Razorback and Ah Kow Spurs is a 13.5km, grade 4 circuit hike located in the Lerderderg State Park Victoria. The hike should take approximately 6hrs to complete.

Summary

Razorback and Ah Kow Spurs represents a remote gorge walk along the Lerderderg River. It’s a demanding walk into one of the more remote areas of the Lerderderg Gorge. There is considerable evidence of gold mining operations in the form of diggings, water races and dry stone walls. Razorback Track’s decent into the gorge is along one of the easiest and most enjoyable spurs in the park.

HOWEVER, the Aw Kow Spur is one of the parks steepest and most tiring climbs!

Getting there

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 Mt 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.

About the Region

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.

Tips

• A section of this hike (at least a 2.5 kilometres) follows the Lerderderg River. You may need to cross several times to find the best path so poles and water shoes will benefit if you have them. Wading may also be required.
• 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.

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