Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the rugged, remote beauty of the Bears Head Circuit, a challenging 16km hike located in Lerderderg State Park, Victoria. Starting and ending at Lohs Lane, the trail takes around 7 hours to complete and is ideal for experienced walkers due to its Grade 4 difficulty. Not far from the town of Myrniong and 77km from Melbourne, the trail features steep descents, river crossings, and the chance to experience some of the park's most secluded areas.

Length:

16km

Duration:

7-8 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 629m

Min elevation: 270m

Total Ascent: 638m

Start: Lohs Lane

End: Lohs Lane

Lerderderg State Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Myrniong

From state capital: 77km

Latitude: -37.56056815

Longitude: 144.36504006385806

Overview

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Weather

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1,987 views

Important info

The Lerderderg State Park is rugged and remote with limited directional signage. You should be prepared for all conditions and have suitable navigation experience (not just a phone app) before venturing beyond the main picnic/parking areas or Grahams Dam. Many rescues have occurred in this park that could have been avoided.

Hike overview

The Bears Head Circuit offers a challenging 16-kilometre hike through one of the most remote and rarely visited sections of Lerderderg State Park in Victoria. With an estimated duration of seven to eight hours, this grade 4 hike is best suited for experienced walkers. It promises solitude, a sense of adventure, and the opportunity to explore a rugged part of the Lerderderg Gorge that many don’t get to see.

The hike begins at the Lohs Lane car park, where you’ll make your way down the Ah Kow Spur Track, which steeply descends towards the Lerderderg River. The track’s final stretch is particularly steep, earning it the reputation of being the steepest spur in the park. As you make your descent, you'll be immersed in the sounds of nature, with the river below becoming an increasingly prominent feature of the landscape.

Once you reach the river, turn right and follow it south for about 2.5 kilometres. There are no trail markers in this section, so navigating along the river can be tricky, requiring you to carefully pick your way across various obstacles, including multiple river crossings. After rainfall, the river can swell, making the crossings more difficult and dangerous, so it's best to avoid the hike if water levels are high.

After following the river, look out for marker LER511, which indicates the start of Bears Head Spur. From here, the real challenge begins. The ascent up the spur is steep and rocky, but the effort is worth it. As you climb, the views open up, and you'll be treated to increasingly spectacular panoramas that push you forward, each step bringing you closer to the top.

Reaching the top of the Bears Head Range is a moment of accomplishment. The sweeping views over the surrounding wilderness are not only breathtaking but also offer a satisfying sense of reward. However, the journey is far from over. While the temptation may be to continue north along the vehicle management track, this is not permitted due to its passage through the Ah Kow Gully Reference Area. Instead, you’ll need to head southeast, following the Blackwood Ranges Track until you reach the Fox Gully Track junction.

From here, follow the Fox Gully Track as it meanders through the gully and eventually returns you to the Blackwood Ranges Track. This section of the hike takes you back towards the start of the Ah Kow Spur Track, bringing you full circle back to the trailhead at Lohs Lane.

The Bears Head Circuit is not an easy walk. It requires a high level of fitness and experience, as the steep ascents and challenging terrain demand physical and mental stamina. But for those who are prepared, the rewards are substantial. The solitude, the beauty of the landscape, and the sense of achievement after completing the circuit make it an unforgettable adventure. If you’re up for the challenge, the Bears Head Circuit offers one of the best ways to experience the rugged wilderness of Lerderderg State Park. Just make sure you’re in good physical condition and ready for the demands of a true bushwalk before setting out.

Tips

The descent into the gorge via Ah Kow Spur is steep and slippery. Take great care in this section of the track. There are multiple river crossings and rock scrambling which make this hike suitable for experienced hikers only.
Hiking poles recommended.
Start early in the day, as the hike can take up to 7 hours to complete.
Wear sturdy footwear with good ankle support. I also highly recommend water shoes if you have them as it will make the crossings easier.
Bring plenty of water, as there is no 'treated' drinking water available on the hike, other than the river.
Be prepared for all types of weather conditions, as the weather in the Lerderderg Gorge can change quickly.
Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Bears Head Circuit Hike (16km)

Total distance: 15823 m
Max elevation: 629 m
Min elevation: 270 m
Total climbing: 638 m
Total descent: -638 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Lerderderg State Park.

