The Lerderderg Gorge Walk to Grahams Dam is a 3.5km, grade 2 return hike, located in the Lerderderg State Park, Victoria. The hike should take approximately 1-2 hrs to complete.

This is a great walk for kids that commences at McKenzie’s Flat on the Lerderderg river and follows the river through the lower reaches of the Lederberg Gorge. It is a very pleasant short walk through the native forest with plenty of opportunities for swimming. This is a great walk for kids or anyone looking to get into nature as it is fairly short with there are lots of opportunities to explore.

The changes in the river levels between seasons are quite dramatic. In the winter and spring you will often find a reasonable flow but in the summer it can stop flowing and dry up completely in places. If you arrive to find the river is dry at McKenzie’s Flat don’t be too disheartened – there may still be some very pleasant waterholes upstream. If you are looking for a scenic walk alongside a flowing river, winter or spring is definitely the time to go.

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. This is a fantastic but very strenuous walk. The circuit provides access to some more remote sections of the gorge and also bypasses Lerderderg Weir.

Getting there

Follow the Western Freeway and turn left off at C704 the Bacchus Marsh -Gisborne exit (this is a clearly sign posted Freeway exit). Drive 1.8kms towards Gisborne then turn left along Lerderderg Gorge Road and follow it 5.4kms to Mackenzies Flat picnic area.

Tips

• The walk is mostly flat and easy, but it does involve fixed artificial stepping stones across the river at two different points, so it is not suitable for prams, wheelchairs or people with limited mobility.
• The river is prone to flooding so avoid after heavy rains.
• No Pets allowed
• Beyond Grahams Dam, there are a number of more challenging walking tracks. Do not attempt these unless you have the necessary navigation experience.
• Facilities at the trail-head include car parking, toilets, BBQ, picnic tables and a shelter with information signs.

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