Hike at a glance

8,387

Quick overview: Werribee Gorge's 7.6 km circuit begins and ends at Meikles Point Picnic Area. The trail includes scenic viewpoints along the gorge, with stops at Needles Beach and Lions Head Beach. You will also encounter remnants of a disused water channel from the late 1920s. The terrain includes some steep sections and rocky paths, having a combination of natural elements and historical significance. This moderate hike suits those seeking a rewarding walk near Bacchus Marsh.

Length

7.6km

Duration

3 hrs

Difficulty

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Trail type

Circuit

Trail details

Max elevation: 349m
Min elevation: 147m
Total Ascent: 435m

Start: Meikles Point Picnic area

End: Meikles Point Picnic area

Location: Werribee Gorge State Park

State: Victoria

Nearest town: Bacchus Marsh

State capital distance: 69km

Latitude: -37.67319338

Longitude: 144.36405301094058

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 and conditions 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.

About the trail

Difficulty

Route map

Preparation

Getting there

Photos

The region

Weather

About this trail

Route in detail

Werribee Gorge Circuit via Short Circuit Track is a 7.6 km, grade 3 hike in Werribee Gorge State Park, Victoria, and typically takes around three hours to complete. This popular circuit showcases the dramatic terrain of the gorge, combining river walking, elevated viewpoints, and sections of rocky track that add variety without being overly technical.

The walk begins at Meikles Point Picnic Area, where the track follows the Werribee River westward through the base of the gorge. After a short distance, the route turns right onto the Short Circuit Track, which climbs steadily through a broad gully as it winds north. The ascent is gradual but sustained, gaining height above the river and offering a different perspective of the surrounding slopes before reaching a junction near the ridgeline.

At the junction, turn right and then left to join the main Werribee Gorge Circuit Track. From here, the walk continues west along the upper edges of the gorge, passing a series of viewpoints that are a highlight of the circuit. Eastern Viewpoint looks across to the James Whyte Island area, while Picture Point provides a clear view down to Needles Beach below. Further along, Western Viewpoint offers an impressive look over the winding river and the steep walls of the gorge.

From Western Viewpoint, the track descends back into the gorge along a rocky but well defined path. This section can be slippery and uneven, particularly after rain, and trekking poles can be helpful for balance. Once back near river level, the trail follows the eastern side of the Werribee River above Blackwood Pool, staying close to the water as it moves through a narrower section of the gorge.

The final stretch includes several rocky sections, a short scramble up a ledge, and a cable assisted traverse across an exposed outcrop. These features are the most challenging parts of the walk, but they are brief and well managed. After the cable traverse, the track becomes much easier, passing Needles Beach and Lions Head Beach before returning to Meikles Point via a disused water channel. Built between 1926 and 1929 to supply irrigation to the local area, this channel provides a gentle and interesting finish to a varied and engaging circuit.

Trail difficulty

Grade 3 (moderate) badge

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Moderate walks with some obstacles

Grade 3 walks may include short steep hills, formed tracks with some obstacles, rougher surfaces and many steps. Some bushwalking experience is recommended, and walkers may encounter natural hazards such as steep slopes, unstable surfaces or minor water crossings. Grade 3 walks are no longer than 20km.

Good to know: Not every Grade 3 characteristic will apply to every walk, so check the route description for the specific challenges of this hike.

Map and GPX file

Werribee Gorge: Circuit - Short Circuit Track (7.6km)

Map of the route “Werribee Gorge: Circuit - Short Circuit Track (7.6km)”: 7.60 km, 435 m of climbing and 434 m of descent, elevation between 147 m and 348 m, time 03:38:27. It is a loop that starts and ends at -37.67317, 144.36435 (latitude, longitude).

Total distance: 7.6 km
Max elevation: 349 m
Min elevation: 147 m
Total climbing: 435 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.

Preparation and safety

Trail tips

Trail can be taken in any direction.
The river is prone to flooding so avoid after heavy rains.
Walking poles will be beneficial.
Be mindful of snakes and hit weather during the summer months

Plan and prepare

Australian conditions can turn a small oversight into a serious situation faster than most walkers expect. Even on a short walk, that means sturdy footwear, water, sun protection and a warm layer in case the weather turns. The day hike planning guide walks you through it.

The Hiking Safety Systems and planning calculators help you understand and close the gaps before you leave home. The Interactive Safety Scenarios show how small gaps turn into real incidents. If you’re new to planning hikes, start with the hike preparation guide.

Download the free 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.

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 →

Heading somewhere remote, off-track or overnight? Use the comprehensive trip intentions form instead, as your emergency contact will need more detail. Register your trip plan here →

Getting there and where to stay

Directions

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. Continue onto the gravel road at the end of the sealed section and follow this to its end at Meikles Point Picnic area. There is ample parking and pit toilets.

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Search accommodation in nearby towns: Anakie, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Elaine, Gisborne, Melton, Trentham

Find somewhere to stay near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location.