Follow the Western Freeway 9km past Bacchus Marsh and take the Myrniong exit. Continue along the Myrniong-Greendale Road for 1km, then turn right on the Mount Blackwood Road. Follow this narrow surfaced road north for 8km and turn right onto Lohs Lane. Drive a further 500m to the gate and park on the right.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Bullengarook, Coimadai, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton, Macarthur, Macedon, Maddingley, Melton, Myrniong, Sunbury, Trentham, Woodend

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Winding Road

About the region

Rising in the Great Dividing Range, the Lerderderg River has cut a 300 metre deep gorge through sandstone and slate, almost bisecting the park. The park has a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife and some interesting relics of gold mining. Lerderderg State Park encompasses scenic and geological gorge formations surrounding the Lerderderg River as well as the volcanic cone of Mount Blackwood. The adjacent and separate block called the Pyrete Range forms part of the park. The Lerderderg is known for its remote setting and the 300m deep Lerderderg River gorge is a dominant feature. Private land abuts the park to the south and the Wombat State forest abuts to the north and west.

Lerderderg State Park (incorporating the former Pyrete State Forest) is a 14,250-hectare park located between Bacchus Marsh and Blackwood, an hour's drive from Melbourne, Australia. There are several maintained tracks for walking through the park and camping is allowed.

The park is named for the Lerderderg River which has cut the 300 metre deep Lerderderg Gorge through sandstone and slate, almost bisecting the park. Parks Victoria maintains six designated walks: three short walks of 3.5 km or less; Blackwood-O'Briens Crossing and return (22 km); O'Briens Crossing-Cowan Track loop (14 km); and the overnight walk O'Briens Crossing to Mackenzies Flat (20 km).

In addition, one leg of the Great Dividing Trail, the Lerderderg Track, passes through the park, entering from Blackwood in the park's northwest, and exiting south towards Bacchus Marsh. Bicycles are prohibited from one section of this track, due to a conservation area.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Lerderderg State Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Bears Head Circuit Hike (16km)

9 Reviews on “Bears Head Circuit Hike (16km)”

Overall rating

Catherine Elizabeth

Maty J Lewis add it to the list – good distance

24/03/2022, 05:21

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1. Jo Maffei
  
  Nicky Leitch
  
  24/03/2022, 05:21
  
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  1. Karen Wright
    
    Nope, haven’t done this one. It keeps popping up in my feed from a variety of pages. Must be trying to tell me something.
    
    24/03/2022, 05:21
    
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    1. Shaun Twentyman
      
      Nope, Looks great though! Just added to my ‘to do’ list.
      
      Lerderderg is really cool. Only an hour and a half from Melb. You keen?
      
      24/03/2022, 05:21
      
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      1. Nicky Leitch
        
        Oh yeah Jo. Let’s do it!!
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
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      2. Emma Chapman
        
        Oh yes, definately
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
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      3. Trina Hinkley
        
        One of my most favourite hikes! 🙂
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
        Like
  2. Emily O'Brien
    
    Ooh nice!
    
    24/03/2022, 05:21
    
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    1. Clive Watling
      
      Pretty sure that’s the hike we did at Lerderderg back when Cassie was a a Scout.
      
      24/03/2022, 05:21
      
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      1. Nicky Leitch
        
        Relle Sooz ???
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
        Like
      2. Hayden Lamb
        
        Richard Oxley weekend away?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
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      3. Scott Matthews
        
        Rob Weir Clive Watling a nice little training hike.
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
        Like
      4. Amy Lemmar
        
        Sarah van den Berg
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
        Like
      5. Jody Newton
        
        Scott Timson
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
        Like
      6. Mitchell Davies
        
        Shaun Twentyman, you guys done this one?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
        Like
      7. Geordie Male
        
        Shayne Gillings next mission…
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
        Like
      8. Bianca Stewart
        
        Shelly Anthea hills, river crossings – rock scrambling yasss ????
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
        Like
      9. Angela Gawne
        
        Simon Izzard
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
        Like
      10. Volly Moss
        
        Sinead Ryan Ben Frilay-Cox James Dooley
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
        Like
      11. Kate Southall
        
        Sounds good we’ll have a look at it thanks
        
        24/03/2022, 05:21
        
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Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

May 12, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Important info

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Bears Head Circuit Hike (16km)