Steiglitz Three Creeks Circuit (13km)

Steiglitz Three Creeks Circuit is a 13 km, grade 3 hike in Brisbane Ranges National Park in Victoria, typically taking around four to five hours to complete. The loop passes through both Steiglitz Historic Park and the surrounding forest of the Brisbane Ranges, offering a varied and engaging walk not far west of Melbourne, near the small town of Meredith.

The walk begins and ends at the parking and information area near the Steiglitz Court House at the end of Williams Street. From the outset, the circuit has a strong sense of place, linking historic tracks, quiet roads, and bushland paths that reflect the area’s mining past and changing landscape. The route feels pleasantly diverse, moving through open woodland, rocky gullies, and gently undulating forest, with frequent changes underfoot that keep the walk interesting.

Early in the walk, the trail climbs through a rocky gorge before settling into a rhythm of narrow bush tracks, gravel roads, and wider management tracks. Some sections are rocky or uneven, while others are smooth and easy to follow. Good hiking shoes are strongly recommended, and carrying a downloaded map is important as mobile reception can be unreliable throughout much of the area.

From the Steiglitz Court House, the route follows the Burchell Trail west through Steiglitz Historic Park before crossing Meredith Steiglitz Road and descending via Hut Road to The Crossing Picnic Area. From here, the walk climbs out of the valley on Box Track North West, before rejoining the Burchell Trail and heading north towards Grahams Picnic Area. The circuit then links a series of roads and tracks including Grahams Creek Road, Hazel Track, Lease Road, and Yankee Gully Road, gradually working its way back through forest and gully country.

The return leg follows Mulrooneys Track south through Yankee Gully, crosses Steiglitz Durdidwarrah Road near The Pines car park, and then continues east on the Burchell Trail before looping back through Alliance Track and the southern section of Tarnook Track. It is important to note that the northern section of Tarnook Track is on private property and should not be accessed. The final stretch follows Steiglitz Durdidwarrah Road south to Regent Street, returning to the trailhead at the Steiglitz Court House.

This circuit suits walkers looking for a solid half day hike with varied terrain, clear navigation if approached carefully, and a strong connection to the history and landscape of the Steiglitz area. With steady pacing and good preparation, it offers a rewarding way to explore a lesser travelled part of the Brisbane Ranges.