Steiglitz Deadmans Gully Circuit Walk is an 8.5km, grade 3 hike located in Brisbane Ranges National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 3-4 hours to complete.
Hike overview
The Steiglitz Deadmans Gully Circuit, also known as the Steiglitz Circuit, is a rewarding 8.5km journey through history and nature in the Steiglitz Historic Park.
Your adventure begins at the historic Steiglitz Courthouse. From here, the Deadmans Loop Walking Track leads you southward to Sutherland Creek, where orange markers guide you through open bushland towards The Crossing Picnic Area. Cross the main road and continue north on Hut Road to reach the eastern side of the crossing, where Grahams Gully and the Burchell Trail await.
Next, follow Hut Road east and immerse yourself in the Burchell Trail for over 5km. This scenic path runs parallel to Yankee Gully Creek before ascending a gentle gully towards Mulrooneys Track and The Pines Car Park. Keep your eyes peeled for remnants of the gold mining era along the way.
From the Pines Car Park, head south past impressive mullock heaps, relics of the New Chum Mine. These heaps offer breathtaking views over the Steiglitz Historic Park and the surrounding Brisbane Ranges National Park. Follow Steiglitz-Durdidwarrah Road and turn right onto Hut Road. Take a quick detour through the bush, crossing School Track, before returning to Steiglitz-Durdidwarrah Road.
Finally, cross the road and follow the old vehicle track marked by orange markers. Upon reaching a fence, turn right and head south, gradually curving towards the New Chum Bridge. Cross the bridge and head up to the Steiglitz Courthouse to complete your circuit.
This versatile walk offers accessibility from multiple points, including The Pines Car Park, Steiglitz Courthouse Car Park, and The Crossing Picnic Area. Enjoy this historical and scenic journey through the heart of the Steiglitz Historic Park at the southern end of the Brisbane Ranges National Park.
Remember, as you walk, you are a guest on Wadawurrung Country. Be mindful of your impact and follow responsible walking practices. Leave no trace, respect cultural sites, and appreciate the unique beauty of this shared space.
By acknowledging the traditional owners and practicing responsible exploration, you can ensure your walk through the Steiglitz & Deadmans Gully Circuit is not only enjoyable but also respectful of the cultural significance of this land.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 322 m
Min elevation: 214 m
Total climbing: 227 m
Total descent: -234 m
Trail location
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Getting there
Steiglitz is located 80kms west of Melbourne. Take the M1 towards Geelong and then turn right towards Little River and the You Yangs. Turn right again on to Granite Road which will take you to Anakie and the southern end of the park.
About the region
Little more than an hour's drive from Melbourne takes you to the state's richest wildflower habitat. Set in a low range of mountains dissected by rocky gullies, the unusual geology of Brisbane Ranges National Park has preserved plants that have long since vanished from the region, together with a correspondingly diverse bird population and the greatest density of koalas in Victoria.
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.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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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.
1 Review on “Steiglitz Deadmans Gully Circuit Walk (8.5km)”
Fantastic little walk. Did this a few years ago and again last weekend. Thanks for the write up.