Tipperary Twin Bridges Circuit is a 24km, grade 3 hike located in the Hepburn Regional Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 6 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
Tracing the route of the old water races cut by miners last century, the Tipperary Twin Bridges Circuit passes disused goldfields, mineral springs and stands of deciduous trees that blaze with colour in autumn. The circuit takes you past the Mistletoe Mine Site, the Blowhole, former Charcoal Burning Pits, a Quartz Burning Oven and Twin Bridges.
Commencing at the Tipperary Springs picnic area, you can hike this trail in either direction, either heading north via the Blowhole or south towards Twin Bridges. For some of the walk, you will follow sections of the Great Dividing Trail, following water races, steep gullies and vehicle access tracks. While most of the hike through the Hepburn Regional Park is through native bush, there are some sections along the western boundary where you will walk alongside pine plantations.
The picnic area is home to a mineral water pump and free-flowing spring where you can taste the natural mineral waters.
The Blowhole is a small circular tunnel cut through the side of the spur that blows hard when the river level is high. The tunnel outlet is elevated above the downstream creek by several metres, causing the water to spurt out over the rock face into the pool below. The 20 metre diversion tunnel was constructed in the 1870s to allow allow sluicing for gold in the dry creek bed. Given that the creek can be naturally dry for several months of the year, the benefit of the tunnel would have been marginal, and was constructed at a time when other areas had already been picked over.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 639 m
Min elevation: 414 m
Total climbing: 840 m
Total descent: -840 m
Trail features
- Gravel Path
- Well Marked Trail
- Trail Running
- Rivers
- Goldfields & Mining
- River Crossings
- Untreated Water
- Swimming Spots
Tips
This hike involves short sections of off-track walking and should therefore only be attempted by parties experienced in navigation. Boots and gaiters are advisable in creek and gully areas.
Trail location
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Getting there
Follow National Highway M8 to Ballan-Daylesford Rd/C141 in Ballan. Take the C141 exit from National Highway M8. Take the C141 exit towards Daylesford. Continue on Ballan-Daylesford Rd/C141. Drive to Tipperary Springs Rd in Daylesford. Turn left to stay on Tipperary Springs Rd. Destination will be on the left.
About the region
Hepburn Regional Park nestles around the famous mineral springs townships of Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs. Rich with natural springs and relics from the gold mining era, the park abounds with opportunities for bushwalking, mountain bike and horse riding, picnicking and nature study. Mount Franklin is a small volcanic crater with basic camping set amid exotic trees.
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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
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Gear to consider
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.