Pyrites Creek Circuit Hike (14km)

The Pyrites Creek Circuit is a 14km hike nestled in the Pyrete Range section of Lerderderg State Park, Victoria. It’s a moderately challenging, grade 4 trail that typically takes around 5 hours to complete. This trail is a shorter version of the Pyrites Creek and Sugarloaf hike, that has an additional detour to the summit of Mount Sugarloaf. This hike offers a blend of scenic beauty, historical intrigue, and the sense of adventure that comes with navigating varied terrain.

The circuit takes you through a captivating stretch of the Pyrites Creek Gorge, where the winding creek flows through rugged terrain before eventually reaching the Merrimu Reservoir. Along the way, you’ll pass the historic Drapers Lode Antimony Mine, a reminder of the area's mining past. The Pyrete Range, which is a relatively recent addition to Lerderderg State Park, is often quieter than some of the more well-known sections of the park, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the landscape without the crowds.

The first part of the hike, up to the Antimony Mine, is considered a moderate grade (3), with a well-marked track that’s relatively straightforward to follow. However, beyond the mine, the hike becomes more challenging. The trail climbs along a narrow creek bed, which can be particularly tricky to navigate, especially if it’s dry. In the cooler months of winter and spring, when the creek is flowing, the terrain can become slippery and harder to traverse, adding an extra layer of difficulty.

As you continue along Pyrites Creek, you’ll need to make a sharp turn at around the 9.5km mark, where the trail becomes less obvious. You’ll leave the creek and follow a faint footpad that veers left through dry open woodland. This section can be confusing, with a series of unmarked paths and a gully to navigate, so it's essential to pay close attention to your surroundings. Eventually, the trail reaches a boundary fence that marks the edge of private property. From here, it’s a straightforward route along open tracks that leads you back to the trailhead.

The Pyrites Creek Circuit is not only a great way to experience the natural beauty of Lerderderg State Park, but also an opportunity to step back in time and explore a historical landscape. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone looking for a rewarding challenge, this hike offers plenty of surprises 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.