Staying Safe

Water

Apart from at towns and villages along the way, there is little to no potable water available along the track. So be prepared to carry all you need, and that can be at least 2 litres per person on a hot day.

Currently the only water on the track outside of towns and villages is in following five locations:

• Tank water on the Wallaby Track at the Dean Community Hall, and Mollongghip Community Hall.
• Potable water on the Dry Diggings Track at the Fryerstown School.
• Tank water on the Leanganook Track near Harcourt North. 
• A mineral water pump on the Dry Diggings Track at Vaughan for those who like the taste of real mineral water!

Maps

The Goldfields Track Committee has worked hard to install a lot of signage but that doesn’t mean you don’t need a proper, detailed map. So before you hit the track, make sure you get a map. More details at the Get A Map page.

Fire Season and Planned Burns

Central Victoria can be hot in summer and poses a risk to track users on days of Total Fire Ban.  The Goldfields Track crosses a number of fire districts – Northern Country, North Central and Central.  So make sure you are fully informed.  Keep up to date on current warnings on the Emergency Vic warnings page.

During autumn and spring local land managers sometimes conduct planned burns (to manage future bush fire risk). While these burns do not necessarily close the track, depending on the amount of smoke they may lessen your enjoyment.  You may want to schedule your visit to avoid these times. Information on planned burns is available here. 

Mobile phone access

There are sections of the track that have no mobile access, even for those with Telstra. If you with one of the low cost carriers your service will be very limited. However, in the event of an emergency a mobile phone should always be able to call 000, or 112, even without service coverage. Make sure you have a fully charged phone with you when you are on the track. If possible, also carry a GPS device, and/or keep note of your progress along the track. That way in the event of an emergency you can provide accurate information on your location.

Stay on the track

To avoid damaging native vegetation, including small native wildflowers, mining relics, or having an accident with an old, hidden mine shaft you should stick to the formed track. The region is rich in gold rush history, which makes it a very interesting area to explore, but also increases the need for care.

Spares and care

All visitors to the track should have at least a basic first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, a waterproof jacket, and consider a warm hat and gloves – the weather can change, in all seasons.

For bike riders it is recommended to convert your tyres to run tubeless (if they are not already). The terrain is rocky so you want to reduce the chances of a pinch flat. Pack a multi-tool and make sure it has a chain breaker and you have spare chain link, and chain lube to give your chain some love at the end of each day. A spare derailleur hanger is mandatory – again, it’s those rocks. There are good bike shops in Ballarat, Castlemaine and Bendigo if more substantial repairs are needed.

Signage

The Goldfields Track is marked out by distinctive yellow/gold topped posts. These marker posts will help guide you along the track and include other useful information, such as deviations for walkers/riders and to warn of road crossings.

In towns or on access roads you’ll need to look out for blue “street signs” with the words “Goldfields Track” to help guide you.

Track closures

Sometimes it is necessary to close sections of the track. This may be due to damage caused by weather events, necessary maintenance, or another reason. We do our best to keep up to date on these track closures, and post information on the Important News page. Generally, when a section of track is closed there will be signs directing you to an alternative route. Please do not ignore a track closed sign, you may end up on a section of track that is unsafe for use at that time.

Keep Australia Beautiful

This old adage makes sense, so please, whatever you take along the track with you, please also take away with you and dispose of appropriately.

Did we miss something?

The Goldfields Track is 210km long, so we do not always know when a sign is missing, a tree has come down, there is overgrowth on the track, or some other problem. If you encounter any issues, or just have some feedback (positive or negative) please do drop us a line using the Contact page.