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Travel arrangements

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Photo gallery

Werribee Gorge: Circuit - Short Circuit Track (7.6km)

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Explore the region

About the region

Cut deep into the western volcanic plains, Werribee Gorge State Park feels markedly different from the farm country and open grasslands around Bacchus Marsh. Here the Werribee River has sliced through ancient rock to form a steep, confined gorge, exposing a long span of geological history in a relatively small area. Parks Victoria describes the gorge as being shaped by around 500 million years of geological change, and the park's management plan treats its rock exposures as significant well beyond the local district.

That compressed geology is part of what gives the park its strong sense of scale. Rocky slopes, ridgelines and sheer sections of gorge wall rise abruptly above the river, while the surrounding uplands open out to broad views across the western plains and towards the You Yangs. Although the park covers only 575 hectares, it sits within the headwaters of the Werribee River catchment and shares a wider landscape story with nearby Lerderderg State Park, another deeply incised river system on Melbourne's western fringe. Together they preserve pockets of rugged country that contrast sharply with the more settled plains below.

The vegetation is also more varied than the park's size might suggest. The management plan records distinctive Box-Ironbark forest dominated by Red Ironbark, Grey Box woodland in the north-eastern part of the park, and riverine stands of Manna Gum and Blackwood along the watercourse. These plant communities matter because they are now limited in this region, and the gorge's rocky ground supports species that would be easy to overlook in a broader description of the western plains.

Werribee Gorge State Park is also part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape connected to the Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Peoples. Earlier records for the park note Aboriginal places including grinding grooves, scarred trees and stone scatters, reflecting the river corridor's long use as a place of movement and resources. There are later layers of history here too, including traces of early pastoral activity and a long association with geological field study, which helps explain why this small park has long held an importance beyond its footprint.

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Weather on the trail

The map shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Use the toggle in the top right corner to switch layers, including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger and weather warnings. Windy is a forecast model, not an official warning service. Check the Bureau of Meteorology for current warnings before you go.

Trail reviews

3 Reviews on “Werribee Gorge: Circuit - Short Circuit Track (7.6km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

This is an excellent hike through on of Victoria’s spectacular river gorges. This hike has a bit of everything from easy walking along the river, a bit of rock scrambling and a couple of short but steep sections. The views are amazing and the sense of remoteness makes this hike really special. You have to pick your days though as its extremely busy on weekends mow.

21/08/2023, 12:45

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Alicja Alice

The best part of the hike

24/03/2022, 05:20

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Helene Agius

Mandi Pethick

24/03/2022, 05:20

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John Everett

Was saying recently I should explore Werribee Gorge. Looks really interesting.

24/03/2022, 05:20

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Jack Rodgers

We did this loop for the first time at the weekend in glorious weather, but unfortunately the trail markings are pretty inconsistent. Each trail is represented by a colour triangle, but sometimes they disappear! We took wrong turns on numerous occasions along with quite a few other hikers – it was actually quite funny bumping into people who were lost too!
The Park would benefit for some clearer wayfaring design! There are no takeaway maps available at the carpark, so take a photo of the map at the info shelter and take a compass, so at least you’ll know which way to go when you come to a crossroad with confusing signage!
On a positive note, trail is great – lots of variety and a couple of fun scrambles round the bottom of the cliff (hence the pic of the ropes at the top of this page!).

24/03/2022, 05:20

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Carmela Vergara

Wow. Did this last week! The 10km circuit! Absolutely awesome

24/03/2022, 05:20

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Bree Bonaccorso

Oliver Bonaccorso day trip?

24/03/2022, 05:20

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Alex Gifford

This is a fantastic walk. One of my favourites.

24/03/2022, 05:20

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Kylie Crawford

Sharon Gallagher
Jo Edwards

24/03/2022, 05:20

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Jo Maffei

Nicky Leitch Debbie Jackson we should do this one

24/03/2022, 05:20

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Samantha Bennett âœ¬

Brittney Henderson

24/03/2022, 05:20

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Prue Daley

David Newton this is it

24/03/2022, 05:20

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Briony Shea

Great walk. Bec Proctor

24/03/2022, 05:20

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Christian Hartwig

Is this hike clearly marked or do you need a map and compass etc?

24/03/2022, 05:20

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Acknowledgement of Country

Werribee gorge: circuit - short circuit track (7. 6km) - 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 checked:

August 12, 2026

Hike at a glance

Trail details

About this trail

Route in detail

Trail difficulty

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Map and GPX file

Preparation and safety

Trail tips

Plan and prepare

Let someone know

Getting there and where to stay

Directions

Accommodation nearby

Travel arrangements

Photo gallery

Explore the region

About the region

Discover activities

More hikes nearby

Werribee Gorge: Circuit Walk (8.5km)

Werribee Gorge: Circuit – the Shelter Shed Hike (7.6km)

Werribee Gorge: Falcons Rim Hike (13.7km)

Centenary Walk & the Island Hike (12.5km)

Explore hikes by town

Weather on the trail

Trail reviews

3 Reviews on “Werribee Gorge: Circuit - Short Circuit Track (7.6km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last checked:

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