Thinking about hitting the Goldfields Track from Castlemaine? Whether you’re into hiking, mountain biking, or just love being outdoors, Castlemaine is one of the best places to start your journey. It sits right in the middle of this historic trail, giving you access to two of its most scenic and interesting sections — with great coffee nearby too.
In this guide, we’ll break down where to begin, what to expect, and how to plan your trip. First off, let’s take a quick look at where it is on an actual map:
To get a glimpse of: (1) trail stations, (2) actual tracks, visit this map to learn more in-depth!
What Is the Goldfields Track?
The Goldfields Track is a 210km walking and mountain biking trail in Central Victoria, making it one of the most prominent trails running through Castlemaine. It runs from Mount Buninyong (near Ballarat) all the way to Bendigo, passing through a string of gold rush towns, forested trails, and rugged ridgelines. It’s part of the Great Dividing Trail Network and is divided into three main sections:
- Wallaby Track (Mount Buninyong to Daylesford)
- Dry Diggings Track (Daylesford to Castlemaine)
- Leanganook Track (Castlemaine to Bendigo)
Castlemaine is the only town that sits at the junction of two trail sections, which makes it a perfect base – whether you’re doing a short section or tackling a longer stretch.
Where to Start the Goldfields Track in Castlemaine
First option: Starting the Leanganook Track (Castlemaine to Bendigo)
If you’re heading north toward Bendigo, you’ll be starting the Leanganook Track. The most common starting point is just a short walk or ride from Castlemaine Railway Station. Follow the signage near the station and you’ll connect to the trail easily. You’ll soon find yourself riding or walking through peaceful bushland, with views across the Box-Ironbark Forests.
Second option: Starting the Dry Diggings Track (Castlemaine to Daylesford)
If you’re heading south toward Daylesford, you’ll join the Dry Diggings Track — known for its steeper terrain, winding singletrack, and historic mining relics. The trail starts around the southern edge of Castlemaine, often linking with The Mill Castlemaine or Forest Creek Track before heading out past Chewton and deeper into the bush.
Other Popular Starting Points on the Goldfields Track
Ballarat: The southernmost starting point of the Goldfields Track. From here, the Wallaby Track kicks off, beginning at Mount Buninyong and stretching north to Daylesford. This section passes through scenic forest and historic gold mining areas – a popular choice for both day hikes and longer rides.
Bendigo: Located at the northern end of the trail, Bendigo marks the finish line (or starting point, depending on your direction) of the Leanganook Track, which runs between Castlemaine and Bendigo. This section features forested ridges, bushland, and the historic Mount Alexander.
Creswick: A key point along the track, Creswick is where the Eureka Track ends and the Wallaby Track begins. It’s a great midway option if you want to break the full trail into manageable sections. The town itself has a strong mining history and is surrounded by state forest.
Daylesford: One of the most flexible towns along the Goldfields Track, Daylesford sits between Creswick and Castlemaine and connects to both the Wallaby and Dry Diggings Tracks. It’s a great base for short trips in either direction and offers plenty of accommodation and food options to refuel before or after your trek.
Explore more: Travelling From Daylesford to Castlemaine
What You’ll See on the Trail
Heading South: Toward Daylesford (Dry Diggings Track)
This is the more rugged section, especially popular with experienced mountain bikers and long-distance hikers. It winds through the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, home to some of the best-preserved gold rush relics in Victoria.
You’ll pass:
- Chewton’s historic ruins, including stone cottages and former gold mines
- Forest Creek, once one of the richest alluvial goldfields in the world
- Tunnel and Fryers Creeks, with remnants of old mining races and diggings
- Ghost town relics in Fryerstown, including old chimneys and public buildings
The terrain here is hilly, and some paths are rocky and narrow — expect switchbacks, exposed ridgelines, and the occasional push if you’re on a bike.
Heading North: Toward Bendigo (Leanganook Track)
This direction is gentler and more forested, great for casual riders and walkers. The trail leads into the Muckleford State Forest, where you’ll be surrounded by:
- Box-Ironbark woodland, a type of dry eucalypt forest unique to Central Victoria
- Long stretches of singletrack and fire trails
- Open views from elevated ridges, especially around Mount Alexander
- The sound of kookaburras, and sightings of wallabies, echidnas, and sometimes goannas
If you love nature, this section has some of the most peaceful walking in the region, with less foot traffic than the southern side.
Quick Tips Before You Go
- Bring plenty of water – parts of the track are remote, and there are few refill point between towns.
- Wear proper trail shoes or MTB gear – you’ll be on loose gravel, steep slopes, and sometimes slippery clay after rain.
- Download or carry a map – signage is improving, but intersections and old mining trails can still be confusing.
- Check track conditions on GoldfieldsTrack.com.au before you leave — closures can happen after storms.
- Respect Country – the trail crosses Dja Dja Wurrung land, and new signs now share local stories, Indigenous place names, and cultural significance. Take time to read them and tread lightly.
Where to Stay in Castlemaine After a Day on the Trail?
If you’re planning to explore the Goldfields Track, choosing the right place to stay in Castlemaine makes a big difference – especially after a long day outdoors. For comfort, privacy, and a touch of luxury, Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation offers some of the best boutique accommodation in Castlemaine. Their curated properties are thoughtfully styled and designed to help you unwind, whether you’re here for hiking, biking, or simply slowing down.
With locations close to town and beautiful natural surroundings, you’ll have easy access to cafes, galleries, and bushwalks – plus the option of Castlemaine accommodation with a pool for that well-earned post-trail dip. If you’re looking for places to stay in Castlemaine that blend charm, comfort, and convenience, this is your go-to.
Interested in other outdoor activities in Castlemaine? Here are more outdoor places to visit:
