Trail summary
Hike overview
The Jacksons Lookout and Breakneck Gorge circuit commences at the Hepburn Primary School. Turn left into Hepburn-Newstead Road and continue for 700 m to Eighteenth Street. Turn left and follow this road for 800 m and turn right into Blowhole Road.
Continue for a further 600m to the Blowhole. Descend steps for 100 m to view the Blowhole, and then retrace steps back to the track. Follow the marked Great Dividing Trail (GDT) for about 300m to the Diggings Track on the right. Continue on this track for 2.5 km as it winds north-east alongside Sailors Creek, finally swinging south-east along Spring Creek to meet Hepburn-Newstead Road and Breakneck Gorge.
Turn left (north) and walk across the gorge via the road bridge. Cross over the road and after about 100m turn right onto a track that follows Spring Creek (signposted Golden Spring 2.2 km 40 mins). Continue on this track south-east for 1.7 km, follow the GDT track uphill and cross the 4WD track, then follow GDT signposts to the lookout tower. Continue east for about 1 km to meet the Dry Diggings Track.
Turn right and head south on the Dry Diggings Track for 300m and cross Back Hepburn Road. Take the right track up to Jacksons Lookout and ascend the steps for views over the surrounding area. Descend steps and retrace walk back to continue south on the Dry Diggings Track, which, after an east then south-west loop over a creek, turns west for about 1.7 km to the end of a car park at (Sulphur Spring). Walk through the car park to Mineral Springs Crescent and turn left.
Continue on this road as it swings from north to south and climbs to a T junction with Main Road. Turn right and walk along the footpath of Main Road for 700 m to the base (Hepburn Primary school) and the end of the walk.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 531 m
Min elevation: 400 m
Total climbing: 326 m
Total descent: -326 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Hepburn Springs, Daylesford, Woodend, Trentham, Castlemaine
How to get to Hepburn Regional ParkFrom Melbourne head west via the M1, M80 and the Western Freeway/Highway (M8) and take the C141 exit, turning north to Daylesford. Proceed north through Daylesford on Main Road to Hepburn Springs and turn left onto Hepburn-Newstead Road for600 m to Fourteenth Street. Turn left into Fourteenth Street and park near the Hepburn Primary School.
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About the region
The Blowhole is an artificial diversion tunnel on Sailors Creek, built by gold miners around the early 1870s. A tunnel through the spur was cut to redirect water flow from the original creek line. The soil in the dry creek bed was then sluiced for gold. It is now an impressive sight when the creek is in full flow.
A single file track along the Great Dividing Trail (GDT) leads us to Breakneck Gorge. Continuing on the GDT to the Dry Diggings Track there is the optional detour to Jacksons Lookout before continuing on to the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Hepburn Regional Park or nearby? Try these similar graded walks.
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.
1 Review on “Jacksons Lookout & Breakneck Gorge Hike (11.6km)”
The track is currently closed from The Blowhole to Golden Spring and is badly in need of maintenance. A really nice walk ruined by neglect.
Sounds like a plan
Looking forward to our upcoming hike and camping up that way in a couple of weeks. Will have to check this one out too!
Great walk with a moderate amount of effort required. It starts and ends in the town of Hepburn (at the primary school) which gives you a chance to explore the town which was nice. The hill displayed in the map isn’t a traditional climb, and I was surprised when I got to the top that it was done. The first half of the walk is a bit compressed/winding on the map so it appears as if you’re not half way, but you are! Also in the last km there is a cafe, which is a great spot for lunch. The walk is 3 hours, but it’s an easy one. Would recommend this walk.
Simmon Little doable!
Emily Smith yessss
Shivanthri Pilapitiya Julia Hume Daham Pilapitiya