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 Old River Circuit is a challenging variation to the Old River Circuit hike and is one of my favorite Lerderderg hikes as it descends into one of the remotest and least visited sections of the Lerderderg Gorge. The surroundings are spectacular and experienced hikers will enjoy a genuine sense of isolation and adventure.
The descent into the gorge is via a well formed management track until the final section of the descent. At this point, you will pick up the eastern end of the Ah Kow Spur track as it descends rapidly into the Lerderderg River below. This section is steep and slippery so take great care
The next section of the hike is completely off-trail and requires good navigation skills between Ah Kow Spur and Old River. There are multiple river crossings and rock scrambling which make this hike suitable for experienced hikers only. You will need to keep a keen eye out for the mouth of Old River as if you miss it, you may end up walking for days.
The circuit now follows Old River, almost along its length. My advice is to keep walking along the river until you either tire of the river walking or find a reasonable spur (on your left) to ascend. The Old River is in a steep gully/gorge and opportunities to easily exit are uncommon until you near the upper reaches of the river.
When you locate a suitable spur, ascend to rejoin Hogan Track, turning right to retrace your steps to the trail head.
- Suggested items to pack: Day Pack with Picnic Lunch and at least 2-3 litres of water.
- Do now enter the gorge following heavy rain.
- Hiking poles recommended and I also highly recommend water shoes if you have them as it will make the crossings easier.
- Keep your eye out for snakes as they are very active along the river.
The easiest way to access the trail head is from the eastern side of the Lerderderg, coming via Bacchus marsh of Gisborne. Turn west Carrolls Lane from the Bacchus Marsh-Gisbrone Road and follow it until the junction of Firth Road and Finger Post Road, veer left onto Firth Road. Turn left at the junction of Obriens Road then again onto BlueGum Track. Follow Bluegum until you reach the junction of Hogan Track and a locked gate.
Bluegum and Hogan tracks are suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry weather and are generally well maintained.
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Winding Road
- Small Car Park
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.
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 depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
