Foster was once a bustling gold mining town known as Stockyard Creek. The Foster Flora Reserve, located within and around the Foster township, contains numerous walking tracks that can be undertaken individually or linked together for an extended walk.
Many of the walks pay homage to the town’s gold heritage and incorporate the sites of old Stockyard Creek Mines, long since closed. These include: Victory Mine, Ophir Mine, New Zealand Hill Claims.
Various walking tracks of short lengths. (See details below.)
Gravel surface.
Dogs are allowed, but must be restrained at all times.
The Foster Flora Reserve is located in the heart of Foster township. Hayes Walk begins in town in the carpark behind the shops. Cody-Gully & Ophir Mine walks begin from McDonald Street and New Zealand Hill can be accessed opposite the Comfort Inn Motel off the South Gippsland Highway.
900 metres – 15 minutes return
Hayes Walk will take you from close to the heart of Foster over Kaffir Hill and past the site of Victory Mine. By crossing McDonald Street, you can continue on to the Cody Gully Walk, which forms part of the Bratualong Walking Track. The walk starts from the carpark directly behind Fosters main shopping precinct in Main Street.
1 kilometre – 20 minutes return
Entering from McDonald Street, the walk has only a gentle slope and is suitable for walkers of any fitness level. It will take you through Peppermints, banksias, tea-tree, paperbarks and ferns.
900 metres – 20 minutes return
Continuing on from half way around Cody Gully Walk, Ophir Hill Walk will take you past remnants from the days of gold mining such as hand dug trenches and through forests of eucalypt species including Stringybarks, Mountain Grey Gum and Peppermints.
New Zealand Hill is situated to the north of the South Gippsland Highway and can be accessed opposite the Comfort Inn Motel or off Ameys Track. Several tracks meander through the reserve which are ideal for a gentle stroll, cycling and horse riding, with many tracks taking you past historic gold mining features.