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 Pyrites Creek and Sugarloaf hike is a 20km journey through the rugged terrain of the Pyrete Range in Lerderderg State Park, Victoria. With a grade 4 difficulty, it typically takes around 6 hours to complete, offering a solid challenge for those seeking a rewarding outdoor experience. This trail is an extended version of the Pyrites Creek Circuit, with an additional detour to the summit of Mount Sugarloaf, which provides stunning panoramic views of both the Lerderderg and Pyrete ranges.
The hike begins with a steady climb towards Mount Sugarloaf, where you'll be treated to expansive views across the surrounding landscapes. After leaving the summit, the trail continues into the Pyrites Creek Gorge, a captivating section where the creek winds through the range before flowing into the Merrimu Reservoir. Along the way, you’ll also encounter the historic Drapers Lode Antimony Mine, which adds a touch of history to the adventure.
The first portion of the hike, up to the Antimony Mine, is rated as moderate (grade 3), with a relatively straightforward trail. It’s a pleasant stretch that gives you a good sense of the area's natural beauty without being too strenuous. However, beyond the mine, the terrain becomes more challenging, moving into a section rated as hard (grade 4). Here, the trail follows a small creek before reaching Pyrites Creek, which can be tricky to navigate. The creek bed is often dry, but during the wetter months of winter and spring, it can be flowing, making the path a little more difficult to follow.
At around the 14.5km mark, you’ll leave Pyrites Creek behind and need to find a faint footpad on your left that takes you through dry open woodland. This section requires close attention, as the trail isn’t always obvious. You’ll follow a gully and a series of unmarked paths, which can make it easy to lose track of the route. Eventually, you’ll come to a boundary fence marking private property. From here, following the fence line will guide you back to more established tracks that lead you to the trailhead.
The Pyrites Creek and Sugarloaf hike combines natural beauty with a sense of history, offering a memorable experience for those who enjoy a good challenge. The diversity of the terrain, from creek beds to open woodlands, makes this trail both intriguing and rewarding, with plenty to see and explore along the way.
Antimony Mines
The antimony mines, operating from 1915-47, have shafts and adits of several mines; there is remnant plant and machinery, foundations of a crushing battery, tramway beds, shallow tunnels and a small open cut mine. The site has local historical significance as a representative embodiment of an extractive and industrial process and the associated way of life. It demonstrates the effect of government action in this industry. The site also has local scientific significance in demonstrating potential as a site for archaeological investigation.
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.
Hiking poles are useful in the creek bed, particularly after rain when the rocks will be very slippery.
The presence of 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.
- Goldfields & Mining
- Heritage
- Rivers
- River Crossings
- Untreated Water
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Total distance: 19831 m
Max elevation: 452 m
Min elevation: 223 m
Total climbing: 676 m
Total descent: -673 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 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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4 Reviews on “Pyrites Creek & Sugarloaf Hike (20km)”
Robyn G Tarrant
Stratos Kouvrakis another for the list
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