Robert Pepper – Trek – 10 The Golden Way: Daylesford to Castlemaine
Description: This trip is to validate Trek 10 in the Robert Pepper 4WD Treks Close to Melbourne book. It is a one-day trip that winds its way from Daylesford to Castlemaine on forest roads and tracks and through heritage rich goldfields, once one of the richest in the world. Leaving Daylesford, we travel on tracks through the Hepburn Regional Park and pass the Swiss-Italian 19th century Lavandula Farm and Cricket Willow, which are both worth visiting and staying for some time on another occasion. We then take forest roads through the Dry Diggings State Forest before visiting the villages of Yandoit and Franklinford. Crossing the Midland Highway, we then travel on forest roads and tracks through the Upper Loddon State Forest to Vaughan Mineral Springs. From Vaughan the trek continues along the western boundary of the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park and given time, provides the opportunity to walk the Eureka Reef Walk. The final section of the trek includes two creek crossings and finishes in Castlemaine via the Midland Highway.
The trip is on a Saturday, which will allow those who may wish to stay overnight, to further explore the historic goldfield heritage of the area or perhaps take a ride on the Goldfields steam rail between Castlemaine and Maldon.
Other than Robert Pepper’s book, Rooftop’s Daylesford–Castlemaine–Ballarat Forest Activities Map covers the entire trek.
Weather: This is Victoria, so anything is possible. Bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
Equipment: Vehicles need to have low range 4WD capability with good all-terrain tyres and UHF radio. Usual recovery gear should be carried.
Trip Standard: Easy to medium.
Fuel: A full tank ex Daylesford.
Distance: Approximate distance from Melbourne to Daylesford is 114 km and the trek is 75 km.
Duration: One day.
Convoy limit: 10 vehicles.
Meeting arrangements: Meet at 09:00 SATURDAY morning at the Daylesford Information Centre, just south of the roundabout at the top of the hill on the main street of Daylesford.
Trip Leader: Simon and Julie Bridge - 0413691343 / scbridge@btinternet.com
Trek Manager: Graeme Allen - 0477488434
