Rest and relax in the heart of the goldfields. This slice of miner’s paradise is a quiet space to explore Victoria’s gold mining history. The picnic area is nestled not far from the site at which the Welcome Stranger, the biggest alluvial gold nugget ever found. A short walk (500m) meanders through the surrounding Box Ironbark forest, the trail highlights the mining history of the site. The areas surrounding the site have been fossicked and picked over by thousands of gold seeking enthusiasts over the years, just in case another nugget of tremendous size is lurking unseen and hidden beneath the depths. Certain areas within the reserve are not available for prospecting to protect the historic elements within the are, please refer to Parks Victoria prospecting maps. This area is a heavily mined landscape. Walkers should remain on marked paths to avoid ongoing hazards, including uneven ground, dams, unstable slopes and mineshafts. Mine tailings may contain the toxic residue of arsenic, mercury, and cyanide but pose minimal risk if not disturbed. Please comply with local signage and do not climb cliffs, over or around barriers and fencing, or enter old mine workings. If you wish to safely explore mining relics away from the formed tracks, we recommend hiring an experienced guide.

The site offers a basic fire pit and a shelter. There are no toilets at the site. No bins are provided. Please take your rubbish away for recycling or disposal. Gathering firewood in the reserve is strictly forbidden.

The area is prone to Bushfires in warmer months. Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. For up to date information on bushfires in Victoria call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226, download the VicEmergency app, visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au or tune into a local radio station. Check the forecast fire danger before leaving home. Consider not visiting forest or bushland on stormy days or days of high bushfire risk.