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 vistas 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.
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.
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
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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.
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Small Car Park
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.
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Long Forest Nature Reserve
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.
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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
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2 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.