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.
Whiskey on the Rocks is a 12.5 km hike through Lerderderg State Park, graded as difficult and taking approximately five hours to complete. This route offers a rugged and varied experience, combining sections of river walking, steep terrain, and traces of the region’s gold-mining past. It’s a demanding hike, best suited to those comfortable with rough tracks, uneven surfaces, and potential water crossings.
Following a modified version of one of Lerderderg’s most engaging circuit walks, the trail traces the river downstream from the base of Kenworthy Track to the start of the Razorback Spur. The name comes from a particularly challenging three-kilometre stretch along the rocky bed of the Lerderderg River. When water levels are low, this section provides an exhilarating scramble over boulders and river stones, but after heavy rain, the route becomes treacherous and should be avoided.
The hike also follows the Whiskey Creek Circuit, weaving through dense bushland and passing the remnants of old gold diggings. A well-preserved section of a historic water race offers a glimpse into the park’s mining heritage, its stone-lined channel still visible against the rugged landscape. The track eventually leads to Whiskey Creek, one of the deepest tributaries of the Lerderderg River, where the steep-sided gorge and the lingering presence of history add to the trail’s distinctive character.
Throughout the hike, the landscape shifts between open ridgelines, narrow gorges, and rocky riverbanks. Sweeping views across the gorge appear at intervals, offering a dramatic contrast to the more enclosed sections where the dense bush closes in around the trail. This mix of terrain and history makes Whiskey on the Rocks an immersive and rewarding hike for those looking to experience Lerderderg State Park’s wilder side.
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.
- This is a difficult hike with river and creek crossings (although possibly dry in summer and autumn), a number of steep sections and undefined trails. Poles will be useful.
- Suggested items to pack: Day Pack with Picnic Lunch and at least 2-3 litres of water.
- Do not enter the river gorge following heavy rain as it may be in flood
- Hiking poles recommended and I also highly recommend water shoes if you have them as it will make the crossings easier.
Total distance: 12426 m
Max elevation: 641 m
Min elevation: 379 m
Total climbing: 679 m
Total descent: -679 m
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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.
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 to the trailhead: Lerderderg State Park.
From Melbourne, follow the Western Freeway 9km past Bacchus Marsh and take the Myrniong exit. Continue along the Myrniog-Greendale Road for 1km, then turn right on the Mount Blackwood Road. Follow this narrow surfaced road north for 10km to pull into a turnoff on the right at Square Bottle Track (just 250m past Shuter Track). Park near the gate overlooking a small dam.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Bullengarook, Coimadai, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton, Macarthur, Macedon, Maddingley, Melton, Myrniong, Sunbury, Trentham, Woodend
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Lerderderg State Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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3 Reviews on “Whiskey On the Rocks Hike (12.5km)”
Training run Tim, or have you already done it?
Veronica Strachan
When is it Elly?
when??I’m keen.
Who’s in!!? Angela Rebecka Sherwood Rhiannon Koch
Elise
Elly Stringer when?
Havent done it yet Jo Tyson. Its close to the DU135 course…
Hell yeah! Let me know when you have two days off, I will fly down so we can do the track! I miss ? so much!!
Im back there this sunday morning been walkn tracks in other areas , might do this one.
I’m free….. oh hangon, shit.
Karen H McGregor Baker
Kate Patterson….. Sunday ?
Lederderg looks exciting Michael. A few of us are planning to trek it over the coming month or so. Thanks for inspiring us to head this way?
Leesa Swanson sounds good. I’m back on the 11th if you haven’t already done it by then. 🙂
Let’s do it! 12.5k in 5 hours sounds tough!
Lock it in
Maaaaybe??
May Ling Yong
Michelle Krivohlavek
Peggy Peng Queens birthday weekend hike?
Sheree McKenzie, Lederderg keeps calling….?
Slightly insane…gotta walk down into Whisky Creek then out. Down Kenworthy to the river…insanely steep downhill. Along the river to Razorback spur…madness. Then up the Razorback…wow?
Suzie Sharp Joelene Gordon-Cooke Tracky Dax maybe a good one to begin the new year with?