The Lerderderg Circuit Walk (via links 1 & 2) is an 8.2km, grade 4 hike located in the Lerderderg State Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 3-4 hrs to complete.
Warning
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.
Hike overview
The Lerderderg Gorge Circuit walk (via links 1 and 2), often referred to now as the starts at the Mackenzies Flat Picnic area and follows the Lerderderg River towards Graham's Dam.
Follow the river upstream from Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area to Grahams Dam, which is an attractive pool ideal for swimming. The track along the river up until Graham's Dam is fairly well traveled and easy to follow. Cross the river at this point and continue along the eastern river bank upstream for approximately 600m (trail marker LER503). Beyond Graham's Dam it is slightly overgrown in places but still easy enough to follow.
Continue past this point along the eastern banks of the river to trail marker LER504. It is worth noting that any mapping system I have used actually shows the Link No. 2 track as starting further around this spur. They are all incorrect and the trail actually commences at the marker. Ascent the broad and steep spur via Link 2 Track to the top of the range. Care should be taken on the climb as it is steep and can be slippery in places. The track is easy to follow with a few rock scrambles and has the occasional orange marker on trees to keep you on track. Make sure you stop along the climb to appreciate the view behind you and through the river gorge.
Turn left when you reach the Blackwood Ranges Track and continue along for approximately 600m until you reach Link Track No. 1. on your left. The Blackwood Ranges track is a well made vehicle track which follows relatively level ground. From this point you will descend back into the gorge along Link Track No. 1, a steep, easy to follow but occasionally rocky track.
Once you arrive back at Graham's Dam simply follow the river track back to Mackenzies Flat. The alternative is to do the circuit in reverse order from Grahams Dam but I believe the Link No. 2 track is easier to ascend than No. 1
MacKenzies Flat Picnic Area
Located at the south end of the park and set among native bushland, MacKenzie Flat is the perfect spot for a picnic or barbecue with the family. Go for a knee-deep splash in the seasonal waters of the Lerderderg River or set out on a walk through rugged Lerderderg Gorge.
Mackenzie's Flat sits at the base of Lerderderg State Park and is the starting point for hiking trails and short walks. It is located a short 5 minute drive from the township of Bacchus Marsh. The river is seasonal and may be dry in Summer. There is a grassy picnic area and barbecues are available. Long drop toilets only.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 445 m
Min elevation: 142 m
Total climbing: 451 m
Total descent: -450 m
Tips
- Make sure you are prepared with water, compass and a good map.
- Map I used: Lerderderg and Werribee Gorges by Meridian.
Trail location
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Getting there
About one hour west of the CBD is the Lerderderg State Park, in which the pristine Lerderderg River (known by the locals as 'the Lerdy' meanders through native bushland. Drive to the end of Lerderderg Gorge Road until you find MacKenzie's Flat Picnic Area. The trail commences at the northern end of the picnic area.
About the region
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.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.
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Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
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.
1 Review on “Lerderderg Circuit Walk - Link Tracks 1 & 2 (8.2km)”
Beautiful
One of my next
One of my faves ⛰️🏃🏼♀️🥰
Media: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2314826292051593&set=p.2314826292051593&type=3
Lorelle Baylee now there’s a happy hiker. 🙂
Trail Hiking Australia An amazing place. I think that’s about halfway up link track 2.
Lorelle Baylee I love that hike too. It’s right in my backyard. Well almost.
Trail Hiking Australia That’s fantastic!
Lorelle Baylee I’m pretty happy living here. The Lerdy is my playground.
Trail Hiking Australia I mostly go to the You Yangs, then Lerdies, then Anakie Gorge and Werribee Gorge.
 My favourite (most epic) adventures have been at Lerdies, that’s for sure but the Youies are good good for just a regular trail run. I’ve loved exploring all the different sections of Lerdies … but there is so much still to see
Lorelle Baylee all amazing places. It’s funny you say there’s still so much to see. When I first started hiking, I only ever hiked in the Lerdy. It was literally at my back gate at the time. Even though I hiked every weekend for two years, I still haven’t hiked every spur or gully. I love exploring there still.
