O'Briens & Byers Circuit Hike (17.5km)

This hike commences at the junction of Greendale-Trentham Road and O'Briens Road and follows O'Briens Road for approximately 5km to O'Briens Crossing. The gravel road is well formed and it's an easy walk as the road gradually descends to the Lerderderg River.

From O'Briens Crossing, walk up the steps past the old toilet block site and follow the steep ridge following Byers Back track. The trail crosses Amber Lane then continues along to Gribble Track. Turns right at the Gribble Track junction and descend the steep track down to the Lerderderg River and the Tunnel.

The Tunnel is a 200 year old river diversion tunnel, dug by hand during the gold mining era. Though it's obviously an interesting historical site and no doubt a feat of human engineering, its entrance is currently blocked by flood debris so it's not the significant feature it once was.

After exploring this area, retrace your steps, ascending Gribble Track to Byers Back Track which runs for approximately 12.5 kms between Blackwood and O'Brien's Crossing in the Lerderderg State Park.

The route largely follows old water races which were cut into the mountainside to transfer water from dams or the river to downstream alluvial gold workings where panning for gold would be undertaken. As water originally flowed in them, the old water courses are basically level and follow the contours of the hillside meaning that the hike is relatively flat at times. Despite being relatively flat, the hike does present technical challenges along the way such as rocks, fallen trees, washouts, stairs, steep drop offs and loose surfaces. The hike is relatively flat and quite easy but it does provide a few challenges particularly when wet.

The vegetation is largely gum trees for most of the way but as the track gets more elevated in the steeper sections of the gorge, the forest varies and provides excellent views out over the Lerderderg River. A number of mines and gold diggings are passed on the way along the trail.

After approximately 13.7km you will arrive at the junction of Websters Track. Turn left and ascend the track to the junction of Kangaroo Track. Turning right at Kangaroo Track with take you through dry open woodland back to O'Briens Road where you will turn right and walk a short distance back to the trail head.