Spargo Werribee River Circuit (15.7km)

Spargo Werribee River Circuit is a 15.7km, grade 3-4 circuit hike located in Wombat State Forest Victoria. The hike should take approximately 5hrs to complete.

Summary

This Spargo Werribee River Circuit explores the historic Spargo Creek Mineral Springs Reserve and upper reaches of the Werribee River.

Commencing at the former Spargo Creek Mineral Springs Hotel head west along a walking trail then the Spargo-Blakevill Road towards the Mineral Springs Reserve. Follow the Reserve Track south along the eastern banks of the Korweinguboora Reservoir, then east to the Ballan-Daylesford Road. Cross the road and locate a vehicle track to your right. At this point, head off-trail for approximately 1.1km as you make your way north, then east to a series of track junctions and the start of the Werribee River Walk.

Follow this trail south as it follows the Werribee River. After approximately 2km the trail with turn north east, then north to return on the opposite side of the river. Continue North to Carrolls Track. Turning east, walk a short distance to McGees Road.  Turn north and walk approximately 600m and locate a track junction on your left. Follow this west for 800m. Turning north, make your way along an old vehicle track, up a gentle spur to a broad ridgeline. Follow the ridge north to an elevation of 634m then turn north west and descend to the Spargo-Blakeville Road.

Follow the road west, returning to the start point and your vehicle.

About the region

Historically, the Spargo Creek Mineral Springs Reserve was a prominent local recreation reserve, used for a range of community activities and organised sporting events. In recent years this activity has ceased and the reserve had fallen into disrepair. Recently, however, works have been undertaken around the mineral spring. The reserve has attractive landscape qualities, such as its creek-side location and the contrast of its informal exotic vegetation with the surrounding indigenous landscape.

Getting there

From Melbourne’s CBD, follow M1 and National Highway M8 to Ballan-Daylesford Rd/C141 in Ballan. Take the C141 exit from National Highway M8. Turn right onto Ballan-Daylesford Rd/C141 (signs for Daylesford). The walk starts at the former Spargo Creek Mineral Springs Hotel.

Tips

• This circuit follows a combination of dirt roads/4wd tracks, creeks and off-trail sections.
• You should always carry a map and compass and posses good navigation skills.

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