Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Uncover the delights of Victoria's bushland on the 7km Enfield Bald Hills Loop in Enfield State Park, a stone's throw from the town of Enfield and a 146km journey from Melbourne. This Grade 3, moderate circuit starts and ends at the Surface Point Picnic Area and takes about 2 hours to complete. As you traverse the trail, you'll encounter the lush greenery of one of the region's largest conservation reserves, cross Misery Creek Road, and explore the Old Breached Mining Dam. Remember to pack your picnic essentials to enjoy a relaxing meal amidst nature's beauty!

Length:

7km

Duration:

2 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 409m

Min elevation: 308m

Total Ascent: 190m

Start: Surface Point Picnic Area

End: Surface Point Picnic Area

Enfield State Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Enfield

From state capital: 146km

Latitude: -37.77001931

Longitude: 143.73834460973742

Overview

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Hike overview

The Enfield Bald Hills Loop commences at the Surface Point picnic area in the Enfield State Park; one of the largest conservation reserves in the region. Locate the start of the walking track (at the northern end of the car park) and follow it west to Misery Creek Road. Follow the road north for 200m where you will locate the Long Gully Loop Track to your left. Remain on this track for the next 3km as it weaves its way north before intersecting with Misery Creek Road.

Cross the road to pick up the Misery Creek Walking Track which turns south to follow Mount Misery Creek. Continue south along this track for approximately 2.5km to the Old Breached Mining Dam.

From here, you will pick up the Forest Park Walking Track as it heads west back to the Surface Point Picnic Area

Fossicking

Nearly half of the park is available for fossicking or panning for gold along Misery Creek. Remember to fill any holes made and leave the area as you found it. Relics are protected by law and must not be disturbed or removed.

Tips

The Surface Point picnic area has barbecues, tables, toilets. Camping is allowed for short periods but you need to bring your own water. Firewood also may be in short supply and fires may only be lit in the facilities provided.

The park features a number of walks of varying distances. Experienced walkers with navigational skills can hike completely off trail in this park and can bush camp overnight at Frith Gully.

Gallery

Long Gully Misery Creek Loop Hike (7km)

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Walk map and GPX file

Long Gully Misery Creek Loop Hike (7km)

Total distance: 7059 m
Max elevation: 409 m
Min elevation: 308 m
Total climbing: 190 m
Total descent: -190 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Enfield State Park.

25 km south of Ballarat on the Colac-Ballarat Road C146. VicRoads 76 E6. Turn right into Misery Creek Road and proceed approximately 3 km to Surface Point picnic area. It is also accessible from the Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road by turning left into State Forest Road.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Ballarat, Beaufort, Dereel, Enfield, Rokewood, Scarsdale, Smythesdale

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Small Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Table

About the region

Enfield State Park is one of the largest conservation reserves in the region. Several unsealed, all-weather roads transect the area and provide scenic drives particularly in spring. The area was extensively mined during the gold mining era of the 1850s and 1860s. Surface Point was the site of a Chinese settlement and their round mine shafts are still to be found. Remnants of smelting works, mining dams and water races can be found.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Enfield State 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

Long Gully Misery Creek Loop Hike (7km)

8 Reviews on “Long Gully Misery Creek Loop Hike (7km)”

Overall rating

Darren Bowman

This is a very pleasant circuit walk with some gold mining history and interesting vegetation. The smooth white bark of towering Candlebarks feature along the valleys and heath and acacias provide a colourful understorey when flowering (September). I spotted a couple of Eastern Grey Kangaroos and lots of noisy Cockatoos.

11/09/2023, 18:36

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1. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  Thanks for the review Darren. Sounds like you had a great day out. Gotta love those noisy cockatoos.
  
  11/09/2023, 18:41
  
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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance