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 hike is a fairly demanding walk into remote areas of the gorge and encompasses one of the steepest climbs on known trails in this park.
Start along the Razorback track and descend into the river gorge. Following a small section of river walking you will ascend the Lower Chadwick Track (just because its another hill to climb). Back down into the gorge via the McKenzie Track then leaves you with approximately 2km of river to hike along before ascending the Ah Kow Spur. It is a nice climb out, is very steep and sure to have your heart pumping.
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.
- 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.
Total distance: 17227 m
Max elevation: 724 m
Min elevation: 296 m
Total climbing: 917 m
Total descent: -916 m
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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.
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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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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3 Reviews on “Razorback - Chadwick & Ah Kow Spurs Hike (17.2km)”
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
this one is in the Lerderderg State Park, VIC
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