Steiglitz – Deadmans and Grahams Gully Loop (6.8km)

Summary

This Steiglitz – Deadmans and Grahams Gully Loop commences at the Steiglitz Court House. Walk one kilometre south-west along Stawell Street to Sutherland creek. Follow the creek bed on western side approximately 750 metres and locate orange markers where a small waterfall joins the creek. Follow the markers north-west through open bushland until you reach the Meredith-Steiglitz Road.

Deadmans Loop: Complete the loop by turning right at the Meredith-Steiglitz Road. This will return you via the bitumen road, passing the old Catholic Church (c1868) and cemetery. This hike continues north along Hut Road.

Cross the main road and continue north along Hut Road until you reach The Crossing Picnic Area. On the eastern side of the crossing you will locate Grahams Gully. During dry weather you can simply follow the creek bed the entire length back to Steiglitz. If the creek is flowing simply follow the gully along the banks of the creek through farm land and bush.

Alternative from The Crossing Picnic Area is to continue along Hut Road or follow the Burchell trail along Yankee Creek to the Pines Carpark.

History

Situated between Geelong and Ballarat, Steiglitz is almost a ghost town today but in the 1860s and 1890s it was a busy goldmining township with hotels, shops, churches and a population of over 1000. At the height of the 1860s gold rush, Steiglitz township had more than 1500 residents, four hotels, a newspaper, a variety of shops and even an undertaker.

Now most of the town and its surroundings are included in the Steiglitz Historic Park. Enjoy a pleasant bush walk relax with a picnic or pan for gold. Of course, a trip to the park wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Steiglitz Court House, with its display of photographs, maps and relics of gold year. The court house is open on Sunday and public holidays, and at other times by arrangement.

Tips

• Moderate to Difficult (yellow markers)
• Don’t miss the Star of Hope Tunnel on the banks of Sutherland Creek