Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 370m
Min elevation: 166m
Total Ascent: 455m
Safety advice
Parts of this hiking trail traverse through private land. You will need to seek an alternate route or seek permission of the land owner to access their land.
Hike overview
The Pyramid Rock - Ironbark Gorge Circuit commences at the Western Bluff car park and gradually descends the ridge to the rocky outcrop of Western Bluff. From the bluff the main trail descends steeply via Needles spur into the depths of the Werribee Gorge.
This next section of the hike is completely off trail so do not follow the main trail down into the gorge. Instead you will need to retrace your steeps for 20 metres from the viewpoint and slowly descend onto the head of the gully to your south. Cross over the gully and continue heading south south east until you reach a fence line. Turning left at the fence continue along its length until you reach a rusty farm gate. Cross over the fence at this point and head east through open farm land for 200m. You will clearly see the ridge line of the hills extending out into the gorge in front of you. Follow this ridge along its length until you reach a rocky outcrop which is Pyramid Rock.
From this high vantage point you will be rewarded with possibly the best views of Werribee Gorge and the Werribee River below. To the south east you will see the plains of Bacchus Marsh while to the north you can see as far as Centenary hill at the other end of the gorge.
After you have finished soaking in the views retrace your steps along the left hand side of the ridge and you will be further rewarded with views over the steep gorge walls below. When you reach the top of the ridge keep heading south east across a few shallow gullies until you reach a large cleared gully. You can choose to descent the gully or follow the open ridge in a northerly direction down into the gorge and the Werribee River.
Once you reach the Werribee River locate the best crossing point (as this will vary depending on water levels) then turn left to follow the old water race along the Werribee River gorge trail to Needles Beach. Through this section you will encounter rocky trails and even a cable traverse across a rocky overhang. Continue along the trail for about 150m beyond Needles Beach before finding a suitable crossing point back to the opposite side of the river. Listen out for running water as that is where you will often find the best crossing points. Once across the river turn left and walk back to the entrance to Ironbark Gorge.
From here you can ascend the steep ridge immediately to the right of the gorge. This is called Falcons Spur and is a well defined but rocky trail. Alternatively you can follow Ironbark Gorge along its length to rejoin the Falcons lookout trail.
Ironbark Gorge is a narrow winding gorge with changing scenery including small grassy flats to open rocky gullies. It is a very interesting trail and is not as challenging as ascending Falcons Spur.
The gully ends at the point where it meets the Ironbark Gorge trail. As a variation you can turn right at this point to ascent a shady gully through to Falcons Spur and the Granites. This particular hike turns left at the trail junction then enters the upper section of Ironbark Gorge before climbing out of the valley and on to IronBark car park.
From the car park it was then a short 400m walk back to the trail head at Western Bluff car park.
Tips
A varied hike with steep sections and changing scenery. Hiking poles will be useful on ascents and descents. Carry at least 2 litres of water and food to keep your energy levels up. There are some steep sections that will benefit from the use of poles. Following rain, when the river is high, do not attempt the river crossings. The trail from Western Bluff through to the Werribee River and the entire length of Ironbark Gorge are unmarked so some navigation skills will be required.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 370 m
Min elevation: 166 m
Total climbing: 455 m
Total descent: -455 m
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Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Geelong, Gellibrand Hill, Gisborne, Gordon, Greendale, Hoppers Crossing, Little River, Melton, Myrniong, Point Cook, Toolern Vale, Werribee
Getting to the trailhead in Werribee Gorge State Park.Follow the Western Highway past Bacchus Marsh to the Pentland Hills exit (5km beyond Bacchus Marsh). At the end of the exit ramp turn right to pass under the freeway. Turn left onto Pentland Hills Road. After passing under the freeway again turn left onto Myers Road and follow it down to the Werribee Gorge State Park.
About the region
Werribee Gorge State Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that includes the traditional Country of the Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Peoples. Werribee Gorge is a wild, rugged natural beauty shaped by 500 million years of geological history. A range of challenging walks amid the steep, river-washed gorge and surrounding rocky ridges offer spectacular views and access to a rock-climbing site within the park. Self-sufficient visitors can picnic and hike to explore this unique park and its distinctive settings.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Werribee Gorge State Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Track grade
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.
Explore safe
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.
Packing checklists
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.
Let someone know
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
Suggest an edit
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.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.