13. Goldfields-Dry Diggings Track Stage One 13.2km

 U3A Hike No 13


Hike Report by Gordon Talbett

Today we commenced our walk from Daylesford to Castlemaine. We set off from Daylesford Lake under clear skies, with frost under foot, and followed the Wallaby Track and the Wombat Creek to where the Dry Diggings track commenced. We then contoured along the eastern bank of the Sailors creek, heading north, admiring the sun’s rays slanting through the trees, and wishing we were on the sunny side of the creek. Both sides of the creek were heavily wooded, and there was neither sight nor sound of the outside world. 

We paused to peer into the depths of a fenced off mine shaft beside the track, and shortly after descended to creek level for a break in a sun-warmed clearing. Finally, we were able to shed layers of clothing. We had descended to the creek and of course we had to ascend again, but now we were in the drier forest typical of hills north of the Divide, and we were in the sun. 

We passed the Blowhole (a tunnel cut by miners to divert the creek) and admired the water shooting out and cascading down to the creek. Finally, we entered the Breakneck Gorge and followed this around the northern edge of Hepburn Springs to our finishing point. 

We agreed that this day’s walking had the finest scenery, and the least ascending and descending, of any that the Hiking Group has done, and we were very pleased with the perfect weather provided by Andrew. 


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