The Dry Diggings and Porcupine Ridge circuit commences at the junction of Midland Highway and Sawpit Gully Road. Follow the Great Dividing Trail signs initially north and then swinging west for 1 km to where it crosses the Midland Highway opposite the Chocolate Mill. The track turns south outside the left-hand gate of the car park. Follow the Great Dividing Trail signs passing steep gullies formed by severe erosion from sluicing. At the junction of Mannings Road there is a good spot for a break with views north to Mount Franklin. Turn right and walk south along the unmade road to the junction with the Back Hepburn Rd. Cross with care and walk into the Hepburn Regional Park at the park sign.
Continue south along a disused track to the Midland Highway. Cross with care and continue south off-track along the fence line through rough ground to the junction of Richardsons Road. Turn left and walk east for 1 km along this unmade road passing small farms with varied agricultural land use. Turn left (north) into Scotts Lane and walk along the lane through open forest. Walk steeply up to the junction with Porcupine Ridge Road and admire the sculptured mail boxes at the corner.
Turn left (north) and walk along the rough ground beside the property fence line, thus avoiding the roadside. Cross at the junction with Pine Court and walk along the road on the verge. Continue along the ridgeline to a great viewpoint overlooking the surrounding countryside for a lunch break. After lunch, continue along Porcupine Ridge Road to where it forks. Take the left fork marked Leslies Road which is an unsealed rough gravel lane. A very steep rough descent follows for 1.7 km down to a ford over Middleton Creek. Gradually ascend to the junction of Sawpit Gully Road. Turn left (south) and follow this road past small farm holdings and a quaint miner's cottage and orchard back to the cars.
Total distance: 16440 m
Max elevation: 586 m
Min elevation: 443 m
Total climbing: 295 m
Total descent: -296 m
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From Melbourne head west via the M1, M80 and the Western Freeway/Highway (M8) and take the C141 exit, turning north to Daylesford. From Daylesford, drive via Howe and Raglan Streets and continue on the Midland Highway (A300) for about 8.5 km to the junction with Sawpit Gully Road on the right. At this junction there are several letterboxes in a long row where there is ample off-road parking for the start of the hike.
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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.
Hepburn Regional Park nestles around the famous mineral springs townships of Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs. Rich with natural springs and relics from the gold mining era, the park abounds with opportunities for bushwalking, mountain bike and horse riding, picnicking and nature study. Mount Franklin is a small volcanic crater with basic camping set amid exotic trees.
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.
Looking for things to do in Hepburn Regional Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
3 Reviews on “Dry Diggings & Porcupine Ridge Hike (16.4km)”
Give this trek a miss, and definitely don’t bother on foot. Quite a dull 4 hour walk with very few views. The entire second half of the walk is on dirt roads with no real atmosphere.
The “sculptured†mailboxes are just generic rickety old mailboxes, and there’s nowhere to properly stop for lunch as the entire second half of the walk is along roads (so you can sit directly on the side of the road and that’s about it).
If you’re lucky, the first half of the walk could surprise you with Echidnas (we spotted 3).