Parts of this hiking trail traverse through private land. You will need to seek an alternate route or seek permission of the land owner to access their land.
The Bluff - Pyramid Rock - Ironbark Gorge hike commences at the Falcons Lookout Car Park and gradually descends the ridge to the rocky outcrop of Western Bluff. From the bluff the main trail descends steeply via Needles spur into the depths of the Werribee Gorge before climbing to the summit of Pyramid Rock.
From this high vantage point you will be rewarded with possibly the best views of Werribee Gorge and the Werribee River below. To the south east you will see the plains of Bacchus Marsh while to the north you can see as far as Centenary hill at the other end of the gorge.
The trail then descends down into the heart of the Werribee Gorge, following the river across the cable traverse before ascending the picturesque Ironbark Gorge.
There will be plenty of rock scrambling, a few river crossings and a few steep ascents to get the heart pumping.
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.
<ul>
<li>Trail can be taken in any direction.</li>
<li>The river is prone to flooding so avoid after heavy rains.</li>
<li>Walking poles will be beneficial.</li>
<li>Be mindful of snakes and hit weather during the summer months</li>
</ul>
Total distance: 7128 m
Max elevation: 369 m
Min elevation: 165 m
Total climbing: 490 m
Total descent: -490 m
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Follow the Western Highway past Bacchus Marsh to the Pentland Hills exit (5km beyond Bacchus Marsh). At the end of the exit ramp turn right to pass under the freeway. Turn left onto Pentland Hills Road. After passing under the freeway again turn left onto Myers Road and follow it down to the Werribee Gorge State Park.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Werribee Gorge State Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that includes the traditional Country of the Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Peoples. Werribee Gorge is a wild, rugged natural beauty shaped by 500 million years of geological history. A range of challenging walks amid the steep, river-washed gorge and surrounding rocky ridges offer spectacular views and access to a rock-climbing site within the park. Self-sufficient visitors can picnic and hike to explore this unique park and its distinctive settings.
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Werribee Gorge State Park
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Werribee Gorge State Park
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Werribee Gorge State Park
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Werribee Gorge State Park
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
3 Reviews on “The Bluff: Pyramid Rock - Ironbark Gorge Hike (7.1km)”
Completed this track on New Years Day 2020. We took the reverse route than what is shown on the site, made for a steeper and more challenging incline toward the end! Definitely a Grade 4 – requires some innovative scrambling in sections but is rewarding with the views from the lookouts and along the ridge walks. Finished in 2.5hrs moving time.
Since the heavy rainfall late in 2018 a lot of the Ironbark carpark track to the rock climbing wall down in the gorge has been washed away forcing you to walk more in the rocky bottom of the gorge. Take care as there is a bit of ground that looks pretty unstable there.