Walking, Hiking & Cycling

WALKING & HIKING

Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or a challenging hike, this region provides many options. Trek through the region’s spectacular surrounds, from the magnificent Trentham Falls to Mount Franklin’s awesome volcanic crater to the iconic Hanging Rock. Make your way up to the Memorial Cross pinnacle in the Macedon Regional Park. Scale rugged rockfaces in Wombat State Forest or the 300-metre gorge in Lerderderg State Park.

MACEDON REGIONAL PARK Over 400 species of native plants have been recorded in the Macedon Regional Park and more than 200 species of birds and a wide variety of mammals can be found here, including koalas, kangaroos, swamp wallabies, wombats, possums and gliders. There is ample opportunity to explore the park on foot via a series of walks that make up the Macedon Ranges Walking Track.

visitmacedonranges.com HEPBURN REGIONAL PARK Located around the famous mineral springs townships of Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs. Here you will find natural mineral springs and relics of the gold mining era set in delightful bush surroundings.

hepburn.vic.gov.au SECRET FOREST WALKS Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Wombat Forest, assisted by GPS technology. No clubs or tours, just you and the company of your choice, or solo if you wish. Choose from a selection of carefully mapped bushwalks in the Wombat Forest according to your tastes and abilities.

secretforestwalks.com

GOLDFIELDS TRACK

The Goldfields Track is a point to point 210 km track stretching from Ballarat in the south to Bendigo in the north. It passes through some of the region’s most historic towns and beautiful forests, including Creswick, Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and Castlemaine. You can hike the whole track or split it into smaller sections.

goldfieldstrack.com.au For more information call into a local Visitor Information Centre.

S T Ay Dine R E L A X

Photography by Chloe Smith.

CYCLING

No matter the type of riding you love, there is the perfect trail, track or quiet road awaiting your adventure.

GOLDFIELDS TRACK

The Goldfields Track is an historic point to point 210 km track stretching from Ballarat in the south to Bendigo in the north, through some of the region’s most historic towns and beautiful forests, including Creswick, Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and Castlemaine. The track was constructed by gold settlers over 150 years ago and today is well known amongst cyclers and walkers. The Wallaby Track section will take you from Mount Buninyong through to Daylesford. This 90 km track is for fit and confident riders and can be done in one day.

Keen mountain bikers and history buffs love the ‘Dry Diggings’ section from the Chocolate Mill in Dry Diggings through to Vaughan Springs and on to Castlemaine.

goldfieldstrack.com.au MACEDON REGIONAL PARK

The fire tracks on the side of Mount Macedon range from flat trails that are gentle

enough to allow you to teach little kids to ride bikes (say in the Macedon Scout Camp area) to rocky, white-knuckle descents (such as Barber’s Chute Track). These tracks are well drained and are a good option when it’s wet.

parkweb.vic.gov.au WOMBAT FOREST

Near Woodend, you’ll discover 100 km of purpose-built single track winding through beautiful forest. Built by the local Wombat Mountain Bike Club, the trails suit beginner to expert riders and are accessible year-round.

wombatmtb.com.au HARCOURT (LA LARR BA GAUWA PARK)

Best for experienced mountain bikers, but with easier trails for beginners as well, this is a world-class destination for riders. Expertly built by the team at DirtArt, the trails make the most of the hilly, granite countryside. An easy drive from Melbourne or train to Castlemaine, this is mountain bike heaven.

lalarrbagauwa.harcourt.vic.au CRESWICK

Also easily accessed from Melbourne, Creswick is positioning itself as the next mountain biking mecca. The newly-built pump track in town is arguably Australia’s best, there are many great cross country options such as the RACV Goldfields Resort track, and construction of a top-notch 100 km trail network is expected to commence soon.

vogacycleclub.com.au

FAMILY-FRIENDLY TRAIL ROMSEY TO LANCEFIELD AND RETURN

A leisurely one hour ride, this trail mostly travels along a dedicated shared path for cyclists and pedestrians. Enjoy expanses of rolling farmland, classic Australian architecture and treat yourself at one of Lancefield or Romsey’s cafés or restaurants. Start and finish at the Lions Park Reserve, Romsey.

ROAD RIDE THREE TOWN SCENIC ROUTE (WOODEND, TRENTHAM, KYNETON)

This ride is a great opportunity to explore a large part of the region in a single loop that joins Woodend, Trentham and Kyneton. Great from either direction, this ride gives you open farmland, tree-lined country lanes and undulating leafy roads. Suggested start and finish Woodend Train Station.

For more information visit strava or call into a local Visitor Information Centre. strava.com/clubs/ridemacedonranges visitmacedonranges.com/ride-guide