Mt Franklin to Vaughan Springs in one memorable day.
The Goldfields Track Explorer mountain bike tour starts at The Bike Vault (220 Barker St, Castlemaine) where we meet at 9.00am. Get to know other riders and the GBA crew as bikes are checked and loaded into the GBA shuttle prior to departure at 9.30am.
A delectable morning tea awaits upon our arrival at The Chocolate Mill, located near Mt Franklin on the edge of the Central Highlands. Fueled up and ready to roll, we’ll say goodbye to the GBA shuttle at 10.30am as we board our bikes and enter the Dry Diggings section of the Goldfields Track at Sawpit Gully Road, taking in great views of Mt Franklin and the surrounding landscape. Before long the road transforms into 4WD track, and then into idyllic single track as we head into the Diggings forest.
There are a number of challenging climbs between Mt Franklin and Vaughan Springs, but rest assured with a drop in elevation of over 300m to Vaughan the majority of the trail is downhill, including the sweetest section of single track the Goldfields Track has on offer. We’ll work together as a group to ensure everyone is able to enjoy their ride, travelling at a comfortable speed, including appropriate rest breaks and ample snacks. Along the way there will also be time to explore the many track side ruins of the Goldfields era.
Descending into Vaughan we’ll be greeted by the smell of a gourmet BBQ lunch, ready and waiting for us at the end of the ride at the scenic Vaughan Springs Reserve, complete with picnic facilities, swimming hole and even a giant slide. After a relaxed lunch we’ll board the GBA shuttle and return to Castlemaine.
Goldfields Track Explorer
Mt Franklin to Vaughan Springs in one memorable day.
The Goldfields Track Explorer mountain bike tour starts at The Bike Vault (220 Barker St, Castlemaine) where we meet at 9.00am. Get to know other riders and the GBA crew as bikes are checked and loaded into the GBA shuttle prior to departure at 9.30am.
A delectable morning tea awaits upon our arrival at The Chocolate Mill, located near Mt Franklin on the edge of the Central Highlands. Fueled up and ready to roll, we’ll say goodbye to the GBA shuttle at 10.30am as we board our bikes and enter the Dry Diggings section of the Goldfields Track at Sawpit Gully Road, taking in great views of Mt Franklin and the surrounding landscape. Before long the road transforms into 4WD track, and then into idyllic single track as we head into the Diggings forest.
There are a number of challenging climbs between Mt Franklin and Vaughan Springs, but rest assured with a drop in elevation of over 300m to Vaughan the majority of the trail is downhill, including the sweetest section of single track the Goldfields Track has on offer. We’ll work together as a group to ensure everyone is able to enjoy their ride, travelling at a comfortable speed, including appropriate rest breaks and ample snacks. Along the way there will also be time to explore the many track side ruins of the Goldfields era.
Descending into Vaughan we’ll be greeted by the smell of a gourmet BBQ lunch, ready and waiting for us at the end of the ride at the scenic Vaughan Springs Reserve, complete with picnic facilities, swimming hole and even a giant slide. After a relaxed lunch we’ll board the GBA shuttle and return to Castlemaine.
View Tour Calendar | Book a Goldfields Track Explorer Bicycle Adventure
Price per person: $130
Price Includes: Fully supported tour, Shuttle, Morning tea, Ride snacks, Lunch
Group Size: Minimum 4 riders, Maximum 8 riders
Age Requirement: 16+
Total Distance Ridden: 24km
Suitable Bikes: Hardtail, Dual Suspension (Available for hire)
Tour Frequency: Third Sunday of every month
View Tour Calendar | Book a Goldfields Track Explorer Bicycle Adventure