Grade 4

Ruths Gully Byers Back Track (18km)

Lerderderg State Park

Victoria

18km

6.5 hrs

Grade 4

Circuit

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Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the rugged beauty of Lerderderg State Park on the 18km Ruths Gully Byers Back Track, a challenging circuit near Blackwood, Victoria. Starting and ending at the Mineral Springs Reserve, this Grade 4 trail offers a dip into the Lerderderg River, scenic views, and a peek into goldfield history. Remember to respect the Ruths Gully Reference Area boundaries and bring a keen eye for the fern-lined gullies and historic remnants along the way. With Melbourne just 90km away, it's a perfect day trip for nature lovers and history buffs.

Max elevation: 698m

Min elevation: 461m

Total Ascent: 792m

Safety advice


Hike overview



Tips


Trail features


Content use


Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.

Walk map and GPX file

Ruths Gully Byers Back Track (18km)


Getting there


Getting to the trailhead: Lerderderg State Park.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Bullengarook, Coimadai, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton, Macarthur, Macedon, Maddingley, Melton, Myrniong, Sunbury, Trentham, Woodend

Access conditions


About the region


Similar walks nearby


Looking for more walks in or near Lerderderg State Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Grade 4
Grade 4
Grade 4
Grade 4

Track grade


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.

Explore safe


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.

Packing checklists


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.

Let someone know


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

Reviews

Ruths Gully Byers Back Track (18km)


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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.

Acknowledgement of Country

Ruths gully byers back track (18km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

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