Hike at a glance

6,541

Quick overview: Experience the breathtaking Werribee Gorge State Park in Victoria with this moderate, 7.6km circuit hike. Starting and ending at Meikles Point Picnic area, the trail takes you on a journey past scenic viewpoints, Needles Beach, and Lions Head Beach. You can also witness remnants of the area's history as you pass a disused water channel built in the late 1920s. Located a stone's throw from Bacchus Marsh, this trail offers a unique mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue, making it a must-do for any bushwalker in the region.

Hike length

7.6km

Average duration

3 hrs

Trail Difficulty

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Hike Type

Circuit

Technical 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 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.

Hike details

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Nearby hikes

Weather

Trail details

Hike summary

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.

Track difficulty

Grade 3 (moderate) badge

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Uneven terrain and steady climbs
These walks require a reasonable level of fitness and confidence on rough ground. Expect hills, rough surfaces, and sections with steps or short, steeper climbs.

While not technically difficult, these tracks are no longer "easy" and can feel demanding over distance, especially in heat or with a pack. Some bushwalking experience is recommended, particularly for managing footing and pacing. Distances can extend up to 20km.

Worth knowing: Many hikers underestimate Grade 3 when conditions change or fatigue sets in.

Planning essentials

Practical Information:

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

Map and GPX file

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

Total distance: 7599 m
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.

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

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 →

Planning something more serious? The comprehensive trip intentions form is designed for remote, overnight, and off-track trips where your emergency contact needs more detail. Register your advanced plans here →

Free checklists

Download the 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.

Getting there

Werribee Gorge State Park

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.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Find Accommodation

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Geelong, Gellibrand Hill, Gisborne, Gordon, Greendale, Hoppers Crossing, Little River, Melton, Myrniong, Point Cook, Toolern Vale, Werribee

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About the region

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.

Explore nearby hikes

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Werribee Gorge State Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

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 modified:

January 27, 2026

Hike at a glance

Technical details

Trail details

Hike summary

Track difficulty

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

Discover more

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Werribee Gorge: Rim Hike (13.7km)

Werribee Gorge: Scenic Rim Hike (12.4km)

Centenary Walk & the Island Hike (12.5km)

Werribee Gorge: Falcons Rim Hike (13.7km)

Photo gallery

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 modified:

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