Thought the Goldfields was Just About Heritage? Their New Mountain Biking Track Will Have You Thinking Again

As Australia's premier heritage region, it is easy to envision the Goldfields as a place of majestic buildings, mining legacies, gold and historic streetscapes. That changed eight years ago, when the Cycling Australia Road Nationals came to Ballarat. The event cemented the city as the home of Australian Road Cycling, with the 2014 event attracting Tour de France champion Cadel Evans and over 23,000 spectators. The region, however, isn't just for road cycling enthusiasts. In 2012, the Goldfields Track received a $500,000 upgrade, and was recently unveiled as a dual mountain biking and bush walking route. The next phase in development will see the Goldfields Track creating alternate diversions, providing options for riders ranging from recreational to hardcore.

Starting in Ballarat and ending in Bendigo (or vice versa), the 210km Goldfields Track was originally formed by gold seekers in the 1850s and known as the Great Dividing Trail. It is some of the most beautiful mountain biking and hiking country in Victoria, passing through forests, pastoral countrysides, key Gold Rush cities, and striking lookouts. Its real significance, however, lies in its blend of nature and culture. It is as much a cultural trail as a challenging one, taking in the rich history of the Goldfields. As a link between the major townships of Creswick, Daylesford, Castlemaine, Ballarat and Bendigo, it also offers riders (and bushwalkers) creature comforts; a good cafe, restaurant, bike shop, good spa and comfortable accommodation are easily accessible.

The natural track is broken into four sections; Ballarat to Creswick (2 to 3 hours ride), Creswick to Daylesford (5 to 6 hours ride), Daylesford to Castlemaine (5 to 6 hours ride), and Castlemaine to Bendigo (5 to 6 hours ride). It also links to other trails, allowing for an on-road and off-road experience.

Wallaby Track, 90km, Ballarat to Creswick, Creswick to Daylesford

The Wallaby Track is perhaps the easiest section of the ride. Starting at Mt Buninyong (which is where all the action at the Australia Road Nationals happens), it follows the Yarrowee River through the heart of Ballarat, where riders can spot prospectors trying their luck panning for gold. From there, it is pure mountain bike territory, with the thrilling section being the Creswick state forest. Here, undulating 4WD roads are interspersed with occasional bursts of natural single-track, with roots and shaley lining the path. Passing through mining then pastoral country, the track finishes at picturesque Lake Daylesford after a run through Wombat Forest.
Ride time (Ballarat to Daylesford): 8-10 hours
Walking time (Ballarat to Daylesford): over 4 days

Dry Diggings Track, 61km, Daylesford to Castlemaine

This is the best known and commonly ridden section of the Goldfields Track, with brilliant single-track sections and challenging climbs, descents and creek crossings. It is also one of the most scenic, with sub-tropical forests, Australian bush, and ruins and artefacts from the gold rush days. Riders will look forward to the last few kilometres, which are all downhill.
Ride time: 5 - 6 hours
Walking time: over 4 days

Leanganook Track, 58km, Castlemaine to Bendigo

This section of the track features long and relatively steep ascents, and shorter, rockier, pincher and more technical ones, with plenty of challenges that will leave MTB enthusiasts satisfied. The start of the track (Castlemaine) is a test of strength, with the first 15km comprising uphill climbs. Once over Mt Alexander, the character of the track changes, following the 70km Coliban water system that supplies Bendigo with water from the Great Dividing Range. More uphill climbs follow before the Track runs to a finish in Bendigo.
Ride time: 5 - 6 hours
Walking time: Over 4 days

The Goldfields Track is one and a half hours drive to Ballarat and two and a half to Bendigo. Given the varying terrain, from single tracks and grippy loam to roots, rock ledges and coarse sandstone, it is best suited to those with existing mountain biking experience and fitness. As it is a natural track in bush (though not too far from civilisation), bikers will need to carry adequate water, food, basic mechanical spare parts and a map. Mobile-phone coverage is not always guaranteed in the area, however, the track is well-signposted. Trips, including where to stay and what to do, can be planned through the 'Plan Your Trip' function on the Goldfields Track website at www.goldfieldstrack.com.au.

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