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.
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. This is a fantastic but very strenuous walk. The circuit provides access to some more remote sections of the gorge and also bypasses Lerderderg Weir.
The Scenic Rim hike is a 16km circuit graded DIFFICULT. The trail includes water crossings (possibility of your feet getting wet unless river is dry) 2 steep and steady climbs our of the river from Grahams Dam and the weir. Approximately 4 kilometres total climbing and a significant steep 1.3km downhill section back to Grahams Dam on loose terrain.
Follow the river upstream from Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area to Grahams Dam, which is an attractive pool ideal for swimming. Cross the river at this point and continue along the eastern river bank upstream for approximately 600m (trail marker LER503). Turn right and ascent the 1.6km Spur Track to the top of the range. Turn left when you reach the Lerderderg Tunnel Access Track and follow this a short distance to the track junction. Keep left and pass through the Southern Rural Water gate and descend into the weir below via the well made access road.
Once you reach the weir, locate a set of metal stairs that run alongside a concrete fish ladder which consists of a series of stepped concrete boxes with two holes connecting to the next box up and down. Descend the stairs and cross the river. From the weir you will pick up the marked trail on the western bank of the river, 25m downstream of the weir. Ascend Long Point Track following a steep and rocky ridge. Continue along this trail until you reach the Blackwood Ranges track at the top of the range.
The Blackwood Ranges track is a well made vehicle track which follows relatively level ground. Follow this track for about 3.8Km to where Link no 2 track emerges on your left. Continue south a further 400m until you reach an information shelter and a fork in the road. Follow this trail a further 200m until you reach Link Track No. 1. on your left.
From this point you will descend back into the gorge along Link Track No. 1, a steep, easy to follow but rocky track. Once you arrive back at Graham's Dam simply follow the river track back to Mackenzies Flat.
The Scenic Rim hike is a great way to experience the best of Lerderderg State Park. The trail is challenging, but it is also very rewarding. The views from the top of Long Point Spur are simply breathtaking.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding hike, the Scenic Rim hike is a great option. However, be sure to be in good physical condition and have some experience hiking in the bush before you attempt this hike.
- 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.
Total distance: 16113 m
Max elevation: 531 m
Min elevation: 142 m
Total climbing: 878 m
Total descent: -878 m
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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.
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Winding Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
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.
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.
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.
Looking for things to do in Lerderderg State Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
3 Reviews on “The Scenic Rim Circuit Hike (16.1km)”
What a wonderful walk. A couple of really steep sections where I had to take a few breaks but it offers stunning views over the gorge. Well worth it. Took us 6 hours at a steady pace.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Excellent circuit hike, both the Spur Track and the Long Point Track are highlights, as is the trail along the river at the start/end. Long Point Track in particular has wonderful views in all directions near the bottom, with the river on both sides of the spur. A lovely day out. Took me 6 hours (including about 30 minutes of resting) for lunch and a breather at the top of Long Point..
Totally agree. I loved long point track the most. Great spot to stop for a snack and great views near the rocky outcrop.
Ben??
Helen Humphrey looks good!
Sally Morrison Heather Whitaker Helen Bryan another possible training hike?
Julie Aylward if you don’t mind me asking, are you training for something specific?
Trail Hiking Australia The Overland Track
Julie Aylward awesome. That’s a lot of fun. Hope it all goes well
Here’s a hike we can plan on doing later.
Tracy Lloyd-Walker
Sarah Noonan Tyler Jane
Louise Draper December!
Louise Draper https://www.gdt.org.au/tracks/lerderderg-track 😂😂
Sarah Noonan most of that’s a great walk. I did t like the section between the Lerderderg and Bacchus Marsh. It’s all bitumen road and foot paths. I’d recommend cutting it short at the end of Swans Road.
This is one of the Lerderderg classic circuit hikes. It is a long and quite varies hike with a lot of steep ascents and descents. The time of this hike should not be underestimated as I know people and groups who have taken up to 8 hours to complete this, sometimes in the dark. So its advisable to get an early start.
Thanks for writing up this hike. It was amazing.