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.
This hike starts from O'Briens Crossing Camp Ground and follows the famed East Walk along the eastern banks of the Lerderderg River. This part of the circuit twists and turns along intermittent water races and foot trails for approximately 5.3Km before ascending Nolan Spur to intersect the end of Nolan Track. Ascend Nolan spur (initially steep) and follow it along its length for approximately 3Km to its end at O'Briens Road. Walk along O'Briens Road for 500m until you reach Gribble Track on your right.
After following Gribble Track for almost 2.5Km you will arrive at the junction of Byers back Track. You can turn right at this point and return to O'Briens Crossing. This hike continues straight ahead descending the steep track down to the Lerderderg River and the Tunnel.
The track then leaves the downstream of the tunnel entrance and continues across the Eastern bank of the river. The trail beyond this point is not particularly easy to follow and in some places it may be easier, during drier weather, to simply follow the Lerderderg River through to the Ambler Lane ford. There is a section on this part of the trail that requires you to scramble over a cliff face before descending to the river.
From Ambler Lane ford contunie downstream along the Lerderderg River for approximately 1km until you reach a trail on your right. Return via this trail to your starting point at O'Briens Crossing.
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.
- 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.
Total distance: 12793 m
Max elevation: 628 m
Min elevation: 418 m
Total climbing: 462 m
Total descent: -462 m
Download
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
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.
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.
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
2 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!