Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the beauty of Victoria's bushland on the 11.6km Jacksons Lookout and Breakneck Gorge circuit, starting and ending at Hepburn Primary School in the serene Hepburn Regional Park. This Grade 3 hike offers a moderate challenge with its diverse terrain, from the rushing waters of the Blowhole to the breathtaking views at Jacksons Lookout. Experience the tranquillity of Sailors Creek, cross the picturesque Breakneck Gorge, and soak in the panoramic scenery just a stone's throw from the charming town of Hepburn Springs.

Length:

11.6km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 531m

Min elevation: 400m

Total Ascent: 326m

Start: Hepburn Primary School

End: Hepburn Primary School

Hepburn Regional Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Hepburn Springs

From state capital: 112km

Latitude: -37.30931701

Longitude: 144.13261055946353

Overview

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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.

Tips

Stay on the walking tracks to avoid mineshafts.

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Walk map and GPX file
Jacksons Lookout & Breakneck Gorge Hike (11.6km)

Total distance: 11638 m
Max elevation: 531 m
Min elevation: 400 m
Total climbing: 326 m
Total descent: -326 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Hepburn Regional Park.

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.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Bullarto, Castlemaine, Clunes, Daylesford, Dry Diggings, Eganstown, Glenlyon, Hepburn Springs, Lyonville, Musk, Trentham, Woodend

Access conditions

2WD Access
Public Transport
Speed Bumps
Accessible Toilet

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 walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Hepburn 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

Reviews
Jacksons Lookout & Breakneck Gorge Hike (11.6km)

9 Reviews on “Jacksons Lookout & Breakneck Gorge Hike (11.6km)”

Overall rating

Max Keating

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.

24/12/2022, 11:47

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Trish Parker

Sounds like a plan

24/03/2022, 05:21

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Andrea Bayliss

Looking forward to our upcoming hike and camping up that way in a couple of weeks. Will have to check this one out too!

24/03/2022, 05:21

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Elle K

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.

24/03/2022, 05:21

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Cara Ward

Simmon Little doable!

02/12/2020, 22:20

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Jessica Smith

Emily Smith yessss

02/12/2020, 19:11

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Kaye Leigh

Shivanthri Pilapitiya Julia Hume Daham Pilapitiya

02/12/2020, 13:41

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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

Jacksons lookout & breakneck gorge hike (11. 6km)

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Jacksons Lookout & Breakneck Gorge Hike (11.6km)