Lerderderg State Park is a rugged, remote area with minimal directional signage, making it essential to be well-prepared before venturing beyond the main picnic areas or Graham’s Dam. Conditions in the park can be challenging, and reliable navigation skills are important—relying solely on a phone app may not be sufficient. For safety, bring a map, compass, or GPS device, and ensure you’re comfortable using them. Many rescues here could have been prevented with proper preparation and awareness of the park’s unique conditions.
The Lerderderg Circuit Walk, also known as the Lerderderg Gorge Circuit, is an 8.2 km, Grade 4 hike in Victoria's Lerderderg State Park, beginning at Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area. This walk generally takes about 3–4 hours, leading you through diverse terrain and offering a range of natural highlights along the way.
Starting from Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area, the trail follows the Lerderderg River upstream towards Graham's Dam, a scenic spot where the river pools, creating an inviting spot for a swim. The track to Graham's Dam is well-trodden and easy to navigate. Upon reaching the dam, cross to the eastern bank and continue upstream for about 600 metres to the LER503 trail marker. Although the path becomes slightly overgrown beyond this point, it remains relatively easy to follow.
The walk continues along the river’s eastern bank toward trail marker LER504, where the Link Track No. 2 begins. While some maps may indicate the track starting further along, the actual starting point is marked at LER504. This section involves a steady ascent up a broad, steep spur that can be challenging and occasionally slippery, so take care along the climb. The track is well-marked with occasional orange blazes on trees and includes a few rock scrambles. Along the way, take a moment to look back and enjoy views through the river gorge.
At the top, turn left onto the Blackwood Ranges Track, a well-graded vehicle track that provides a relatively level walk for about 600 metres until you reach Link Track No. 1 on your left. This track descends back into the gorge, offering a steep but straightforward route with some rocky sections.
Once back at Graham's Dam, simply retrace your steps along the river track to return to Mackenzies Flat. Although it’s possible to do the circuit in reverse, many find that ascending via Link Track No. 2 and descending on Link Track No. 1 is more manageable.
MacKenzies Flat Picnic Area
Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area, located at the southern end of Lerderderg State Park, offers a lovely setting for a family picnic or barbecue amidst native bushland. A quick 5-minute drive from Bacchus Marsh, it’s a convenient spot to enjoy the outdoors. The grassy picnic area includes barbecues and long-drop toilets, providing a rustic but comfortable place to relax.
The Lerderderg River, which flows seasonally and may dry up in summer, is perfect for a refreshing, knee-deep splash when water levels allow. Mackenzies Flat also serves as the starting point for hiking trails and shorter walks through the dramatic Lerderderg Gorge, making it a great base for exploring the park’s rugged landscapes.
- Make sure you are prepared with water, compass and a good map.
- Map I used: Lerderderg and Werribee Gorges by Meridian.
- Gravel Path
- Dog Friendly
- Untreated Water
Total distance: 8220 m
Max elevation: 445 m
Min elevation: 142 m
Total climbing: 451 m
Total descent: -450 m
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MacKenzies Flat Picnic Area, located at the southern end of Lerderderg State Park, is easily accessible from Melbourne and serves as the trailhead for various walks in the park. To get there, take the M8 Western Freeway towards Ballarat and exit at Bacchus Marsh (Exit 16). From the exit, follow Bacchus Marsh Road and turn right onto Grant Street, which transitions into Bacchus Marsh-Gisborne Road. After approximately 3 kilometers, turn left onto Lerderderg Gorge Road and continue until the road ends at MacKenzies Flat. This scenic area, surrounded by native bushland, offers facilities such as car parking, toilets, picnic tables, and barbecues. While perfect for a picnic or as a base for exploring the park, note that camping and dogs are not permitted in the picnic area.
- 2WD Access
- Public Transport
- Large Car Park
- Accessible Toilet
- Picnic Shelter
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.
Looking for things to do in Lerderderg State Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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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
5 Reviews on “Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)”
The views are absolutely breathtaking, with everything from open woodland to dramatic gorge landscapes. The track is demanding, so I’d recommend it for those with a good level of fitness and hiking experience. Some sections could use more signage, so it’s definitely a good idea to bring a map or GPX file. Overall, it was a fantastic walk, offering both a physical challenge and the chance to disconnect and enjoy nature. If you’re up for a rewarding, off-the-beaten-path hike, this one’s definitely worth considering!
Beautiful
One of my next
One of my faves ⛰️🏃🏼♀️🥰
Media: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2314826292051593&set=p.2314826292051593&type=3
Lorelle Baylee now there’s a happy hiker. 🙂
Trail Hiking Australia An amazing place. I think that’s about halfway up link track 2.
