Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the historical Whipstick Loop Walk in the heart of Victoria's Wombat State Forest, just a short trip from Blackwood and 90km from Melbourne. This 6km circuit, rated as moderate, starts and ends at the Garden of St Erth, winding through eucalypt forests and past remnants of old mining sites. Explore the unique features along the path including a viewing platform overlooking an aged mineshaft, a hand-dug water-race, and an old tree where miners once diverted the water. Stay safe and stick to the trail while immersing yourself in the region's rich mining history.

Length:

6km

Duration:

2hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 646m

Min elevation: 576m

Total Ascent: 168m

Start: Garden of St Erth

End: Garden of St Erth

Wombat State Forest

Victoria

Nearby town: Blackwood

From state capital: 90km

Latitude: -37.47757846

Longitude: 144.2909359931946

Walk map

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Hike overview

Whipstick Loop Walk is situated in the Wombat State Forest and traverses part of the Great Dividing Trail but then loops down around Whipstick Creek through some beautiful open eucalypt forest, to bring you back to your starting point at the Jack Cann Reserve. Along the walk there is historical evidence of various types of mining with both vertical and horizontal shafts. All of the mining in the area was conducted by hand in very difficult conditions. There is a fenced area with a viewing platform along the track, where you can safely view one of the old mine shafts. Take the time to look and appreciate the extent of works undertaken but for your safety, please stick to the track.

Further along the trail you will also get to walk along the remnants of a water-race, Miners hand dug these trenches to direct water both to and from their mine workings. At one section of the track a boardwalk has been constructed around an old tree through which the miners once diverted the water course.There is also evidence of a structure that once spanned the creek that may have been a tramway or bridge foundations.

You can easily extend this walk by combining the Lerderderg Heritage River Walk and Whipstick Loop Walk into a 15km circuit known as the Lerderderg Heritage River and Whipstick Loop.

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Whipstick Loop Walk (6km)

Total distance: 5779 m
Max elevation: 646 m
Min elevation: 576 m
Total climbing: 168 m
Total descent: -168 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Barrys Reef, Blackwood, Clunes, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Greendale, Hepburn Springs, Kyneton, Macedon, Maldon, Melton, Spargo, Trentham, Woodend

Getting to the trailhead in Wombat State Forest.

The historic town of Blackwood is 88km from Melbourne via the Western Hwy. Located opposite Garden of St Erth at Simmons Reef, Blackwood in the Wombat State Forest. From Melbourne Blackwood is 88 km via the Western Hwy and north of Myrniong and Greendale. Head west from Blackwood on Simmons Reef Road for 2km to the Jack Cann Reserve, from where the walk commences. The trail head is located approximately 1.5 hours from Melbourne and approximately 40 minutes from Ballarat. The walk is also easily accessed from the towns of Daylesford, Trentham and Woodend.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Winding Road
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Table

About the region

The Wombat State Forest is located between Woodend and Daylesford, at the Great Dividing Range. The forest is approximately 70,000 hectares (170,000 acres) in size. It is a magnet for the adventurous, with walking and cycling trails, four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, camping and wildlife spotting. You can explore to your hearts content.

A notable feature of Wombat State Forest is the extent of mineral springs which account for over 80% of Australia's mineral springs. The mineral waters are rich in calcium, silica, magnesium, iron and sulphur. The volcanic activity of the region has supplemented the creation of mineral water carbon dioxide mix that is seen in the form of bubbles emerging from the springs.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Wombat State Forest or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

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.

Explore safe

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.

Packing checklists

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.

Let someone know

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

Reviews

Whipstick Loop Walk (6km)

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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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Whipstick Loop Walk (6km)