Great Dividing Trail: Lerderderg Track (89km)

The Lerderderg Track extends from Daylesford to Bacchus Marsh starting from Bridport Street Lookout, spanning a distance of 89 kilometers. It serves as a shared pathway for both mountain bikers and pedestrians, showcasing some of Melbourne's most rugged and untamed landscapes. Designated as a Heritage River, the Lerderderg holds significance for its diverse vegetation, abundant wildlife, and unique geological formations within its deep gorge.

Forming part of the Great Dividing Trail Network, the Lerderderg Track is the southeastern segment, complementing the 210-kilometer Goldfields Track from Mt Buninyong to Bendigo. The initial section of the track winds through tall eucalypt forests, gradually transitioning as it follows the Lerderderg River through a steep valley, culminating in a breathtaking gorge.

Journeying southward, travelers observe a decline in rainfall, leading to changes in vegetation from lush fern-lined riverbanks to dry stringybark forests. The track also offers glimpses of ancient geological formations dating back 300 million years when Australia was part of the Gondwana supercontinent.

The Lerderderg Track is divided into seven distinct Walks/Rides, each offering unique experiences and landscapes. From Bridport Lookout, routes like the Graves Mill Walk/Ride and Balt Camp Walk/Ride lead adventurers through historical sites and diverse ecosystems. However, some sections, like Simmons Reef Walk/Ride and Whisky Creek Walk/Ride, pose challenges due to terrain and closures for environmental preservation.

As travelers approach Bacchus Marsh, the track navigates through suburban expansion, with signage updates planned to facilitate easier navigation. Directions to Bacchus Marsh railway station involve a route through Ramsay Cres, Halletts Way, and Maddingley Park, as detailed on the Lerderderg Track map.