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, Nolan Track, and the Tunnel offer a 12.8-kilometre, Grade 4 hike through the rugged beauty of Lerderderg State Park in Victoria. This hike typically takes about 4 hours to complete, making it an ideal day adventure for those looking to experience a mix of diverse landscapes and some challenging terrain.
The journey begins at O'Briens Crossing, where you'll follow the renowned East Walk along the eastern banks of the Lerderderg River. This section meanders for around 5.3 kilometres, passing intermittent water races and well-worn foot trails that cut through the park's dense bushland. The path occasionally twists and turns, offering glimpses of the river below, before ascending the steep Nolan Spur. The climb up Nolan Spur is initially demanding but manageable, and once at the top, you'll follow the track for approximately 3 kilometres to its end at O'Briens Road.
From here, walk along O'Briens Road for 500 metres before turning right onto Gribble Track. This track stretches for nearly 2.5 kilometres, bringing you to the junction with Byers Back Track. You can choose to turn right at this point and return to O'Briens Crossing, but for those wishing to extend their adventure, the trail continues straight ahead, descending steeply towards the Lerderderg River and the iconic Tunnel.
After descending to the river's edge, the track leads you downstream to the entrance of the Tunnel. This is where the trail becomes a little more challenging, as it continues across the eastern bank of the river. In certain sections, the path can be hard to follow, and during drier weather, you might find it easier to simply walk along the riverbed until you reach the Ambler Lane ford. Here, you'll need to scramble over a cliff face before descending to the river again.
From the Ambler Lane ford, continue along the river for about 1 kilometre, where you'll find a trail on your right. Follow this trail back to your starting point at O'Briens Crossing, completing the loop.
The East Walk, Nolan Track, and Tunnel hike offers a blend of natural beauty, historical features, and varied terrain that will test your navigational skills while rewarding you with a rich experience of Lerderderg State Park’s wilderness. Whether you're in it for the challenge or simply to enjoy the quiet, untamed landscape, this hike is sure to leave a lasting impression.
- A varied hike with steep sections and changing scenery.
- Hiking poles will be useful on ascents and descents.
- Carry at least 2 litres of water and food to keep your energy levels up.
- There are some steep sections that will benefit from the use of poles.
- Following rain, when the river is high, several creek crossings may be required. Best not to attempt this section following heavy rains.
- The trail along the Lerderderg River following the Tunnel is not marked and you will need to pick your way along its length.
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Total distance: 12793 m
Max elevation: 628 m
Min elevation: 418 m
Total climbing: 462 m
Total descent: -462 m
Getting to the trailhead: Lerderderg State Park.
Drive to Blackwood on the Western Highway via Melton and Bacchus Marsh, taking the Greendale-Myrninong Rd turn-off from the highway and then the Greendale-Trentham Rd to approximately 2km south of Blackwood and turn into O’Briens Road. Follow O’Briens Road east for approximately 5.5km to O’Briens Crossing. The walk starts and finishes from this point. Parking is available on the west bank of the river.
Closest towns to this walk: 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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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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5 Reviews on “East Walk, Nolan Track & the Tunnel Hike (12.8km)”
The First section (East walk) was by far my favourite part of the walk, I recommend staying on the right-hand side of the river heading away from Obrien’s crossing (Cross the bridge at Obreins crossing visible sign.) some mild obstacles but nothing to be worried about in fair conditions. Part 2 from East Walk to Nolans track. Crossing the river (Roughly at Emergency marker LER522.) Recent rain will make this challenging as it did for me. (I had wet socks the rest of the day.) From there I would warn you this part is a bit overgrown; flood affected and may vary from my experience but aim for a small gully/creek (According to google maps Nolans Gully (Although wasn’t on my Gaia map.)) and exit the vicinity of the river. Climb the hill on the right of the creek/gully climbing over a handful of large fallen trees on to what I would call the tail end of Nolan’s track. Part 3 Nolans track Really easy to follow, minimal fallen trees that impede hikers spectacular views and flora. Part 4 Gribble track initially difficult to locate as Parks Victoria have installed a fence, bollards and several fallen trees to deter vehicles from entering. Other than that, no issues, be mindful this part has steep sections with slippery rocks and or slippery leaf litter. Part 5 The Tunnel. Amazing place clear path into it, mildly difficult to navigate to both sides without getting your feet wet. (Will depend on weather) It is possible to walk along the river in the area with the diverted water just a bit more difficult and flood affected (Debris dams). Part 6 As suggested by Julie Edwards in a previous comment I taken the Byers back track all the way back to O Brien’s crossing because it was already 430pm with sundown at 530pm. I am thinking of coming back and attempting to connect Margarets corner to Obrien’s crossing without the Byers back track. Overall 4/5 Interesting, cool and challenging solo. But not a 5/5.
Great recap. Thanks for the detailed info. Glad you enjoyed it.
The last quarter of this track along the river is now hard to find and when you do find it it is overgrown with a lot of climbing over and around fallen trees required. If walking off track isn’t something you enjoy then turn right at Margarets Corner onto Ambler Lane then left onto Byers Back track which will take you back to O’Brians Crossing
This is a very good hike!