Known as The Blowhole, this diversion tunnel was built by miners in the 19th century to divert water from a section of Sailors Creek. This diversion cut off a loop where the remaining dry creek bed was then extensively worked for gold.
The gold diversion tunnel has created a pretty little man-made waterfall with a shallow swimming hole beneath it.
When the creek is flowing from winter to early summer, water rushes through the tunnel and falls into a small pool below before continuing down the scenic Sailors Creek.
Walk to The Blowhole
From the gravel parking area, a fenced walking track heads down to the edge of the gorge, then stairs bring you down past the lookout to the waterhole at the bottom.
Lookout platform at The Blowhole
The lookout platform overlooks the tunnel and offers a great view down over the waterfall, waterhole and creek beyond.
Visitor facilities at The Blowhole
While there are no facilities such as picnic tables, seats, etc, there is a pretty stone wall alongside the waterhole which provides plenty of space to sit down.
Swimming at The Blowhole
Swimming is allowed here, but be aware that the water is shallow and there may be submerged objects. Do not dive.
This is a great place to bring inflatable pool toys and relax, floating on the water.
When is the best time of year to visit The Blowhole
The best time to visit for water flow is winter/spring, this spot will typically dry up in summer. During dryer parts of the year, you will be able to get a good look at the diversion tunnel - do not attempt to enter the tunnel while water is flowing.
Are dogs allowed at The Blowhole?
Yes, dogs are permitted here (on lead).
Gold prospecting at The Blowhole
Walking tracks from The Blowhole
Walk options available from The Blowhole carpark
- The Blowhole (100m)
- Spur Loop Walk (700m, 10 min return)
- Diggings Loop Walk (2.4km, 40 min return)
- Breakneck Gorge (3.1km, 60 min)
- Bryce's Flat (1.7km, 30 min)
- Goldfields Track
An information sign (provided by Parks Victoria) at the beginning of the walk displays the following text:
The Blowhole
Most active in winter and spring The Blowhole Gold Diversion Tunnel is a spectacular feature created by the diversion of Sailors Creek and was probably built in the early 1860s when Jim Crow Creek as being extensively worked by European and Chinese miners. The short tunnel was used to divert the waters of the creek effectively cutting off a long section of the original creek alignment. The dry creek bed was extensively worked and demonstrates the miners determination to find and work the gold.
The Blowhole Gold Diversion Tunnel is listed on the Victorian Heritage register as it is historically and scientifically important as a characteristic and well preserved example of an early form of gold mining and as a key ingredient in understanding gold mining technology.
The Blowhole has three walk options
- The Blowhole - 300m, 10 minutes return
- Spur Loop Walk - 700m, 10 minute circuit
- Diggings Loop Walk - 2.4km, 40 minute circuit
Mineral springs
Natural mineral springs abound in the Daylesford and Hepburn area. Adjoining the park are the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve and Lake Daylesford/Central Springs.
The Goldfields Track is the longest shared walk/cycle track in Victoria linking Ballarat (Buninyong) to Bendigo. Visit the website for further detailed information.
Many of the short walks throughout Hepburn Regional Park form part of the Goldfields Track and can be walked as circuit walks of different lengths. Most of the walking tracks between Lake Daylesford and Bryces Flat occur on both sides of Sailors Creek and follow historic water-race channels.
Walking - short and longer walks
Walking with dogs on leads is permitted in the park. Most of the tracks are Grade 2: narrow gentle gradients but with uneven surfaces, some steps, staircases and creek crossings.
Refer to the map for other park walking options.
- Lake Daylesford to Twin Bridges - 1.3km, 20 minutes. The Hepburn Shire manage Lake Daylesford.
- Twin Bridges to Tipperary Springs - 2.3k, 40 minutes.
- Tipperary Springs to Bryces Flat - 3.3km, 1 hour.
- Bryces Flat to The Blowhole - 1.7 km, 30 min.
- The Blowhole to Breakneck Gorge - 3.1km, 1 hour
- Breakneck Gorge to Golden Spring - 2.2km, 40 minutes one way.
- Golden Spring to Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve - via Jackson's Lookout, 2.8km, 50 minutes one way.
- Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve to Argyle Spring - 1.4km, 25 minutes one way (not Goldfields Track)
- Sailors Falls Mineral Springs Loop alk - 1.5km, 40 minutes circuit.
- Mount Franklin (Lalgambook) Summit Loop 1.7km, 45 minutes.
Camping at Mt Franklin (Lalgambook)
You can camp for short stays at Mount Franklin, which is suitable for tents, caravans and motor homes on a first in first served basis. More camping is available at caravan parks in surrounding towns including Daylesford. Call into the Visitor Centre.
Looking after the park and staying safe
- All the plants, animals, historic artefacts and geological features in the park are protected
- Fossicking and prospecting is permitted with a Miner's Right
- Bins are not provided. Please take your rubbish with you
- Fires in fireplaces provided only
- Vehicles and motorbikes may be used only on formed signed roads. Al vehicles must be registered and drivers licensed
- Dogs must be on a leash and clean up after your dog
- Keep to designated tracks as there are mine shafts and tunnels in the park
- Firearms are not permitted
PROSPECTORS AND MINERS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA
Established in 1980, the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria is a voluntary body created to protect the rights and opportunities of those who wish to prospect, fossick or mine in the State of Victoria, Australia.
You can support the PMAV in their fight to uphold these rights by
becoming a member. You'll also gain access to exclusive publications, field days, prospecting tips, discounts and competitions.
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