Pyrites Creek Circuit is a 14.1km, grade 4 hike located in the Lerderderg State Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 5 hrs to complete.
Warning
Help to minimise the spread of this disease through the park by remaining on formed tracks at all times. All soil should be removed from footwear prior to entering and leaving the Park using a 70% methylated spirits/water solution and a sturdy brush.
Hike summary
The Pyrites Creek Circuit negotiates a scenic section of the the Pyrites Creek Gorge and includes the historic Drapers Lode Antimony Mine. The Pyrete Range is a recent addition to the Lerderderg State Park. Pyrites Creek winds its way through the range before flowing into the nearby Merrimu Reservoir.
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 oflife. 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.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 358 m
Min elevation: 230 m
Total climbing: 371 m
Total descent: -370 m
Tips
I would rate this a moderate hike during dry months when there is no water in Pyrites Creek as 5km of this trail require you to negotiate a trail along the creek or walk up the creek bed. During wet months I would rate this as a difficult hike.
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.
Gear you might need
As well as including the Ten Essentials, my planning, food and packing checklists provide an summary of things to consider on your day, overnight and multi-day hikes. Every person and every hike is different, so customise your kit according to your needs. Download your free checklists here >>
Location
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About the region
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.
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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.
0 Reviews on “Pyrites Creek Circuit (14.1km)”
Absolutely. I need a map. Hmmm
Brendan Gillet
We should do one of these hikes Carrie Bloomfield! (but not in the rain)
Belinda Mardesic