Whipstick Road Dam

Whipstick Road Dam sits in the bush at Woodvale, north of Eaglehawk, on the edge of the old Whipstick forest. It is a quiet spot for an on lead ramble among box and ironbark, far from suburban footpaths.

Lead rules

Keep dogs on a leash here, as is expected on public bushland in the City of Greater Bendigo. The wider Whipstick runs into Greater Bendigo National Park, where dogs are not permitted in most parts, so read the signs at any park boundary and turn back there.

The walk

There is no set loop, just unsealed bush tracks and old mining management trails around the water. Look out for old diggings among the eucalypts.

The canopy gives decent shade, but there is no water on tap and bins are sparse. Bring water and carry your bags out, and use the informal pull-ins near the dam for parking.

Max: Where the forest turns into national park, the rules can change. Check the boundary signs before you take me deeper in.

When to go

Cool mornings in spring and autumn are best in this dry country. It suits dogs that enjoy a quiet bush sniff over a busy park.