Ted Errey Nature Circuit is a 12.5 km, grade 3 hike in Brisbane Ranges National Park in Victoria, and it usually takes around four hours to complete. The circuit offers a varied and engaging walk that blends natural features, gentle challenges, and a strong sense of the park’s changing landscape.
The walk begins and ends at the Anakie Gorge Picnic Area, where clear signage and blue triangle markers guide you onto the circuit. From the outset, the track moves through a mix of well formed paths, creek crossings, boardwalks, and short steeper sections that add interest without becoming overly demanding. As you move through the gorge, the route follows Stony Creek, where shaded sections and the sound of flowing water create a cooler, more enclosed feel.
Along the way, several short side tracks lead to lookouts that open out across the surrounding hills and volcanic plains. These pauses in the walk offer a chance to take in the broader landscape before returning to the main circuit. Interpretive signs positioned along the trail provide useful insight into the local plant life, helping you better understand the environment you are walking through.
The park was affected by bushfires in 2006, and signs of recovery are visible throughout the circuit. Regenerating forest, young growth, and open areas tell an ongoing story of resilience and renewal. While the trail is generally easy to follow, it is worth paying attention at track junctions, particularly near the lookout turn offs, to stay on the intended route.
Spring is an especially rewarding time to walk the Ted Errey Nature Circuit. Wildflowers appear across the forest floor and along the track edges, adding colour and subtle fragrance to the experience. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to see the landscape in a different season, this circuit offers a balanced and satisfying way to explore the Brisbane Ranges at a comfortable pace.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
- A varied hike which would be great at any time of year.
- Hiking poles may be beneficial in places, particular on the final descent back into the gorge where the trail can be steep and rocky in places.
- This area can get hot and dry and no there is no drinking water is available. Carry plenty of water during summer.
Total distance: 12688 m
Max elevation: 345 m
Min elevation: 174 m
Total climbing: 422 m
Total descent: -434 m
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Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Brisbane Ranges National Park.
To reach the trailhead for the Ted Errey Nature Circuit, located at the Anakie Gorge Picnic Area, travel along the M1 Princes Freeway and exit at Werribee. Follow Bulban Road southeast, then turn right onto Edgars Road, followed by left onto Kirk Bridge Road and another left onto Little River Ripley Road. Turn right onto the Bacchus Marsh-Geelong Road (C704), then right again onto Granite Road, followed by a right turn onto Staughton Vale Road. Continue for 1.6 kilometres before turning left onto Gorge Road. The picnic area is located 850 metres along Gorge Road within the Brisbane Ranges National Park.
Alternatively, a longer but potentially simpler route involves travelling to Bacchus Marsh via the M8 and C704 freeways, then following Granite Road to the picnic area as described above.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Anakie, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Ballarat, Geelong, Gisborne, Gordon, Lara, Little River, Melton, Meredith, Mernda, Steiglitz, Werribee
Brisbane Ranges National Park, located west of Geelong and southwest of Bacchus Marsh, approximately an hour's drive from Melbourne, is Victoria's richest wildflower habitat and boasts the highest density of koalas in the state. This 7,700-hectare park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of walks, bushwalks, and hikes suitable for all fitness levels, from leisurely strolls to multi-day treks.
The park's unique geology, characterised by low mountain ranges intersected by rocky gullies, has preserved a remarkable array of plant and animal life. With over 619 native plant species, including the rare Brisbane Ranges Grevillea, the park is a botanist's paradise. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of birdlife, including over 170 recorded species.
Beyond hiking, the park offers opportunities for picnicking, scenic drives, and camping. It is also significant as part of the Aboriginal cultural landscape, being the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung People.
Find the best trails in Brisbane Ranges National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip.
Looking for more walks in or near Brisbane Ranges National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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4 Reviews on “Ted Errey Nature Circuit Hike (12.5km)”
I think this is one of the best hikes in the Brisbane Ranges NP.
Completed on 20.05.18. Note that the reservoir track appears closed atm. This shortens the circuit by possibly a couple of km. I’m not sure how long it is now but we competed it in 3hrs flat with probably 30 mins of breaks. Don’t skip the lookouts as they’re strong highlights.
Did this walk yesterday, 11-03-2020. Warm day, high 20’s, two 600ml bottles of water were sufficient for the walk. Thoroughly enjoyed the hike. First visit to the gorge since 1978. The Brisbane Ranges are not as high profile as the walks south of Geelong in the vicinity of the Great Ocean Rd and the Otway Ranges. I was the only person on the walk and thoroughly enjoyed the solitude. Walked in a clockwise direction from the Anakie Gorge carpark. Got a little bit confused at Switch Rd and missed the Aqueduct Tk Loop (would have been clearer if travelling in the opposite direction). Don’t miss Nelson Lookout. Also the view across the Balliang Plains towards Gisbourne / Macedon is quite spectacular. Completed the walk in 3.5 hrs which included a walk across the top of the concrete Dam. Geelongs original water supply was harvested from this area in the 1800’s.
Did this circuit yesterday – only car in the car park. Was a pretty easy hike with the only steep section lasting about 15 minutes after hitting the first trail. Lots of bird life about, spotted a kangaroo too. Took about 3.5 hours to complete