Trail Fast Facts
Three Creeks Walk is a 14.5km, grade 4 hike in the Brisbane Ranges National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Three Creeks Walk is a 14.5-kilometre hike through the Brisbane Ranges National Park, classified as grade 4 and typically requiring five hours to complete. The walk commences at the Crossing Picnic Area, situated approximately 2.5 kilometres west of the historic town of Steiglitz.
From the picnic area, cross the creek and follow the road for a short distance before leaving the road to follow the creek bed until reaching the Youth Track. Due to the complex network of tracks and roads within the Brisbane Ranges National Park, it is recommended to use a GPX file or detailed map for navigation.
The Three Creeks Walk incorporates sections of the Burchell Trail, which is well-defined and marked in most areas. While not particularly strenuous, the walk traverses a variety of terrain including roads, tracks, and creek beds. The landscape is predominantly characterised by dry eucalyptus forests interspersed with areas of grass trees.
The circuit encompasses diverse track conditions, ranging from rocky sections along Grahams Creek to wider four-wheel-drive tracks passing through camping grounds such as Old Mill Camp and Friday's Picnic Camp. The walk is well-shaded and includes several ascents, offering opportunities to appreciate the surrounding scenery.
The Crossing Picnic Area
The Crossing Picnic Area offers a tranquil setting amidst the natural beauty of Yankee Gully. Situated within both the Steiglitz Historic Park and the Brisbane Ranges National Park, this location is an ideal rest stop for hikers and explorers. During the cooler months, the gully fills with water, creating a picturesque environment. Rocky hillsides provide a scenic backdrop to the picnic ground.
Visitors to The Crossing Picnic Area can enjoy a range of facilities, including picnic tables and wood-fired barbecues, spread across a spacious grassy area adjacent to the seasonal creek. While camping is not permitted at this location, the nearby Friday's Campground offers camping facilities for those seeking an extended stay.
Track Grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 365 m
Min elevation: 245 m
Total climbing: 427 m
Total descent: -426 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
To reach the Crossing Picnic Area, travel to the historic township of Steiglitz. The picnic area is located approximately 2.5 kilometres west of the town centre. From the vicinity of the Steiglitz Court House, follow the main road westward across the Steiglitz Bridge. Keep an eye out for a gravel road on the right-hand side. The Crossing Picnic Area is situated a short distance along this gravel road.
Steiglitz itself is situated 91 kilometres west of Melbourne, bordering the Brisbane Ranges National Park. It is positioned 40 kilometres north of Geelong and 54 kilometres southeast of Ballarat.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
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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Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
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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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.
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