The Upper Yarra Goldfields Walk is a highly varied walk that passes through some very pretty areas, great views, plus many remnants of the gold mining history of the area. There are a few variations you can do, but this version uses a combination of the easements and trails. But do bring a good map with you, as there are various choices with which trail to take. Whatever route you choose, it is quite a fascinating walk to do and well worth the time to explore.
The Upper Yarra Goldfields Walk was developed some time ago as "A Day’s Walk Featuring Upper Yarra’s History". A bi-centennial grant was applied for successfully to achieve this. The gold mining area was 'discovered' by Robert Malone while working at the Box Hill TAFE Camp Reefton and then developed into an interesting and historical day walk for students at the camp (that is no longer there).
Over the years many thousands of students have walked this track, including primary ages (occasionally at night over the shorter more accessible parts). The camp staff regularly maintained this entire track which proved to be a pleasant interesting day walk. Lunch was brought to the students at the top of the grassy pipeline area near the Big Peninsular and then swimming at the 'blowhole.'
The track through the now 'closed' area near the gold mines used to be 'easy.' This was cleared by driving a tractor with a rear mounted slasher backwards into the scrub. Rebert recalls instances where the slasher was directly over a shaft with the tractor right on the edge. Subsequently, as the need arose he could drive his Land Rover down this part of the track to the blowhole. There is a variation to this walk he did from time to time.
From the corner of Peninsular Road and Observation Road proceed a short distance up Observation Road and take a track to your left. This track takes you back onto the water race and then resume the walk as per the track notes. However on the way up this track you will come across a mine locally known as 'the lucky strike'. The mines condition these days is not known but it could be entered then. A torch is needed and due care.
Before passing this mine on the track up, watch out for an old walking (almost certainly highly overgrown) track that crosses the track you are on at right angles. If you can find it turn left along it as it contours around the hill. This will lead to mostly surface gold workings and by following this line up the hill you come to the Lucky Strike mine. Should you turn right onto this old track it will also contour around the hill to a tunnel. It is interesting that these 'surface workings' and the Lucky Strike are in line with the now blocked track / mine access near the blowhole (Big Peninsular). Now back at the Lucky Strike mine it’s only a short walk up the track to rejoin the water race at a spot where it it branches off to supply water to those gold mines/sluicing works access denied parts of the walk.
- Leeches can be encountered so remember to take your favourite leech remedy/repellant.
- Stick to the marked trails in the area as there are mineshafts that are not signposted and are well hidden.
- This is also known as McMahons Goldfield Circuit.
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Total distance: 10974 m
Max elevation: 466 m
Min elevation: 230 m
Total climbing: 532 m
Total descent: -534 m
Getting to the trailhead: Yarra Ranges National Park.
Use the Maroondah Hwy/State Route 34 . Continue onto Warburton Hwy/B380 past Warburton then to the right onto Warburton-Woods Point Road. Take this for approx 13kms to the picnic area and car park at Little Peninsula tunnel where there are two signposts. Ignore the first indicating a car parking area on the side of the road and continue a further 200m then turn left into the second car park where there is also a picnic area.
Closest towns to this walk: Belgrave, Emerald, Healesville, Lilydale, Marysville, Monbulk, Montrose, Mount Dandenong, Olinda, Warburton
Situated between Melbourne and the Victorian Alps, the Yarra Ranges National Park is a place of epic views, majestic rainforest scenery and fun-packed snowplay. Enjoy the panorama from Mount Donna Buang, or go deeper into the park on the Black Spur Drive, and wind through towering Mountain Ash forests to Lake Mountain.
The Yarra Ranges spans an extensive, mountainous area of cool temperate forest around the three towns of Marysville, Healesville and Warburton. This national park is home to the world's tallest flowering tree, the Mountain Ash, which towers over lush tree ferns and mossy Myrtle Beech. Dark gullies are home to clear streams which feed the Yarra River and major reservoirs from which Melbourne draws its drinking water.
The Yarra Ranges boasts some stunning lookouts, one of the best being Mount Donna Buang. From here you can see awesome views of Westernport Bay and Port Phillip - or walk the Rainforest Gallery and see the Mountain Ash from a different perspective. In the winter, Mount Donna Buang is Melbourne's closest winter playground. Many Melburnians have enjoyed their first sight of snow here through the years.
