Trail Fast Facts
Lerderderg Heritage River Walk is a 9km, grade 3 hike in Wombat State Forest, Victoria. This hike typically takes 3 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
This scenic heritage trail in the Wombat State Forest meanders along the Lerderderg River, through wet forest and ferny gullies, blackwoods and eucalypts. Lerderderg Heritage Walk starts at the Jack Cann Reserve opposite the Garden of St Erth in Blackwood. This walk takes you on part of the Great Dividing Trail. Most of this section of the walk follows old water races along the upper reaches of the Lerderderg River to Crown Dam site before returning through dry open bush.
This area was once a bustling gold mining region. You may find traces of old water races that follow the contours of the land. Miners hand dug these trenches to direct water both to and from their mining areas. Remains of vertical timber slabs that once held the earthen wall of the Crown Dam are 4km west of Simmons Reef. This dam also supplied water via a race to a mine at the Simmons Reef Goldfield.
Along the walk there is historical evidence of various types of mining with both vertical and horizontal shafts. All of the mining in the area was conducted by hand in very difficult conditions. There is a fenced area with a viewing platform along the track, where you can safely view one of the old mine shafts. Take the time to look and appreciate the extent of works undertaken but for your safety, please stick to the track.
Further along the trail you will also get to walk along the remnants of a water-race, Miners hand dug these trenches to direct water both to and from their mine workings. At one section of the track a boardwalk has been constructed around an old tree through which the miners once diverted the water course. There is also evidence of a structure that once spanned the creek that may have been a tramway or bridge foundations.
You can easily extend this walk by combining the Lerderderg Heritage River Walk and Whipstick Loop Walk into a 15km circuit known as the Lerderderg Heritage River and Whipstick Loop.
Track Grade
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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 626 m
Min elevation: 579 m
Total climbing: 665 m
Total descent: -665 m
Trailhead
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Getting there
The historic town of Blackwood is 88km from Melbourne via the Western Hwy. Located opposite Garden of St Erth at Simmons Reef, Blackwood in the Wombat State Forest. From Melbourne Blackwood is 88 km via the Western Hwy and north of Myrniong and Greendale. Head west from Blackwood on Simmons Reef Road for 2km to the Jack Cann Reserve, from where the walk commences. The trail head is located approximately 1.5 hours from Melbourne and approximately 40 minutes from Ballarat. The walk is also easily accessed from the towns of Daylesford, Trentham and Woodend.
About the region
The Wombat State Forest is located between Woodend and Daylesford, at the Great Dividing Range. The forest is approximately 70,000 hectares (170,000 acres) in size. It is a magnet for the adventurous, with walking and cycling trails, four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, camping and wildlife spotting. You can explore to your hearts content.
A notable feature of Wombat State Forest is the extent of mineral springs which account for over 80% of Australia's mineral springs. The mineral waters are rich in calcium, silica, magnesium, iron and sulphur. The volcanic activity of the region has supplemented the creation of mineral water €“ carbon dioxide mix that is seen in the form of bubbles emerging from the springs.
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Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Wombat State Forest or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Gear to consider
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
Explore Safe
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.
Weather
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.