Spring in your step : our favourite springtime walks

This lovely spring sunshine has us comparing notes on the best places to get out and enjoy it. We've put together a list of a few of our favourite spots for a walk, a run, even a ride as the weather warms up.

Whether you like the sound of a lap or two of one of the state's oldest botanical gardens or want to test your ability on a world-renowned track for experienced bushwalkers, our beautiful region has it all.

1. Crusoe Reservoir

Crusoe Road, Kangaroo Flat

A great place for cycling, walking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, even sailing. Covering 210-hectares surrounded by the Greater Bendigo National Park, this beautiful spot is known for its stunning landscape and vegetation.

We love

"The different distances, from three to seven and even nine km, to suit people of all levels. It's a really peaceful place to start the day." Tim Noonan Waller Realty Bendigo.

2. Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

Walker Street, Castlemaine

One of Victoria's earliest gardens, Castlemaine Botanical Gardens boasts many heritage listed native and exotic trees, including an oak planted by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1867, and the beautiful Lake Johanna.

A lap around the gardens is 1.74kms (pretty much a standard mile).

We love

"My wife and I (with the help of Wombat, our Border Collie) help to flatten the track around the gardens most mornings! After a few laps you can head across the road to Das Kaffeehaus at The Mill Castlemaine for coffee or breakfast." Brett Tweed Waller Realty Castlemaine.

Left: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Right: Crusoe Reservoir

3. Dry Diggings Track

The Dry Diggings Track is part of the Goldfields Track (originally known as the Great Dividing Trail), a 210km track crossing through historic towns and beautiful forests.

Covering 60km from Daylesford to Castlemaine, the Dry Diggings Track moves from wet temperate forests to the drier northern plains. It'll test your fitness so it's not recommended for inexperienced walkers or novice riders.

What we love

The new shuttle bus service running between Castlemaine, Daylesford and Vaughan Springs to help you walk or ride the track. Operating Saturdays until 9 November thanks to Mount Alexander Shire Council and the Goldfields Track Inc, with support from Tread.

Book via bit.ly/MtAlexBoxOffice or the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre on 03 5471 1795.

4. Spring Gully Trail

Spring Gully Recreation Reserve

Start with a coffee at the friendly Spring Gully General Store and then follow the trail alongside Spring Creek to Quarry Hill. The path is easy to follow and sealed for the majority of the way. A lovely easy walk, great for children or older people but, at just under 5kms, still enough to get the legs pumping and work off any treats you might've added to the bill at the General Store.

We love

This track is a bit of a hidden treasure right in the heart of town. Walk under tall gums and ancient peppercorns just a stone's throw from suburban streets.

Left: Greater Bendigo National Park walking track Strathfieldsaye Right: Spring Gully Trail, Spring Gully Creek Reserve

5. Greater Bendigo National Park

Whipstick, Victoria

The Greater Bendigo National Park surrounds the city of Bendigo and is known for its Box-Ironbark forests, unique flora and fauna.

Take a picnic, even camp the night and enjoy the sight and sounds while you walk the Bendigo Bushland Trail through the park. You can also join the Goldfields Track which connects Bendigo, Castlemaine and Ballarat.

We love

The display of colourful spring wildflowers you'll see at this time of year. The park is home to the golden Whirrakee Wattle (unique to the area), delicate wax flowers, native orchids and the nationally endangered Whipstick Westringia.

Feeling inspired? Get a group together or hit the tracks solo. Couldn't find a better time.