Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 731m
Min elevation: 422m
Total Ascent: 1084m
Hike overview
The Wallaby Track stretches from Creswick to Lake Daylesford, covering a distance of 52 kilometers. Initially passing through what was once a bustling forest atop the Divide, the track now meanders through hilly terrain, showcasing regrowth messmate and peppermint forests that have evolved since the gold rush era.
Beginning at the Creswick Visitor Centre, the track offers separate routes for cyclists and pedestrians, with walkers starting their journey through the wrought iron gates of The University of Melbourne Creswick campus, heading out on the Creswick Heritage Walk. Both paths reconvene at St Georges Lake.
Highlights along the Wallaby Track include historical sites like the slab hut where W.G. Spence, a prominent Federal parliamentarian, spent his youth, as well as remnants of a Chinese market garden and the state’s longest timber tramway system. As the track ascends, travelers are treated to panoramic views of volcanic hills amidst rich, red-soiled spud paddocks.
Traversing the ridge above Sailors Falls, the Wallaby Track culminates at the mineral spas nestled in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, providing a rejuvenating conclusion to the journey.
The Wallaby Track is segmented into three Walks/Rides, commencing from the southern end and heading northward. The Creswick Heritage Walk initiates the journey, guiding adventurers through a landscape of eucalypt forests and pine plantations before transitioning into farmland and native forests leading up to Daylesford.
The first leg of the route, W.G. Spence Walk/Ride, starts at the Tourist Information Centre and includes notable landmarks such as the historic Creswick campus and Oak Gully, before progressing through Creswick State Forest and emerging into farming areas toward Mollongghip.
Following the Anderson Tramway Walk/Ride entirely within Wombat State Forest, travelers navigate former logging tracks with manageable gradients, reaching Wombat Station after crossing the Great Dividing Range.
The Wombat Forest Walk begins along an old railway formation, gradually ascending to the former White Point Diggings before traversing logging tracks and entering Hepburn Regional Park. The route eventually leads to Lake Daylesford, following the course of Wombat Creek along a former water race, providing a scenic conclusion to the Wallaby Track journey.
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Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 731 m
Min elevation: 422 m
Total climbing: 1084 m
Total descent: -991 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Creswick Regional Park.
Driving to Creswick Station from Melbourne is a simple and direct journey, covering approximately 120 kilometres and taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The most efficient route follows the Western Freeway (M8) westbound towards Ballarat. As you approach Ballarat, take the exit for Midland Highway (A300) and head north towards Creswick. Stay on the Midland Highway for about 15 kilometres, and once you arrive in Creswick, follow signs to the railway station, which is located on Creswick-Smeaton Road near the town centre. For real-time navigation and traffic updates, using a GPS app such as Google Maps or Waze is recommended.
Closest towns to this walk: Ballarat, Buninyong, Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford, Hepburn Springs
About the region
Creswick Regional Park
Nestled in the heart of central Victoria, Creswick Regional Park lies within the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, offering a striking blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Just 115 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, this diverse landscape weaves together wetlands, lakes, reforested slopes, and open grasslands, creating a haven for wildlife and a retreat for those seeking a quiet escape. Traces of the region’s gold mining past remain scattered throughout the park, blending seamlessly with the regenerating bushland.
Walking through the park, you’ll find trails suited to every pace. Gentle paths wind through rolling hills, while longer hikes lead deeper into the goldfields, revealing remnants of the past hidden among towering eucalypts. The Goldfields Track, stretching 240 kilometres from Mount Buninyong to Bendigo, cuts through the park, offering both short and extended walking options. For an easier stroll, the Landcare Walk provides a relaxed introduction to the area’s natural beauty, while the Koala Park loop track meanders through regrowth forest—though spotting one of its elusive namesakes requires a bit of luck.
At the heart of the park, St George’s Lake is a peaceful setting for picnics, birdwatching, and water activities. Once a mining dam, the lake now attracts visitors looking to unwind by the water’s edge or explore the surrounding bushland via the well-formed walking tracks. Nearby, Eatons Dam heritage site and Slaty Creek offer a glimpse into Creswick’s gold rush era, where fossickers still try their luck in the shallows. For a more immersive historical walk, the trail to Ballarat follows the path of early miners, tracing water races and quartz outcrops along the way.
For those keen to stay overnight, Slaty Creek Campgrounds provide a quiet bush setting with fireplaces and basic amenities. As dusk settles, the park comes alive with the calls of native birds, while wallabies and echidnas emerge from the undergrowth. Whether you’re here to explore, cycle, camp, or simply enjoy the changing colours of the bush throughout the seasons, Creswick Regional Park offers a rich and rewarding experience at any time of year.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Creswick Regional 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
Suggest an edit
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.
8 Reviews on “Great Dividing Trail: Wallaby Track (52km)”
Andrew King
Hi, I just recently did the lerderderg track section of the great dividing trail and am looking at doing the eureka track/wallaby track hike to Daylesford. This wallaby track hike seems to cover the same trail but is 7 kms shorter. Is this the same hike?
Thanks.
Brian Sheedy
I’m slowly hiking the GDT. So far I’ve walked from Mt Buninyong to Ballarat and another day walked Ballarat to Creswick. I’m using public transport to and from Melbourne though may drive for later sections.
I have the GDT guidebook and have downloaded the Track from the GDT organisiation onto my phone. Valuable though these are, the track is so well marked that I rarely consulted my maps from necessity. I am enjoying the challenge of the long walks and looking forward with trepidation and excitement to the next section, Creswick to Daylesford, where I am planning to camp along the way. Hopefully will be able to do this in the next few weeks.
Cheers
Robin