Ballarat to Buninyong Loop
Buninyong is a picturesque township to the south of Ballarat, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mount Buninyong. The town was settled before Ballarat and was likewise a major gold mining centre in the nineteenth century. It's a quiet but close getaway from the city. This loop ride makes use of a couple of Ballarat's off road bike paths: the Canadian Creek path to Mount Clear and then the path alongside the Geelong Road to the outskirts of Buninyong. The outward route is entirely on bike paths while the return is partly on roads.
Canadian Creek is a tributary of the Yarrowee River and much work has been done over the past 25 years to revitalise this waterway. The Canadian Creek bike path follows the creek along a green corridor, passing across wetlands, through areas of new native plantings and through bush. It makes for a nice ride at any time of day. The continuation to Buninyong offers views over the rural areas separating Ballarat from Buninyong. The return ride is fairly hilly but you are rewarded by fine views over Ballarat.
Loop Highlights
1. Poverty Point
This is where gold was first discovered in Ballarat.
2. Lake Esmond
A pretty lake on the site of a former clay quarry. The lake is surrounded by parkland and is a lovely picnic spot.
3. Ballarat Bird World
This bird sanctuary has hundreds of local and exotic birds on display. Visit www.ballaratbirdworld.com.au
4. Buninyong
At the southern turnaround point on this bike ride, Buninyong is a scenic little spot and a good place for a short or long break. There are attractive Victorian buildings, cafes and De Soza Park for picnics. The park has a few gold era exhibits. Nearby Mount Buninyong, an extinct volcano, has walking tracks and a road which lead to the summit. Two major road cycling races, the Australian Open Road Cycling Championships and the Australian Cycling Grand Prix, are held annually on the renowned Buninyong circuit.
5. Ballarat Observatory
The Observatory was established in 1886 and is open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings. From the surrounding streets you get great views over Ballarat. Sovereign Hill is nearby.
Ballarat to Buninyong Loop - Fast Facts
Start/Finish:
Ballarat Railway Station, Lydiard Street North
Distance:
25 kilometres return plus side trips
Road/trail surface:
Sealed and unsealed bike paths, sealed roads
Difficulty:
Canadian Creek bike path is flat. Hills of up to a kilometre long on the Geelong Road bike path and on the return road route. Both the Canadian Creek bike path and the Geelong Road path cross a number of roads where you need to take care.