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.
One of Lerderderg's most interesting and varied circuit walks. The Whiskey Creek Circuit trail passes various gold diggings, follows a scenic section of the historic water race and crosses one of Lerderderg's deepest tributaries, Whiskey Creek. Sweeping views of the gorge and a strong sense of history add greatly to this walks appeal.
The Whiskey Creek Circuit is a challenging 12 kilometer circuit trail in Lerderderg State Park, Victoria, Australia. The trail takes approximately 5 hours to complete and is graded as a 4 on the difficulty scale.
Hikers can expect to encounter a variety of terrain on this trail, including river crossings, steep climbs, and uneven surfaces. The trail also features a number of historical sites, including old gold mines and water races.
The Whiskey Creek Circuit is a great choice for experienced hikers who are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience. It is important to note that this trail is not suitable for young children or inexperienced hikers.
The Whiskey Creek Circuit is a great way to experience the best of Lerderderg State Park. The trail is challenging, but it is also very rewarding. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding hike, the Whiskey Creek Circuit is a great option. However, be sure to be in good physical condition and have some experience hiking in the bush before you attempt this hike.
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 now enter the gorge following heavy rain.
- Hiking poles recommended and I also highly recommend water shoes if you have them as it will make the crossings easier.
Total distance: 11974 m
Max elevation: 640 m
Min elevation: 386 m
Total climbing: 556 m
Total descent: -557 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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8 Reviews on “Whiskey Creek Circuit Hike (12km)”
My first experience of the Lerderderg State Park and a most enjoyable one. This trail is as advertised – lovely walking, particularly along the Lerderdeg River and in the Whiskey Gully, but with some very steep entry and exit points, where I found the use of poles was essential. I chose this walk for a more remote experience and indeed encountered no-one on the trail (mid-week in August). There are some nice campsites along the river which opens up the overnight options in this part of the park. I will return!
Fantastic to hear Chris, really glad you enjoyed it