Daylesford Goldfields Track Walking and Wellness Experience

Day 1: Hanging Rock and Eureka Reef to Castlemaine

1. Hanging Rock Reserve
   6h · Admission ticket included
   Departing Melbourne, we head to Mt Macedon and then on to Hanging Rock where we begin our first walk. We then go on to Chewton to explore the region's rich gold mining history.
   
   These leisurely walks through the dry eucalypt landscape will serve as your introduction to the Goldfield's track. As you stroll through what was once a bustling mining village, your experienced guides will pause along the way to showcase relics, share insights, and facilitate discoveries.
   
   Before moving on to Daylesford, take a refreshing swim
   or unwind by the waterside. Upon arrival, you'll settle
   into your accommodation. The evening presents a delectable two-course meal, thoughtfully prepared by your guides, allowing you to savor a well-deserved culinary experience.

Day 2: Hepburn to Chocolate Mill, Fryerstown to Spring Gully and Castlemaine

1. Hepburn Springs
   8h
   After breakfast we set off to Hepburn Springs for our first walk. We walk a segment of the historic Dry Diggings trail, leading us to the Chocolate Mill. Our next destination is Fryerstown where we walk to Spring Gully and explore the history of Fryerstown. Reconnecting eith the Dry Diggings track, we walk box ironbark forest, passing remnants of gold mining history before reuniting with our bus in Spring Gully. En route to Castlemaine, we pause at Guildford to learn about the region's indigenous heritage. Amidst this enlightening stop, we enjoy lunch while marveling an ancient 1,000-year-old River Red Gum. This tree symbolises the profound connection of its traditional custodians, the Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal people. Heading to Castlemaine, we explore the vibrant artisan precinct, The Mill, and its food and wine outlets, vintage treasures, and an exceptional Austrian coffee house. We also taste some local chocolate. It's then back to our lodging for a delicious guide cooked meal.

Day 3: Three Lost Children walk, Sawpit Gully to Porcupine Ridge, Mt Franklin and Hepburn Bathhouse

1. Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
   8h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, we revisit a segment of the Goldfields Track, in Wombat State Forest. Our day begins with the Three Lost Children walk. We then walk from Sawpit Gully to Porcupine Ridge. An immersive journey through Daylesford's regional parks, once bustling goldfields. After lunch, we walk the dormant volcano, Mt Franklin. This picturesque mountain is shrouded in coniferous forest, Silver Birch, White Poplar, Sycamore, and Californian Redwoods. We traverse the 2km circuit trail, which culminates in panoramic views of the surrounding plains. It's then on to the renowned Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, to unwind in tranquil mineral springs pools. Since 1895, the Bathhouse has offered the timeless pleasure of communal bathing, boasting a Relaxation and Spa Pool—both rejuvenating spaces harnessing the essence of mineral water to replenish and oxygenate, nurturing a profound sense of wellbeing. This evening, we gather for a final group-dinner at a local restaurant to reflect on our adventure.

Day 4: Lake Daylesford, Domino Rail Trail and Trentham Falls

1. Daylesford
   8h
   Our final day of walking starts from Daylesford as we
   head to the Convent Gallery, once known as the Holy Cross Convent. This heritage complex now encompasses various artisan and gallery spaces. We have time to meander within this rich space. We begin our journey homeward, visiting the charming town of Lyonville for our 6km Domino Rail Trail walk. Traversing a Special Protection Zone, we delve into the habitat of the endangered Powerful Owl along the Trentham railway line—a vital conduit in times past. On reaching the idyllic village of Trentham, we visit the revered Red Beard Bakery. This bakery, with its original woodfired oven, harks back to a bygone era. The stalwart Scotch oven, employed continuously from 1891 to 1987, boasts a weight of 75 tonnes and the capacity to produce 600 loaves in a single firing. Since 2005, it has crafted sourdough bread. For afternoon tea we indulge in the bakery's offerings before driving back to Melbourne, drawing the curtains on our adventure.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness