The Lerderderg State Park is rugged and remote with limited directional signage. You should be prepared for all conditions and have suitable navigation experience (not just a phone app) before venturing beyond the main picnic/parking areas or Grahams Dam. Many rescues have occurred in this park that could have been avoided.
The Old River Circuit is a challenging variation to the Bears Head Circuit hike and is one of my favorite Lerderderg hikes as it descends into one of the remotest and least visited sections of the Lerderderg Gorge. The descent into the gorge via Bears Head Range or the Ah Kow Spur is steep and slippery. Take great care in this section of the track as well as in the Watties Gully Section as the gully is rocky with steep banks. There is a section of off-trail which requires good navigation skills between Watties Gully and Hogans Track. There are also multiple river crossings and rock scrambling which make this hike suitable for experienced hikers only.
The surroundings are spectacular and experienced hikers will enjoy a genuine sense of isolation and adventure.
- Suggested items to pack: Day Pack with Picnic Lunch and at least 2-3 litres of water.
- Do now enter the gorge following heavy rain.
- Hiking poles recommended and I also highly recommend water shoes if you have them as it will make the crossings easier.
- Keep your eye out for snakes as they are very active along the river.
Follow the Western Freeway 9km past Bacchus Marsh and take the Myrniong exit. Continue along the Myrniong-Greendale Road for 1km, then turn right on the Mount Blackwood Road. Follow this narrow surfaced road north for 8km and turn right onto Lohs Lane. Drive a further 500m to the gate and park on the right.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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.
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.
Looking for things to do in Lerderderg State Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
2 Reviews on “Old River Circuit Hike (16.7km)”
This is a challenging hike & not for the faint hearted. Terrain had everything, rock scrambling, creek crossings, steep off track navigating, rock & debris hopping in the old river, snakes. All that being said, it was so gorgeous in there, remote & wild! Didn’t see another person. Wildlife was beautiful. Its not a solo hike & think safety when you plan your hike & backpack & notify someone of your trail & times. We were absolutely exhausted by the time we finished 18kms, diverting from the gpx file trek & having to navigate our own off trail journey to Hogans, due to an impassable section at big waterfall. Took 9hrs anti clockwise. Toughest hike I’ve done in this area!
It certainly is tough. The waterfall section can be a challenge. Generally I just climb right through and have only once seen the falls flowing and we had to climb over the spur to the left. Sounds like you had it all on this hike. I do love how remote it feels.
This is a great hike but can be slow going along the river. A couple of steep and tricky sections, especially getting past the small waterfall. Avoid this walk after heavy rain as the river would be impassable
I agree, this is an excellent hike. Can get a bit tiresome scrambling along the river though.
Erryn Stephens this one for autumn?
Ticked this one off today. Start point should be another 100m further up the road, intersection of Lohs Lane and Lerderderg Track. (-37.560534, 144.364977).