Womin-Dji-Ka (Welcome)
Greater Bendigo National Park is one of six jointly managed parks in Central West Victoria by the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and Parks Victoria. For more information on Joint Management, please visit the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board who oversee implementation of the Joint Management Plan 2018 - see relevant strategy and resources documents.
A popular family day trip from Melbourne, Shadbolt Picnic Area is perfect for exploring a little of the Greater Bendigo National Park. Set up at the tables or pick a grassy patch near the dam and enjoy a picnic on sunny days. Parking and toilets are nearby, but remember to bring your own water.
Bring good walking shoes, if you plan on getting a bit deeper into nature. The Flagstaff Hill Loop Walk (1.1km) is easy to follow and suitable for all ages. Take in the scenery of vibrant wildflowers, Box-Ironbark and mallee bushland, historic remnants of the 1850s gold rush and a panoramic lookout view.
Visitors who want to explore more of the local mining history can take the 5.3km (2 hour) Old Tom Mine Walk, and even try fossicking and prospecting for gold themselves. Learn more on the Fossicking and Prospecting page.
As well as being a historic gold rush landscape, this was also the site of the first eucalyptus distillery in the area, owned by Jack Shadbolt, which supplied eucalyptus oil to the Red Cross in World War One. A few non-native plants at the start of the Flagstaff Hill track are all that remains of the Shadbolt’s family garden.
If you would like to stay a little longer, the nearby Notley Campground offers a wide, grassy campsite area with parking and amenities.
Things To Do

Flagstaff Hill Loop Walk
Notley Campground and Picnic Area

Old Tom Mine Walk
Fossicking and prospecting
How to get there
Shadbolts Picnic Area
Access is via the unsealed Neilborough Road. The road and parking area are suitable for caravans and campervans and small buses.
When you're there
Prospecting is permitted only in designated areas as shown on the Greater Bendigo National Park prospecting map (PDF). Prospectors must hold a current Miner's Right.
Need to know
Shadbolts Picnic Area
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Safety in nature
To ensure that you and your companions stay safe, always remember that the natural environment can be unpredictable. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
Visitors are reminded not to park or rest under or near large trees, as trees and branches may fall at any time.