Explore Golden Plains this summer

SUMMER has arrived in Golden Plains Shire and there is plenty of fun to be had while escaping the heat.

Here are some recommendations for places to visit and things to see this January.

Make a splash at the park

At the heart of Bannockburn is the splash park, which is suitable for all ages and has wet and dry play facilities.

The area has a water play splash pad, adventure play equipment, barbecues, public toilets, seating and shaded areas.

The site, on the corner of Milton and Byron streets, will be open from morning to evening throughout summer.

Take in the view

Overlooking the Moorabool Valley is Bunjil’s lookout, which takes inspiration from the Indigenous story of the wedge-tailed eagle, Bunjil.

It was opened in 2015 and has views of the surrounding farmland and the vineyards.

The structure includes carvings of Bunjil and his six helpers.

Go back in time

Explore the gold mining towns of Smythesdale, Linton and Steiglitz with their historic buildings and stories.

The region has more than 300 disused mine sites, including Jubilee Mine which has extensive ruins, a walking track and picnic tables.

Between 1899 and 1912, the location produced more than 125,000 ounces of gold and was the district’s most important gold mine.

Stroll through the countryside

The region has a range of scenic walks ranging from bush tracks to town and heritage walks.

Kuruc a Ruc Trail stretches for more than 13 kilometres linking Dereel, Rokewood and Corindhap.

Cycle, ride or walk through the scenic towns of Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton on the Ballarat to Skipton Rail Trail.

The trail is 53 kilometres long and there are a range of public access points along the path for users to start or finish their trip.

Visit a national park

Brisbane Ranges National Park offers a range of bushwalking, camping, and picnicking options.

Located in an area surrounding and north of Steiglitz, there are walking tracks which take between 90 minutes and three days to cover.

Uncover more than 600 native plant species including the rare Brisbane Ranges Grevillea and Velvet Daisy Bush, as well as Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, possums and gliders.