The Lerderderg Gorge Walk to Grahams Dam is a delightful 3.5-kilometre trail in Victoria's Lerderderg State Park, offering a peaceful and scenic experience. Taking about 1.5 hours to complete, this grade 2 hike is perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a relaxing outing amidst nature. The track is well-suited to those seeking an easy walk, with gentle inclines and a mostly flat route.
The walk begins at the Mackenzies Flat picnic area, which is equipped with ample parking, toilets, BBQs, and picnic tables, making it a great spot to start your adventure. From here, the trail follows the Lerderderg River upstream towards Grahams Dam. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush areas filled with eucalyptus trees and other native flora. The river itself is a popular spot for locals to cool off with a swim or cast a line while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
When you reach Grahams Dam, the effort of the walk is rewarded with a peaceful spot to pause and take in the views. The dam’s serene waters invite swimming or simply relaxing by the shore.
The return journey offers just as much to enjoy as the outward leg, with the opportunity to spot wildlife and appreciate the changing light over the landscape. This hike is an ideal way to connect with nature without venturing into more strenuous terrain. With well-maintained paths, clear signage, and facilities at the trailhead, the Grahams Dam trail provides a stress-free outing for all levels of hikers.
Whether you're planning a family day out, a peaceful escape with a partner, or a casual outing with friends, the Grahams Dam walk offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and ease. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a short, rewarding hike in one of Victoria's most picturesque locations.
- The walk is mostly flat and easy, but it does involve fixed artificial stepping stones across the river at two different points, so it is not suitable for prams, wheelchairs or people with limited mobility.
- The river is prone to flooding so avoid after heavy rains.
- No Pets allowed
- Beyond Grahams Dam, there are a number of more challenging walking tracks. Do not attempt these unless you have the necessary navigation experience.
- Facilities at the trail-head include car parking, toilets, BBQ, picnic tables and a shelter with information signs.
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Total distance: 3601 m
Max elevation: 187 m
Min elevation: 144 m
Total climbing: 129 m
Total descent: -127 m
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.
Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Bullengarook, Coimadai, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton, Macarthur, Macedon, Maddingley, Melton, Myrniong, Sunbury, Trentham, Woodend
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Winding Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Untreated Water
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
- BBQ Facilities
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.
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Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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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10 Reviews on “Lerderderg Gorge Walk to Grahams Dam (3.5km)”
Get to the main car park early or you wont get a car space.
Peter Jolly so very true these days. I still recall the times I’d be the only one there. Those were the days when link 1 and 2 were not even tracks and you had to find your own way.
I remember first walking the tracks along there i think in the early 90’s as rehab for a knee.
It was before the land slip that closed the eastern side river track.
Peter Jolly good to see you’re still out there enjoying it.
Trail Hiking Australia
Only started a year or so ago but its good for a lovely relaxing stroll
Great little walk this one and a nice gentle introduction to the rest of the park. For those who haven’t hiked the Lerdy, beyond Grahams Dam is where things get a lot more challenging. So if you aren’t great with navigation and steep, rugged terrain, it’s a good idea to turn back at the dam (which is more like a small rock ford near a deeper pool).
Lynne Simpson would you come for one of these walks?
Lisa Maree van Bergen these look good
Ashley Mckendrick when your legs better