Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the historical and natural beauty of Victoria on the Heritage and Whipstick Circuit located in Wombat State Forest, just a short trip from Blackwood and 90km from Melbourne. This moderate 15km circuit starts and ends at the Garden of St Erth, taking you on a journey through open eucalypt forest, past old mining shafts and along hand-dug water-races. Enjoy the serenity of the Lerderderg River, and remember to stick to the track for your safety on this unique and engaging bushwalk.

Length:

15km

Duration:

5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 646m

Min elevation: 576m

Total Ascent: 444m

Start: Garden of St Erth

End: Garden of St Erth

Wombat State Forest

Victoria

Nearby town: Blackwood

From state capital: 90km

Latitude: -37.47757846

Longitude: 144.2909359931946

Overview

Map

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Weather

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Hike overview

The Heritage and Whipstick Circuit is a combination of the Whipstick Loop Walk and the Lerderderg Heritage River Walk. The 15km trail can be taken in any direction. The combined circuit commences opposite Garden of St Erth at Simmons Reef.

Lerderderg Heritage River Walk: Most of this section of the walk follows old water races along the upper reaches of the Lerderderg River to Crown Dam site before returning through dry open bush.

Whipstick Loop Walk: This section of the walk is situated in the Wombat State Forest and traverses part of the Great Dividing Trail but then loops down around Whipstick Creek through some beautiful open eucalypt forest, to bring you back to your starting point at the Blackwood Pub.

Along the walk there is historical evidence of various types of mining with both vertical and horizontal shafts. All of the mining in the area was conducted by hand in very difficult conditions. There is a fenced area with a viewing platform along the track, where you can safely view one of the old mine shafts. Take the time to look and appreciate the extent of works undertaken but for your safety, please stick to the track.

Further along the trail you will also get to walk along the remnants of a water-race, Miners hand dug these trenches to direct water both to and from their mine workings. At one section of the track a boardwalk has been constructed around an old tree through which the miners once diverted the water course. There is also evidence of a structure that once spanned the creek that may have been a tramway or bridge foundations.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Lerderderg Heritage River & Whipstick Loop Hike (15km)

Total distance: 14617 m
Max elevation: 646 m
Min elevation: 576 m
Total climbing: 444 m
Total descent: -445 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Wombat State Forest.

The historic town of Blackwood is 88km from Melbourne via the Western Hwy. Located opposite Garden of St Erth at Simmons Reef, Blackwood in the Wombat State Forest. From Melbourne Blackwood is 88 km via the Western Hwy and north of Myrniong and Greendale. Head west from Blackwood on Simmons Reef Road for 2km to the Jack Cann Reserve, from where the walk commences. The trail head is located approximately 1.5 hours from Melbourne and approximately 40 minutes from Ballarat. The walk is also easily accessed from the towns of Daylesford, Trentham and Woodend.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Barrys Reef, Blackwood, Clunes, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Greendale, Hepburn Springs, Kyneton, Macedon, Maldon, Melton, Spargo, Trentham, Woodend

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Winding Road
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Shelter

About the region

The Wombat State Forest is located between Woodend and Daylesford, at the Great Dividing Range. The forest is approximately 70,000 hectares (170,000 acres) in size. It is a magnet for the adventurous, with walking and cycling trails, four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, camping and wildlife spotting. You can explore to your hearts content.

A notable feature of Wombat State Forest is the extent of mineral springs which account for over 80% of Australia's mineral springs. The mineral waters are rich in calcium, silica, magnesium, iron and sulphur. The volcanic activity of the region has supplemented the creation of mineral water carbon dioxide mix that is seen in the form of bubbles emerging from the springs.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Wombat State Forest? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

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.

Explore safe

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.

Packing checklists

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.

Let someone know

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

Reviews
Lerderderg Heritage River & Whipstick Loop Hike (15km)

9 Reviews on “Lerderderg Heritage River & Whipstick Loop Hike (15km)”

Overall rating

Trish Asibal

Serene Silva add to list! 😀

24/03/2022, 05:23

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1. Rosemary Andrykanus
  
  Shane Mervin dude this isn’t too far from ya!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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2. Jill Wescombe
  
  Yes!!!!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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Brett Chesney

Did this hike on the weekend 19/05/18. Nice track and and not to hard. Plenty to see and explore, lots of Mushrooms and fungi about jyou just need to keep your eyes peeled. Not to much in the scheme of uphill/ downhill. some nice vistas along the way especially the Heritage river track sections. saw 1 large tree that had fallen over one of the creek crossing bridges that needs to be removed. overall a good hike and perfect for young bushwalkers. Added bonus was the Blackwood hotel celebrating 150 years so a well deserved pint at the end of the walk.

24/03/2022, 05:23

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1. Jordy Pilgrim
  
  Done deal. Going to be a big day haha
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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2. Craig Hamilton
  
  D’Wayne Saunders
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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3. Juzee Celentane
  
  For those that like to hike/pack with their dogs, you will potentially lose this option IF it has a change of status to National Park per interim VEAC recommendations.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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4. Liz Maggs Smith
  
  Grant Smith
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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  1. Michelle Wyard
    
    Jill when??
    I need this on my life (followed by a parma)
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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  2. Gogo Yubari
    
    Jordy Pilgrim
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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    1. Tammee Mitchell
      
      Josh Mitchell
      
      24/03/2022, 05:23
      
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    2. Meg Adam
      
      Kate Southall have you done this one before?
      
      24/03/2022, 05:23
      
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    3. Grant Smith
      
      Liz Maggs Smith time for a hike
      
      24/03/2022, 05:23
      
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    4. Kate Southall
      
      No but I’ll check it out!!
      
      24/03/2022, 05:23
      
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    5. Liz Thomas
      
      Paul Noy James Thomas looks good
      
      24/03/2022, 05:23
      
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    6. LS Gorms
      
      Planning this in the next few weeks.
      
      24/03/2022, 05:23
      
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    7. Shane Mervin
      
      Rosemary Andrykanus Hi there,
      
      Trail Hiking Australia is currently offline due to the introduction of new search tools.
      
      I had hoped this would be completed yesterday but seems not to be the case. I am sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
      
      If you need anything urgently for this weekend, please email me at [email protected]
      
      Cheers
      
      Darren Edwards
      
      24/03/2022, 05:23
      
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5. Gogo Yubari
  
  I hope there are wombats and it’s not just a name
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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6. Michelle Wyard
  
  Jill
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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Suggest an edit

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.

Acknowledgement of Country

Lerderderg heritage river & whipstick loop hike (15km)

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:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Lerderderg Heritage River & Whipstick Loop Hike (15km)