Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the rich gold rush history of Victoria on the challenging 8.5km circuit trail in Wombat State Forest. Starting and ending at Blackwood Hotel, just 89km from Melbourne, this Grade 4 hike meanders through Mineral Springs Reserve and around Yankee Creek, including a visit to Shaw's Lake. Expect a mix of foot trails, water races, and off-trail walking, with a short but steep hill to navigate. Basic navigational skills are recommended to fully appreciate this unique Australian trail.

Length:

8.5km

Duration:

4 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 649m

Min elevation: 524m

Total Ascent: 342m

Start: Blackwood Hotel

End: Blackwood Hotel

Wombat State Forest

Victoria

Nearby town: Blackwood

From state capital: 89km

Latitude: -37.46689648836131

Longitude: 144.31058049075614

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Hike overview

The water races surrounding Yankee Creek, on the northern edge of Blackwood, bare witness to a much busier gold rush past. This hike will take advantage of the water races to explore one of the lesser known tributaries of the Lerderderg River. The hike passes through Mineral Springs Reserve and visits Shaws Lake along the way.Most of this walk follows water races and foot trails but there is the occasional fallen tree to scramble over. There is also a section of off trail walking down an open spur and along Yankee Gully, which will require basic navigational skills. One short but very steep hill is also encountered.

Tips

Be careful of mine shafts in the area. Walking Poles are useful. Carry water.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Walk map and GPX file
Yankee Creek Hike (8.5km)

Total distance: 8509 m
Max elevation: 649 m
Min elevation: 524 m
Total climbing: 342 m
Total descent: -342 m

Gallery

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Wombat State Forest.

From Melbourne follow the Western Freeway for 67Km and take the Greendale exit. Continue on for 6.5Km to Greendale. Turn right along the Greendale-Trentham Road and follow it for 11Km to Blackwood. Park near the hotel.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Wombat State Forest, located near Blackwood in Victoria, is a fantastic destination for anyone who loves walking, bushwalking, or hiking. Just 90 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, this expansive forest is home to a network of trails that wind through towering eucalypts, fern-filled gullies, and rugged landscapes shaped by centuries of natural forces. With a variety of tracks catering to different fitness levels, it’s a place where both casual walkers and seasoned hikers can find a trail that suits their style.

Rich in biodiversity, the forest supports an array of native wildlife, from echidnas and wallabies to the elusive Powerful Owl. Among the dense undergrowth, rare plant species like the Wombat Bush Pea thrive, adding to the ecological significance of the area. The forest also plays a crucial role as a water catchment, feeding the headwaters of the Lerderderg, Moorabool, Coliban, Campaspe, and Loddon rivers, which in turn sustain communities and natural habitats beyond its borders.

One of the standout features of Wombat State Forest is its mineral springs. Accounting for over 80% of Australia’s mineral springs, these waters are naturally enriched with calcium, silica, magnesium, iron, and sulphur. Many visitors enjoy stopping at these springs to sample the unique mineral-rich waters, which have long been valued for their supposed health benefits.

Beyond hiking and bushwalking, the forest offers plenty of outdoor activities, making it a great spot for a day out or a longer adventure. Four-wheel driving, mountain biking, birdwatching, and picnicking are all popular pastimes here. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll beneath the towering gums or a more challenging hike through rugged terrain, Wombat State Forest has something to offer.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

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: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Barrys Reef, Blackwood, Clunes, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Greendale, Hepburn Springs, Kyneton, Macedon, Maldon, Melton, Spargo, Trentham, Woodend

Let someone know

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.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Wombat State Forest? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

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.

Packing checklists

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.

Reviews
Yankee Creek Hike (8.5km)

5 Reviews on “Yankee Creek Hike (8.5km)”

Overall rating

Peter Jolly

Geez, Grade 4

05/01/2025, 08:33

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1. Trail Hiking Australia
  
  Peter Jolly The grade of this one is mostly due to navigation challenges. Its pretty overgrown so often hard to find the footpad.
  
  05/01/2025, 23:45
  
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  1. Peter Jolly
    
    I love bashing it but sometimes a nice easy walk warms the heart.
    
    06/01/2025, 00:06
    
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Amanda S

We did this circuit today, starting from the marker for Great Dividing Trail off Whalebone Road. For some reason we had a lot of trouble finding the trail after the lake – shortly afterwards, it kind of petered out and we didn’t see a clear trail again until the northern-most section where you cross the creek with a steep downhill/uphill. From there we followed the track to the end of Moonlight Trail but again lost the path and ended up wandering around down in the gully for a while until we gave up and made our way back to Moonlight Trail and walking back to town via Old Blackwood Road. Not sure where we went wrong considering we tried to match our Google Maps location to the OCM marked trail exactly but still managed to do a whole lot of off-trail hiking that we probably weren’t supposed to do! In any case, the terrain is not too difficult although everything is damp/wet and most of the logs are very slippery, so caution must be taken when climbing over them.

24/03/2022, 05:23

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

July 23, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Yankee Creek Hike (8.5km)