Hike at a glance

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Quick overview: Explore the natural beauty of Victoria's Brisbane Ranges National Park on the 12.5km Ted Errey Nature Circuit. Starting and finishing at the Anakie Gorge Picnic Area, this Grade 3 moderate hike takes about 4 hours, winding through diverse terrain with creek crossings, boardwalks, and steeper sections. Enjoy panoramic views from several lookouts and learn about local flora from interpretive signs along the way. Located just 79km from Melbourne and near the town of Staughton Vale, it's a perfect day trip, especially in spring when the area bursts with wildflowers.

Hike length

12.5km

Average duration

4 hrs

Trail Difficulty

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Hike Type

Circuit

Technical details

Max elevation: 345m
Min elevation: 174m
Total Ascent: 422m

Start: Anakie Gorge Picnic Area

End: Anakie Gorge Picnic Area

Location: Brisbane Ranges National Park

State: Victoria

Nearest town: Straughton Vale

State capital distance: 79km

Latitude: -37.86016483416367

Longitude: 144.27180111408236

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

Hike details

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Nearby hikes

Weather

Trail details

Hike summary

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.

Track difficulty

Grade 3 (moderate) badge

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Uneven terrain and steady climbs
These walks require a reasonable level of fitness and confidence on rough ground. Expect hills, rough surfaces, and sections with steps or short, steeper climbs.

While not technically difficult, these tracks are no longer "easy" and can feel demanding over distance, especially in heat or with a pack. Some bushwalking experience is recommended, particularly for managing footing and pacing. Distances can extend up to 20km.

Worth knowing: Many hikers underestimate Grade 3 when conditions change or fatigue sets in.

Planning essentials

Practical Information:

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.

Map and GPX file

Ted Errey Nature Circuit Hike (12.5km)

Total distance: 12688 m
Max elevation: 345 m
Min elevation: 174 m
Total climbing: 422 m
Total descent: -434 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Let someone know

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, and it only takes two minutes..

Let someone know your plans →

Planning something more serious? The comprehensive trip intentions form is designed for remote, overnight, and off-track trips where your emergency contact needs more detail. Register your advanced plans here →

Free checklists

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 there

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 →

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

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Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Anakie, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Ballarat, Geelong, Gisborne, Gordon, Lara, Little River, Melton, Meredith, Mernda, Steiglitz, Werribee

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About the region

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.

Explore nearby hikes

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Brisbane Ranges National Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

4 Reviews on “Ted Errey Nature Circuit Hike (12.5km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards

I think this is one of the best hikes in the Brisbane Ranges NP.

02/04/2024, 01:11

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Gage Less

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.

24/03/2022, 05:23

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1. Gregg Campbell
  
  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.
  
  03/12/2020, 10:35
  
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2. David Chachi
  
  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
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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Acknowledgement of Country

Ted errey nature circuit hike (12. 5km) trail hiking australia

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

January 29, 2026

Hike at a glance

Technical details

Trail details

Hike summary

Track difficulty

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

Discover more

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Little River Gorge Walk (7.5km)

The Burchell Trail Hike (35km)

Brisbane Ranges Steiglitz Loop Hike (13.5km)

Steiglitz Deadmans Gully Circuit Walk (8.5km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

4 Reviews on “Ted Errey Nature Circuit Hike (12.5km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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