Leanganook Track
An initiation site, Leanganook was the Aboriginal name for Mt Alexander.
The Leanganook Track completes the Goldfields Track’s linkage of central Victoria’s three ‘golden’ cities – Castlemaine, Bendigo and Ballarat. Gold rush era heritage abounds from Castlemaine and Bendigo’s glorious streetscapes to the massive foundations for the giant Garfield water wheel and the ruins of a Welsh village and its associated slate quarry.
After heading up and over (for walkers) Mt Alexander’s massive granite tors, the track joins the historic Coliban Water main channel. Constructed in the 1870s, this heritage-protected, still operating, engineering gem is regularly punctuated by ‘steam punk’ engineering from artificial bluestone waterfalls to energy ‘dissipators’ and arched tunnels. In its final stage, the track passes through forest dominated by black-trunked ironbarks. Wildflowers and orchids of many hues and varieties line your route in spring and summer. Before not too long you’ll find yourself in Bendigo. Stay awhile and enjoy all that this vibrant and cosmopolitan town has to offer.