Steiglitz Historic Park Walk

A gold fields walk incorporating the ghost town remnants of the historic town of Steiglitz.
GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate, medium grade circuit walk of about 8.5km, estimated 4 hours.
MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at the Steiglitz Courthouse car park, which is on the Geelong-Steiglitz-Meredith Road (C142).
MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X911 grid D4; Google map goo.gl/maps/PDjqUgdMSMN2. 
DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Approximately 95km, allow about 1 hour 30 minutes from Melbourne.  Steiglitz is north of Geelong and south of Ballan.  Drivers should look at a map before they leave, as some local roads are not signposted (e.g. exiting Lara) and some roads may not be on your GPS.  The easiest is along the Princes Hwy / Freeway, continue on the new Geelong Bypass, take the exit after Bacchus Marsh (possibly signed Lovely Banks, Ballan or Meredith) and follow the Lovely Banks Road (north west) [do not take the Anakie Road from Lovely Banks] until you meet the Geelong-Meredith Road C142, and follow it to Stieglitz. 
FOOD | MEALS | WATER: There is no food or drink shop at Steiglitz, so bring your lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water.
APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Dress for the weather forecast, and carry rain/wind jacket, beanie or sun hat and sunscreen as appropriate.  Walk in boots or walking shoes that are suited to poorly made and potentially wet tracks.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This 8.5km walk in the southern part of the Steiglitz Historic park is through more varied country than the 9th July 2016 circuit walk along the Burchell Trail in the north of the park.  It is also shorter in recognition of the shorter daylight hours.  Starting from the Courthouse car park, the walk follows tracks southwest towards the Sutherland Creek then swings north to the The Crossing Picnic Area (probable lunch stop).  We will then head east along the Burchell Trail to The Pines car park and New Chum Mine, and return to the Courthouse via Hay Track and wander through the old village.
Gold was discovered in the Brisbane Ranges in 1860, and by the 1890s Steiglitz became established adjacent to the Sutherland Creek.  It had a population of 2000 plus, with its busy streets including dozens of buildings - houses, banks, several schools, a public library and a courthouse.  It is now the home of only a few residents, and an interesting set of name plates marking former buildings.  After the walk, some may wish to stay and wander around the historic remains of the town.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Parks Victoria: Steiglitz Historic Park Visitor Guide (Map and Park Note).

RSVP: by Wednesday 13th June via www.thenomadsinc.org.au.
LEADER CONTACT: Ian G. via ian.gould@iosphere.net.au or 0414 654 872.