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, a 16.7-kilometre hike in Lerderderg State Park, offers a challenging and rewarding experience for seasoned hikers. Taking roughly seven hours to complete, this grade 4 hike is a more demanding variation of the Bears Head Circuit, delving into one of the most secluded sections of the Lerderderg Gorge. The sense of isolation and adventure that comes with this hike makes it one of my personal favourites in the park.
The journey begins with a steep descent into the gorge, either from Bears Head Range or the Ah Kow Spur. This section of the track can be slippery, so it’s essential to take extra care when navigating the steep slopes. Once you’re in the gorge, the terrain remains rugged, with rocky outcrops and steep banks, particularly in the Watties Gully area. This part of the trail requires a solid footing and careful attention, as the gully can be challenging to navigate.
A particularly tricky section of the hike lies between Watties Gully and Hogans Track, where the trail veers off-path. This off-trail segment demands strong navigation skills, as there are no clear markers to guide you through the rough terrain. You’ll also need to cross the river multiple times, which can be difficult, especially after heavy rainfall. In addition, some rock scrambling is required, adding an element of technical challenge to the hike.
The isolation and raw beauty of the area are what make this hike so special. With the rugged landscape and the sounds of the Lerderderg River, experienced hikers will feel a genuine connection to the wilderness. The Old River Circuit is not a hike to be taken lightly, but for those who are up to the challenge, it offers an unforgettable adventure in one of Victoria’s most remote and spectacular environments.
- 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.
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Total distance: 16702 m
Max elevation: 629 m
Min elevation: 270 m
Total climbing: 867 m
Total descent: -867 m
Getting to the trailhead: Lerderderg State Park.
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.
Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Bullengarook, Coimadai, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton, Macarthur, Macedon, Maddingley, Melton, Myrniong, Sunbury, Trentham, Woodend
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 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.
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.
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10 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?