Daylesford Goldfields track: 17km 450m elevation gain (Optional camping, swim)

Experience this return 17km walk from Daylesford lake to the blow hole (see picture above). This walk follows the Dry diggings walk that forms part of the greater 58km Daylesford to Castlemaine walk. There will be a number of river crossings with the chance for a swim under the blow hole (bring a towel, change rooms will be behind any appropriate rock or tree) before returning back to Daylesford for the the traditional coffee and cake.

Directions to start of hike:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lake+Daylesford+Carpark/@-37.3481856,144.1348271,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x6ad6d3a4e4fee4df:0x8b59c691a59b3855!8m2!3d-37.3481899!4d144.137402!16s%2Fg%2F11cs5ll_hz?entry=ttu

Camping option, Daylesford
The organizers will be camping on the Friday and Saturday night at Mt Franklin (Lalgambuk) camping area and invite you to join use. This is a beautiful free camping ground within the core of an extinct volcano. It has a toilet block, however no showers. The camping ground can not be booked. It maybe / will be cold at night, hence please come prepared. Fires are allowed.

If you intend to camp, please indicate so within the comments i.e. "I will be camping" , so that we can attempt to secure a large enough camp site.

Directions to campground:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mount+Franklin+Reserve/@-37.2661669,144.1495256,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x6ad6d5932f55f1c3:0xd2a889aec21b9815!8m2!3d-37.2661712!4d144.1521005!16s%2Fg%2F11_s6cqkf?entry=ttu

Mt Franklin (Lalgambuk) camping area information
https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/hepburn-regional-park/where-to-stay/mount-franklin-lalgambuk-camping-area

Fitness Level:
This is a moderate, grade 3 hike. You need to be in very good physical condition and have experience hiking off-trail.

What to bring:

• · All camping equipment and food (you must be self-sufficient if camping)
  · 2L of Water
  · Snack and lunch.
  · Wear proper hiking shoes and protective clothing.
  · Rain jacket if rain is forecasted.

Please do not RSVP to any Eastern Hiking & Adventure event unless you are fully committed to attending. It is your responsibility to check the date, distance, and difficulty of the walk before RSVPing.
Members who frequently withdraw at the last minute, fail to show up, arrive without being on the "going" list, or behave disrespectfully towards leaders or fellow members will be asked to leave the walk and may be removed from the group. All leaders are unpaid volunteers who invest a great deal of their own time to plan and research each walk. Their efforts deserve respect and consideration. Organisers do their best to minimise waitlists where possible, and priority will be given to reliable members who attend regularly and contribute positively to the group experience.

DISCLAIMER
Our events may involve challenging and potentially hazardous conditions.
Eastern Hiking & Adventure organisers accept no liability for any loss, injury, or accident that may occur. You are solely responsible for your own safety. Participants are expected to take appropriate precautions, including:

• ensuring you have a suitable level of fitness and health for the specific event
• wearing appropriate clothing and footwear
• keeping your equipment in good working condition
• acting responsibly and being aware of your surroundings
• following all directions given by the event leader.

Ambulance cover is strongly recommended. By RSVP’ing to this event, you acknowledge and accept these terms.