Easy hikes and walks in Muckleford Bush Reserve

Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park offers a glimpse into the past and works to preserve Australia's largest historical mining site. As you explore the parks you'll find the remnants of the Victorian Gold Rush strewn across the landscape. Moreover, rangers Ricki Nelson and Daikota Nelson continue in the footsteps of their grandfather, Brien Nelson, in documenting and teaching the history of the land's traditional owners the Djaara people.

This site presents an opportunity to relive a bit of Victoria's gold rush history. The puddling works were used to separate the gold from the heavy clay that was too sticky and thick for standard tools. These days only the ruins remain, but it's easy to imagine the scale of the once thriving mining operations that took place here.

Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park is loaded with mining history and you'll truly feel like you're in the heart of it as you explore these ruins. There are more cottages and larger buildings a short distance away at Welsh Village, but it's important to watch your step as you explore the ruins as there are open mine shafts and pits dotted around the area.