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Daylesford & Goldfields Track 4-Day Walking Tour | Spa, Trails & Heritage Towns
📍 Victoria, Aus | ✅ All INCLUSIVE
Walk through gold rush history, soak in mineral springs, and explore Victoria’s artisan heartland.
This 4-day journey blends scenic trails, heritage towns, and spa-time indulgence in Daylesford and the Goldfields.
Melbourne, VIC
Maximum 10 People
36 KM
Easy +
200% Co2 Offset
Step into a region where history, nature, and indulgence collide. This 4-day walking escape explores the iconic Goldfields Track and the charming spa country around Daylesford. Hike through box-ironbark forests, past gold rush ruins and volcanic peaks. Wander historic towns like Castlemaine and Hepburn Springs, unwind in the soothing mineral pools of the Hepburn Bathhouse, and sample local treats from artisan chocolate to Red Beard sourdough. With daily guided walks, cosy group dining, and luxury accommodation at the Manor House estate, this tour blends trail time with downtime—perfect for hikers who love culture, history, and hot springs.
Duration: 4 days
Style: Guided walking escape with cosy group dining
Region: Victoria’s Highlands — Daylesford & Goldfields Track
Accommodation: Luxury stay at the Manor House estate
Walk sections of the Goldfields Track through box-ironbark forests
Explore gold rush ruins and volcanic peaks
Stroll historic Castlemaine and Hepburn Springs
Soak in the Hepburn Bathhouse mineral pools
Taste local favourites: artisan chocolate and Red Beard sourdough
Kick off your journey with a visit to the peaceful village of Mount Macedon for morning tea before stretching your legs at the iconic Hanging Rock Reserve. Take in panoramic views from the summit track and explore the discovery centre before heading north to Chewton.
This afternoon, you’ll walk a section of the Goldfields Track, tracing old water race trails and gold rush ruins around Eureka Reef, guided by stories of the 1850s mining boom. After a refreshing swim stop (optional), continue on to Daylesford, your base for the next three nights. Enjoy a chef-prepared two-course welcome dinner and relax into country comfort.
Begin with a short walk through Hepburn Springs Reserve, following the Dry Diggings Track to the charming Chocolate Mill. From there, journey to Fryerstown, where you’ll explore historic buildings before continuing along scenic bushland trails to Spring Gully.
Over lunch beneath a thousand-year-old River Red Gum in Guildford, learn about the Dja Dja Wurrung people and the area’s Indigenous significance. Cap off the day with a visit to The Mill Castlemaine, a reimagined woollen mill turned artisan precinct where you’ll enjoy local coffee and chocolate tastings. Dinner is another hand-crafted feast prepared by your guides.
Step into legend on the Three Lost Children Walk, a hauntingly beautiful trail through the Wombat State Forest, followed by another scenic section between Sawpit Gully and Porcupine Ridge.
This afternoon, circle the rim of Mt Franklin, a dormant volcano cloaked in lush conifers and dotted with silver birch and redwoods. Finish with an indulgent soak at the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, where mineral-rich waters have soothed tired adventurers since 1895. Tonight’s group dinner is out at a local restaurant—a chance to share stories and toasts.
Wrap up your adventure with a gentle morning wander around Lake Daylesford and a visit to the elegant Convent Gallery before transferring to Lyonville for your final walk.
The Domino Rail Trail leads you through tall forest and endangered Powerful Owl habitat en route to Trentham, where the journey ends on a sweet note at the heritage-rich Red Beard Bakery. After afternoon tea and a look at the 19th-century oven still in use today, it’s back to Melbourne with legs stretched, minds full, and a new appreciation for Victoria’s golden past.
Need more info. Check out full trip notes here
You’ll spend three nights in the heart of Daylesford at The Manor House, an elegant, purpose-built estate set on three acres of tranquil grounds. Each of the eight bedrooms features its own private ensuite, and rooms are styled for both comfort and charm—perfect for unwinding after a day on the trail.
The house includes:
🧼 All towels and linen are provided.
🧺 Please note: There are no laundry facilities available.
You’ll be well-fed and well-fuelled with guide-prepared meals and thoughtfully sourced local treats throughout the trip.
Included Meals:
Special Local Tastes Include:
🥗 Dietary Requirements?
We’ve got you covered! Just let us know in advance so your guides can plan accordingly.
Itinerary Activities & Experiences
Expert Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Transport
Equipment & Support
Fees & Impact
Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges region enjoys a cool, temperate climate with four distinct seasons—perfect for walking, but also full of surprises.
Spring (Sep–Nov):
Expect fresh mornings and mild afternoons (8°C–20°C). Wildflowers are in bloom, and the bush is vibrant after winter rains. Pack layers and a rain jacket just in case.
Summer (Dec–Feb):
Warm, sunny days (12°C–30°C) are common, but occasional heat spikes can push temps higher. Walks are adjusted to suit conditions, and shady forests offer natural respite.
