12 The Tunnel Circuit via Mineral Springs (2023)

The Walk in Detail

Starting at the Blackwood Picnic Ground we’ll cross the bridge, sample the spring water then head up the stairs and follow the trail up to Shaws Lake.  Continuing on wide fire trail roads through pretty forest to Tunnel Point Track, we turn right, now it gets a bit rougher underfoot but is still pretty good and wide for 5km, then we start heading down hill to the river, here its steep, narrow and in places rocky so poles are highly recommended. On reaching the river we’ll have lunch and inspect The Tunnel which was blasted through during the mining era to redirect the river for gold mining. After lunch there’s a short rock scramble to climb down into what’s usually a dry river to cross to the other side, then its uphill on the rocky and steep Gribble Track for approx 200 metres where we turn right and follow Byers Back Track for approx. 9km’s back to Blackwood, the cars and a cuppa!  Byers Back Track is an old water race, again a relic from the mining era, so its flat and follows the river in a very winding fashion, we pass some old tailing heaps plus a great old mine tunnel that you can walk into for several meters so bring a head torch if you’re interested in having a look.  This is a pretty bushland area with some great scenic views, a touch of history and in October the wildflowers should be in full bloom making is spectacular.