Eureka Track

Named after the armed rebellion by gold miners in the 1850s, the Eureka Track takes in a number of intact gold rush streetscapes.  From an ancient volcano above the gracious township of Buninyong, the Eureka Track heads through the heart of stately Ballarat, plunges into a gold rush era churned landscape and on to Norman Lindsay’s home town of Creswick. 

 

Ride the Eureka Track

Total distance: 44 km

Total time: 3-4 hours *

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1.    Mt Buninyong to Ballarat (20km)
Descending the road from Mt Buninyong don’t be fooled by the smoothness of the tarmac underneath you nor the ease of the descent itself.  After following the Envirotrail beside the Geelong Road, at Olympic Avenue you can either follow the shared use, Ballarat Council maintained track beside the Canadian Creek, or meander through rehabilitated wetlands alongside Yarrowee River into the suburbs then inner city of Ballarat, passing some impressive heritage buildings along the way.  This section offers great family friendly riding into the centre of Ballarat.  

2.    Ballarat to Creswick (24km)
Bitumen soon gives way to dirt and gentle gradients soon give way to lung busting climbs as you head into the Dividing Range. Long sections of singletrack through open native forest have recently been upgraded by Dirt Art on the roll into and out of Creswick – it’s great riding and there are a few climbs to test the legs. Rest up and refuel in Creswick for the fun ahead.

 

* All times are based on walkers and riders with a reasonable level of fitness and experience. Walking times are based on approximately 4km/hr.

Walk the Eureka Track

Total distance: 44 km

Total time: 2-3 days *

Download map:

 

1.    Mt Buninyong Walk : Mt Buninyong – Olympic Avenue (11km)
From 745m high Mt Buninyong, descend steeply with splendid bucolic views to emerge in Buninyong township’s pretty botanic gardens. From the cafes of the town centre, the track grinds along beside highways  – good exercise but definitely pedestrian.

2.    Whitehorse Walk : Olympic Avenue – Ebden Street (7km)
Follow the shared use path along the Canadian Creek.  The small creek has been lined with native vegetation by the City of Ballarat, making for a please walk into the inner city of Ballarat.

3.    Creswick Miners Walk : Ballarat Railway Station – Creswick (25km)
Follow the along Yarrowee River, turning to gently climb into twice-hammered forest – first, by the gold diggers, then for forestry. A long, but not difficult walk.

 

* All times are based on walkers and riders with a reasonable level of fitness and experience. Walking times are based on approximately 4km/hr.

Elevation

Eureka Track