Clearwater Gully Hike (15.5km)

Tucked away in the heart of Lerderderg State Park, Clearwater Gully offers a 15.5-kilometre circuit that weaves through one of the more secluded corners of this rugged landscape. It's a hike that rewards those with experience and a solid level of fitness, drawing you into a part of the park that sees far fewer footsteps than the better-known trails. The route can take between six and eight hours to complete, and timing can vary depending on the flow of the creek and river, which can slow progress considerably. For safety reasons, this hike is best undertaken in the warmer months when water levels in the river and tributaries are lower, reducing the risk of difficult crossings and slippery terrain.

The gully itself follows Clearwater Creek, a quiet tributary of the Lerderderg River. There’s something quietly striking about this stretch of country—its remoteness, the raw textures of rock and scrub, and the sense of stepping into a place that has largely escaped notice. The land here once carried the weight of gold-mining hopes, though today only subtle reminders of that chapter remain, slowly fading into the bush. If you're attentive, you might catch glimpses of old diggings or weathered ruins, half-swallowed by bracken and time.

The walk combines segments of management access tracks with more challenging sections through river gorges and creek beds. There's a descent of about 350 metres from the start down to the Lerderderg River, which marks the transition into a slower, more rugged phase of the hike. From there, the trail follows the course of Clearwater Creek, with an equivalent climb back up to reconnect with the track that leads out. This section, while rewarding, requires careful footing, especially after rain when the rock can be slick and treacherous.

Expect a mix of terrain—open grassy flats, exposed rock platforms, and densely vegetated gullies. The absence of a formed trail for much of the route adds a layer of challenge but also a feeling of quiet exploration. While navigation along the creek is relatively intuitive, you’ll still need solid map and compass skills or a reliable GPS. This isn’t a walk for beginners or those new to off-track hiking, but for experienced walkers with a taste for solitude and untamed landscapes, Clearwater Gully is a satisfying and memorable route through one of Victoria’s lesser-known wild places.