Youth Track. Otherwise, continue on Mulrooneys Track to Yankee Gully Road.

Turn left onto Yankee Gully Road and walk approximately 500 metres to Native Youth Track on the left. Cross Yankee Gully Road and follow the footpath to Kinglock Mine, one of the last operational mines in the area, which closed during World War II.

Continue on Yankee Gully Road for approximately 300 metres and turn left onto Native Youth Track. Follow Native Youth Track until reaching the Burchell Trail. Turn right and descend into the gully at The Crossing Picnic Area, a suitable location for a rest.

From the picnic area, follow the gravel road out of the gully to Steiglitz Road. Cross the road and take the Deadmans Loop Track through open woodland to Sutherland Creek.

To return to the starting point, either cross the creek and follow the Deadmans Loop Track, or continue downstream for two kilometres along the creek bed before ascending on Miners Track. The creek crossing and trail along the creek are both challenging, and the preferred route may vary depending on water levels.

Upon reaching Miners Track, follow it to South Steiglitz Road, turn left onto Wrixon Street, then right onto Stawell Street to return to the Court House carpark.

Tips

The Sutherland Creek section can be avoided by continuing along Deadmans Loop Track.
Another shortcut can be completed by linking Native Youth Track to the Pines Carpark via The Burchell trail.
Please note that Tarnook Track is closed between Alliance Track and the Sutherland Creek bridge. To complete the Beards Gully and Deadman’s Loop hike, please follow the provided GPX file.
The circuit can be completed by using Steiglitz-Durdidwarrah Road to bypass the closed section of Tarnook Track. Exercise caution when walking along this public road.

Map and GPX file

Brisbane Ranges Loop Hike (13.5km)

Total distance: 13154 m
Max elevation: 341 m
Min elevation: 177 m
Total climbing: 375 m
Total descent: -375 m

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Access conditions

2WD Access

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Ballarat, Geelong, Gisborne, Gordon, Lara, Little River, Melton, Meredith, Mernda, Werribee

Getting to the trailhead in Brisbane Ranges National Park.

To reach the Steiglitz Court House, travel approximately 80 kilometres west of Melbourne along the M1 Freeway towards Geelong. Exit at Little River and the You Yangs, then turn right onto Granite Road. Continue on Granite Road until you reach Anakie, where you will find the southern entrance to the park. Steiglitz Historic Park, including the Steiglitz Court House, is located within this area. Alternatively, you can approach from Werribee, Bacchus Marsh, or Ballan by following signs to Anakie and Steiglitz.

Get there with Google Maps

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.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Brisbane Ranges National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

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.

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

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Brisbane Ranges Loop Hike (13.5km)

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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.