Summary

A 4km walk along a scenic gully in Hepburn Regional Park, which can easily be turned into a return trip.

Description

This is a great half-day walk for locals or visitors to the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area, giving you a good taste of the surrounding bushland in a peaceful gully.

The walk begins in Bryces Flat Reserve, which is easily accessed from Bald Hill Road in Hepburn. You will come to a bridge; cross it, and the turning to Bryces Flat is on the left, where parking is available.

Set out following the signs to the Blowhole, taking the footbridge over Sailors Creek and following the track up. You will cross back over Bald Hill Road before reconnecting with the path on the other side, which will lead you up into the trees and over the hill to the gully on the far side. Forming part of the 210km Goldfields Track, the path is always clear and well signposted.

Following it for half an hour will bring you to the Blowhole, a good place to stop to refuel. The Blowhole is a remnant of the gold rush, created to expose gold in the water, and after heavy rainfall it appears to shoot water. Unfortunately, the viewing area is currently closed due to a recent rock fall.

From the Blowhole, follow the signs towards Breakneck Gorge. The Dry Diggings Track temporarily joins with an unsealed road before turning off to meet the riverbed, currently dry. If in doubt, just follow the yellow signposts.

The trail becomes trickier here, negotiating a few more hills and with some rocky spots to navigate. The slope becomes quite steep to your left in some places and it’s best to walk carefully. Small lizards are common along the path on a warm day and the odd swamp wallaby can be spotted down in the leafy gully.

It takes around an hour from the Blowhole to reach Breakneck Gorge: a deep, tree-filled gorge that appears suddenly around a bend. It’s a great place to watch some birds in the treetops below. And if you’re not feeling too worn out, the walk can easily be turned into a return trip, back along the same path.

Want to walk further? You could link this walk to our maps for Bryce's Flat to Tipperary Springs and this walk between Tipperary Springs and Twin Bridges picnic areas.

21383 Views

Points of Interest

1. Bryces Flat

A picnic area with plenty of shaded parking , this is a great place to leave your car while you walk.

2. The Blowhole

The Blowhole is a remnant of the gold rush, created to expose gold in the water, and after heavy rainfall it appears to shoot water. Unfortunately, it is currently closed due to a recent rock fall.

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3. Waterholes

Even in the dry months of summer there are pools of clear water to dip your feet in on a hot day.

4. Ruins

Keep an eye out and on the other side of the gully you'll spot an old stone wall, half-hidden in the bush.

5. Wildlife

Small lizards are a common sight underfoot, and in the greener areas of the gully the odd wallaby can be spotted. Towards the end of the track you'll find this homely-looking cave on your right.

6. Breakneck Gorge

A deep, tree-filled gorge that appears suddenly around a bend, Breakneck Gorge is a great place to watch birds in the treetops below.

7. Wild Melbourne

This walk was completed by Wild Melbourne, a not-for-profit specialising in nature engagement and dedicated to connecting people with nature. Please visit our website to find out more.

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Features

Picnic spot

Seating available

Historical interest

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river