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.
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.
- Stay on the walking tracks to avoid mineshafts.
Total distance: 11638 m
Max elevation: 531 m
Min elevation: 400 m
Total climbing: 326 m
Total descent: -326 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. 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.
- 2WD Access
- Public Transport
- Speed Bumps
- Accessible Toilet
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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.
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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.
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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.Â
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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