Spanish Onion & Lerderderg Tracks Hike (12.5km)

The Spanish Onion and Lerderderg Track is a 12.5-kilometre circuit tucked away in Victoria’s Lerderderg State Park. Rated grade 4, this hike presents a satisfying challenge, requiring a good level of fitness, some navigation skills, and a willingness to get a bit off the beaten path. It generally takes around five hours to complete, although your pace may vary depending on conditions and how much time you spend soaking in the scenery, or cooling off in the river.

The trail begins at the end of Lerderderg Track, which branches off O’Briens Road. From here, a vehicle management track leads you through native bushland towards a faded trail junction. The original sign has long since vanished, with only a lonely pole remaining. At this point, keep to the right, taking the left-hand path leads into Clearwater Gully, which isn't part of this circuit. Continuing on the Lerderderg Track, the Spanish Onion Track appears on your right. This narrow, lightly trafficked path can be overgrown in places, giving it a slightly wild and secluded feel.

Winding through dry forest and clusters of grass trees, the Spanish Onion Track climbs gently along a ridgeline. The trail is faint at times, with few clear markings, but if you stick close to the spine of the ridge, you’ll stay on course. Occasional orange trail markers can help guide the way, though they’re sparse, so a good sense of direction is useful here.

Before long, the trail intersects with Cowan Track. Turn left and follow it as it drops down a rocky descent for about 400 metres. This section brings you right to the banks of the Lerderderg River. Around 50 metres upstream, a deep pool invites a welcome pause, ideal for a refreshing swim, especially on warmer days. Across the river, Razorback North Track climbs steeply away from the valley, but your route keeps to the river itself, heading downstream from this point.

There’s no formal path along the river, so you’ll need to find your own way forward. Depending on the season, vegetation growth, flood debris, and water levels can make this stretch more or less demanding. Expect a bit of scrambling, route-finding, and perhaps some wet feet. This area isn’t often visited, which adds to its sense of isolation, but also means it’s important to stay alert—particularly for snakes, which favour these sun-warmed riverbanks.

After a couple of kilometres of riverside walking, you’ll arrive at a wide, open flat on your left. This marks the point where the Lerderderg Track descends from the surrounding hills to meet the river. A white signpost and official marker confirm the junction. From here, look for orange markers on the northern side of the flat to locate the continuation of the Lerderderg Track. The climb from the river isn’t overly steep, but it’s a steady ascent back to the vehicle track above.

Once you rejoin the main Lerderderg Track, it’s a straightforward return leg. Continue along the same track you followed earlier in the day, passing the Spanish Onion Track on your left. The trail eventually leads you back to your starting point at O’Briens Road, rounding off a rewarding hike that offers both solitude and striking natural beauty, ideal for those seeking a quieter trail with a bit of rugged charm.