Discover how generations of miners won gold from the rich alluvial ground along Forest Creek along the short, family-friendly interpretative trail at the Forest Creek Gold Diggings. The landscape here shows the environmental impacts of various types of alluvial gold mining, including shaft sinking, tunnelling and hydraulic sluicing. Enjoy a picnic, explore the geomaze, pan for gold in the dam near the carpark and see one of Victoria’s unique mining gems – a massive Ruston and Hornsby gas engine, used to pump large volumes of water at the cliff-face to extract gold.

Download the Heritage Notes for the Forest Creek Gold Diggings from the park webpage while the interpretive signs are being replaced (planned for 2024) to learn more about the features along the walk. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a lead at all times.

Visitor Tips: Allow at least 30 minutes to follow the Grade 3, 400km self-guided circuit walk. The well-formed gravel and earth track is suitable for prams. There is one short steep section between Stops 2 and 4. Wheelchair users may be able to navigate the rest of the track with assistance, by approaching it in reverse. There are picnic tables and a large unfurnished shelter suitable for families or groups. No bins are provided, so please take your rubbish home for recycling or disposal.

Take care in and around the dam. Always actively supervise children near water. Gold-panning kits can be purchased from the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre. Other forms of prospecting are prohibited.

Please do not touch the ruins or disturb the ground. All plants, animals, historical and archaeological sites and geographic features are protected by law. The Forest Creek Gold Diggings are a heavily mined landscape. Please comply with local signs and stay on marked tracks for your own safety. Do not climb cliffs or over or around barriers and fencing.

The Forest Creek Gold Diggings are in the North Central fire district. On Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating days the Park will be closed for public safety. Do not enter the Park. If you are already in the Park, leave the night before or as early as possible in the morning. Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at www.emergency.vic.gov.au, on the VicEmergency smartphone app or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.