Great Dividing Trail
Bushwalking around Ballarat is an educational experience and more than just an opportunity to stretch your legs! Try the Great Dividing Trail for an introduction to the landscape around Ballarat.
The Federation Track traverses the top of the Great Dividing Range from Ballarat to Daylesford for a total of 70km. Commemorating the Centenary of Federation, the Federation Track acknowledges, in particular, the contribution of the trade union leader W. G. Spence to the formation of Federation.
Spence was brought up in a slab and bark hut near Creswick and rose to become the first president of the powerful Shearers Union and a founding member of the first Federal Australian Parliament. At the time of Federation in 1901, the area was one of the most densely settled mining and rural areas in Australia.
The Creswick Miners Walk (Ballarat - Creswick 23km) allows you to follow in the Creswick miners' footsteps. The walk begins at the Ballarat Railway Station and winds through Creswick Regional Park and Creswick State Forest.
From Ballarat it follows the Yarrowee Creek Valley to the outskirts of Ballarat. It then heads into the forest past Nuggety Dam and White Swan Reservoir. It goes over the Divide through the forest, coming onto water again at Slatey Creek. It passes the mining dams at Blue Waters and St Georges Lake (both great places for a swim in summer).
Entry stations are located at Ballarat Station and Creswick Information Centre.
More Information, visit www.gdt.org.au