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 in Victoria's Lerderderg State Park is an 8.2-kilometre hike that often proves more challenging than many expect. While the trail is classified as Grade 4 and generally takes 3 to 4 hours to complete, it's not uncommon for some hikers to take 5 to 6 hours, particularly those unfamiliar with the terrain. The hike offers a variety of natural highlights, from river views to steep ascents, making it a rewarding challenge for those prepared for its demands. Starting at Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area, the trail follows the Lerderderg River upstream towards Graham's Dam, where the serene river pools, creating an inviting spot to pause and cool off.
After reaching Graham's Dam, the trail crosses to the eastern bank of the river, continuing upstream for about 600 metres past the LER502 and LER503 trail markers. Although the path becomes slightly overgrown beyond this point, it remains manageable, making it easy to follow despite the occasional encroaching vegetation. Following the river north, the trail leads you to trail marker LER504, marking the start of Link Track No. 2. This section requires a steady climb up a steep and often rocky spur. While the ascent can be slippery and challenging at times, the well-marked trail with orange blazes on trees provides good guidance. A few rock scrambles add to the adventure, and the view back into the river gorge offers a rewarding sight.
At the top of the ascent, the track joins the Blackwood Ranges Track, a well-maintained vehicle track that offers a relatively gentle walk for about 600 metres to the south. This stretch provides a brief respite before reaching Link Track No. 1, which leads you back into the gorge. The descent is steep with rocky loose sections to navigate. You will emerge on the river and Grahams Dam at the LER501 marker. The return journey from Graham’s Dam is a familiar one, as you retrace your steps along the river track to reach Mackenzies Flat.
Although it's possible to complete the circuit in reverse, most hikers find that Link Track No. 2 is easier to ascend, while Link Track No. 1 is better suited for the descent. The choice is entirely up to you. With its mix of river-side walks, forested ascents, and panoramic views, the Lerderderg Circuit Walk provides a rewarding experience for those seeking both challenge and beauty in Victoria’s stunning Lerderderg State Park.
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.
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.
- Make sure you are prepared with water, compass and a good map.
- Map I used: Lerderderg and Werribee Gorges by Meridian.
- Dog Friendly
- Untreated Water
Total distance: 8220 m
Max elevation: 445 m
Min elevation: 142 m
Total climbing: 451 m
Total descent: -450 m
Login to Download GPXGPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Lerderderg State Park.
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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
- 2WD Access
- Public Transport
- Large Car Park
- Accessible Toilet
- Picnic Shelter
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Bullengarook, Coimadai, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton, Macarthur, Macedon, Maddingley, Melton, Myrniong, Sunbury, Trentham, Woodend
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Lerderderg State Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_25.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_21.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_2.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_7.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_31.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_4.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_11.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_15.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_30.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_29.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_22.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_13.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_12.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_27.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
/Lerderderg-Circuit-Walk-Link-Tracks-1-&-2_16.jpg "Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)")
10 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?
Nichola Schubert
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
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.
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!
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 ?