Be Bushfire Smart

Tipperary Walking Track
The Tipperary Walking 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 16 km track takes approximately five to six hours, is mostly level to gently undulating and is quite easy walking. If you don't wish to walk the whole length of the track you can plan walks of shorter distance and duration. Between Lake Daylesford and Bryces Flat the track exists on both sides of Sailors Creek providing opportunities for loop walks of various lengths.

The Blowhole
This artificial diversion tunnel on Sailors Creek was built by gold miners, probably in the early 1870s. A hole through the spur was cut to redirect the water flow from the original creek line. The soil in the dry creek bed was then sluiced for gold. It is an impressive sight when the creek is in full flow. In addition to viewing The Blowhole, two short loop walks can be undertaken by following the spur above the tunnel or through the 'diggings' area

Mount Franklin
Mount Franklin, or Lalgambook as it was known by the Dja Dja Wurrung, is located 8 km north of Daylesford, 2 km off the Midland Highway (Daylesford-Castlemaine Road). 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.

Mountain Bikes and Horse Riding
Many opportunities exist for exploring the Park with a network of old mining and logging tracks providing riders with many challenges in a great forest setting. To obtain more information on these tracks, contact the Information Centre on 13 1963.

• Bush picnic areas with fireplaces are provided at Twin Bridges, Tipperary Springs and Bryces Flat, with an electric barbecue at Sailors Falls and toilets at Tipperary Springs and Sailors Falls. Alternatively, there are many pleasant spots along Sailors Creek where you can enjoy a packed lunch.
• Short term camping is permitted only at Mount Franklin, with fireplaces and toilets provided.

The township of Hepburn was named after Captain John Hepburn, one of the first European settlers in the area, who made his home in Smeaton in 1836.

Gold was first discovered in Daylesford in 1851 and by 1855, thousands of diggers were active as new fields were opened.

Many Swiss and Italian miners made their way to the diggings during the gold rush and the influence they had on the area remains in their descendants, distinctive architecture and local culinary delights. The annual Swiss-Italian Festival is held in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs in May.

As well as being an extinct volcano, Mount Franklin was the site of an early Aboriginal Protectorate station dating from the 1840s and so has important Indigenous heritage value.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria

Many native animals and birds inhabit the area including the Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Black Wallaby which are quite common. Species of birds also present include White-browed Scrubwrens, Crimson Rosellas, Yellow Robins, thornbills and honeyeaters just to name a few.

Most of Hepburn Regional Park supports a fairly dry, open eucalypt forest in which Red Stringybark, Red Box, Broad-leaved Peppermint and Long-leaved Box are the dominant species. The more southerly areas are damper and carry a taller forest of Messmate and Candlebarks. An array of wildflowers make a colourful display during Spring.

• All native plants and animals are protected.
• Please take your rubbish with you.
• Light fires only in fireplaces provided. No fires including barbecues may be lit on a day of Total Fire Ban. The Park is in the Central Total Fire Ban District.
• Camping is not permitted in picnic areas.
• Vehicles and motorbikes may only be used on formed roads open to the public.
• Dogs are permitted in the Park but must be kept on a leash at all times.
• Do not remove or disturb historic relics.
• Leave the park as you find it.
• Horses and bikes are not permitted on walking tracks.

• When bushwalking, remember to wear sturdy footwear and carry at least one litre of drinking water in the warmer months.
• Mining relics are fragile and unstable so, for your own safety, stay on the walking tracks.

Hepburn Regional Park is located at Daylesford and Hepburn Springs 110 km north-west of Melbourne via the Western Freeway (M8 National). Follow the Daylesford-Ballan Road after taking the Daylesford exit from the freeway.

Sailors Falls
At Sailors Falls there are no designated accessible facilities, but the site is relatively flat and you can see the falls without a significant walk from the picnic facilities. There is a shelter over the barbecue area.

Tipperary Springs
Tipperary Springs has picnic tables unsuitable for wheelchair users, and low fireplaces. It is close to the riverbank, and is an open area. There are some uneven surfaces and low obstacles. The designated toilet does not meet current access standards. There are plans for a new bore to be sunk to allow easy access to mineral water above ground. The current access to mineral water is down steps.

• Creswick Regional Park
• Lerderderg State Park
• Mount Alexander Regional Park
• Paddys Ranges State Park