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.
The East Walk and Spanish Onion Circuit starts and finishes in beautiful O'Briens Crossing Picnic Area.
Follow the Lerderderg River downstream before climbing to the top of the Lerderderg Gorge for fantastic views over the river and rugged bushland. The East Walk and Spanish Onion Circuit is a challenging but rewarding day hike for experienced hikers wanting to capture that feeling of remoteness while remaining close to Melbourne.
Along the way keep an eye out for koalas in the Manna Gum trees and colourful Spotted Pardalote high in the canopy. Silvereye are another common site and you might see them perched on the stems of inflorescences of the Slender Saw-sedge.
East Walk to Cowans Track
The East Walk follows the Lerderderg River downstream from O'Briens Crossing through to Mine Camp. The trail, which initially hugs the Lerderderg River, is rough and narrow in places and subject to flood damage, which can sometimes make the path difficult to follow. If in doubt, stay on the east bank of the river, close to the water, and you will eventually come to Cowan Track on the left.
Typically people take the return part of the East Walk and Cowan Track circuit via Cowan Track. This is a steep track that climbs more than 200 metres from the river to O'Briens Road.
Spanish Onion Track
The circuit hike described here will take you approximately 500m past the Cowan Track junction to Spanish Onion Track where you will climb away from the river. Follow the Spanish onion track for the next few kilometres as it winds its way along a relatively steep spur through wooded forest and grass trees. The trail is not always easy to follow but stay on the main ridge line and you will easy locate the trail. Orange markers can also be found occasionally.
Once off the spur, you will soon reach the Lerderderg Track, a reasonably well maintained management track. Turning left (north), you will follow this along it's length to O'Briens where you will again turn left (west) to follow the road back towards O'Briens Crossing. After approximately 4km of relatively boring road walking, you will need to locate an opening in the fence-line to your left, known as Short Circuit Track. This track will take you off the main gravel road and back into the bush.
Follow Short Circuit Track its entire length until it emerges back onto O'Briens Road. Turning left and walking approximately 700m will have you back at the trail head.
- Do not attempt this hike following heavy rains as the river is subject to flooding.
- The East Walk and Spanish Onion Circuit is for experienced and well prepared hikers.
Total distance: 17853 m
Max elevation: 650 m
Min elevation: 390 m
Total climbing: 640 m
Total descent: -640 m
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Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Bullengarook, Coimadai, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton, Macarthur, Macedon, Maddingley, Melton, Myrniong, Sunbury, Trentham, Woodend
Getting to the trailhead in Lerderderg State Park.
O’Briens Crossing is in the centre of the northern section of the park, along O’Briens Road. The crossing is located approximately 4km from the Greendale-Blackwood Road, with the turnoff approximately a 5km drive north of Greendale. The track into the crossing is quite good with sufficient access for 2WD’s and caravans.
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Winding Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Untreated Water
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 hikes and trails in Lerderderg State Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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6 Reviews on “East Walk & Spanish Onion Circuit Hike (18km)”
Fun hike. Loved the section along the river. Cowan track is a bit of a heart pumper but thankfully the steep ascent was over quickly. Looking forward to exploring more in this area.
Beautiful hike, especially along the east walk (river section). The Spanish Onion and Lerderderg Track sections are beautiful in spring with plenty of wildflowers in bloom. I wasn’t that keen on the 4km section along O’Briens Road and was happy to reach the short circuit track to get back in the bush. If you wanted to avoid this 4km stretch, you could always park a vehicle at the end of the lerderderg track to tack you back to the trail head.