The Rubicon Aqueducts hike is a scenic walk with no steep hills, unless you opt for the more challenging route (see map and GPX file below). Despite the presence of power stations and tramlines, this is a nature walk with historical significance, not an industrial tour. The full walk should take about 5 hours. While it covers approximately 18 km, it is almost flat and entirely on good tracks, allowing for a faster pace than usual.
Begin by walking south along Royston River Road for 2 km until you reach a road junction. Turn right and head downhill parallel to the wood stave pipeline leading to the picturesque Royston Power Station.
Head south along the tramline for 3.4 km to the Rubicon Dam. This side trip meanders through tall forest on a flat route. You will encounter a couple of attractive bridges: Beech Creek Trestle, rebuilt after the 2009 fire, and Lubra Creek Trestle, which has a rotten deck with gaps. To cross the valley, descend a side track to the creek. At the end of the tramline, take in the atmosphere of the damp gorge and its small dam. The steep stairway to the top of the dam wall has a locked gate installed by AGL Energy for safety reasons. Do not attempt to bypass the gate or climb the structure. Instead, walk back a hundred metres or so from the dam wall to find a rough trail leading to the lake for views near the dam wall. The view of both the lake and valley from this point is worth the effort. After a break, return to Royston Power Station.
From Royston Power Station, head north on the tramline beside the aqueduct, passing a mini sawmill and a house. Shortly afterwards, the line crosses a road on another trestle bridge. Either walk over the bridge or descend and walk to the other end, but avoid taking a minor road that initially runs parallel to the aqueduct. Instead, climb back up to the tramline and walk north beside the aqueduct for 5 km until you reach the forebay at the end of the aqueduct. Once a small village with about a dozen houses, the forebay area still has four buildings, including a shed for the rail vehicles and a building housing the large winch that hauled passengers and freight up the steep incline. Take in the stunning view from the forebay, where the open aqueduct feeds into a steep penstock carrying water down to Rubicon Power Station 450 metres below. The view of the Goulburn Valley and beyond is remarkable.
After enjoying the view, walk southeast up Le Bruns Road for 3 km to return to your car.
Variations (refer to maps and GPX files below)
- The side trip from Royston Power Station to the Rubicon Dam is probably the most attractive part of the walk, but it is optional. You can save 7 km of walking and one and a half hours if you omit it.
- A harder option (C) is to start the walk at Rubicon Power Station at the bottom of the huge pipeline (see map and GPX file below). Walk up Rubicon Road past the tiny Rubicon Falls power station to join the walk described above near Royston Power station. It's worth doing the great side trip to the Rubicon Dam. (Marked in dark blue on the map.) Then head north up the tramline (note the undulating road which initially runs parallel to it) to the end of the aqueduct. At the Winch House at the northern end of the aqueduct, walk down the very steep haulage tramline. It's a rough 1.3 km at a gradient of 1 in 3. So while it's a rather exciting way to descend to your car, your knees and ankles may never forgive you.
A: Route described above including side trip to Rubicon Dam (17.3km)
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: 17284 m
Max elevation: 932 m
Min elevation: 816 m
Total climbing: 585 m
Total descent: -585 m
Variation B
Route described above, commencing at the Rubicon Power Station and including side trip to Rubicon Dam (21km)
Total distance: 21039 m
Max elevation: 933 m
Min elevation: 379 m
Total climbing: 1053 m
Total descent: -1054 m
Variation C
Via Rubicon Power Stations (24km)
Total distance: 23438 m
Max elevation: 895 m
Min elevation: 377 m
Total climbing: 1139 m
Total descent: -1139 m
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Getting to the trailhead: Rubicon Valley Historic Area.
Drive to Healesville and continue on the Maroondah Highway (B360) over the Black Spur. Proceed to Taggerty and turn right onto the road leading to Eildon (C515). Continue for 9 km until you reach the bridge over the Rubicon River. Do not cross the Rubicon; instead, turn right onto Rubicon Road. The first 5 km is sealed, but the last 3 km are gravel. Just before you reach the power station with the large pipeline, turn left onto Royston River Road and climb for 5 km to the junction with Le Bruns Road. This area is on the edge of a coupe where recovery logging took place after the 2009 fires. Park your car here.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
The Rubicon Valley Historic Area, a 1470-hectare enclave within the Rubicon State Forest, stands as a testament to the region's industrial heritage. Once a hub of timber extraction, the valley's dense forests and rugged terrain supported a network of sawmills and tramways. The remnants of this era, including impressive trestle bridges and the skeletal remains of once-bustling operations, offer a glimpse into the past.
A parallel narrative unfolds with the valley's role in Victoria's electrification. As one of the state's pioneering hydroelectric schemes, the Rubicon Valley harnessed the power of water to illuminate homes and industries. The engineering feats of the time, such as the aqueducts and power stations, are still evident today, though largely inaccessible to the public.
Beyond its historical significance, the Rubicon Valley is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. A tapestry of trails awaits, catering to hikers, mountain bikers, and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts. The valley’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from foothill forests to higher altitude ash plantations, support a rich array of flora and fauna, including threatened species like the Leadbeater's Possum and the Barred Galaxias.
Visitors should be mindful of the valley's delicate balance. Many roads are closed seasonally to protect the environment. It's essential to adhere to these restrictions and share the space with other users, including wildlife.
The Rubicon Valley Historic Area is situated approximately 150 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. It's a destination that invites exploration, offering a unique blend of history, nature, and adventure.
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: Alexandra, Eildon, Marysville, Rubicon, Thornton
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Looking for more walks in or near Rubicon Valley Historic Area? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Mount Torbreck Scenic Reserve
Favourite
Yarra Ranges National Park
Favourite
Yarra Ranges National Park
Favourite
Lake Eildon National Park
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
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.
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_11.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_29.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_7.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_23.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_21.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_6.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_17.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_19.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_30.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_22.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_1.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_9.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_2.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_15.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
/Rubicon-Aqueducts-Hike_32.jpg "Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)")
10 Reviews on “Rubicon Aqueducts Hike (17.3km)”
Love this area. Some real interesting stuff aroundMedia: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10159833566395974&set=p.10159833566395974&type=3
Sean Lewis that’s cool. Do you know where it starts and ends?
Yeah it’s an old timber pipeline from the early 1900’s for the rubicon hydro electric power station. There is several in the area
Media: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10159833648445974&set=p.10159833648445974&type=3
Sean Lewis cheers. I’ve done the walk a few times but never looking into the history.
Sean Lewis How incredible is that Wooden pipeline !🙏
And the sawmill down the bottom as well, cracking area !
I loved your narrative of the route for this trail. My downloaded map wouldn’t work due to no signal. Thanks God o had this page still open so I just read it and did mu best to follow the directions. I still lost my way but I was pretty confident I’d find my way.
Leesa Harris
Alasdair Duffy Matthew Parrella Think we chose the harder option ?
Looks cool
It’s a beautiful area Bev. I’d love to do this hike
Thank you David Sisson for allowing us to share this trail
Looks great, gotta get out there sometime
Helen Panayi Craig Tilley
Vaughan Bowman