Great Dividing Trail: Dry Diggings Track (58km)

The journey from Lake Daylesford to Castlemaine Station covers 58 kilometers and traverses through Australia's first National Heritage Park, the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, designated in 2002 to honor its association with the Victorian gold rush era.

Following old 1850s gold rush water races, the track leads from the wet temperate forests atop the Great Dividing Range in Daylesford to the dry northern plains surrounding the Forest Creek gold diggings near Castlemaine. Along the way, travelers encounter various sections with distinct characteristics and historical significance.

The Tipperary Walk offers a gentle journey through bushland, providing insights into the gold rush and mineral spa towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. For those seeking a glimpse into the gold rush era, both the Golden Mountain and Cry Joe walks/rides navigate narrow gullies dotted with mine shafts and stone ruins.

Alternatively, adventurers can choose to bypass Castlemaine and directly connect with the Leanganook Track via a designated link route starting north of The Monk and passing through Chewton.

The Dry Diggings Track, segmented into four Walks/Rides, winds through steep slopes and narrow tracks above streams, showcasing the natural beauty and historical remnants of the region. Notably, the section from Breakneck Gorge to Golden Springs offers breathtaking views and encounters with the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve.

Throughout the journey, travelers can immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes and rich history of the gold rush era, from the distinctive cone of Mt Franklin to the winding paths of the Poverty Gully water race. Whether on foot or bike, the route offers a captivating exploration of the region's past and natural beauty.