Autumn (Mar–May):
Golden foliage and crisp air make this a favourite time to visit. Temps range from 7°C–22°C. Cool mornings give way to perfect walking weather by midday.
Winter (Jun–Aug):
Cool and cozy, with temperatures averaging 3°C–12°C. Misty mornings, roaring fires, and dramatic skies add a moody charm—just pack warm clothes and waterproofs.
Year-Round:
Weather can shift quickly, so always come prepared with layers, sturdy footwear, and wet-weather gear. All walks are adapted to suit the group and conditions.
Verified Reviews from Past Tours
To keep you comfortable, safe, and smiling on the trail (and at the spa), here’s what you’ll need:
Walking Essentials:
Comfort & Leisure:
Optional but Handy:
Pack light—we recommend a soft duffel or overnight bag and a separate daypack. Luggage is transported for you each day.
Results Summary
Method: high-estimate with Well-to-Tank (WTT) and aviation non-CO₂ effects via RF = 1.9; includes single-origin guest flights, all meals (included + off-tour), on-tour transport & stays, and +10% uncertainty uplift.
Purpose
Conservatively estimate greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂e) across Scopes 1–3, report per person (with group totals for context), and apply a 200% offset per person.
Key Tour Info
Scope & Boundaries
Feeder Hub (Guest Flights) — Single Origin Rule
Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults
Activity Data Applied
Results — Per Person (high-estimate, no tables)
Flights (SYD ↔ MEL, return; WTT + RF = 1.9): ≈ 320 kg
On-tour road (~600 km; conservative passenger-km factor): ≈ 80 kg
Accommodation (3 nights; room-night benchmark): ≈ 60 kg
All meals (12 × ~2.5 kg): ≈ 30 kg
Subtotal: ≈ 490 kg
+10% uncertainty uplift: ≈ 49 kg
Estimated total per person: ≈ 540 kg CO₂e
Reporting focus is per person. Group totals are provided only for context.
Group Totals (context, 10 guests)
Assumptions (transparent)
Versioning
Generated 23 Aug 2025 (Australia/Perth). Factors reviewed at least annually or when official sources update.
References
Travel across Dja Dja Wurrung (Djaara) Country around Daylesford–Hepburn–Castlemaine, and Wadawurrung Country toward Creswick–Ballarat. Culture leads—follow Traditional Owner guidance, signage and any cultural closures.
Big-picture snapshot
Central Victoria’s “spa country” meets the gold-rush heartland: mineral springs, swiss-Italian heritage gardens, slow-food dining and a 210+ km Goldfields Track threading box-ironbark forests, diggings and character towns between Bendigo ↔ Ballarat. Base in Daylesford/Hepburn for bathing and markets; aim out to Castlemaine, Creswick, Trentham, Clunes for history, waterfalls and festivals.
Seasons & timing (what actually changes)
The Goldfields Track (context, not a route card)
A waymarked corridor split into four named sections—Leanganook, Dry Diggings, Wallaby, Eureka—linking gold-rush relics, mineral springs reserves and state/ regional parks. Expect undulating singletrack, heritage water-races, and long gaps between services: plan water/food caching and download the official maps/app before you roll.
Must-dos (beyond boots and bikes)
Nature highlights (easy wins)
Local-style tips
Practical logistics
Zero Trace (do it right)
Pack out everything, keep soaps and sunscreen out of creeks/lakes, stick to durable surfaces, respect fire restrictions and temporary closures, and give wildlife space. Aim simple: leave it feeling untouched.
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Measure Your Co2This tour is designed for those with a moderate level of fitness. Daily walks range from 5–12km over mostly easy to moderate terrain, with occasional inclines and uneven trails. There’s plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, rest, and take photos.
The group meets in Melbourne, with return transfers included. You’ll be dropped off back in the city (outside the NGV) by around 4:30–5:00pm on the final day. If you’re catching a flight, plan for departures after 7:00pm to be safe.
You’ll be staying in The Manor House, a beautiful heritage home in Daylesford with twin-share rooms and private ensuites. This isn’t dorm-style or camping—it’s a warm, elegant space that’s ideal for relaxing after a day on the trails.
This is an all-weather experience, and the coastal conditions are part of the magic. Your guides will adapt the plan if needed to keep the group safe and comfortable.
Yes, this is a small-group guided tour with a maximum of 10–12 travellers. This ensures a more personal experience and low impact on the environment. The guides are experienced professionals who also double as cooks, storytellers, and safety leads
Yes—single travellers can request a room to themselves by paying a single supplement fee. Availability is limited and subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
Standard accommodation is twin-share. If you're travelling solo and don’t opt for the supplement, you’ll be paired with a same-gender traveller when possible.
Prefer your own space? Just tick the single supplement option during checkout
Yes! You’ll have time to unwind in the mineral pools at the iconic Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. Entry is included in the tour cost, and it’s a well-earned treat after the day’s walk.
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