To help prevent the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi (cinnamon fungus) in the park, please stay on designated tracks at all times. Before entering or leaving the park, ensure all soil is removed from your footwear using a sturdy brush and a 70% methylated spirits/water solution.
The Djerriwarrh Creek Circuit commences at the entrance gate to the Pyrete Range section of the Lerderderg State Park. Follow the Antimony mine Track north for 700 metres to a trail junction. The trail to the left will take you along the Pyrites Creek Circuit hike. Take the trail to the right and walk a further 300 metres where you will locate a trail on your left. This is the start of the actual circuit.
The trail zigzags its way across the Pyrete range as it gradually descends to the valley along Djerriwarrh Creek. The topography is quite undulating so expect a number of short but steep hills along the way. This trail is commonly used by mountain bike riders so be mindful of this multiple use trail and step aside to allow them to pass.
After approximately 7km, you will reach the wide river flats of Djerriwarrh Creek. There are no river crossings on this circuit but you can access the creek at multiple points along this section. After 1.5km, you will leave the river and slowly wind your way west. The climb out of the river is the longest in this circuit but it's fairly gradual so not enough to get your heart pumping too hard.
At approximately 12km you will come across the junction of a vehicle track where you have the option of continuing north along the narrow trail or following the vehicle track. The narrow trail to the north will rejoin the section of the trail you were on earlier and you can follow this back to the trail head. The GPX file below follows the vehicle track back to Antimony Mine Track where you will turn left and head south back to the start.
The presence of Phytophthora cinnamomi (Cinnamon Fungus) poses a serious threat to flora and fauna of the park. This microscopic pathogen attacks plant root systems causing die-back. Patches of dead or dying vegetation can indicate the presence of the fungus and grass trees are particularly susceptible. The disease is spread through the movement of contaminated soil and gravel and there is no known cure. Please make sure you clean your shoes/boots before and after this hike.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
- The main circuit has several unmarked side trails.
- To avoid getting off track, it's advisable to carry a map, compass, and GPS to help you navigate the right path.
- Help prevent the spread of cinnamon fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) by staying on formed tracks at all times. Before entering or leaving the park, thoroughly clean your footwear by removing all soil with a sturdy brush and a 70% methylated spirits and water solution.
Total distance: 15856 m
Max elevation: 345 m
Min elevation: 231 m
Total climbing: 900 m
Total descent: -898 m
Login to Download GPXGPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Lerderderg State Park.
The start of this hike is located at the end of Antimony Mine Road, approximately 16km north east of Bacchus Marsh. Follow the Diggers Rest-Coimadai Rd (C706) to Antimony Mine Rd in Coimadai then drive along Antimony Mine Road to its end where you will find a small parking area. The last few kilometres of this road are gravel but the road condition is good. Just drive slowly so you don’t create too much just for neighbouring properties.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Small Car Park
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Bullengarook, Coimadai, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton, Macarthur, Macedon, Maddingley, Melton, Myrniong, Sunbury, Trentham, Woodend
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Lerderderg State Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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