Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the rugged beauty of Victoria's Wombat State Forest on the 15.7km Spargo Werribee River Circuit, a Grade 4 trail starting and ending at the historic Spargo Creek Hotel. Just 96km from Melbourne, this challenging hike features a scenic journey through the Spargo Creek Mineral Springs Reserve, along the banks of the Korweinguboora Reservoir, and follows the Werribee River. Offering unique terrain and tranquil natural surroundings, it's a must for seasoned bushwalkers in search of new adventures. Be sure to pack plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear, and keep an eye out for local wildlife.

Length:

15.7km

Duration:

5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 646m

Min elevation: 581m

Total Ascent: 300m

Start: Spargo Creek Hotel

End: Spargo Creek Hotel

Wombat State Forest

Victoria

Nearby town: Spargo

From state capital: 96km

Latitude: -37.48032001608831

Longitude: 144.1507261991501

Overview

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Hike overview

This Spargo Werribee River Circuit explores the historic Spargo Creek Mineral Springs Reserve and upper reaches of the Werribee River.

Commencing at the former Spargo Creek Mineral Springs Hotel head west along a walking trail then the Spargo-Blakevill Road towards the Mineral Springs Reserve. Follow the Reserve Track south along the eastern banks of the Korweinguboora Reservoir, then east to the Ballan-Daylesford Road. Cross the road and locate a vehicle track to your right. At this point, head off-trail for approximately 1.1km as you make your way north, then east to a series of track junctions and the start of the Werribee River Walk.

Follow this trail south as it follows the Werribee River. After approximately 2km the trail with turn north east, then north to return on the opposite side of the river. Continue North to Carrolls Track. Turning east, walk a short distance to McGees Road. Turn north and walk approximately 600m and locate a track junction on your left. Follow this west for 800m. Turning north, make your way along an old vehicle track, up a gentle spur to a broad ridgeline. Follow the ridge north to an elevation of 634m then turn north west and descend to the Spargo-Blakeville Road.

Follow the road west, returning to the start point and your vehicle.

Tips

This circuit follows a combination of dirt roads/4wd tracks, creeks and off-trail sections.
You should always carry a map and compass and posses good navigation skills.

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Spargo Werribee River Circuit Hike (15.7km)

Total distance: 15723 m
Max elevation: 646 m
Min elevation: 581 m
Total climbing: 300 m
Total descent: -301 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Wombat State Forest.

From Melbourne’s CBD, follow M1 and National Highway M8 to Ballan-Daylesford Rd/C141 in Ballan. Take the C141 exit from National Highway M8. Turn right onto Ballan-Daylesford Rd/C141 (signs for Daylesford). The walk starts at the former Spargo Creek Mineral Springs Hotel.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Barrys Reef, Blackwood, Clunes, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Greendale, Hepburn Springs, Kyneton, Macedon, Maldon, Melton, Spargo, Trentham, Woodend

Access conditions

4WD Access
Public Transport
Speed Bumps
Untreated Water

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Wombat State Forest? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

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.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Spargo Werribee River Circuit Hike (15.7km)

9 Reviews on “Spargo Werribee River Circuit Hike (15.7km)”

Overall rating

Grant Hollingworth

Excellent little hike. A few overgrown sections but navigation wasn’t too hard thanks to the GPX file.

19/09/2022, 01:13

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Courtney Lamb

David Pine

05/10/2019, 03:42

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Gina Bromiley

Tanya Marshall-Disher

05/09/2019, 21:40

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Pamela Evers

Cristina Almada this might be good

05/09/2019, 19:17

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Pam Brown

Whhhhattttt! 15.7km I will cheer you on…You go girl!!!!!

05/09/2019, 18:54

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Mon Buso

Pam Brown we shoukd do this !!

05/09/2019, 17:07

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Melanie Galan

Frank Galant

05/09/2019, 09:19

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Renae Martin

Lazarus Bird

05/09/2019, 09:16

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Leisa Entwistle

David Gath here’s another adventure

05/09/2019, 08:55

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Kate Hanssen Bohara

Renae Martin

05/09/2019, 08:39

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Matthew Mountjoy

Cam Pearce. What about this one?

05/09/2019, 06:18

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Linda CG

Karen Sweet Karlene Hilton Ellen Trent Sue Brant – think we should dust off our boots!

05/09/2019, 05:19

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Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

Spargo werribee river circuit hike (15. 7km)

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Spargo Werribee River Circuit Hike (15.7km)