Hiking From Daylesford to Ballarat on the Goldfields Track

Offering a variety of day, overnight, and multi-day hiking options, Reanna opted to spend three days traipsing about in Central Victoria’s most historically significant towns.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

This section of Goldfields Track is an 80km one-way, Grade 3 hike between Daylesford and Ballarat in Victoria. You’ll need around three days to complete it.

Daylesford to Ballarat on the Goldfields Track Quick Facts

Distance: 80km
Duration: 3 days
Elevation Gain: 753m (total for entire length of Goldfields Track)
Nearest Town: Bendigo, Ballarat, and Daylesford

About the Goldfields Track

The full Goldfields Track is a 210km route running from Bendigo to Mt Buninyong, south of Ballarat, in Victoria. The track can be done in one long thru-hike, or broken down into smaller sections, such as the three-day section my partner and I completed between Daylesford and Ballarat.

The track explores some of Central Victoria’s historic towns, forests, and gold-mining regions. It’s also easily accessible by public transport, making coordinating a one-way hike a breeze.

Goldfields Track History

Alternatively known as the Great Dividing Trail, the Goldfields Track connects some of the 1850s gold rush towns, and remnants of old tram tracks and mines. The track was made for use by both hikers and mountain bikers.

While it’s probably not the most scenic hike in Victoria, what the track lacks in mountain vistas, it makes up for in historical significance.

Read more: Remember to Leave No Trace

How to Get to the Goldfields Track?

The Goldfields Track has numerous trailheads, as the trail goes straight through many of the towns along the route. As the track is one-way, you’ll need to arrange a car shuffle or plan to use public transport.

By Car

The towns of Daylesford and Ballarat are both under two hours drive from Melbourne. Parking is generally available around town, with long term parking available at train stations.

By Public Transport

Both towns are serviced by Vline, Victoria’s regional transport provider. Ballarat has hourly Vline trains running from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne, taking around two hours.

To get to Daylesford, take the Vline train towards Echuca, disembarking at Woodend, where a bus meets the train to take passengers to Daylesford and surrounds. The journey takes about two hours. Vline services don’t need to be booked in advance, and for both of these routes you can use a Myki card.

Where to Stay Along the Goldfields Tracks

As the route passes through towns, private forestry land, and state forests, options for camping are limited and require planning in advance. Additionally, there’s the option to stay in hotels in each town.

The Goldfields Track website recommends options for both hotel and camping accommodation along the route.

Skill Level

Intermediate 

This track requires you to have some experience and gear specific to overnight camping. The track is well formed, often following wide 4WD tracks in addition to single tracks, and the elevation profile is relatively low.

While it’s well signposted, this should not be relied upon and the ability to navigate using maps is required. We had phone reception for most of the route.

This hike would be excellent for those starting out their overnight hiking journey, or anyone looking to test out new gear or do a shakedown hike.

Distance / Duration / Elevation Gain of the Goldfields Track

77km / 3 days / 1265m

This section of the Goldfields Track between Daylesford and Ballarat took my partner and I three days to complete. Depending on where you are staying, side detours may be required to reach your campsite or accommodation.

Essential Gear for the Goldfields Track

• Compass and map (downloaded and printed)
• Hiking pack
• Tent
• Sleeping gear (mat, sleeping bag, pillow)
• Food for three days
• 3L water and a water filter 
• Rain gear
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Head torch
• First aid kit (including a snake bite kit)
• Hiking boots

Check out our guide to packing for an overnight hike!

What it’s Like to Walk the Goldfields Track

Day One – Daylesford to Mollongghip

Distance: 30km
Time: 7-8 hours

After making an early getaway from work before the long weekend, my partner and I caught the train and bus to Daylesford before spending the night at the Daylesford Hotel. This provided us with plenty of time to bolster our food supplies at the supermarket in town, and fuel up on a pub meal, before getting up early to hit the trail the next morning. 

The Goldfields Track runs straight through town, so it wasn’t long before we were on the track near Lake Daylesford.

The trail soon deviated from the residential area and we followed a mineral spring and creek through Hepburn Regional Park. The path was wide and well-formed, with undulating hills and plenty of shade from the surrounding bush.

