Byers Back Track (12.5km)

Byers Back Track is a 12.5-kilometre walk through a striking section of Lerderderg State Park in Victoria, stretching between the historic town of Blackwood and the popular picnic and camping area at O’Brien’s Crossing. It typically takes around three hours to complete in one direction, though the time may vary depending on track conditions and pace. While some hikers choose to tackle the route as a return trip, retracing their steps, others opt for a car shuffle or continue along Tunnel Point Track to form a circuit known locally as the Blackwood Hike Circuit.

The trail mostly follows the course of old water races, remnants of the area’s gold rush past. These narrow channels were once carved into the hillsides to direct water from nearby dams and rivers down to alluvial gold workings. Because the races were built to carry water by gravity, they tend to follow the natural contours of the land, creating long stretches of relatively flat terrain that wind their way across the slopes. This makes for a comfortable walking gradient, though it doesn’t mean the track is without its challenges.

Underfoot, the path can be rough and uneven, especially where erosion, tree roots, fallen branches, or loose rocks break up the surface. There are a few sections where the track skirts steep drop-offs or crosses narrow footbridges and stairways. After rain, these areas can become slippery, so care is needed. Still, for those with moderate bushwalking experience, it’s a track that offers a good balance between accessibility and interest, with just enough roughness to keep things engaging.

The surrounding landscape shifts subtly as you walk. Much of the trail is framed by tall eucalypts, the dry, open forest providing dappled light and the scent of gum leaves. In steeper parts of the gorge, the vegetation becomes denser and more varied, revealing glimpses of the Lerderderg River far below. These elevated sections offer a real sense of the scale and beauty of the terrain. Along the way, you’ll also pass old mine shafts and diggings—reminders of the intense prospecting that once transformed this landscape.

Byers Back Track is one of those walks that invites you to slow down, pay attention, and notice the layers of history and ecology etched into the bush. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day walk or a more immersive journey through Lerderderg’s rugged heart, this track provides both practical access and a strong sense of place.