Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy the Goldfields Track Walk or Ride Guide 2nd edition?
Do I need to bring my own water on the walk/ride?
Yes, please bring enough water for yourself, plus extra. There is no drinkable water on the track (often no water at all).
Can I camp along the Goldfields Track?
Camping is provided in designated campsites, which are clearly signed and can be found on the Parks Victoria website. Â
There are designated campsites along the Goldfields Track at the following locations:
- Slaty Creek, Creswick. Parks Vic: OnTrack. Car access, 5 kms from Creswick, pit toilets, wood fireplace. No water.
- Vaughan Springs. Parks Vic: Close to Track and picnic ground (see Picnic Areas below).
- Leanganook/Koala Park, Mt Alexander. Parks Vic: Near track. Car access, fire place, toilets. No drinkable water.
Camping is not permitted along the Coliban Water Channel. This channel still supplies water to Castlemaine and Bendigo.
Total Fire Ban Days and Extreme Weather
The Goldfields Track passes through many heavily forested areas and we do not recommend walking on days of days of higher fire danger, Total Fire Bans or when strong winds or storms are forecast. On days of Catastrophic Fire Danger parks will be closed for public safety. If you are already in the park, please leave the night before or as early as possible in the morning.
There is no mobile phone signal on long sections of the trail. Please check the forecasts before you leave home at VicEmergency (fire danger ratings and current incidents) and the Bureau of Meteorology (weather forecast). Download the VicEmergency app or call 1800 226 226 for updates.
The Track passes through three fire districts:
Central: the whole of the Eureka and Wallaby Tracks from Mount Buninyong ET1 to half-way between stops DD23–DD24 on the Dry Diggings Track.
North Central: from half-way between DD23–DD24 on the Dry Diggings Track to Youngs Lane just south of LT15 on the Leanganook Track.
Northern Country: from Youngs Lane just south of LT15 to Bendigo LT25 on the Leanganook Track.
How do I get to the Goldfields Track?
The Goldfields Track is 210km long, from Bendigo to Mount Buninyong. The track passes through several train stations that can be accessed via VLINE. Please check the VLINE website for up-to-date timetables and information.Â
It is also possible to access the Goldfields Track via car, and there are certain vehicle access points along the track. For more information, please refer to the Goldfields Track Walk or Ride Guide 2nd edition.
Is there accommodation along the Goldfields Track?
Can I bring my dog, or ride my horse along the Goldfields Track?
The Goldfields Track passes through land managed by several different land managers – mainly Parks Victoria and the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Some is managed by Councils. Some of the Track passes through National Parks, State Parks and Regional Reserves, which may not allow animals to be brought in. Please check as best you can with the land managers before you start your walk/ride.
For example, dogs are permitted on a lead along the Goldfields Track except where shown below. They must be kept on a lead and under control at all times. Please pick up after your dogs and remove all droppings for the sake of other visitors and wildlife.
Dogs are prohibited in:
- DD25: Vaughan Mineral Springs Camping and Day Visitor Area in Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park
- DD36: on the summit of The Monk in Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park (the short loop off the Goldfields Track)
- LT5: Welsh Village and Nimrod Reef Mine in Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park (the short loop off the Goldfields Track)
- LT5–LT6: in the water of the Expedition Pass Reservoir (short loop off the Goldfields Track between these stops/points)
- LT18–LT21: in Greater Bendigo National Park (inside the park boundaries near these stops/points).