After stopping on the side of a dirt road for a quick lunch, we continued along the single track through the forest, before joining an old tramway track that was used in old sawmill operations. It was relatively easy walking, and we enjoyed the opportunity to push out our legs for a longer day on trail.

Eventually we emerged from the forest onto a country road, where we detoured off the official trail to head towards our campsite for the night. With limited camping opportunities available along the track, we followed the advice of the trail notes and emailed the secretary of the historic Mollongghip Community Hall. The committee of the small country hall welcomes hikers to camp on their lawn for a small fee, with access to the kitchen and bathroom provided. 

Day Two – Mollongghip to Creswick

Distance: 23km
Time: 5-6 hours

We had a wonderful evening sleeping outside the Mollongghip Community Hall, enjoying the opportunity to sit at a table and chairs in the old kitchen. Our route for the morning took us via long, straight country roads that were thankfully relatively free of traffic, before dwindling in size to a basic dirt track north of the village of Dean.

After a stressful encounter with a group of cows blocking the path, we returned to the native bushland on the edge of Creswick Regional Park. It was again a relatively straightforward hike, with small hills and beautiful bushland to take in.

We reached St Georges Lake by lunchtime, where we enjoyed our meal in the shade before tackling the biggest incline of the day up to Brackenbury Hill. After taking in the view of the town of Creswick below, we quickly continued on through the pine plantation before joining a trail through the historic gardens on the edge of town.

Our initial plan had been to push on to a free camp a further 7km away on the south side of Creswick, but the temptation of the comforts of town proved too strong, and we found ourselves pitching our tent in the caravan park by mid-afternoon.

Day Three – Creswick to Ballarat

Distance: 26km
Time: 6-7 hours

Our choice to stay in town meant that we had a slightly longer day than initially planned, so we were up early to make breakfast and pack up our tent, much to the bewilderment of the grey nomads staying in the caravan park. After explaining that we were indeed walking and carrying all our supplies, we made our way back through Creswick to rejoin the trail heading south towards Ballarat.

The trail today included much more single track, which made for a great change from the 4WD tracks and roads the day prior. After an hour or so we reached Slaty Creek, which had a series of free campsites that were packed with 4WD campers and, to our surprise, people panning for gold in the creek. 

We continued on our way, walking through Creswick Regional Park, passing a reservoir, and eventually joining Nerrina Historic Area, a popular MTB park near Ballarat.

After a quick lunch, the thought of a cold drink in town pushed us on, and before we knew it we were passing under the Western Freeway and following a paved path through the Ballarat suburbs. 

The Goldfields Track continues on through Ballarat to Mt Buninyong, however our journey ended at the railway station (or more accurately, a pub nearby!) where we enjoyed a break before catching the train back to Melbourne.

Tips For Hiking the Goldfields Track

• Plan your accommodation in advance. With limited camping options on route, emailing ahead helps ensure you are able to access options such as the Mollongghip Community Hall
• Ensure someone knows where you are going and your expected return date
• Carry plenty of water. There are limited options to top up your water supply throughout the day, and Central Victoria is often hot and dry in the summer months

Read more: How To Hike in Hot Weather

FAQs Goldfields Track

How long is the Goldfields Track?

The entire length of the Goldfields Track is 210km.

How long is the section between Daylesford and Ballarat?

The section of the Goldfields Track between Daylesford and Ballarat is 80km in length.

Can I ride my bike on the Goldfields Track?

Yes, you can ride your bike on the Goldfields Track.

Can I camp anywhere on the Goldfields Track?

No, you can’t set up anywhere you like on the Goldfields Track. You’ll need to stay in established campgrounds or book accommodation. The official Goldfields Track website has more information about this.

Want more adventures near the Goldfields Track?

• Bendigo Graveleur – A Cruisy Weekend Bikepacking Trip Accessible by Public Transport
• Beeripmo Walk at Mt Cole State Forest
• Mount Towrong – Fungi Filled Forest an Hour From Melbourne
• An Outdoor-lover’s Guide to Daylesford & Macedon Ranges