Razorback, Lerderderg & Lower Chadwick Circuit Hike (13km)

The Razorback, Lerderderg and Lower Chadwick Circuit is a rugged and rewarding 13-kilometre loop tucked deep within Lerderderg State Park in Victoria. Typically completed in around five to six hours, this grade 4 hike blends defined tracks with off-trail river walking, offering a route that’s best suited to experienced hikers who are comfortable navigating less-travelled terrain.

The journey begins at the Square Bottle Track carpark. After a short walk, you'll come across the Razorback Track veering off to the right. Take this turn and continue for roughly 2.5 kilometres until the Razorback North Track appears on your left. From here, the trail drops steadily towards the river. The descent becomes steeper as you go and can be quite slippery in places, so steady footing and care are essential.

Once you reach the Lerderderg River, turn right (south) and begin making your way downstream. There’s no formed trail here, nor any signage to guide your steps, so you’ll need to assess the best route as you go, moving between riverbanks and scrambling over rocks as needed. It’s a beautiful, quiet stretch of the gorge, with the river winding between cliffs and thick bushland. This part of the hike offers a strong sense of remoteness and natural beauty, but it’s also where solid navigation skills are crucial. Keep a close eye on your map or GPS as the exit can be easy to miss.

Look out for the Razorback and Lower Chadwick Track junction at Emergency Marker LER516, which is where you’ll leave the river and begin climbing again. The Lower Chadwick Track ascends sharply at first to the south west, but soon flattens out along the spur. When I last walked this route, sections of the trail were heavily overgrown and had all but disappeared in places. If you lose the path, stay on the ridge line — it eventually becomes clearer again. In parts, you might notice the remains of an old stone wall hidden beneath the undergrowth, a quiet reminder of the area’s past use.

As the trail rises, it eventually eases off on a knoll near the junction with MacKenzies Track. Keep to the right and continue climbing along a narrower ridge. The gradient here is more forgiving, and not long after, you’ll emerge onto the open grassy slopes of Mount Blackwood. The final push towards the summit follows a faint path westward, and although the climb is steady, it’s not as demanding as earlier sections. From the top, you’ll be treated to wide views across the surrounding ranges, a fitting reward after the effort.

The last leg of the hike follows Tower Track, a sealed road that gently descends towards Mount Blackwood Road. Turn right at the junction and continue along the roadside until you return to the Square Bottle Track carpark. Though the circuit includes a bit of everything — singletrack, river scrambling, overgrown spurs and quiet roads — it’s the sense of isolation and the varied terrain that make this route so compelling for those seeking a more adventurous day out in the Lerderderg.