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Mount Alexander Regional Park

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Joseph Young Drive, Harcourt North VIC 3453

Explore other locations around this area using our interactive map

Features


Explore the striking granite outcrops and forested slopes of Mount Alexander Regional Park, a popular destination for free camping, bushwalking and cycling. 

The well-equipped Leanganook Campground is accompanied by multiple lookouts and scenic walk options throughout the park.

The Mount Alexander Regional Park consists of 14,000 hectares of forest situated on the mountain, which rises 350 metres above the surrounding area and about 740 metres above sea level. 

Mount Alexander is the highest, coldest, wettest area of the Bendigo region, and is known to experience snow falls in winter!

Camping in the Mount Alexander Regional Park

Leanganook Campground, Mount Alexander Regional Park

Free camping is available at the Leanganook Campground, located off Joseph Young Drive. 

Multiple campsites are spread around the central picnic area, and facilities include picnic tables, wood fire barbecues, fire pits, toilets and water taps. 

Bushwalking in the Mount Alexander Regional Park

Part of the short track to the beautiful Mount Alexander Silk Worm Farm Ruins

Embark on an adventure across the stunning rocky outcrops of the Mount Alexander Regional Park! 

Experience breathtaking views and gorgeous scenery as you trek among the enormous granite boulders and across forested slopes, visiting multiple lookouts along the way. 

West Ridge Walking Track

The West Ridge Walking Track begins at Lang's Lookout, passes Shepherd's Flat Lookout and Dog Rocks, before ending at the Leanganook Campground

Lang's Lookout is the best starting point for this walk, as it is mostly downhill in this direction. 

The walk can also be done in reverse, beginning at Leanganook Campground and ending at Lang's Lookout, but it will be an uphill walk in this case. 

This walk is four kilometres each way and is of moderate difficulty. 

Mount Alexander Silk Worm Farm Ruins

Park off Joseph Young Drive and take the short walk (around 5 minutes) to the beautiful Mount Alexander Silk Worm Farm Ruins

Goldfields Track

The epic Goldfields Track passes over Mount Alexander via the scenic 58 km Leanganook Track

Lookouts in the Mount Alexander Regional Park

Lang's Lookout, Mount Alexander Regional Park

There are multiple lookouts across the rocky slopes of the Mount Alexander Regional Park, all accessed via Joseph Young Drive. 

Lang's Lookout

This spectacular lookout is situated on the eastern side of Mount Alexander, and offers unrivalled views across the sweeping fields of Sutton Grange. 

The lookout consists of a huge platform of granite, with massive boulders stacked impressively across the mountainside all around.

Lang's Lookout is accessed via a very short walking track from the parking area, which sits alongside the prominent communication towers. 

It only takes a few moments to reach the lookout, which is down the slope to the right of the track. 

Shepherd's Flat Lookout

Shepherd's Flat Lookout offers spectacular hillside views over Harcourt and the countryside beyond from high within the Mount Alexander Regional Park. 

Shepherd's Flat is an easy 330 metre walk from the roadside parking area.

Dog Rocks

Dog Rocks is a stunning granite outcrop within the Mount Alexander Regional Park which offers spectacular hillside views over Harcourt and the countryside beyond. 

Countless enormous boulders stand out strikingly from the western slopes of Mount Alexander, just a short walk from the parking area. 

Spend some time exploring and appreciate the beautiful views from many different vantage points.

These rocks were given their name in 1846 by Lockhart Morton, manager of Sutton Grange station, after he observed many dingos frequenting the area.  

History of Mount Alexander


The mountain was called "Lanjanuc" by the Jaara Jaara people, and it was important as a sacred ceremonial ground and a high vantage point. 

The first European to climb the mountain was Major Thomas Mitchell in 1836. 

Gold was discovered nearby in 1851 and news of the "Mount Alexander Diggings" swept the world! 

It quickly became the richest shallow alluvial goldfield ever known in the world and experienced one of the largest gold rushes of the 19th century. 

In the early 1850s the name "Mount Alexander" was used to refer to all the goldfields around what is now Castlemaine, but today is only the name for the mountain itself.

The gorgeous stone ruins pictured above are all that remain of the silk worm farm established here in 1872 by Mrs Bladen Neill and the Victorian Ladies Sericultural Company. 

The farm included a magnannerie for breeding worms, a leaf room, a cottage, residential quarters, a building used for educational purposes, and plantings of mulberry trees for the worms to eat. 

The remains of at least two structures remain at the site today. 

Are dogs allowed at the Mount Alexander Regional Park?

No, unfortunately the Parks Victoria website states that dogs are not permitted at the Mount Alexander regional Park.

HISTORICAL MAP OF THE CASTLEMAINE MINING DISTRICT, 1860


Map of the Castlemaine Mining District which shows historical features in superb detail, including mining divisions, reefs, gullies, and gold workings. Mining Department, Melbourne, 1860. High quality, durable A1 print in a satin finish. Large, 594 x 891 mm. Go to online shop.



DID YOU KNOW...

  • Bushwalking is an excellent way to get outdoors and exploring nature.
  • Camping is a great way to explore the Victorian Goldfields. Many campgrounds are located close to interesting attractions and historic sites, and the Goldfields region is certainly not lacking in fascinating things to discover. 
  • There are hundreds of fantastic barbecue areas throughout the Victorian Goldfields. Some are in parks/playgrounds, others are scattered throughout the bush. Many barbecue areas are located alongside amazing attractions and walks, so go out for a barbecue and get exploring!
  • There are many great places throughout the Goldfields that offer gorgeous, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
 

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