To help prevent the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi (cinnamon fungus) in the park, please stay on designated tracks at all times. Before entering or leaving the park, ensure all soil is removed from your footwear using a sturdy brush and a 70% methylated spirits/water solution.
The Mount Sugarloaf & Djerriwarrh Creek 20km circuit hike explores the scenic slopes of Mount Sugarloaf and the valley of Djerriwarrh Creek within the Pyrete Range section of Lerderderg State Park.
The trail begins at the entrance gate to the Pyrete Range section. Follow the Antimony Mine Track north for 700 meters to a trail junction. The Pyrites Creek Circuit goes left here. Take the trail to the right and continue for another 300 meters. Look for a trail branching off to the left.
Follow this narrower trail for approximately 900 meters, keeping an eye out for an even narrower trail branching off to the left. This well-formed track winds its way through dry open woodland, gradually ascending towards the summit of Mount Sugarloaf. 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 view 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 left and continue east onto the narrower track that crosses the gully.
This trail winds through dry open woodland as it gradually descends to the valley along Djerriwarrh Creek. After approximately 9.5km from the trailhead, you will reach the wide river flats of Djerriwarrh Creek. There are no river crossings on this circuit, but you can access the creek at multiple points along this section. This area offers opportunities for camping with plenty of flat spots along the riverbank. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all your waste.
After following the river for around 1.5km, you will leave the flats and slowly wind your way west. This is the longest climb on the circuit, but it's a gradual ascent. At the approximately 15km mark, you will reach the same four-way junction you encountered earlier. Turn left (west) and follow this narrow trail back to the vehicle management track and the trailhead.
The presence of Phytophthora cinnamomi (Cinnamon Fungus) poses a serious threat to flora and fauna of the park. This microscopic pathogen attacks plant root systems causing die-back. Patches of dead or dying vegetation can indicate the presence of the fungus and grass trees are particularly susceptible. The disease is spread through the movement of contaminated soil and gravel and there is no known cure. Please make sure you clean your shoes/boots before and after this hike.
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Total distance: 19236 m
Max elevation: 452 m
Min elevation: 242 m
Total climbing: 655 m
Total descent: -655 m
Getting to the trailhead: 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 Rd to Antimony Mine Track in Coimadai. There is s small space for about five vehicles at the end of a gravel road.
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
- 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.
Looking for more walks in or near Lerderderg State Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty 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.
10 Reviews on “Mt Sugarloaf & Djerriwarrh Creek Circuit (20km)”
This is a great walk. Totally worth 4 stars especially when you ware walking through typical Aussie bush. Its not to difficult but in places you feel like you are in the middle of an ancient world. A couple of camp sites near Djerriwarrh Creek which i have not seen running water in as i did this walk and a version of it extended through summer.
Well worth the effort to go have a look and if you don’t want 20km you can cut it in half
Totally agree Peter. It is a great walk. Glad you got out there to do it again.
Great and manageable overnight hike with kids (ages 10… for one of them his first overnight)! Just completed this on 12/13 April although got chatting at the 2k mark and stayed right and bush “bashed” back up (very easy) to meet the trail… cutting out a few cheeky ks both ways. Even though it’s not the most remarkable and wild bush, we loved seeing the grass trees appear and disappear and there are flat spots all along the trail from where it meets the creek to where it cuts back again. Lots and lots of firewood. Thank you, Darren, for the gpx file, there is no way I could have pieced together these trails, they are kind the way they go everywhere!
Fantastic, great to hear you guys managed to get out and do this one. Really pleased you enjoyed it.
This is a great day hike or possible overnighter (with kids) in a lesser known section of the Lerderderg State Park. Plenty of dry open woodland with a few spots where you can see past the treetops across the surrounding area. The section along Djerriwarrh Creek is fun to explore with a few spots where you can easily access the creek. Well worth the time to explore.