Completed upgrades to the Goldfields Track in central Victoria will enable more visitors to experience the state’s rich history and scenery while trekking from Ballarat to Bendigo – thanks to the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards recently congratulated Goldfields Track Inc and the commercial arm of the Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Corporation, Djandak, for the design and construction of the upgrades.

“The Goldfields Track is the longest shared bike and hiking track in Victoria and passes through some of the most scenic locations in our state. By investing in this upgrade, we’re ensuring that the trail will support not only those who use it, but the regions and towns it passes through as well.” Said Ms Edwards.

“We’re proud to support a project that makes journeys smoother and more enjoyable for hikers and cyclists looking to explore this beautiful part of Victoria.”

Two new visitor ‘Rest and Recovery’ Hubs along the trail will allow visitors to have a designated break point, located midway between towns. These Hubs will also act as key reference points for access to the track and in case of an emergency.

Backed with a $1.9 million investment from the Labor Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, the project also included installation of signage across the trail to educate visitors about the rich culture of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung people, the region’s significant Goldfields history, and its unique flora and fauna.

Passing through the townships of Buninyong, Ballarat, Creswick, Daylesford, Hepburn Springs, Castlemaine, Harcourt and Bendigo, the trail has on-site camping for intrepid hikers and cyclists looking to complete overnight treks. This is in addition to a wealth of accommodation and dining experiences in towns along its path.

The official opening of the Goldfields Track upgrades comes after Victoria’s Goldfields were included in Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List, announced in February this year.

Recognised in part for the region’s richness in gold deposits, which helped make Melbourne the wealthiest city in the world during the gold rush, tentative listing is the first step towards a region receiving UNESCO World Heritage listing – the highest level of international recognition for landmarks.

If successful, the Goldfields region would join Australia’s 20 UNESCO World Heritage listed sites, alongside the Sydney Opera House, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the Great Barrier Reef.

For more information on the Goldfields Track, visit goldfieldstrack.com.au