Now that the temperature has dropped it’s the perfect time to rug up and get outdoors. Staying active is so important in the cooler months for your physical wellbeing and one of the easiest ways to get moving is by walking. Out amongst nature you can reset, recharge and reconnect and we've discovered the best walking tracks in and around Stockland Wendouree for you to discover on your next outdoor adventure.
Steve Moneghetti Track
What we love about this location is the abundance of wetland birds, the grand homes, historic monuments, picturesque boathouses, the tourist trams and the beautiful Botanical Gardens across the road.
Address: Find the Steve Moneghetti Track located around the perimeter of Lake Wendouree.
Best parking: anywhere around the lake, with overflow parking on Zoo & Windmill Drives.
Duration: 1-1.5 hours for the whole 6kms, however you can start and stop at any point.
Facilities available: Walking track, bike track, cafes, playgrounds, water fountains, toilets and BBQs.
Track conditions: Good for prams and seniors
Find more information here: https://www.visitballarat.com.au/node/3669
Victoria Park
What we love about this location is the big old trees, planted in 1890, the inclusive play space, the barbecues and the pump track – it’s a park with something for everyone.
Address: Find Victoria Park located on the Corner of Sturt & Gillies Streets, Ballarat.
Best parking: off Sturt Street or Gilles Street.
Duration:1 hours for the 5kms
Facilities available: Walking track, bike track, playgrounds, water fountains, toilets and BBQs.
Track conditions: Good for prams and seniors
Find more information here: https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/city/parks-and-outdoors/find-park/victoria-park
Yarrowee River Trail
This trail forms part of the Goldfields Track and links several bushland reserves and parks with other areas of ecological significance to our town. It also has the tranquil sounds of the creek flowing, especially in winter and spring. You can walk, run or cycle through beautiful bushland areas right in the centre of town.
Address: Find Yarrowee River Trail alongside the Yarrowee River with access points between the Gong Gong Reservoir Park and Magpie. You can start and stop anywhere along the trail, but a good place to start is the Ballarat Train Station.
Best parking: at any of the reserves along the trail or the Ballarat Train Station.
Duration: The walk takes approximately: Depending on how far you walk, however the total trail is 16kms long.
Facilities available: Walking track, bike track, playgrounds and nature reserves.
Track conditions: Good for prams and seniors, it’s a wide path, with some hills.
Find more information here: https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/Goldfields/Things-to-do/Outdoor-activities/Cycling/VV-Yarrowee-River-Trail
Ballarat – Skipton Rail Trail
What we love about this location is the rail trail is flat and easy for walking, cycling and even horse riding. It’s away from traffic and has great country views and passes through some cute villages.
Address: Find the Ballarat – Skipton Rail Trail location at the Avenue of Honour, near the Link Road at Lucas.
Best parking: along the Avenue of Honour
Duration: The 53km trail takes approximately five hours to ride.
Facilities available: Walking track, Cycling Track, Horseriding track.
Track conditions: Good for prams and seniors, it’s a wide path, with some hills.
Find more information here: https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/goldfields/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/cycling/vv-ballarat-skipton-rail-trail
Eureka Trail
This trail recreates the route taken by the Police and soldiers in 1854 to put a stop to the uprising of the miners over their excessive mining fees. It is a historic walk with six stops, passes alongside the Yarrowee Creek and ends at the Eureka Centre.
Address: Find the Eureka Trail location at Lydiard Street or the Eureka Stockade on Stawell Street, Ballarat East.
Best parking: At the Eureka Centre.
Duration: The walk takes approximately: 1 hour
Facilities available: Walking track, Cycling Track
Track conditions: Good for prams and seniors, it’s a wide path, with some hills.
Find more information here: https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/goldfields/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/walking-and-hiking/vv-eureka-trail
Stockland Wendouree has a
Heart Foundation Walking Group: Join the Stockland Indoor Walkers
here.
How many walks have you ticked off? Stretch your legs and get a buddy on-board because walking with a friend is a social adventure! There is so much to see and do at each garden, reserve or park that your social calendar will be filled for weeks to come. Want to discover other activities to keep you busy while in isolation? Head straight to our Belong hub and get reading!
