East Walk & Cowan Track (13.5km)

Tucked within the rugged beauty of Lerderderg State Park in Victoria, the East Walk and Cowan Track Loop offers a rewarding 13.5-kilometre circuit that’s ideal for experienced hikers seeking a real bushwalking experience within reach of Melbourne. Starting and ending at the inviting O'Briens Crossing Picnic Area, this walk takes you along the banks of the Lerderderg River and up onto the ridgelines of the gorge, delivering a rich mix of river scenery, remote bushland, and sweeping views across the landscape.

The walk begins by following the river downstream, tracing a path through cool gullies and pockets of rainforest. This first stretch, known as the East Walk, winds its way close to the water’s edge. The track can be narrow and rough underfoot, and in sections, damage from past flooding may make the route less defined. Sticking to the east bank and keeping the river in sight will eventually lead you to Cowan Track, a steep junction climbing away from the valley floor.

As you ascend Cowan Track, the landscape shifts. The dense riverside vegetation gives way to drier, more open forest, and the views expand the higher you climb. It’s a solid uphill stretch, gaining more than 200 metres in elevation before levelling out near O’Briens Road. Turn left here and walk a short distance along the road until you reach the Short Cut Track, which drops you gently back down to your starting point at O’Briens Crossing.

This circuit has a quiet, immersive quality that makes you feel far from civilisation, despite being less than an hour and a half from the city. The sounds of the river and the rustle of leaves overhead are your companions for much of the journey. Keep an eye out for wildlife too, koalas sometimes rest in the forked branches of Manna Gums, while the forest canopy can come alive with the flitting movement of Spotted Pardalotes. Closer to the ground, Silvereye often gather on the wiry stems of Slender Saw-sedge, offering a splash of movement and colour among the undergrowth.

While the loop isn’t overly long, it does require a good level of fitness and confidence on uneven terrain. There are steep climbs, slippery sections, and occasional scrambling where the track narrows or erodes. It’s best tackled by hikers with a bit of bushwalking experience under their boots and a good sense of navigation.

For those ready for the challenge, the East Walk and Cowan Track Loop delivers a powerful sense of connection with nature, shaped by the rhythm of the river, the rise and fall of the gorge, and the stillness of the bush. It’s a route that stays with you, both in memory and in muscle.