With the arrival of spring, it’s the perfect time to embrace the outdoors and embark on an adventure along Ballarat’s extensive network of trails and tracks. These paths are rapidly becoming one of the city’s most prized free recreational assets, providing diverse outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy.
The City of Ballarat’s dedicated Trails and Waterways team manages 80 kilometres of tracks, trails, and paths. Additionally, they oversee another 25 kilometres of maintenance on renowned routes like the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail and Buninyong to Mount Summit Loops. Regardless of your adventure level, whether you’re an avid hiker, a mountain biking enthusiast, or simply looking for a leisurely Sunday stroll, Ballarat’s tracks cater to all preferences.
The Yarrowee River Corridor trail is a standout feature, offering approximately 19 kilometres of uninterrupted trail experience, stretching from Docwra Street to Gong Gong Reservoir. This picturesque route takes you through various landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable journey. While a portion of the track south of the Western Freeway remains closed due to flood damage, rest assured that it’s anticipated to reopen by the end of September.
The Yarrowee River and Tributaries guide the meticulous planning and maintenance of the Yarrowee River Corridor Trail: River Corridor Masterplan Plan 2020. This 25-year investment plan emphasizes access and trails, rehabilitation, vegetation management, water quality, and wetlands conservation. This commitment underscores the City of Ballarat’s dedication to sustainable corridor management.
Belinda Coates, a City of Ballarat Councillor, enthusiastically encourages the community to embrace the city’s tracks and trails. Spending time in nature has proven health and mental well-being benefits, making it an excellent opportunity to connect with the local natural environment and boost your overall well-being.
Here are 12 of the most outstanding trails Ballarat has to offer:
1. Yarrowee River Trail
2. Specimen Vale Creek Trail
3. Warrenheip Creek Trail
4. Pennyweight Creek Trail
5. Grass Tree Creek Trail
6. Canadian Creek Trail
7. Woowookarung Regional Park Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail
8. Buninyong to the Mount Summit Loops
9. Lake Wendouree
10. Ballarat to Skipton Rail Trail
11. Union Jack Track
12. Goldfields Track
The development and maintenance of these trails align with Goal 4 of the City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021-2025, focusing on preserving and enhancing the city’s natural and built assets.
Embrace the beauty of spring and explore the wonders of Ballarat’s trails!