Blackwood - Whipstick Loop Walk - Central

Blackwood - Whipstick Loop Walk

A summary of the Whipstick Loop Walk is:

Grade of Walk: Grade 3
Distance: Circuit 5.0km
Time: 2 hours return
Gradient: Short steep hills
Quality of Path: Formed track, some obstacles
Quality of Markings: Sign posted
Steps: Occasional steps
Experience required: Some bushwalking experience recommended

This walk is situated in the Wombat State Forest and traverses part of the Great Dividing Trail but then loops down around Whipstick Creek through some beautiful open eucalypt forest, to bring you back to your starting point at the Jack Cann Reserve.

Along the walk there is historical evidence of various types of mining with both vertical and horizontal shafts. All of the mining in the area was conducted by hand in very difficult conditions. There is a fenced area with a viewing platform along the track, where you can safely view one of the old mine shafts. Take the time to look and appreciate the extent of works undertaken but for your safety, please stick to the track.

Further along the trail you will also get to walk along the remnants of a water-race, Miners hand dug these trenches to direct water both to and from their mine workings. At one section of the track a boardwalk has been constructed around an old tree through which the miners once diverted the water course. There is also evidence of a structure that once spanned the creek that may have been a tramway or bridge foundations.

Map

Download Walk Notes & Map

Flora and Fauna

The predominant overstorey vegetation in the area is a mixture of Narrow-leaf Peppermint (E.radiata), Candle Bark (E.rubida), and Messmate (E.obliqua), along with some magnificent examples of Blackwood (A.melonoxylon).

Picnic Facilities

Picnic facilities, car parking and public toilets are available at the Jack Cann Reserve.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are allowed in State forest but must be under direct control at all times and are expected to be on a leash in picnic and camping areas or when near other visitors.

Getting There

The Whipstick Loop Walk starts and ends at the Jack Cann Reserve near The Garden of St Erth at 189 Simmons Reef Road, Blackwood. It is located approximately 1.5 hours from Melbourne and approximately 40 minutes from Ballarat. The walk is also easily accessed from the towns of Daylesford, Trentham and Woodend.