Gold Mining History: The Forest Creek Gold Diggings encompass the remnants of White Hill and Red Hill. For nearly 150 years, continuous mining has taken place here, utilizing a remarkable variety of techniques to extract the alluvial (river-deposited) gold. All these methods were variations of the panning process, which involved washing away clay and gravel to separate the heavier gold. Each technique has left its mark on the landscape.
Picnic Spot: The Forest Creek Gold Diggings probably isn't the most scenic spot you'll ever come across but it worth a short stop here if you feel like a short 15 odd minute walk or have a picnic lunch at some of the provided picnic tables.
The Forest Creek Gold Diggings has remnants of it's gold mining glory spread throughout the area. The old machinery is probably of passing interest only and could even feel a bit like junk depending on your point of view. However they do add some interest as you walk around the park.
Stone Circle: The Forest Creek Gold Diggings contains a stone circle near the start of the walk that defeinitely adds some scenic and selfie value to the walk. This will probably help entertain any children for a few minutes and at least stands out as something a bit different.
Scenic Cliff-face: From the Red Hill you can view down and see probably the most scenic part of the reserve, a golden reddish-orange cliff face.
Old Mining Pits: .There are a few old mining pits and shafts that add some passing interest to the walk.
Old Buildings: The old derelict buildings that are at the beginning of the site add some interest.
Today, the Forest Creek Gold Mine occupies the remnants of White Hill and Red Hill. With nearly 150 years of continuous mining, a remarkable array of techniques has been employed to extract the alluvial (river-deposited) gold. All these methods were variations of the panning process, which involved washing away clay and gravel to separate the heavier gold. Each technique has left its mark on the landscape.
Sign Posts: Although due for repair (as at 2024) there are signposts throughout the park at select locations and viewpoints.
Manage your expectations: The Forest Creek Gold Diggings isn't really a hike so avid bushwalkers probably won't find this the best place to visit unless inquisitive about Australian history. This is more of a place for a casual walk or a stop to keep the kids entertained. As long as your expectations of scenery are kept in check the Forest Creek Gold Diggings is quite a pleasant pitstop.
Whether you will enjoy the scenery in many ways may depend on your thoughts on gold mining in general. The remnants of prior gold mining are kinda interesting and keep in mind, people were just trying to make a living. However the left over scenic value is difficult to value.
Location
Forest Creek Gold Diggings is located at 166, 166 B180, Castlemaine VIC 3450 a five minute drive from Castlemaine town centre.
In A Nutshell
Forest Creek Gold Diggings is a niceish place for a picnic or a scenic walk to break up a journey or keep the kids entertained. Taking only 30 minutes or less this is an easy place to visit.
The undoubted highlight from a selfie point of view are the stone circles and for this alone may be worth your while.
Nearby Attractions
- The Mill
- Garfield Water Wheel
- Coffee Basics Das Kaffeehaus
- Castlemaine Artist Market
- Buda Historic Home & Garden
- Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar
- Shades of Gray Studio Gallery (under development)
- Castlemaine Gaol
- The Little Red Apple ;amp; Harcourt Apples
- Castlemaine Farmers Market
- Forest Creek Gold Diggings
- Castlemaine Botanic Gardens
- Historic Market Building & Information Centre
- Anticlinal Fold
- Wine & Cideries
Nearby Attractions in Kyneton
Kyneton is only a 33 minute drive away from Castlemaine and has a number of attractions including many wineries! Plan ahead for your next visit to Central and West Central Victoria.
Guide to Kyneton: Check out our guide on some of the great things to do in Kyneton.
- Kyneton Ridge Estate
- Paramoor Winery
- Musk Lane Wine
- Piper Street
- Black Hill Reserve
- The Cascades
- Lauriston Reservoir
Nearby Attractions in Daylesford
If you've enjoyed Castlemaine there are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the region. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Daylesford.
More Information on Daylesford
Nearby Attractions in Macedon
If you've enjoyed Castlemaine there are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the region. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Macedon.
Explore more of Victoria - Colac
Keep exploring west Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Colac.
Explore more of Victoria - Trentham
Keep exploring west Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Trentham.
This weekend in the West
Events, markets and festivals this weekend in West Melbourne and Beyond. Bookmark the page for your handy reference.
What's On Calendar
Use our calendar to find out events, markets and festivals this weekend and to plan look for upcoming activities over coming months. Bookmark the page for your handy reference.
Bushwalks in West Melbourne and Beyond
If the weather is good why not go on a walk in West Melbourne and Beyond. Plan ahead so you leave early enough!
Waterfalls in West Melbourne and Beyond
Why not visit a waterfall in West Melbourne and Beyond.
This Weekends Markets
All the markets on this weekend in Melbourne and greater Victoria.
Find Saturday Markets
Keep searching for another Saturday market in Victoria. Use our search tool:
Find Sunday Markets
Keep searching for another Sunday market in Victoria. Use our search tool:
