The Best Walking And Hiking Trails Around Ballarat

The Goldfields area around Ballarat is home to many fantastic walking trails that are suitable for people of all skill levels. From tranquil native forests and state parks to picturesque villages and historic mining country, every walk is different and will give you a real taste of Ballarat life. In the list below, we’ve outlined just a few of our favourite walks in the area.

• Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail

Discover what was once an important transport link between the historic gold mining towns of Ballarat and Skipton. The trail is a massive 53km long and takes most people around 5 hours to complete. It is suitable for walkers, cyclists and even horse riders. You’ll pass through some smaller towns along the way, which are perfect if you need a break.

• Eureka Trail

This trail follows the route taken by police and soldiers from the Police Camp in the early hours of December 3 1854 to quell the uprising of miners. Along the way, you have the opportunity to see some of the areas remaining historical sites. Starting on Lydiard Street and ending at the Eureka Stockade, it’s 3.5km long and takes about an hour to complete.

• Lake Wendouree Trail

Once the venue for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics rowing events, Lake Wendouree is one of Ballarat’s more popular spots to visit. The trail runs around the lake for 6km and takes most people about 1 and a half hours to complete. The route takes you past the Botanical Gardens, Olympics Course and the historic Sailing Club.

• Webster Street Heritage Trail

If you’re interested in Ballarat’s more historical side, which takes you through the city’s heritage precinct (filled with intact houses, hotels, corner shops and other buildings from the early 1860s to the 1940s). Pick up a brochure from the Visitor’s Information Centre and follow the road, learning about the various buildings along the way.

• The Goldfields Track

If you’re a serious walker, this track is for you. Starting at Mt Buninyong and ending in Bendigo, it’s a grueling 210km long and passes through Ballarat, Creswick, Daylesford and Castlemaine. The track can be broken down into three shorter sections – the Wallaby Track (90km), Dry Diggings Track (61km) and Leanganook Track (58km).

The next time you’re holidaying in Ballarat, we thoroughly recommend that you give one of these walking trails a go. Whether you’re travelling with your significant other, a group of friends or even the kids, you’ll be able to tackle these walks with ease. Perhaps you could even bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy in a sunny spot along one of the trails.