Spend an afternoon or weekend exploring the historical relics, scenic walks, and seasonal wildflower displays throughout the beautiful Paddys Ranges State Park.
The Box-Ironbark forest is home to over 130 species of wildflower and over 140 native bird species, and there are several excellent walk options setting out from both the free camping area and the picnic ground.
Camping in Paddys Ranges State Park
Free camping is available at the
Paddys Ranges Campground on Karri Track, where multiple spacious clearings provide plenty of space for tents, caravans and RVs.
Picnic tables, wood fire barbecues, and toilets are provided for visitor use.
Picnics in Paddys Ranges State Park
Pack a picnic or barbecue lunch and spend an afternoon exploring the natural and historical features of Paddys Ranges State Park, beginning at this excellent
picnic area along Settling Pond Track.
Multiple picnic tables and wood fire barbecues are set among the trees, along with a large information display, water tank/tap, and a single toilet.
Several interesting walks set out from here.
Historical ruins and relics in Paddys Ranges State Park
Paddys Ranges State Park is filled with the ruins and relics of its rich gold mining and eucalyptus distillation history.
Throughout the park you will find many old mining and distillery dams, gold puddlers, mine sites, old diggings, and more.
Here are a few of the interesting historic sites to check out:
- Reserve Dam - an old distillery dam, accessed by a short walk from Settling Track Picnic Area, as well as by car from Reserve Track.
- Waterloo Lead Puddler No. 1 - remnants of a gold puddling machine, located right near Reserve Dam
- Trompf's Mine - mullock heaps, open stopes and machinery foundation rubble of the Trompf's Amalgamated mine
- Trompf's Battery Site - stone-retained loading ramp, reef workings, shallow open cut mining, large dry dam and tailings pond.
- Kirk Dam - remnants of a gold puddling machine, old diggings
Bushwalking in Paddys Ranges State Park
Reserve Dam, accessed by a walk from the Settling Pond Picnic Area.
There are multiple fantastic walk options in Paddys Ranges State Park, setting out from both the
free campground and the
picnic area.
Walks from the Paddys Ranges Campground
Both these walks can be combined to form a 2.5 hr loop walk
- Campground to picnic area - 3.5 km one way, 1.5 hrs, medium grade. Views can be had half way through this walk
- Campground to picnic area via Billy Button Hills - 3 km one way, 1 hr, medium grade. Wind through the bush with the chance to see native animals
Walks from the Settling Pond Track Picnic Area
The two walks to the campground can be combined to form a 2.5 hr loop walk
- All access walking track - suitable for wheelchairs, 500m one way
- Self-interpretive Trail - starts on the all-access tra k, 45 minutes, easy grade, 2km return
- Picnic area to campground - Start across the carpark 3.5 km one way, 1.5 hrs, medium grade. Views can be had half way through this walk
- Picnic area to campground via Billy Button Hills - 3 km one way, 1 hr, medium grade. Wind through the bush with the chance to see native animals
GOLD PROSPECTING in Paddys Ranges State Park
Wildflowers and wildlife in Paddys Ranges State Park
Well known for its display of wildflowers during spring, the Box-Ironbard forest of Paddys Ranges is home to over 230 species of wildflowers (including 30 orchids) and over 140 native bird species. Mammals, bats, reptiles, frogs, spiders, beetles and butterflies are abundant throughout the park, and there are also threatened species including the Swift Parrot and Brush-tailed Phascogale.
Online maps and visitor guides
Parks Victoria provides information on Paddys Ranges State Park as well as a prospecting map for the area.
GEOLOGICAL MAP OF THE MARYBOROUGH GOLDFIELD, EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Geological map of the Maryborough gold field which shows historical features in superb detail, including reefs, leads, gullies/flats, and old workings. Originally published by the Department of Crown Lands and Survey, early 20th century. High quality, durable A1 print in a satin finish. Large, 594 x 891 mm. Go to online shop.
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