Lorelle Baylee I love that hike too. It’s right in my backyard. Well almost.
Trail Hiking Australia That’s fantastic!
Lorelle Baylee I’m pretty happy living here. The Lerdy is my playground.
Trail Hiking Australia I mostly go to the You Yangs, then Lerdies, then Anakie Gorge and Werribee Gorge.
 My favourite (most epic) adventures have been at Lerdies, that’s for sure but the Youies are good good for just a regular trail run. I’ve loved exploring all the different sections of Lerdies … but there is so much still to see
Lorelle Baylee all amazing places. It’s funny you say there’s still so much to see. When I first started hiking, I only ever hiked in the Lerdy. It was literally at my back gate at the time. Even though I hiked every weekend for two years, I still haven’t hiked every spur or gully. I love exploring there still.
This is one of my favourites and is a great training hike. Just be careful with this one as it often takes people longer than they think. It’s also the top contender in the gorge for people needing to be rescued. Make sure you have a reliable map to follow and keep a keen eye out for any markers as they can easily be missed if you aren’t paying attention.
Jesse
This is one of my favorites circuit hikes in the Lerderderg. It’s not long but it can be challenging. If you are doing this hike clockwise, just be careful heading down link 2 track. About 2/3 of the way down, the official trail breaks to the right and you need to be careful not to continue straight down the spur to the river. A lot of people have become lost and needed assistance when they missed the official trail.
Martin Tim does this look familiar?
Muhammad Naim awesome!
Muhammad Naim yeah bro …we know that track so well now
Mel Kel grade 3? We so fit lol
Nichola Schubert
Roger John Hilton
Simon Izzard
Not a grade 3….fantastic walk
Peter Reissmann
What an intriguing part of Victoria, at least for the Sydneysider ?
Definitely worth a visit in the future when these ‘walking legs’ are kinda broken in…lol
Tammy today! Spooky.
This is one of my regular favourite trails ?
Sooo Rima Gayatri Sudrajat Dewi Setyathi ?
Susan Kro thank you. We got as far as Graham’s Dam. Plan to do the full circuit next time. It was just stunning ?
Welcome to the site Jonathan and thanks for your comments. The link 2 track actually has two ascents. Parks Vic had never identified any of them so this trail covers the one that starts at LER504. Since erecting signage for the circuit walk they have now identified the track further to the north as a route. Both are shown on all maps I have.
Thanks again for tour comments
Cheers Darren Edwards
Really nice walk with great views.
It can get pretty challenging, and with a baby on my back, i’m very grateful we did the loop clockwise. There’s more to hold on to, and less loose gravel on the northern (Link Track 2) section.
Sharon Picking ??
Dave Pantalon
Yes, a wonderful adventure – I think it awakened a thirst in many of us for more.
yep, certainly feeling it today, physio was my best friend today!
yes keen!!!
Thanks Joe, will check it out ?
Great memories ? As they say those were the days.
Great Trail!,
The climb is challenging, I do not recommend playing tennis the day before but it was worth it!
Looking to do it again with more water in the river
If u came last week… water is hip high.. and strong stream..
I was there 3 days ago and there was water
Hi all
First time on the site. Just completed this walk.
Might be good to point out that you’ll need to Ford the river at both LER502 and LER503. Plenty of fording on this walk 😊. With today’s river height you would have very wet feet if you were in trainers (most people I saw on the trail were in trainers) . I’m glad I waxed my leather boots 🥾 last night, before the hike.
In the hike summary, the author mentions that the Link 2 starts at LER504. It doesn’t really if you’re following the map 🗺 but it was a nice, but steep, shortcut that got you up to the spur. Once you get to the top, start heading southbound and be careful of being waylaid by the Link 2 orange trail markers (ended up going back north by mistake for a bit).
I was using the Avenza app with the parks Victoria map 🗺
Have lots of memories of going here with Mick Gary John Tank Cheryl
I’ve got all trails. I accidentally paid for it on the app store. But it’s a good app.
Jay Daluz we live there .. been there done that cuz.. rain in week end its was very wrong time..
Karen Malloch time to lace up
Jake Saffa Baker I’ve camped here once.
Keep your eye open for the white wombat!!
Jo Tyson it does. Shame we missed that crossing and bush bashed up beside Link 2 on Sunday morning. Good for the soul but I am sore!
Looooove this hike. The view off link 1 back into the ranges in incredible.
The climb up is tough but enjoyable.
Love this one
Loved it. Seemed so remote up the top
Marija Marija
Katherine Fry, Jo Harrison, Kalissa Alexeyeff – bring back memories? Still my favourite of our hikes.
Kyls This was our exact route the other week ?¸
Thanks Joe, will check it out ?
Go time now..not dry!