Bush Walking

The Enfield Forest & State Park.

The Enfield Forest is to the south east of Smythesdale. It consists of two areas: The State Forest (commercially man-aged as a firewood source for the area) and, State Park (protected). The area is a must visit during the spring wild-flower season. It contains walks and drives through historic mining sites from the 1850's.

The State Park occupies the southern half of the forest and is crossed by a number of walks that take in the historic area of Surface Point. The large Chinese population of this area worked the Misery Creek, leaving behind substantial evidence of their labours. Access is via Misery Creek road at Staffordshire Reef, or at Dereel off the Ballarat/Colac road.

For more information visit the Parks Victoria website on the Enfield Forest & State Park - Click Here

Boden's Walking Trail.

Self guided tour of old mining areas and water race system, at Ross Creek.  Boden's Water Race Walks contain three easy walks following the water races dug to provide water for gold sluicing areas adjacent to Smythesdale and Scarsdale. The walks are accessible from State Forest Road, Ross Creek and are signposted.

Bushranger Bushland Reserve Piggoreet

Walking Trail along the Woody Yaloak Creek between Whites Road and Snake Valley Road, Smythesdale.

Exploring Old Mining Areas

http://wyhs.ballarat.vic.au/

Boden's Walking Trail, Ross Creek - Old mining areas and water race system

Surface Hill Historic Area, Smythesdale alluvial workings. Surface Hill is located at Smythesdale and represents one of the best examples of gold sluicing operations in the district. A walk across the Argyle Dam wall, and up the hill reveals the scarring produced by the high pressure water jets used in the sluicing. Access off the Smythesdale/Ross Creek road just out of Smythesdale (Surface Hill Road).

Jubilee Goldmine Historic Reserve - disused mines, alluvial & deep lead. The Jubilee Mine Site in the west of the forest is a fine example of the remains of a deep lead mine. A walking track meanders through the remains situated in a pleasant bush setting. The restoration of the bush makes this site a treasure of historic and environmental significance. Access is via Browns Road at Smythesdale, or via the Newtown/ Berringa Road at Newtown. Both are signposted.

Devils Kitchen

Ballarat - Skipton Rail Trail Walk, cycle or horse ride, 53 kms of former railway line the begins in Ballarat. Can be entered or exited at various points along the trail till it reaches Skipton.

For more information - Click Here

Smythesdale Township walking trail  Brochure available from Smythesdale General Store

Woady Yaloak Creek:
-Fishing
-Gold Panning
- Gold Detecting
-Swimming - Brewery Dam, Smythesdale - Devil's Kitchen
- Devil's Kitchen, Piggoreet

Brochures of some of these activities are available from the Smythesdale General Store

Other Activities

Absailing: Devil's Kitchen
Pony Club: Smythesdale
Skate Park: Smythesdale
Bird Watching: Happy Valley