Bushwalking package

Mt Beckworth Scenic Reserve

 The reserve is 8km west of Clunes and 35km north of Ballarat. The magnificent views from the top of Mount Beckworth are worth the effort.

 Major Mitchell passed through the area in 1836 and described it as being well covered with trees. A huge pine on the peak is one of 12 planted 70 years ago and remains as a landmark. It can be seen from at least 50km away.

 Things to do and see

Picnicking, walking and rock climbing are popular. Walk to the peak to see different areas of the reserve. Spring provides a colourful display of wildflowers.

Camping: You can camp for short stays at a number of designated sites, but facilities are limited. Bring your own drinking water and firewood.

Enfield State Park

 The park is 25 km south of Ballarat. The best access is via Misery Creek road from the Colac-Ballarat Road.

 The park has a gold mining past where many separate goldfields occurred, including mines at Misery Creek, Staffordshire Reef and Berringa. Surface Point was the site of a Chinese settlement in the 1860s.

 Things to see and do

Walking: The park features a large circuit walking track with some side tracks. These tracks go through a variety of bush types and terrain.

Camping: A walk in camp without facilities for overnight hikers is available at Frith Gully. Only fuel stoves may be used at this camp. Camping is available at Surface Point for short stays only.

Creswick Regional Park

 The park is only 18km north of Ballarat via Creswick. The main park features include Koala Park, St George’s Lake, Eatons dam and Slaty Creek picnic areas. The park also includes the Creswick Nursery and Landcare Centre.

Intensive mining was carried out throughout the area during the goldrush of the 1850s and 1860s. Mining remains are visible over most of the park today.

 Things to do and see

The park provides a network of walking tracks which link major park features. Wheelchair access tracks are available at St Georges Lake and Koala Park. For those more experienced a section of the Great Dividing Trail passes through the park and offers extended overnight walks.

There are several lovely picnic spots with barbecues, but we suggest you bring your own firewood. Other activities include fishing, canoeing and gold panning.

Lal Lal - Bungal Historic Reserve

 The reserve is only a short 20 minute drive from Ballarat. The best access is via Eureka Street, Yendon and then Lal Lal following the signs to the Blast Furnace.

 This lovely patch of bush has a mining history that excludes gold. It was the site of the Lal Lal Iron Mine which operated from 18 to ?. The Lal Lal Blast Furnace is a feature of the reserve and a place where the iron rock was processed to produce iron.

 Things to do

Picnicking: A spacious picnic area in a delightful bush setting with BBQ’s and picnic tables.

 Walking: The 20 minute circuit Blast Furnace Nature Walk will give you an insight into the once operable Lal Lal Iron Mining Company. Spend the time to experience the past while enjoying the chatter of birds and flowing of water from the Bungal dam.

Anderson’s Mill

 The mill is located 25 km from Ballarat at Smeaton and is one of the outstanding monuments to Victorias pioneering past.

 In 1862 the Anderson family built this flour mill in order to tap into the local agricultural and population boom. The five story blue stone building, an 8.5 meter water wheel, and a variety of outbuildings are well worth the look. Despite it impressive beginnings, the prosperity of the mill was short lived

Opening times