The Lerderderg State Park is rugged and remote with limited directional signage. You should be prepared for all conditions and have suitable navigation experience (not just a phone app) before venturing beyond the main picnic/parking areas or Grahams Dam. Many rescues have occurred in this park that could have been avoided.
The Scenic Rim via Link 2 is a challenging 16.5km hike located in Lerderderg State Park, Victoria. With a grade 4 rating, this hike typically takes around 7 hours to complete, offering a rewarding yet strenuous journey through one of the park's most remote and rugged areas.
Lerderderg State Park is a place of stark natural beauty, with the Lerderderg River carving a deep gorge through the landscape. The river has created a 300-metre-deep chasm, winding its way through sandstone and slate, almost splitting the park in two. Along the way, the park showcases a variety of vegetation and wildlife, alongside remnants of the gold mining days that once defined the area. The hike provides a chance to explore these natural and historical features, but it is not an easy walk.
Starting from Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area, the trail follows the river upstream toward Grahams Dam, a serene pool perfect for a refreshing swim. After crossing the river at the dam, the path continues along the eastern riverbank for about 600 metres before reaching the next trail marker. There is a bit of confusion with mapping systems, as some suggest the Link 2 track begins further along the river, but the actual start is at marker LER504. From here, the trail ascends a broad spur to the top of the range, where hikers will find themselves on the Blackwood Ranges Track. This section is relatively gentle, following a well-maintained vehicle track north.
After following Blackwood Ranges Track for a few kilometres, the trail turns right onto the Long Point Track, which offers a more challenging descent. The track drops steeply and sharply into the gorge below, eventually reaching the Lerderderg River near the Weir. When you reach the river, you’ll need to cross at the safest point on the southern side of the dam wall. There, a metal staircase alongside a concrete fish ladder will lead you up to the Lerderderg Tunnel Access Track. This gravel road gradually ascends the eastern side of the range, passing through a large Southern Rural Water gate before a spur track appears on your right. From this point, the Spur Track descends 1.6km down to the river below. The start of this track at marker LER507 is not obvious, so keep a keen eye out on your right after reaching the plateau.
Follow Spur Track as it descends along its length to the Lerderderg River below. Once you reach the river, a left turn takes you downstream, retracing your steps back to Grahams Dam and ultimately returning to the starting point at Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area. Along the way, you’ll be treated to spectacular views and the chance to immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings of the Lerderderg River, making this a challenging but unforgettable hike through one of Victoria’s most scenic landscapes.
- Trail can be taken in any direction.
- The river is prone to flooding so avoid after heavy rains.
- Walking poles will be beneficial.
- This is a challenging walk in the Lerderderg Gorge and is for experienced bush walkers only. It is best to do the walk when the river is fairly low, as many crossings are necessary and at times the riverbed itself is the track. Here you can experience remote, unspoiled bush land.
- Map used: Lerderderg and Werribee Gorges by Meridian.
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Total distance: 16540 m
Max elevation: 532 m
Min elevation: 142 m
Total climbing: 917 m
Total descent: -918 m
Getting to the trailhead: Lerderderg State Park.
MacKenzies Flat Picnic Area, located at the southern end of Lerderderg State Park, is easily accessible from Melbourne and serves as the trailhead for various walks in the park. To get there, take the M8 Western Freeway towards Ballarat and exit at Bacchus Marsh (Exit 16). From the exit, follow Bacchus Marsh Road and turn right onto Grant Street, which transitions into Bacchus Marsh-Gisborne Road. After approximately 3 kilometers, turn left onto Lerderderg Gorge Road and continue until the road ends at MacKenzies Flat. This scenic area, surrounded by native bushland, offers facilities such as car parking, toilets, picnic tables, and barbecues. While perfect for a picnic or as a base for exploring the park, note that camping and dogs are not permitted in the picnic area.
Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Bullengarook, Coimadai, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton, Macarthur, Macedon, Maddingley, Melton, Myrniong, Sunbury, Trentham, Woodend
- 2WD Access
- Winding Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Untreated Water
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
Rising in the Great Dividing Range, the Lerderderg River has cut a 300 metre deep gorge through sandstone and slate, almost bisecting the park. The park has a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife and some interesting relics of gold mining. Lerderderg State Park encompasses scenic and geological gorge formations surrounding the Lerderderg River as well as the volcanic cone of Mount Blackwood. The adjacent and separate block called the Pyrete Range forms part of the park. The Lerderderg is known for its remote setting and the 300m deep Lerderderg River gorge is a dominant feature. Private land abuts the park to the south and the Wombat State forest abuts to the north and west.
Lerderderg State Park (incorporating the former Pyrete State Forest) is a 14,250-hectare park located between Bacchus Marsh and Blackwood, an hour's drive from Melbourne, Australia. There are several maintained tracks for walking through the park and camping is allowed.
The park is named for the Lerderderg River which has cut the 300 metre deep Lerderderg Gorge through sandstone and slate, almost bisecting the park. Parks Victoria maintains six designated walks: three short walks of 3.5 km or less; Blackwood-O'Briens Crossing and return (22 km); O'Briens Crossing-Cowan Track loop (14 km); and the overnight walk O'Briens Crossing to Mackenzies Flat (20 km).
In addition, one leg of the Great Dividing Trail, the Lerderderg Track, passes through the park, entering from Blackwood in the park's northwest, and exiting south towards Bacchus Marsh. Bicycles are prohibited from one section of this track, due to a conservation area.
Looking for more walks in or near Lerderderg State Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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2 Reviews on “The Scenic Rim: Link 2 Hike (16.5km)”
This is a great variation of the standard Scenic Rim hike that traverses Link 1. The Link 2 track allows you to experience a little bit more along the river gorge.
Brilliant hike. Especially enjoyed going down link 2 with the rock scramble.