Hepburn Regional Park (Mount Franklin)
The park is located around the famous mineral springs townships of Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs. Here you will find natural mineral springs and relics of the gold mining era set in delightful bush surroundings.
The sheltered extinct volcanic crater of Mount Franklin provides ideal surroundings for a picnic or short term camping. Panoramic views can be obtained from the summit and there is a scenic walking track along the rim of the crater.
Enjoying the Park
Picnics
There are several picnic areas with wood barbecues provided at most sites. Electric barbecues are available at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve.
Camping
You can camp for short stays at Mt Franklin which is also suitable for caravans and motor homes on a first come first served basis. Toilets, fireplaces and washing water are provided.
Horse riding and mountain biking
Mountain bikes and horses are popular activities and a great way to see the park. Bikes and horses are not permitted on walking tracks, however, many other tracks are available for these activities.
Fossicking
Panning for gold along Sailors Creek is a popular pastime in the park. All adults must hold a current Miners Right to engage in fossicking. Remember to fill any holes made and leave the area as you found it. Relics must not be disturbed or removed and are protected by law.
Mt Franklin Reserve
Mt Franklin is a small volcanic crater that offers ideal place for a picnic or basic camping set amongst plantings of huge conifers and deciduous trees that create an exotic atmosphere. Mt Franklin offers fine views on the approach to the summit.
Mount Franklin is a fine example of a breached scoria cone. The breach, through which the road now enters the crater, is thought to have been caused by a flow of lava breaking through the crater rim. Lava from Mount Franklin and other volcanoes in the area filled valleys and buried the gold bearing streams that became the renowned 'deep leads' of the gold mining era.
You can camp for short stays at Mt Franklin which is also suitable for caravans and motor homes on a first come first served basis. No fees apply. Toilets, fireplaces and washing water are provided.
Blow Hole
This artificial diversion tunnel on Sailors Creek was built by gold miners around the early 1870s.
A tunnel through the spur was cut to redirect water flow from the original creek line. The soil in the dry creek bed was then sluiced for gold. It is now an impressive sight when the creek is in full flow. Short walks can be undertaken by following the spur above the tunnel or through the diggings area.
Walking
There is a range of walking tracks throughout the park. The Tipperary Walking Track offers a host of walk options, and for more adventurous walkers the Goldfields Track passes through the park.
Tipperary Walking Track - The track runs from picturesque Lake Daylesford to the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, following Sailors Creek and Spring Creek through foothill forest for most of the way. The 16km track can be walked in five to six hours, is mostly level to gently undulating and is quite easy walking. This track is not for bikes or horses.
If you don't wish to walk the whole length of the track, try a shorter walk. Between Lake Daylesford and Bryces Flat, there is track on both sided of Sailors Creek allowing for loop walks of various lengths.
The times quoted below are for one way, at a moderate pace without rests. They are intended as a guide only.
Lake Daylesford - Twin Bridges (1.3km - 20 minutes)
Start at the Central Springs Reserve at the outlet of Lake Daylesford. On you way sample the Central, Hardhills and Sutton springs and then pick up the narrow track that follows Wombat Creek. Cross the footbridge near the carpark to return to Lake Daylesford. If you want to continue to Twin Bridges picnic area take care when crossing the highway.
Twin Bridges - Tipperary Spring (2.3km - 40 minutes)
Begin at the Twin Bridges picnic area and cross the footbridge or follow the track along the road embankment. Both tracks follow Sailors Creek to Tipperary Springs where the spring can be found near the footbridge. Cross the footbridge to return to Twin Bridges.
Tipperary Springs - Bryces Flat (3.3km - 1 hour)
The walk to Bryces Flat can be undertaken by crossing the footbridge at Tipperary Springs, climbing the short set of steps, and following the track signs. Alternatively, follow the track near the toilet block along the east side of Sailors Creek to Bryces Flat.
Bryces Flat - The Blowhole (1.7km - 30 minutes)
Cross the footbridge at Bryces Flat picnic area and follow the signs. Take care when crossing Bald Hill Road and then continue on to The Blowhole. View the diversion tunnel and undertake the short loop walks while you are there.
The Blowhole - Breakneck Gorge (3.1km - 1 hour)
Begin near the carpark and follow the track into the drier northern section of the park. Pass close to the Hepburn Recreation Reserve before leaving Sailors Creek to follow Spring Creek. Take care when crossing the Newstead Road bridge that spans Breakneck Gorge.
Breakneck Gorge - Golden Spring (2.2km - 40 minutes)
Follow the track on the north side of the bridge back towards Hepburn Springs. Take the short detour down to Liberty Spring and Spring Creek (mineral water is not available here). Return to the main track and continue on to Golden Spring to sample the water.
Golden Spring - Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve (via Jacksons Lookout) (2.8km - 50 minutes)
Start at the end of Golden Spring Avenue and follow the track beside Womens Gully before climbing through the foothills to the Hepburn - Castlemaine Road. Cross the road with care and make the short detour to Jacksons Lookout. Splendid panoramic views are offered from the tower. Retrace your footstps to the walking track and continue on to the reserve.
Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve - Argyle Spring (1.4km - 25 minutes)
The walk starts from the reserve carpark or from Wyuna Spring. Follow Argyle Gully past Mother Goose mine. Return via the same track.
Sailors Falls - Twin bridges (6.5km - 2 hours)
Start at Sailors Falls picnic area and follow the track to the mineral spring. Continue on to the track intersection and turn right to head toward Daylesford. Follow the orange trail markers and the sign posts along vehicle tracks to Twin Bridges. Be prepared to get your feet wet in winter.
How to get there
Hepburn Regional Park is 110km north-west of Melbourne via the Western Freeway (M8 National). Follow the Daylesford-Ballan Road after taking the exit from the freeway.
Location
Mount Franklin Road, Mount Franklin 3461 Map
Web Links
→ Hepburn Regional Park (Parks Victoria)
→ Hepburn Regional Park Map (PDF)
→ Hepburn Regional Park and Mt Franklin Reserve Park note (PDF)
→ Heritage story - Mount Franklin Hepburn Regional Park (PDF)
