The Lerderderg State Park is rugged and remote with limited directional signage. You should be prepared for all conditions and have suitable navigation experience (not just a phone app) before venturing beyond the main picnic/parking areas or Grahams Dam. Many rescues have occurred in this park that could have been avoided.
The Razorback - Chadwick and Ah Kow Spurs trail offers a challenging and rewarding 17-kilometre journey through the remote, rugged landscapes of Lerderderg State Park, Victoria. Classified as a grade 4 hike, it takes most hikers around seven to eight hours to complete, though the varied terrain and steep climbs make it an experience that demands both physical endurance and careful navigation.
Starting on the Razorback Track, the path quickly leads you down into the river gorge. The initial descent sets the tone for what lies ahead, as you follow the water’s edge for a short stretch, allowing the sounds of the flowing river to accompany your steps. This section offers a brief, peaceful interlude before the trail begins its ascent up the Lower Chadwick Track. Don’t be fooled by the seeming simplicity of this section – the climb is relentless, a constant uphill challenge that builds in intensity as you make your way to the top.
Once you've reached the crest, you’ll descend back into the gorge via the McKenzie Track, a route that offers more varied terrain and different perspectives of the landscape. After another 2 kilometres of walking along the river, it’s time to tackle the Ah Kow Spur. This final climb is nothing short of demanding. Steep and unyielding, it will have your heart racing as you push yourself upward, offering an intense end to the hike. The rewarding views and sense of accomplishment make every step worth the effort.
This hike is not easy, but for those willing to challenge themselves, it provides an unforgettable experience of the park’s natural beauty, as well as a chance to test your limits in some of Victoria’s most dramatic terrain.
- A section of this hike (at least a 2.5 kilometres) follows the Lerderderg River. You may need to cross several times to find the best path so poles and water shoes will benefit if you have them. Wading may also be required.
- Suggested items to pack: Day Pack with Picnic Lunch and at least 2-3 litres of water.
- Do now enter the gorge following heavy rain.
- Hiking poles recommended and I also highly recommend water shoes if you have them as it will make the crossings easier.
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Total distance: 14728 m
Max elevation: 727 m
Min elevation: 301 m
Total climbing: 739 m
Total descent: -739 m
Getting to the trailhead: Lerderderg State Park.
From Melbourne, follow the Western Freeway 9km past Bacchus Marsh and take the Myrniong exit. Continue along the Myrniog-Greendale Road for 1km, then turn right on the Mount Blackwood Road. Follow this narrow surfaced road north for 10km to pull into a turnoff on the right at Square Bottle Track (just 250m past Shuter Track). Park near the gate overlooking a small dam.
Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Bullengarook, Coimadai, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton, Macarthur, Macedon, Maddingley, Melton, Myrniong, Sunbury, Trentham, Woodend
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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3 Reviews on “Razorback, Chadwick & Ah Kow Spurs Hike (17km)”
I laugh when I see this, when I first started out hiking, a friend said lets do this track, its flat she said, no hills she said, you’ll do it easy she said. I did it and must of slept for a month 🙂
James Thomas this one looks good, mt Hotham I think
James Thomas this one looks good, mt Hotham I think
July of 2023
Lucas Cowland Scott Haskins
Lyndon Frearson we need to do it
Marion Kloos let’s do it
Marion Kloos ok
Marion Kloos yes
Rachel Frearson that looks great. I have done parts of that I think but a long long time ago
Samantha Lloyd grade 4 goodness
Sascha Hovens Roger! How did we not make it? We spent 6 hours in a car last week?
Sascha Hovens would have made for a better list.
Simone Debrincat get them boots and let’s do it!
Steven this looks like a real grade 4
Thomas James um when do we have time? ?
Yes we should..
Yup bring your thongs again