Walk Description
Distance: 15 – 20km
Ballarat Goldrush Mayhem 6hr Metrogaine is a chance to experience Ballarat from a different angle. Using a map and your own sense of direction, you’ll make your way through the city’s historic streets, green spaces and discover lesser-known spots — all while chasing down checkpoints tied to the city’s gold rush era.
From the heritage architecture along Lydiard Street to the peaceful surrounds of Lake Wendouree – host to the 1956 Olympic rowing – the course offers a mix of physical challenge and local history. It’s a good fit for everyone from curious beginners to families looking for an active day out with a bit of a twist.
How a Metrogaine works
The course uses question and multiple-choice answer checkpoints. The questions are intended to confirm your visit to the checkpoint and not test your IQ. Checkpoints are set on points of interest as much as possible. Find the location on the map then find the answer to the question matching a multiple-choice answer. Then mark off A, B, C or D on your answer sheet.
Metrogaine is run by the Victorian Rogaining Association, Adult entry fee is $25, you can walk, run, or use public transport around the course, but there is no cycling or the use of scooters.
Start: Lake Wendouree Ballarat 3 Waves in 15 minute intervals from 9:30am to 10:00am
Teams have between 2 to 5 members
If you want to join a team, submit a booking for this event. Andrew will contact you.to organise $25 payment to join a team:
https://rogainevic.org.au/august-metrogaine-17-august-2025/
Transport
Transport to and from the walk location is by car pooling or the early Vline train to Lake Wendouree, Ballarat. Please indicate your transport requirements and preferences on the booking request form when you book in.
If you don’t have a car, we can’t guarantee to provide you with a lift – this will depend on available drivers and their locations.
Passengers must pay the driver their share of car-pooling costs as described on the Car-pooling page. Please discuss the preferred method of payment with your driver.
Booking
Booking is required for this walk. Please indicate what similar walks you have done recently (i.e. in the past few months) to give the leader confidence that you are capable of doing this one. Refer to Walking Grades which, in conjunction with the walk description, will help you assess whether you have the required walking fitness and experience to do this walk.
The Leader will confirm your acceptance on the walk, or not, via email. The leader will provide details of where and when to meet.
Booking Fee:
$25 to be paid to the Victorian Rogaining Association. Our leader, Andrew, will organise this.
Cancellation:
If you need to cancel, please advise the leader as soon as possible, so that someone else has the opportunity.
What to bring
• Day pack
• Sufficient water (2 litres, more on hot summer days)
• Lunch and snacks
• Hat, sun screen
• Suitable outdoor clothing (no jeans/sneakers!)
• Rainwear & warm jacket
• Proper walking shoes/boots
• Hand Sanitiser
Refer to our Gear Checklist page for more details. If you are not properly equipped, the walk leader can decide not to let you participate on this walk.
Safety and Ambulance Insurance
We strongly recommend that you have Ambulance cover. If conditions are hazardous, the walk may be cancelled. If any doubts at all, check your emails the night before and the morning of the event. For more details refer to Safety.
Still have questions?
Check out Joining a Walk.
Check out Day walks and social activities.
Contact the leader using the Enquiry form, above the Booking Request.
