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 Scenic Rim and River via Link 2 is a challenging 16.7-kilometre loop hike in Lerderderg State Park, Victoria, and it typically takes around seven hours to complete. This Grade 4 trail offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and rugged terrain, making it suitable for experienced hikers. The hike is demanding, with water crossings that could leave your feet wet if the river is running high, and a steep climb out of the river following Grahams Dam. The trail also involves a significant river section on loose, sometimes slippery, ground that can add an extra layer of difficulty.
Starting at Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area, the trail takes you upstream along the river to Grahams Dam, an inviting spot with a tranquil pool perfect for a swim on a hot day. After crossing the river near marker LER500, you'll follow the eastern bank for around 600 metres (you’ll pass trail marker LER502 and LER503 along the way). From here, continue along the river's eastern banks, heading towards trail marker LER504. It’s important to note that some mapping systems mistakenly show the Link No. 2 track as starting further along the river, but the correct starting point is at this marker.
From this point, ascend the broad spur via the Link 2 Track to reach the top of the range. At the top, you'll meet the Blackwood Ranges Track. Turn right here and follow this well-maintained vehicle track, which remains mostly level, to the junction with the Long Point Track. This section is a relatively straightforward, easy-to-follow part of the hike.
When you reach Long Point Track, prepare for a steep descent down a rocky ridge that leads into the gorge below. The track winds its way down to the Lerderderg River and Weir. From the weir, head south along the river, following the banks as best as you can. The path here can vary depending on water levels, and there are no trail markers to guide you through this section. Use your judgement to navigate around any obstacles, keeping an eye out for places where cliffs may appear on both sides and where you’ll need to avoid getting too close to the edge.
As you make your way back to Grahams Dam, you’ll follow the river track back to Mackenzies Flat. This last section of the hike provides a peaceful return journey, giving you time to reflect on the rugged beauty of the park and the challenges you’ve just conquered.
- Trail can be taken in any direction.
- The river is prone to flooding so avoid after heavy rains.
- Walking poles will be beneficial.
- This is a challenging walk in the Lerderderg Gorge and is for experienced hikers only. It is best to do the hike when the river is fairly low, as many crossings are necessary and at times the riverbed itself is the track. Here you can experience remote, unspoiled bush land.
- Map used: Lerderderg and Werribee Gorges by Meridian.
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Total distance: 16686 m
Max elevation: 532 m
Min elevation: 144 m
Total climbing: 789 m
Total descent: -787 m
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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.
MacKenzies Flat Picnic Area, located at the southern end of Lerderderg State Park, is easily accessible from Melbourne and serves as the trailhead for various walks in the park. To get there, take the M8 Western Freeway towards Ballarat and exit at Bacchus Marsh (Exit 16). From the exit, follow Bacchus Marsh Road and turn right onto Grant Street, which transitions into Bacchus Marsh-Gisborne Road. After approximately 3 kilometers, turn left onto Lerderderg Gorge Road and continue until the road ends at MacKenzies Flat. This scenic area, surrounded by native bushland, offers facilities such as car parking, toilets, picnic tables, and barbecues. While perfect for a picnic or as a base for exploring the park, note that camping and dogs are not permitted in the picnic area.
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Winding Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
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.
9 Reviews on “The Scenic Rim: River & Link 2 Hike (16.7km)”
You’ll have to bookmark this one as the areas currently closed for a controlled burn.
Trail Hiking Australia
Still closed?
Peter Jolly yep. Can’t be far off opening. I haven’t seen smoke for a few days.
Trail Hiking Australia
They are seriously screwing up my plans
My window is getting smaller and smaller
Love this hike. There are several variations to the Scenic Rim hike. The standard one runs via Link 1 so this is a nice variation. There’s also a great little circuit around Links 1 and 2 from Grahams Dam. All these get the heart pumping. See the variations below in the ‘Similar Trails’ section.
Simon Marin what do you think mate?
It is quite tough actually. A lot of kms over rocks, hard on the feet and very steep climbs but we’ll worth doing. ?
Suzie maybe we can book this one in too??
Shani Kirby haven’t done this one yet ?
Sajah Ramadan
Ready for another hike?? Muhammad Talha
That’s my kind of hike.
Mine too
A beautiful walk, highly recommend it!
Darvy Yun, Dave would like hiking this track.
Elise Maiolo. Let’s do this the first Sunday back.
It is quite tough actually. A lot of kms over rocks, hard on the feet and very steep climbs but we’ll worth doing. ?
Gemma Fleurisson
James Thomas
Steven
Robbie Mcintosh