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.
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.
Total distance: 5779 m
Max elevation: 646 m
Min elevation: 576 m
Total climbing: 168 m
Total descent: -168 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: 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.
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Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Winding Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- 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: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Barrys Reef, Blackwood, Clunes, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Greendale, Hepburn Springs, Kyneton, Macedon, Maldon, Melton, Spargo, Trentham, Woodend
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 walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Wombat State Forest? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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1 Review on “Whipstick Loop Walk (6km)”
Pleasant walk. Bit of scrambling over and under logs required. Towards the end signposting is not clear. Don’t go over the bridge unless you want to do a double loop. Instead go right and it’s a short walk to starting point