Trail Fast Facts

Steiglitz Deadmans Gully Circuit Walk is an 8.5km, grade 3 hike in Brisbane Ranges National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.

Length: 8.5km

Duration: 3-4 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: Circuit

Start: Steiglitz Courthouse

End: Steiglitz Courthouse

Location: Brisbane Ranges National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Steiglitz

From state capital: 92km

Latitude: -37.877095486256394

Longitude: 144.17816787958145

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

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Hike Overview

The Steiglitz Deadmans Gully Circuit, also known as the Steiglitz Circuit, offers an 8.5-kilometre journey combining history and natural beauty within the Steiglitz Historic Park. This grade 3 hike typically takes between three and four hours to complete.

Commencing at the historic Steiglitz Courthouse, the Deadmans Loop Walking Track leads southward towards Sutherland Creek. Orange markers guide walkers through open bushland to The Crossing Picnic Area. Cross the main road and continue north on Hut Road to reach the eastern side of the crossing, where the Burchell Trail begins.

Follow Hut Road east onto the Burchell Trail, which extends for over five kilometres. This scenic path parallels Yankee Gully Creek before ascending a gentle gully towards Mulrooneys Track and The Pines Car Park. Keep an eye out for remnants of the gold mining era along the way.

From The Pines Car Park, head south past the impressive mullock heaps of the New Chum Mine, offering panoramic views of Steiglitz Historic Park and the Brisbane Ranges National Park. Follow Steiglitz-Durdidwarrah Road, turning right onto Hut Road. Take a brief detour through the bush, crossing School Track, before rejoining Steiglitz-Durdidwarrah Road.

Cross the road and follow the old vehicle track marked by orange markers. At the fence, turn right and head south, curving towards the New Chum Bridge. Cross the bridge and ascend to the Steiglitz Courthouse, completing the circuit.

This versatile walk can be accessed from multiple starting points, including The Pines Car Park, Steiglitz Courthouse Car Park, and The Crossing Picnic Area. Enjoy exploring the historical and scenic landscapes of Steiglitz Historic Park at the southern end of the Brisbane Ranges National Park.

Tips

Don't miss the Star of Hope Tunnel on the banks of Sutherland Creek
To preserve the natural and cultural heritage of this area, please practice responsible hiking.
Minimise your impact by staying on designated trails, avoiding disturbing wildlife, and carrying out all waste.
Respect cultural sites and refrain from removing any artefacts or natural objects.
By being mindful of your surroundings, you contribute to protecting this special place for future generations.

Map and GPX file

Steiglitz Deadmans Gully Circuit Walk (8.5km)

Total distance: 8335 m
Max elevation: 322 m
Min elevation: 214 m
Total climbing: 227 m
Total descent: -234 m

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Getting there

Steiglitz Deadmans Gully Circuit Walk (8.5km)

To reach Steiglitz Historic Park, travel approximately 80 kilometres west of Melbourne along the M1 Freeway towards Geelong. Exit the freeway and turn right towards Little River and the You Yangs. Continue on this road until you reach Granite Road, where you should turn right again. Follow Granite Road to Anakie, which will lead you to the southern entrance of the park.

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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.

About the region

Steiglitz Historic Park

Steiglitz Historic Park offers a glimpse into Victoria's gold rush era, situated within the Brisbane Ranges National Park, just over an hour's drive from Melbourne. Once a bustling gold mining town with a population exceeding 1000, Steiglitz now stands as a ghost town, preserving its history from the 1860s to the 1890s. At its peak, the town boasted four hotels, a newspaper, various shops, and even an undertaker, serving a community of over 1500 residents.

Today, the town and its surrounding area are protected within the Steiglitz Historic Park. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, or even try their hand at gold panning. A visit to the Steiglitz Court House is essential, showcasing photographs, maps, and relics from the gold rush era. The court house is open to the public on Sundays and public holidays, with additional visits available by arrangement.

Originally named Steiglitz Forest, the area derived its name from the von Stieglitz family, early pastoralists who settled nearby before returning to Ireland. Gold was discovered in 1854, leading to a rapid growth of the town. By the 1860s, the mining industry was dominated by companies, employing a workforce that included a significant number of Chinese miners.

The Steiglitz Court House, constructed in 1875 as gold production declined, stands as the most prominent remaining building. The town's population dwindled further, and by the 1940s, many buildings were removed. The Steiglitz Historic Park was established in 1976, with the court house restored as an information centre.

Visitors to Steiglitz can explore the ghost town, following interpretive signs to learn about its history. Several walking trails offer opportunities for picnics and to appreciate the surrounding natural environment. It is important to respect private property and dwellings within the area.

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Brisbane Ranges National Park, located west of Geelong and southwest of Bacchus Marsh, approximately an hour's drive from Melbourne, is Victoria's richest wildflower habitat and boasts the highest density of koalas in the state. This 7,700-hectare park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of walks, bushwalks, and hikes suitable for all fitness levels, from leisurely strolls to multi-day treks.

The park's unique geology, characterised by low mountain ranges intersected by rocky gullies, has preserved a remarkable array of plant and animal life. With over 619 native plant species, including the rare Brisbane Ranges Grevillea, the park is a botanist's paradise. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of birdlife, including over 170 recorded species.

Beyond hiking, the park offers opportunities for picnicking, scenic drives, and camping. It is also significant as part of the Aboriginal cultural landscape, being the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung People.

Want to find the best trails in Brisbane Ranges National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running and more.

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Reviews

Steiglitz Deadmans Gully Circuit Walk (8.5km)

1 Review on “Steiglitz Deadmans Gully Circuit Walk (8.5km)”

Overall rating

Grant Walker

Fantastic little walk. Did this a few years ago and again last weekend. Thanks for the write up.

20/02/2024, 22:14

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