This is one of my favourites and is a great training hike. Just be careful with this one as it often takes people longer than they think. It’s also the top contender in the gorge for people needing to be rescued. Make sure you have a reliable map to follow and keep a keen eye out for any markers as they can easily be missed if you aren’t paying attention.
Jesse
This is one of my favorites circuit hikes in the Lerderderg. It’s not long but it can be challenging. If you are doing this hike clockwise, just be careful heading down link 2 track. About 2/3 of the way down, the official trail breaks to the right and you need to be careful not to continue straight down the spur to the river. A lot of people have become lost and needed assistance when they missed the official trail.
Martin Tim does this look familiar?
Muhammad Naim awesome!
Muhammad Naim yeah bro …we know that track so well now
Mel Kel grade 3? We so fit lol
Nichola Schubert
Roger John Hilton
Simon Izzard
Not a grade 3….fantastic walk
Peter Reissmann
What an intriguing part of Victoria, at least for the Sydneysider ?
Definitely worth a visit in the future when these ‘walking legs’ are kinda broken in…lol
Tammy today! Spooky.
This is one of my regular favourite trails ?
Sooo Rima Gayatri Sudrajat Dewi Setyathi ?
Susan Kro thank you. We got as far as Graham’s Dam. Plan to do the full circuit next time. It was just stunning ?
Welcome to the site Jonathan and thanks for your comments. The link 2 track actually has two ascents. Parks Vic had never identified any of them so this trail covers the one that starts at LER504. Since erecting signage for the circuit walk they have now identified the track further to the north as a route. Both are shown on all maps I have.
Thanks again for tour comments
Cheers Darren Edwards
Really nice walk with great views.
It can get pretty challenging, and with a baby on my back, i’m very grateful we did the loop clockwise. There’s more to hold on to, and less loose gravel on the northern (Link Track 2) section.
Sharon Picking ??
Dave Pantalon
Yes, a wonderful adventure – I think it awakened a thirst in many of us for more.
yep, certainly feeling it today, physio was my best friend today!
yes keen!!!
Thanks Joe, will check it out ?
Great memories ? As they say those were the days.
Great Trail!,
The climb is challenging, I do not recommend playing tennis the day before but it was worth it!
Looking to do it again with more water in the river
If u came last week… water is hip high.. and strong stream..
I was there 3 days ago and there was water
Hi all
First time on the site. Just completed this walk.
Might be good to point out that you’ll need to Ford the river at both LER502 and LER503. Plenty of fording on this walk 😊. With today’s river height you would have very wet feet if you were in trainers (most people I saw on the trail were in trainers) . I’m glad I waxed my leather boots 🥾 last night, before the hike.
In the hike summary, the author mentions that the Link 2 starts at LER504. It doesn’t really if you’re following the map 🗺 but it was a nice, but steep, shortcut that got you up to the spur. Once you get to the top, start heading southbound and be careful of being waylaid by the Link 2 orange trail markers (ended up going back north by mistake for a bit).
I was using the Avenza app with the parks Victoria map 🗺
Have lots of memories of going here with Mick Gary John Tank Cheryl
I’ve got all trails. I accidentally paid for it on the app store. But it’s a good app.
Jay Daluz we live there .. been there done that cuz.. rain in week end its was very wrong time..
Karen Malloch time to lace up
Jake Saffa Baker I’ve camped here once.
Keep your eye open for the white wombat!!
Jo Tyson it does. Shame we missed that crossing and bush bashed up beside Link 2 on Sunday morning. Good for the soul but I am sore!
Looooove this hike. The view off link 1 back into the ranges in incredible.
The climb up is tough but enjoyable.
Love this one
Loved it. Seemed so remote up the top
Marija Marija
Katherine Fry, Jo Harrison, Kalissa Alexeyeff – bring back memories? Still my favourite of our hikes.
Kyls This was our exact route the other week ?¸
Thanks Joe, will check it out ?
Go time now..not dry!