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 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.
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.
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.
Total distance: 14158 m
Max elevation: 358 m
Min elevation: 230 m
Total climbing: 371 m
Total descent: -370 m
Every trail on this site has been personally mapped and refined to support Australia’s hiking community. While some info comes from land managers, each listing reflects significant personal work. Please don’t upload GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or any other platform. This is a free community initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Bullengarook, Coimadai, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton, Macarthur, Macedon, Maddingley, Melton, Myrniong, Sunbury, Trentham, Woodend
Getting to the trailhead in Lerderderg State Park.
The start of this hike is located at the end of Antimony Mine Road, approximately 16km north east of Bacchus Marsh. Follow the Diggers Rest-Coimadai Rd (C706) to Antimony Mine Rd in Coimadai then drive along Antimony Mine Road to its end where you will find a small parking area. The last few kilometres of this road are gravel but the road condition is good. Just drive slowly so you don’t create too much just for neighbouring properties.
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 hikes and trails in Lerderderg State Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar 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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11 Reviews on “Pyrites Creek Circuit Hike (14km)”
Belinda Mardesic