Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience Australia's rich gold rush history on the 14km Castlemaine Diggings circuit near Chewton, a moderate Grade 3 hike. Explore significant landmarks like the Manchester Mine, remnants of the Garfield Water Wheel, and the Welsh Village, journeying through the spectacular scenery of the Castlemaine Diggings Heritage Park. This trail is a must-do for bushwalkers keen on an immersive historical and natural adventure.

Length:

14km

Duration:

4 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 427m

Min elevation: 315m

Total Ascent: 322m

Start: Chewton Recreation Reserve

End: Chewton Recreation Reserve

Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Chewton

From state capital: 118km

Latitude: -37.05578422

Longitude: 144.2650219

Overview

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Hike overview

This hike is along some of the many wonderful walking tracks in the Castlemaine Diggings and includes part of the the Goldfields Trail. Walk from Chewton to the Welsh Village in the Castlemaine Diggings Heritage Park. The trail takes in the Manchester Mine, the remains of the Garfield Water Wheel, the Welsh Village and return via Forest Creek.

Tips

Easy walk along relatively flat terrain. Keep to the track as there are many mine shafts in this park.

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Castlemaine Diggings Hike (14km)

Total distance: 14032 m
Max elevation: 427 m
Min elevation: 315 m
Total climbing: 322 m
Total descent: -322 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Campbells Creek, Castlemaine, Chewton, Elphinstone, Fryerstown, Guildford, Maldon, Newstead, Vaughan

Access conditions

2WD Access
4WD Access
Small Car Park

About the region

The Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park is near the town of Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia. The park protects a nationally significant historic cultural landscape of heritage value and relics of the Victorian gold rush. The Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park was added to the Victorian Heritage Register in December 2003. It is the largest non-indigenous protected cultural landscape in Australia. In January 2005 the park was added to the Australian National Heritage List recognizing its outstanding heritage value and importance in the course of Australia's migration history.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

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

Reviews
Castlemaine Diggings Hike (14km)

9 Reviews on “Castlemaine Diggings Hike (14km)”

Overall rating

Sarah Rose Boyle

I did a slight variation on this trail today, I added a detour from north east of the reservoir up into the pine plantation. The plantation gets very steep and it’s a bit desolate where the lots have been felled, but it’s got some nice views.
The Diggings park itself has heaps of trails, don’t worry too much about taking the exact ones, as long as you have a compass you can’t really get lost, and you’re never far from a road.
The reservoir is really worth the visit. It’s also possible to swim – at your own risk of course. No toilets or taps anywhere, so take plenty of water.

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Fleur Gascoyne

Great trail but you need GPS and a copy of the map as there are trails everywhere for different walks and it gets a bit confusing.

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Castlemaine Diggings Hike (14km)