Length: 19.8km
Duration: 6-7hrs
Grade: 4
Style: Circuit
Start: Pyrete Range car park
End: Pyrete Range car park

Location: Lerderderg State Park
Closest Town: Bacchus Marsh
Distance from CBD: 60km
State: VIC
Latitude: -37.580918
Longitude: 144.507757

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Lerderderg State Park...

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Pyrites Creek and Sugarloaf is a 19.8km, grade 4 circuit hike, located in the Lerderderg State Park, Victoria. The hike should take 6-7hrs to complete.

Hike Summary

The Pyrites Creek and Sugarloaf hike is a variation of the Pyrites Creek Gorge Hike (15.5km) and includes a short deviation to the summit of Mount Sugarloaf for views of the Lerderderg and Pyrete Range. After leaving the summit, the rest of the hike negotiates a scenic section of the the Pyrites Creek Gorge and includes the historic Drapers Lode Antimony Mine. Pyrites Creek winds its way through the range before flowing into the nearby Merrimu Reservoir.

Antimony Mines

The antimony mines, operating from 1915-47, have shafts and adits of several mines; there is remnant plant and machinery, foundations of a crushing battery, tramway beds, shallow tunnels and a small open cut mine. The site has local historical significance as a representative embodiment of an extractive and industrial process and the associated way oflife. It demonstrates the effect of government action in this industry. The site also has local scientific significance in demonstrating potential as a site for archaeological investigation.

About the region

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.

Getting there

From Melbourne, follow the M1 towards Ballarat. Drive from National Highway M8 to Hopetoun Park. Take the exit towards Hopetoun Park from National Highway M8. Follow Long Forest Rd, Diggers Rest-Coimadai Rd/C706 and Antimony Mine Rd to Antimony Mine Track in Coimadai. There is s small space for about five vehicles at the end of a gravel road.

Tips

I would rate this a moderate hike during dry months when there is no water in Pyrites Creek as 5km of this trail require you to negotiate a trail along the creek or walk up the creek bed. During wet months I would rate this as a difficult hike.

Hiking poles are useful in the creek bed, particularly after rain when the rocks will be very slippery.

The presence of Cinnamon Fungus poses a serious threat to flora and fauna of the park. This microscopic pathogen attacks plant root systems causing die-back. Patches of dead or dying vegetation can indicate the presence of the fungus and grass trees are particularly susceptible. The disease is spread through the movement of contaminated soil and gravel and there is no known cure.

Help to minimise the spread of this disease through the park by remaining on formed tracks at all times. All soil should be removed from footwear prior to entering and leaving the Park using a 70% methylated spirits/water solution and a sturdy brush.

GPX File

Total distance: 19831 m
Max elevation: 452 m
Min elevation: 223 m
Total climbing: 676 m
Total descent: -673 m

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