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

Werribee Gorge Circuit via the Shelter Shed is a 7.6 km, grade 3 hike in Werribee Gorge State Park, Victoria, and typically takes around three hours to complete. It offers a varied and rewarding circuit that combines river walking, rocky escarpments, historic features, and sections that demand a bit of care and confidence on uneven ground.

Starting from the Meikles Point Picnic Area, the walk initially follows the Werribee River westward, with the gorge walls gradually closing in. The sound of flowing water and the sense of depth in the landscape set the tone early on. After a short distance, the route turns right onto the Short Circuit Track, which climbs steadily through a broad gully. This ascent follows a lesser used variation of the Short Circuit, and the track can be faint in places as it winds its way up a disused management route toward the ridgeline. Taking your time here helps, particularly after rain or during periods of leaf litter.

Reaching the top of the ridge brings you to the Shelter Shed, a simple but historically significant structure built in 1908. From here, the circuit follows an old vehicle trail north before reconnecting with the Short Circuit Track. A series of turns then leads onto the main Werribee Gorge Circuit, where the walk opens up with expansive views across the gorge. The route passes Eastern Viewpoint, offering a clear look toward the Island, before continuing past Picture Point with its outlook over Needles Beach. Western Viewpoint is another highlight, where the river can be seen winding far below. From this point, the track descends sharply back into the gorge along a rocky but well defined path, and trekking poles are useful for stability on this section.

Once back near river level, the trail follows the eastern side of the Werribee River above Blackwood Pool. The walking here is generally straightforward but remains rocky underfoot. A short scramble up a rocky ledge and a cable assisted traverse across an exposed outcrop add a sense of adventure and are the most demanding parts of the circuit. After passing these features, the track eases considerably, allowing for a relaxed walk past Needles Beach and Lions Head Beach. The final stretch returns to Meikles Point via a disused water channel built between 1926 and 1929 to supply irrigation to the surrounding area, bringing the circuit to a satisfying close that blends natural scenery with traces of the region’s history.