Dry Diggings Track

Dogs Unknown

This trail runs through the National Heritage Park between Daylesford and Castlemaine, featuring a number of old gold mining relics in lovely central Victorian bushland. This is one part of the Goldfields Track which runs from Ballarat to Bendigo.

The following are suggestions for runs along the Dry Diggings Track. For further detail on this trail refer to the Goldfields Track walking guide or click here.

This trail is used by bushwalkers, runners and mountain bikers (limited access). This trail can be done in segments. Refer to the website for their recommendations. The following are suggestions for runs:

Sawpit Gully Road to Vaughan Springs: Start running from any location along Sawpit Gully Road (recommend from the junction with Leslie Road) and follow the markers to Vaughan Springs. Sawpit Gully Road, a gravel backcountry road, travels downhill through farm land. At the end of the road, the track heads into the bush and is mainly singletrack until Vaughan Springs. This is a rocky hilly trail, through the bush.

Vaughan Springs to Castlemaine: Start at the Vaughan Springs Reserve following the Goldfields Track signposts from the crossing of the Loddon River. This track is mainly singletrack all the way to Castlemaine. The trail travels through Fryerstown (careful to follow the signs here), then heads back into the bush and up and over one of the highest points around Castlemaine know as The Monk. A small detour is required near the top of the hill to go to the top of the Monk. Once you've reached the top, it is all downhill into town, and most of it is along a water race.

Each of these suggested runs will require a car shuttle. Carry your own water along the trail.