Steiglitz, situated between Geelong and Ballarat, is almost a ghost town today, but in the 1860's and 1890's it was a busy goldmining township with hotels, shops, churches and a population of over 1,000.


At the height of the 1860's gold rush, Steiglitz township had more than 1,500 residents, 4 hotels, a newspaper, a variety of shops and even an undertaker. Now most of the town and its surroundings are included in the 469ha Steiglitz Historic Park, declared in 1979. Images of Steiglitz in its boom years are displayed in the historic Court House, open Sundays and public holidays.


Things to see and do


* Much of the park can be explored on foot. Try the Discovering Old Steiglitz self-guided walk described in a parknote available at Steiglitz. Walks along bush tracks in spring reveal a variety of wildflowers.

* There are many pleasant picnic spots around Steiglitz. Toilets and water are available at the Bert Boardman Recreation Area

* Explore the surrounding bush for evidence of mining. However, beware of mine shafts and please don't remove any relics you find

* The cemetery on the Maude-Steiglitz Road is worth a visit if you're interested in history

* During some holiday periods, the rangers organise guided walks and other activities

* Note that gold panning is permitted only in the section one kilometre downstream from the Meredith Road bridge on Sutherlands Creek. Prospectors are permitted to use pans, cradles and hand tools within the creek-bed. Please protect the creek-bank environment. A miner's right is required



Precautions


Historic mines dot the landscape around the township of Steiglitz. Many of these are now overrun with vegetation and as such are hard to find. Visitors need to be careful when walking and remain on walking trails and management tracks.