Centenary Walk and The Island is a 12.5km, grade 4 hike located in the Werribee Gorge State Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 4 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
This Centenary Walk and The Island hike starts at Meikles Point Picnic Area (or the Quarry) and takes you in an anti-clockwise direction following the Gorge Circuit Track. The trail ascends Patterson's spur before traversing a few picturesque gullies and on to the Quarry Picnic Area. Follow the circuit track north past the toilet block, leaving then re-entering the park and continue past Hanson's Farm to the intersection of the Circuit Track and Centenary Walk. Turn right, diverging and passing through open woodland to the bridge across Myrniong Creek at Junction Pool. After crossing the creek there is a very steep climb to the top of the James Whyte Island Reserve with panoramic views over Werribee Gorge and beyond.
Return via the same route, this time turning right at the Circuit Track and Centenary Walk junction. Follow the old vehicle track as far as Eastern Viewpoint for panoramic views over the James Whyte Island Reserve.
Backtrack approximately 100m to pick up the Short Circuit walk on your right. Follow this track back to a disused water channel at the circuit walk junction. Turn right at this point and follow the trail a short distance before descending a set of stairs and back to Meikles Point Picnic Area.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 384 m
Min elevation: 147 m
Total climbing: 658 m
Total descent: -658 m
Tips
- Highlights: Open woodlands, creek crossings, steep climb to James Whyte Island Reserve, expansive views.
- Trail can be taken in any direction.
- The river is prone to flooding so avoid after heavy rains.
- Walking poles will be beneficial.
- Alternate is to follow the Gorge Circuit Track from Eastern Viewpoint and return to Meikles Point via Werribee Gorge, following the Werribee River.
Gear you might need
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Location
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Access Conditions
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Winding Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Untreated Water
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
- Campfire Pit
Getting there
Follow the Western Highway past Bacchus Marsh to the Pentland Hills exit (5km beyond Bacchus Marsh). At the end of the exit ramp turn right to pass under the freeway. Turn left onto Pentland Hills Road. After passing under the freeway again turn left onto Myers Road and follow it down to the Werribee Gorge State Park.
Let someone know before you go
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
About the region
Werribee Gorge State Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that includes the traditional Country of the Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Peoples. Werribee Gorge is a wild, rugged natural beauty shaped by 500 million years of geological history. A range of challenging walks amid the steep, river-washed gorge and surrounding rocky ridges offer spectacular views and access to a rock-climbing site within the park. Self-sufficient visitors can picnic and hike to explore this unique park and its distinctive settings.
Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.
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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.