Embark on the captivating Gorge Walk Beechworth, showcasing diverse landscapes and remnants of Beechworth's rich gold mining history. This circuit within the Beechworth Historic Park combines the Cascades and Woolshed Falls trails, offering dramatic waterfalls, granite tors, and historical insights.
Commencing at the car park follow the woolshed falls trail north. Woolshed Falls is best viewed in early summer when the flow will be low enough to clamber over the upstream cascades and maybe even to the pool downstream. At these times you can walk right alongside the falls on bare rock and watch the arc of water spray out into the air right in front of you. Access to the falls is quite unrestricted so take some time to explore this area. There is a viewing platform located high above the downstream pool with a good overview of the falls. After leaving the falls follow a short walking track from the car park to a very long cut through the rock perpendicular to the main creek, which is a further remnant of past gold mining.
Follow the Woolshed Falls Historic Walk south east over Spring Creek and down towards the Reedy Creek Sluice Lookout. Continue to follow the Historic Walk in a southerly direction over McFeeters Road and onto the Cascade to Woolshed Falls trail. The trail continues south through Reids Creek Goldfield. Other than a few shafts and some alluvial mining sites, little can be seen of what was once the richest goldfield in the area. The trail continues parallel to Spring Creek to the Diversion Dam which was built to divert water from a gully into a water race where it could be used for mining operations. Not far past the dam you will reach the cascades which is a series of waterfalls from which Spring Creek drops down into the valley below.
After the cascades you will cross the Spring Creek bridge and will walk a short distance along Gorge Road. Rejoining the trail after a short distance, continue towards the granite tors and The Powder Magazine to the junction of Gorge and Skidmore Roads. Turning left, head east along Gorge Road for approximately 900m and locate One Tree Track on your left. Follow the trail north a short distance before turning west and heading to the lookout at the top of One Tree Hill, aptly named for the solitary mature red stringy bark which survived the miners need for timber. Retrace your steps, turning left at One Tree Track and head north towards Ingram's Rock.
Continue to follow the walking trail north then south west towards The Precipice which provides excellent views of the former Reids Creek goldfield. A sign warns the bridge has been removed and the falls are not accessible. The track down hill does have a number of trees down but can be negotiated comfortably. Crossing Spring Creek is still easy at a point 20m upstream from the established track. The trail continues south west over Spring Creek before turning right at the junction of the Cascade to Woolshed Falls trail. From here, simply retrace your earlier route north over McFeeters Road following the Historic Walk back toy the carpark
Total distance: 14194 m
Max elevation: 568 m
Min elevation: 300 m
Total climbing: 391 m
Total descent: -391 m
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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Beechworth Historic Park is located adjacent to the town of Beechworth in north east Victoria. The park is approximately 3.5 hours from Melbourne and 30 minutes from Wangaratta (Melway Ref: 522 E6). Turn onto McFeeters Road off the Chiltern Beechworth Road. Turn right onto Woolshed Falls Road and park at the Falls picnic area.
Beechworth Historic Park is the perfect place for short walks in beautiful nature, picnics, discovering cascades and waterfalls, rocky granite outcrops and fascinating sites that bring a rich Gold Rush history to life. The rugged landscapes of Beechworth Historic Park provide opportunities to explore natural and historical features close to the historic township of Beechworth. Access by foot, bike or car and perfect for all ages and abilities.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Beechworth Historic Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
3 Reviews on “Cascades & Woolshed Falls Hike (14.2km)”
This track was absolutely magic! Counted at least a dozen different types of wild flowers, koalas, foxes lizards and brightly coloured beetles. It’s a must do in the area. I’ll definately be going back.
Toni Kelly
We did this magnificent walk yesterday. We went anticlockwise around the circuit in the park, but when you get to the pinnacle, the track is then closed not allowing you to complete the walk. The sign says they have closed the track from that point due to removing a footbridge for safety reasons. As the level in creeks was low at that time of year, we followed the track using accurate gpx map which was risky as you could hardly see the track. We got to the creek where the footbridge was and were able to step across rocks to the other side. We don’t recommend anyone else do this as it was very hard to follow the track.
Tam Edwards this one looks great!
Meg Fitzpatrick
Decent trail… I hiked pretty much this entire route (Feb 2022) the bridge at “The Ponds” has been washed away and the trail says it’s closed, but as long as there hasn’t been raining heavy, the creek is small and easily jumped/forded (if you are travelling from Ingram’s Rock to the Woolshed Falls. I highly recommend the Mountain loop – Start at Powder Magazine sandstone building (edge of Beechworth) and go up to Ingram’s Rock, The Precipice, Spring Creek where The Ponds Track Crosses it (nice small pools there), The Cascades (really amazing), and the top of the Cascades where Gorge Rd crosses Spring Creek.
The walk/trail from The Cascades to Woolshed Falls, is largely unspectacular… easy flat walk following the creek, some wooded areas, but a lot of the track is a small fire break rd along a fenceline onto cow country… only gets near the creek a couple of times. Good if you are up for a tramp, and early in the day or late in the arvo I imagine there would be roos or wallabies about… but mostly it’s not worth the walk.
Woolshed Falls is pretty spectacular, and has lots of areas to explore, it does have carpark access, and bitumen rd to it, so if you are stuck for time, do the mountain loop at Ingram’s Rock / Cascades, and don’t worry about the Spring Creek walk to Woolshed Falls, just drive there later…
Michael Crawford. This walk is on the to do list when we visit on our January holiday.
Jacob Brusek
Great walk, went on the weekend of 22nd Jan, path closed between woolshed falls and deep creek due to recent flood damage to a section of path partially washed away. Great day!
a hike to do before the vineyard David Burgess ?
Are you allowed to swim at any of those falls?
Thanks
my wife is looking to make the trip across to beechworth from shepparton tomorrow 2/1/2020
Cascades and Woolshed Falls, where can we find a decent map of the walking tracks?
Cec , use OpenStreetMap for the treck , it’s an ‘open source appli’? and it’s more accurate !! ??
Kat Bennett Jennifer Bevis Next Time!
Is it a round trip or 1 way
Let me know when you are free and we will book it in Leesa Swanson
Suzie Sharp Joelene Gordon-Cooke Tracky Dax
James Thomas
One of our favourites…
Ash Cochrane
Hey Lynda looks good
Anita Karnakowski