What to take on your Goldfields Track trip

If you’re heading off on a walk or ride along the Goldfields Track, here are some suggestions as to what you might need to take. This list is from the ‘Goldfields Track Walk or Ride Guide’ second edition 2024. 

You can buy a copy of this useful guidebook here. 

You will need to carry enough water to see you through your trip, particularly in summer, when you will need at least two litres per person in hot weather for a day walk. There is no drinkable water on the track (often no water at all) except at designated campsites/picnic grounds. See the interactive map here with campsites and water sources marked. 

Be prepared for cold and rain in any season by ensuring you have warm clothing, a waterproof coat, a hat, gloves and sturdy footwear. Visibility may change quickly on Mt Buninyong and Mt Alexander, making it difficult to see posts. 

Avoid walking or riding on Total Fire Ban days or in extreme weather. In summer, ensure you carry sunscreen and insect repellent. A basic First Aid kit is advisable. 

Carry the Goldfields Track Walk or Ride guidebook or other detailed map, a GPS or compass and look for the direction posts. If you think you’ve missed a post, retrace your way to the last post that you found and check the map. 

Carry a fully charged mobile phone and dial 000 in an emergency. Even where you don’t have reception, you can dial 112 and your call will be carried by a GSM network if one is available. 

Camping grounds, as well as toilets, are marked on the map, see here. 

Fires can only be lit at fireplaces in these areas. If you plan to camp, carry a waterproof tent, a sleeping bag and a compact portable stove. Carry out your rubbish. There is no camping on land managed by Central Highlands Water or Coliban Water. 

Please check our FAQs about taking dogs and riding horses.

To avoid damaging the bush, mining relics and hidden mine shafts, keep to the formed tracks and take all your rubbish home with you. 

And finally, we hope you love your time on the Goldfields Track. If you’re happy to share your photos with us, please tag us in on Instagram and Facebook @goldfieldstrack or send us an email at info@goldfieldstrack.com.au