The historic gold mining town of Arrowtown is a gateway to some of the region’s greatest walking trails. With each one being so unique and only a short distance from Arrowtown House, the most challenging part will be choosing which to do first. We’ve made a list of our top 3 choices to ease the decision-making process and give you an insight into what to expect:
Length: 4km
Duration: 1hr 30mins
Start Location: Ramshaw Lane
Difficulty: The kind of walk you do just for the pretty photos and fresh air.
The Millennium Walkway is an iconic Arrowtown trail that follows the Arrow River banks. It’s a reasonably flat path that comes to life during the Autumn season when the surrounding fauna creates a beautiful display of infinite red, orange, and yellow hues.
The path is beautiful, but it’s also steeped in history and character. As you walk along, you’ll pass a section of the Arrow River where Jack Tewa discovered gold for the first time in 1862. (So, keep an eye out for any sparkling rocks!) Lord of the Rings fans will also notice a familiar section of the trail where the Gladden Fields scenes were filmed.
Insider tip: Grab a coffee from the local café and enjoy a stroll through nature.
Length: 4.5km
Duration: 1hour
Start Location: Ford Street
Difficulty: A bit of a workout, but nothing you can’t handle.
Tobins Track is known for its history, hills, and high vantage point. It was originally built by Thomas Tobin back in the 1870s as an access road to Crown Terrace and is now a popular walking trail among tourists and locals.
The track starts at the bottom of Ford Street and follows a 4WD road all the way to the top. This uphill walk will be sure to get the heart rate pumping and calf muscles burning, but the 360-panoramic view from the top will be well worth the 30-minute slog. Also, keep an eye out for the remains of Tobin’s old family cottage along the way. It’s the perfect excuse to stop and catch your breath while reading up on the track’s interesting history.
Once you reach the top, there is a bench to relax on and soak in the sights. Or, if you’re in the mood for another uphill grind, you can continue your adventure up to Mount Beetham.
Insider Tip: Bring some food and drinks for a well-deserved picnic stop at the top. Nothing beats food and a view.
sLength: 8km loop
Duration: 2-3hours
Start Location: Chinese settlement car park
Difficulty: Just think of the view!
There’s a reason this walk features on every ‘Arrowtown’s best hikes’ list. The scenery. Nothing quite compares to Sawpit’s variety of track terrain and landscape. You’ll find yourself walking through native bush, exploring open grasslands, and rock hopping across gully streams on this 8km, well-marked loop track.
There is never a dull moment. Literally. The fauna on this track will have you taking photos every few minutes. But, for the best view, don’t miss the unmarked trail up to German Hill. This 792m summit is the perfect spot to take your Instagram pics and prove to your followers that you’re living your best life.
Insider Tip: Sawpit gully can become a slippery slope in wet conditions, so save this walk for a sunny day or take extra care! (No one likes wet socks or rolled ankles).
After a big day exploring Arrowtown’s backyard, the next big decision is what to do next! Check out our recommendations for a night of Arrowtown’s hidden treasures or simply head back to Arrowtown House for some much-needed serenity.