This hike starts at Goodmans Weir and follows a gravel road adjacent to Goodman Creek between the Lerderderg River diversion tunnel entry and exit points. After approximately 800m, the track dives and you will need to take the one to your left that slightly ascends the escarpment. Continue walking to the back of the flat area to find a trail that leads upwards through the dry open woodland.
Once you reach the ridge, turn right and follow the track, then high point of the ridge until you find a 4WD track that will lead you to Seereys Track, a well formed vehicle track. Turning right, walk a few hundred metres, then turn right again onto Blue Gum Track. Descend this track for approximately 400m and turn right onto Holtz Road.
You can follow Holtz Road its entire length until it reaches Goodman Creek but if you want to explore a particularly interesting gully to the left of the track, divert to your left after approximately 400m. Take care when descending into this gully as it is heavily eroded and is prone to collapse.
Follow this gully east until you reach a clearing near the junction of Holtz Road and Nuggetty Track. Exit the gully and locate a foot trail that follows Goodman Creek to the south. The creek is often dry so it is possible to follow the trail or walk along the creek.
Follow Goodman Creek along its length back to the diversion tunnel exit, then follow the management track back to Goodmans Weir.
This hike has a few off trail sections so navigation skills may be required. Be sure to take a map and compass as the dense bush can make it difficult to see and obvious trail in places. Walking along Goodmans Creek is quite easy even though multiple crossings may be required. It is a rocky creek with plenty of foot pads.
Total distance: 9290 m
Max elevation: 347 m
Min elevation: 195 m
Total climbing: 965 m
Total descent: -964 m
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Head north from Bacchus marsh towards Gisborne along the Bacchus Marsh-Gisborne Road. After approximately 8km, keep a look out for McMullins Lane to your left. This is a gravel road that winds it way down off the escarpment towards Goodmans Creek and the Lerderderg State Park. The road will come to an end at a large locked steel gate. Find a place to park without blocking the gate, noting that there are limited places.
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Winding Road
- Small Car Park
- Untreated Water
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.
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.
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.
Looking for things to do in Lerderderg State Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Long Forest Nature Reserve
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
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
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.
4 Reviews on “Goodmans Weir Circuit Hike (9.5km)”
This was a great little hike. The unexpected part was the washed out gully that was a little off trail. Fun to explore b
This one was a bit of fun. Exploring in the washed out gully was interesting.
Did this hike a few weeks ago. I have rewritten the description and have replaced the GPX file as the route is now better defined and I found a cool gully to explore. .
Mostly off trail. Really tough going in places. Not the best hike to do in the park.
Hey Darren. Why’s your photo appearing instead of mine. Must be a glitch
Ok so when are we going?