After breakfast, head to Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve to begin the walk along the Goldfields Track. Soak up views over the area and meander through bushland, before stopping at The Chocolate Mill. A chocolate tasting will have to wait (for now, at least) – your transport to Fryerstown awaits.
Nestled in Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, Fryerstown’s strong gold history will reveal itself to you as you walk to Spring Gully, exploring the town’s storied sights – including the Burke and Wills Mechanic Institute, originally opened in 1863. Spring Gully Mine itself is one of the most famous mines in the greater Castlemaine district. The most prominent feature is the high, stone-faced loading ramp, from which quartz was fed into a stamping battery for crushing.
Traverse some of the state’s best bushland, moving through the rustic beauty of the box ironbark forest and countless remnants of mining history. Pause at Guildford, a small settlement on the Loddon River, and stop for a quick lunch at the Big Tree, a five-hundred-year-old river red gum that’s sacred to the Dja Dja Wurring people, the traditional custodians of the land. It was already an ancient giant when the first colonisers arrived in the 1840s; now it stands as a living habitat for countless creatures, including magpies, lorikeets, kookaburras, honey eaters and native bees.
Finally, spend some time exploring Castlemaine’s vibrant artisan precinct, The Mill, a rambling complex of historic brick factories that house countless food and wine outlets, vintage treasures and an exceptional coffee place – where you’ll experience an included chocolate tasting.
Return to your accommodation, where pre-dinner nibbles followed by a two-course dinner await.
After breakfast, begin your walk this morning on another segment of the Goldfields Track, this time beneath Wombat State Park’s tall messmate and broadleaf peppermint trees.
Follow the Three Lost Children walk – the trail where three small boys tragically disappeared one morning in 1867 – before meandering through Sawpit Gully to Porcupine Ridge. After lunch, you’ll climb Mount Franklin, a dormant volcano covered in leafy coniferous forest. Traverse the mountain’s two-kilometre circuit trail around the volcano’s rim, culminating at a lookout providing panoramic views of the surrounding plains.
After your hike, head to the famous Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa for a relaxing dip in the natural mineral spring pools. Since the late 19th century, the bathhouse has offered countless pleasures in the region’s natural hot springs, and it’s the perfect place to unwind after your travels.
This evening, enjoy one final group dinner at a local restaurant.
Following breakfast, checkout and journey to the Convent Gallery. Once known as the Holy Cross Convent – home to a group of nuns – it’s now a heritage complex encompassing various galleries, cafes and lush gardens.
Enjoy at your pace through this rich space, before heading homeward toward Melbourne, stopping by the charming town of Lyonville for a walk through the Domino Rail Trail. Finishing in Trentham, enjoy afternoon tea at the historic Red Beard Bakery. The bakery still houses an original woodfired oven, used to prepare the bakehouse’s acclaimed sourdough.
Bid farewell to the Goldfields as you’re transferred back to Melbourne, making a last stop at the iconic Duck Duck Goose & Larder in Kyneton, where you can shop for local produce to take home.
The tour ends today, and you will be dropped off at the National Gallery of Victoria at approximately 5pm.