Yankee Creek Water Races

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NB. The following information was current at the time of the event

Distance:  12 Km   |  Duration:  5.5 Hrs   |  Grade:  TBA   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Circuit   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

This walk takes in varied scenery along Yankee Creek, along water races through pleasant forest in a lesser-known area that has a rich history of gold mining.

The Walk in Detail

Usual route for first section of walk:

From the Blackwood Recreation Reserve walk along the north bank of the Lerderderg River to the Greendale/Trentham Road, cross the bridge and walk up Grace Street to Martin Street and then to Whalebone Road to pick up the Great Dividing Trail. Follow this along a water race to the Blackwood Mineral Springs Reserve. Cross the bridge over the Lerderderg River, turn left (west) and follow the track around to Shaws Lake.

Alternative route to Shaw's Lake (Great Dividing Trail is inaccessible due to poor and deteriorating condition of the water race trail as at August 2012):

Walk east along Golden Point Rd from the Blackwood Hotel, pass the caravan park on the right hand side to arrive at the Blackwood Mineral Springs Reserve.  Cross the footbridge over the Lerderderg River and take the footrack on the left which rises and eventually veers right to arrive at Shaws Lake at the Rotunda.

Route from Shaws Lake:

Cross the wall at the north end of Shaws Lake and pick up a water race nearby and follow this northerly for approximately 3km along the east side of Yankee Gully to Saw Pit Gully. Cross Yankee Creek and climb up the track to pick up another water race on the west side of Yankee Gully and follow this southerly for approximately 1.5km until it peters out.

Then continue following a spur down to Yankee Creek. Follow Yankee Creek to its junction with the Lerderderg River, cross the river and then follow a 4WD track which joins Whalebone Road. Walk up Whalebone Road to Martin Street and then retrace the outward route back to the Recreation Reserve.

Cautions:
The water races described are not marked on the recommended maps.
Some short sections of off-track walking and some creek crossings are involved, and could be slippery in places. Boots are essential. Gaiters or long pants are advised.

Getting There

Drive to Blackwood on the Western Highway via Melton and Bacchus Marsh, taking the Greendale-Myrninong Rd turn-off from the highway and then the Greendale-Trentham Rd to Blackwood.  The walk starts and finishes at the Blackwood Recreation Reserve.  Click here for a map of Blackwood showing the recreation reserve.

Walk Precautions

Some short sections of off-track walking and some creek crossings are involved, and could be slippery in places. Boots are essential. Gaiters or long pants are advised..

Additional Information

Blackwood Recreation Reserve:  APV002 - Toilets APV007 - Picnic Shelter

Blackwood Mineral Springs Reserve:  APV002 - Toilets APV008 - Picnic Table


Yes
Central Victoria

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