Central to Tipperary Springs Hike (9.2km)

Lake Daylesford is a man-made lake that covers the site of the Wombat Flat diggings where gold was first officially reported in 1851. The narrow undulating track basically follows the contours of the steep Sailors Creek valley through foothill forest. The Central to Tipperary Springs hike continues back to Central Springs followed by a circuit of the Lake and back to the start of the hike.

The Central to Tipperary Springs hike commences at Central Springs, near the car park. Head in a north westerly direction along the Tipperary Walking Track. This track follows alongside Wombat Creek and after walking about 500m along a wide sealed path you arrive at Sutton Spring. Continue past the spring on the track, which becomes a single file unsealed bush track, for nearly a kilometre until it meets the Midland Highway. Cross the highway with care and proceed to the Twin Bridges picnic area and the junction of Wombat Creek with Sailors Creek.

Cross over the footbridge and continue along left hand (west) side of the creek in a northerly direction. After 500m, at an unmarked track junction keep left and do not go down the spur and cross the creek. Follow the track along the hillside to the Tipperary Springs picnic area. This is a good place for break in the hike.

Cross over the footbridge and hike a short way up the sealed road and turn right onto the track that is indicated by a sign. Follow this track, on the left hand side of the creek, for a further 2.3km back to the Twin Bridges picnic area. Cross back over the highway and return along the track to Central Springs. Continue on past the springs until the track arrives at Lake Daylesford. Turn left and complete a clockwise circuit of the lake returning to the start of the walk via the weir, at the south end of the lake, and the car park near the Boathouse Cafe.