Werribee Gorge Offtrail is a 6.9km, grade 4 hike located in the Werribee Gorge State Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 3 hrs to complete.
Warning
Parts of this hiking trail traverse through private land. You will need to seek an alternate route or seek permission of the land owner to access their land.
Hike summary
This Werribee Gorge Offtrail hike explores Western Bluff, Pyramid Rock and a number of steep and rocky spurs. the Circuit hike commences at the Falcons Lookout Car Park and gradually descends the ridge to the rocky outcrop of Western Bluff. From the bluff the main trail descends steeply via Needles spur into the depths of the Werribee Gorge before climbing to the summit of Pyramid Rock.
There are a number of ways to ascend and descend the summit of Pyramid Rock so select a path suited tto your level of skill. We dropped off the face of the rock structure on the descent.
From this high vantage point you will be rewarded with possibly the best views of Werribee Gorge and the Werribee River below. To the south east you will see the plains of Bacchus Marsh while to the north you can see as far as Centenary hill at the other end of the gorge.
The trail then descends down into the heart of the Werribee Gorge, following the river across to Needles beach before ascending an unnamed spur to picnic point and Western Viewpoint. From here you will descend back into the gorge before traversing a narrow ridge and saddle back to the start of the Granties trail and the Ironbark Gorge Track which will return you to the start.
There will be plenty of rock scrambling, a few river crossings and a few steep ascents to get the heart pumping.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 399 m
Min elevation: 174 m
Total climbing: 528 m
Total descent: -527 m
Trail Features
- Gravel Path
- Rough Trail
- Undefined Trail
- Exposed Ledges
- Rock Scrambling
- Steep Terrain
- River Crossings
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Untreated Water
Tips
This is an unofficial off-trail hike without formed trails or signage. You will need to be confident with navigation and steep and rocks ascents and descents.
- 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
Gear you might need
As well as including the Ten Essentials, my planning, food and packing checklists provide an summary of things to consider on your day, overnight and multi-day hikes. Every person and every hike is different, so customise your kit according to your needs. Download your free checklists here >>
Location
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Getting there
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.
Let someone know before you go
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
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.
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Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.
Does this hike info need updating? maybe the route, features or access conditions have changed? Suggest an edit here.
Acknowledgement of Country
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.
0 Reviews on “Werribee Gorge Offtrail (6.9km)”
Friends and I attempted the trail today. Tracks were closed. Does archive mean that the trail is no longer available? Thanks.