The Freestone Creek, Lees Creek and Granite Creek areas were the location of a number of alluvial gold mines. These were first discovered in the mid-1860s and though not highly profitable, continued to be worked into the twentieth century.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s. a track existed to service the needs of the miners. connecting Briagolong and Gladstone Creek (also an alluvial field) to the gold fields at Lees Creek and Granite Creek. This track was marked on a Government map dated 1909 as *Track 96". The Granite Creek fields were also serviced from Stratford via the main Dargo Road.

Since the 1970s members of the Ben Cruachan Walking Club have been interested in identifying, retracing and clearing Track 96 but it was not until the 1990s that serious attempts were made to bring the dream to reality.

The project, once underway however, included all of Track 96 from Granite Creek in the north to the Blue Pool Walking track in the south. giving us a total of 60 kms of walking.

This network of walking tracks has taken over six years to complete and would not have been possible without the many hours worked by the Ben Cruachan Walking Club and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment assisted by many unemployed people.

This group of people can be proud of the end -result that has created out of an historic track. a network of walking tracks for all walkers to use, while retaining a vital link with our past history.

The new tracks provide different degrees of difficulty, so casual or experienced walkers can choose the challenge which best suits them. Already the tracks have attracted large numbers of walkers, who are able to enjoy the excellent views and historical areas at their own pace.