Eureka Track (Ride)
Ride the Eureka Track
- 44km (approx)
- 3-4 hours*
Creswick to Mount Buninyong (44km)
Ballarat was the site of Australia’s only armed rebellion. It was the place where the Southern Cross or Eureka flag was first unfurled before an angry crowd of 12,000 people – one-third of Ballarat’s population – in response to provocation by the new Governor of Victoria, Sir Charles Hotham.
The Eureka Track can be broken into three smaller rides, or combined to create a 3 to 4 hour ride. See more information in the sections below.
* Ride time is based on riders with a reasonable level of fitness and experience.
The best way to understand the track conditions and attractions is to purchase and use the Golfields Track Walk or Ride Guide (second edition). You can buy a copy here.
Miners ride
Creswick Station to Ballarat Railway Station (25.4km)
The track follows the route taken by 200 Creswick miners who left their claims to march 21km to join their ‘brothers’ in their fight for justice at the Eureka Stockade in 1854. The bike trail for this section is slightly shorter at 24.2km.
Canadian Creek ride
Ebden Street to Olympic Avenue (6.9km)
This shared use track offers a more direct route into the city. Twinned to Canadian Creek, it meanders along a City of Ballarat-signed trail, which is well-used and maintained. The Council has lined the small creek with native vegetation, making for a pleasant experience. Bikers can also choose to follow the Canadian Creek Trail or head east to the Yarrowee River trail. Both rejoin at Peel Street south.Â
Mount Buninyong ride
Olympic Avenue to Mount Buninyong (10.8km)
In the language of the Indigenous Wadawurrung people, the traditional owners of the land, Buninyong translates as ‘man lying with his knees raised.’ An ancient volcano, the highest part of Mount Buninyong dates from around 10,000 years with the impressive crater being much older.
Elevation
The Eureka Track traverses a variety of terrain and elevations.