Healesville is the start of the Black Spur Drive, a short but beautiful scenic car journey. The road winds through majestic Mountain Ash forest to Narbethong, passing a number of pleasant walking trails and picnic areas, such as Donnelly’s Weir, Dom Dom Saddle and Maroondah Reservoir Park.
Looking for more walks in or near Yarra Ranges National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
/Upper-Yarra-Goldfields-Walk_3.jpg "Upper Yarra Goldfields Walk (11km)")
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11 Reviews on “Upper Yarra Goldfields Walk (11km)”
Has been cleared by Parks Vic! Stepping stones at Big Peninsula are closed due to flood damage but there is an alternative route via Peninsula Rd with some signage in place. Nice walk!
This walk was developed some time ago as “A Day’s Walk Featuring Upper Yarra’s History”. A bi centennial grant was applied for successfully to achieve this. The gold mining area was “discovered” by me while working at the Box Hill TAFE Camp Reefton and then developed into an interesting and historical day walk for students at the camp. (now gone)
Over the years many thousands of students have walked this track, including primary ages .(Occasionally at night over the shorter more accessible parts.) The camp staff regularly maintained this entire track which proved to be a pleasant interesting day walk. Lunch was brought to the students at the top of the grassy pipeline area near the Big Peninsular and then swimming at the “blowhole.”
The track through the now “closed” area near the gold mines used to be “easy peasy.” This was cleared just by driving a tractor with a rear mounted slasher backwards into the scrub.. I do recall however instances where the slasher was directly over a shaft with the tractor right on the edge. Subsequently , as the need arose i could drive my Land Rover down this part of the track to the blowhole. There is a variation to this walk we did from time to time.
From the corner of Peninsular Rd and Observation Rd proceed a short distance up Observation Rd and take a track to your left. (probably the first track) This track takes you back onto the water race and then resume the walk as per the track notes. However on the way up this track you will come across a mine locally known as “the lucky strike”. I don’t know it’s condition these days but it could be entered then. A torch is needed and due care.
Before passing this mine on the track up, watch out for an old walking (almost certainly highly overgrown) track that crosses the track you are on at right angles. If you can find it turn left along it as it contours around the hill. This will lead to mostly surface gold workings and by following this line up the hill you come to the Lucky Strike mine. Should you turn right onto this old track it will also contour around the hill to a tunnel. It is interesting that these “surface workings” and the Lucky Strike are in line with the now blocked track / mine access near the blowhole (Big Peninsular). Now back at the Lucky Strike mine it’s only a short walk up the track to rejoin the water race at a spot where it it branches off to supply water to those gold mines/sluicing works access denied parts of the walk.
cheers
RM
Fantastic effort Robert. Would you be happy for me to include your comments in the description of the walk?
Hello Darren, yes happy for you to include my comments in the walk description
Thanks so much
Yes it is closed. Needs a lot of maitenance. Still a walk good though 🙂
There are a couple of updates on the Parksvic site. One from 2018 saying the bridge at little peninsula tunnel is closed for repairs, and another from May 2019 saying the platform at big peninsula tunnel is closed due to vandalism.
I’m heading over there tomorrow for an exploratory walk before, potentially, taking a group there next week.
Has anyone been there recently, any advice?
Did this yesterday. Would have been better to start from Big Peninsula and leave out the pipeline section.
Track in quite poor condition. I walked the closed section, well worth it if you are a history buff. I suspect this section will never be reopened.
A June 2020 update.
A lot of the track is still closed. Mainly due to exposed mine shafts. (these are deep).
Notably the first bridge from the car park is still closed, but can be avoided if walk is started from the first car park on the side of the road.
Many of the sections are still closed, but easily bypassed by using other tracks. We walked all of the closed sections with great care to check it out, regardless of risk.
A lot of climbing over trees and scrub in the closed sections, due to zero maintenance being done.
Apparently this walk is closed until further notice. Parks are yet to make safe some of the walkways near old mine shafts. Extreme caution should be taken if venturing in to this closed area. ( so I’ve heard)
I walked this today clockwise from Little Peninsula car park and the only closed section is a very short loop off Peninsula Road and back. We followed the gpx track posted above mostly but the walking track as currently marked follows the road from Big Peninsula towards Little Peninsula, rather than the Water Easement which runs straight over a steep ridge, disregarding topography. We chose to walk up the steepest section rather than descend it on wet ground, hence our clockwise direction.
A really nice walk!