Dereel - Kuruc-a-Ruc Trail
This region was once occupied by the Wadawarrung of the Kulin nation. The abundant
wildlife and fish-filled creeks ensured a plentiful food supply. Much of the landscape changed
from 1838 with European settlement, and more dramatically with the discovery of gold in 1852.
The 13.3 km Kuruc-a-ruc Trail travels through historic gold mining countryside and links the three goldfield townships of Dereel, where the trail begins, Corindhap and Rokewood.
The unsealed trail is suitable for walkers, horse riders and cyclists of all abilities.
The initial section goes along side the main Ballarat-Colac Road via a dedicated roadside path, before taking some back roads through pleasant lightly timbered country. The route gives way to open farmland as you approach the small township of Corindhap.
Corindhap was home to the little-known Break O'Day Hotel, which has been described as 'one of Australia's quirkiest country pubs'. Exhibits included a sheep dressed in a leather jacket and blue gumboots sitting on a motorbike which hangs over the front bar, a stuffed crow and a Frankenstein-esque electrotherapy chair. Unfortunately we believe the hotel is now permanently closed.
By 1865, Rokewood was well established with a population of about 950, but when the
last mine was closed in 1903, the population in the region declined. In 1987, a gold nugget weighing
98 ounces, called the Orange Roughy was unearthed and sold to an American dealer, bringing
Rokewood to international prominence.
The map shows some of the highlights including the Kuruc-a-ruc Homestead, old mine workings, dry stone walls, old historic buildings and the Rokewood swimming pool.
Location
Cnr Colac-Ballarat Road and Swamp Road, Dereel 3352 Map
Web Links
→ Kuruc-a-Ruc Trail Notes & Map (PDF)
