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.
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.
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 Running
- Goldfields & Mining
- Rivers
- River Crossings
- Untreated Water
- Swimming Spots
Total distance: 24353 m
Max elevation: 639 m
Min elevation: 414 m
Total climbing: 840 m
Total descent: -840 m
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Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Hepburn Regional Park.
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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Untreated Water
- Picnic Table
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Bullarto, Castlemaine, Clunes, Daylesford, Dry Diggings, Eganstown, Glenlyon, Hepburn Springs, Lyonville, Musk, Trentham, Woodend
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.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Hepburn Regional Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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