Help to minimise the spread of this disease through the park by remaining on formed tracks at all times. All soil should be removed from footwear prior to entering and leaving the Park using a 70% methylated spirits/water solution and a sturdy brush.
The 12.5km Mount Sugarloaf Loop offers a unique perspective on the Pyrete Range, taking you on a scenic journey via unmarked trails to the summit of Mount Sugarloaf.
The walk starts at the end of Antimony Mine Rd on the southern range. Unlike the standard return route via vehicle tracks, this loop explores lesser-known paths. The well-formed track winds its way through dry open woodland, gradually ascending towards the summit. In the final section, you'll join a familiar vehicle track for the last few hundred meters to the top.
Reaching the summit, you'll be rewarded with stunning views towards Mount Blackwood, which marks the western edge of Lerderderg State Park.
From the peak, the trail initially heads northeast before making a quick turn south for a gradual descent into the valley below. Upon reaching a four-way junction, take a right onto the narrower track. This path winds back through dry open woodland, crossing multiple small gullies before returning you to Antimony Mine Road.
There are a lot of unofficial trails in this section of the park so its important to be aware of which direction you need to head at each junction.
Total distance: 12521 m
Max elevation: 461 m
Min elevation: 267 m
Total climbing: 710 m
Total descent: -701 m
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Small Car Park
Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Bullengarook, Coimadai, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton, Macarthur, Macedon, Maddingley, Melton, Myrniong, Sunbury, Trentham, Woodend
Getting to the trailhead in Lerderderg State Park.
From Melbourne, follow the M1 towards Ballarat. Drive from National Highway M8 to Hopetoun Park. Take the exit towards Hopetoun Park from National Highway M8. Follow Long Forest Rd, Diggers Rest-Coimadai Rd/C706 and Antimony Mine Road to Antimony Mine Track in Coimadai. There is s small space for about five vehicles at the end of a gravel road.
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 hikes and trails in Lerderderg State Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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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.
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.
11 Reviews on “Mount Sugarloaf Loop Walk (12.5km)”
Decided to head out and do this one again (as its right near my home). The hike started off on well-formed tracks, winding through dry woodland as we climbed towards the summit. The final section on the familiar vehicle track was a breeze, and the views from the top towards Mount Blackwood were definitely worth the effort. The descent was interesting – a turn south and then a gradual down into the valley. Keep an eye out for the four-way junction – taking a right here led to a narrower track that wound back through the woodland. Overall, this was a great grade 3 hike – 3-4 hours well spent for anyone looking for a scenic loop with some off-track exploration!
The usual hike to the summit of Sugarloaf follows vehicle management tracks, so this was a nice variation that follows unmarked trails to and from the summit. The views from the summit are excellent to the west but are becoming more and more obscured in other directions due to vegetation growth. This was a really nice (and peaceful) half day hike.