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 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.
Total distance: 87062 m
Max elevation: 885 m
Min elevation: 105 m
Total climbing: 2090 m
Total descent: -2514 m
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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.
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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.
