From Mount Buninyong and Ballarat to Bendigo and all the sights and delights in between, absorb the history, cultural and culinary spoils and every-changing landscape of the Goldfields Track.
The Goldfields Track takes you through sensational lands once so rich in gold deposits they made Melbourne the wealthiest city in the world.
Beginning from the heights of Mt Buninyong just south of Ballarat, the Goldfields Track takes bushwalkers and mountain bikers north through the historic towns of Ballarat, Creswick, Daylesford and Castlemaine, before finishing in Bendigo. The trail has wonderful sections of singletrack that cuts through a diverse landscape of bush, granite boulders and scenic farmland.
The Track is broken into three shorter sections: the Wallaby Track (90km) from Mt Buninyong to Daylesford; the Dry Diggings Track (61km) from Daylesford to Castlemaine; and the Leanganook Track (58km) from Castlemaine to Bendigo.
See http://goldfieldstrack.com.au/ for more information.
The new Castlemaine to Maldon Walking and Cycling Trail was officially opened on Saturday 18 March 2017. The 17.7 kilometre trail can be ridden in either direction (or both) between Castlemaine and Maldon train stations, and passes through a number of historic points including the Muckleford station, running in parallel to the heritage Victorian Goldfields Railway for much of the journey. There are also a number of areas of singletrack mountain bike and other forest trails accessible from the Trail.
You can even combine the cycle elements of the Trail with a steam train experience on offer from the Victorian Goldfields Railway (VGR). Currently up to 10 bicycles can be accommodated on the steam train with no pre-booking required. Bikes are carried for free one way on purchase of any one way ticket which need to be purchased from the respective station on the day of travel. Any groups of 10 or more should be pre booked. For further information contact the VGR on 5470 6658 or info@vgr.com.au.
Castlemaine and the surrounding countryside is the perfect place from which to begin a number of leisurely town and family rides. Visit the sights, drop into one of Castlemaine's cafes for a drink and a bite to eat or just take in the glorious scenery.
Drop into the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre or just give them a call on (03) 5471 1795 for maps and further information on rides in the area.
Enjoy some of the highlights of the beautiful Goldfields area by riding a few of the most popular road cycling loops around Castlemaine. Almost all loops are on quiet, low-traffic roads.
See www.thebikevault.com.au/local-rides for maps and information.
Castlemaine provides a wide range of Mountain Bike trail options. The best way to learn the local trails is join the local mountain bike club, the Castlemaine Rocky Riders, on one of their regular social rides, details (www.rockyriders.com/ride-castlemaine/regular-rides), or visit their website (www.rockyriders.com/ride-castlemaine/trails) for details on a selection of local riding locations.
La Larr Ba Gauwa Park in Harcourt includes 34km of mountain bike trails that take advantage of the areas stunning views and unique rock features. The park has 11 trails that cater to riders of all abilities from beginner to advanced.
Mountain Bike Races and Events all year round including the Golden Triangle Epic in March, Duael 6hr pairs Enduro in April and the Interwinter Series from May through to June.
