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.
The Scenic Rim and River via Spur Track is a challenging 16 km loop in Lerderderg State Park, Victoria, typically taking around six to seven hours to complete. This grade 4 trail offers a demanding yet rewarding experience, with river crossings that may leave your feet wet depending on the water level, a steep ascent out of the river valley, and a rugged return route that requires careful navigation of loose and sometimes slippery terrain.
The hike begins at Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area, where you follow the river upstream towards Grahams Dam. This dam forms a peaceful pool, ideal for a refreshing swim. From here, you’ll cross the river and continue along the eastern bank for about 600 metres, marked by trail marker LER503. At this point, you’ll turn right onto Spur Track, which ascends steeply and steadily for 1.6 km to the top of the range. Once you reach the Lerderderg Tunnel Access Track, turn left and follow it a short distance until you reach the track junction. From here, keep left, pass through the Southern Rural Water gate, and descend along the well-maintained access road towards the weir.
At the weir, you’ll notice a set of metal stairs running beside a concrete fish ladder. This unique structure, composed of stepped concrete boxes with connecting holes, helps fish navigate the weir. Head down the stairs and south along the Lerderderg river. The path here is less defined, and the river’s water level will determine the best route. Without trail markers in this section, it’s important to stay alert and plan your path carefully, especially in areas where cliffs on either side could pose a risk. The terrain can be tricky, so use your judgement to choose the safest way forward.
Eventually, the river track leads you back to Grahams Dam, where you can retrace your steps to Mackenzies Flat. The return journey along the river from Grahams Dam is not demanding and offers a chance to reflect on the park’s rugged beauty and the challenge of the trail. The Scenic Rim and River via Spur Track is not an easy walk, but it rewards those who are prepared with an immersive journey through one of Victoria’s more untamed landscapes.
- The amount of water in the river will dictate how difficult this is. If it is low it should be quite straightforward, but if the river is full it will be much more challenging. Therefore, if there is a lot of water, then add an extra hour or so to it.
- There can be many snakes in the area so do keep a look out for them.
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Total distance: 16030 m
Max elevation: 465 m
Min elevation: 142 m
Total climbing: 765 m
Total descent: -763 m
Getting to the trailhead: Lerderderg State Park.
MacKenzies Flat Picnic Area, located at the southern end of Lerderderg State Park, is easily accessible from Melbourne and serves as the trailhead for various walks in the park. To get there, take the M8 Western Freeway towards Ballarat and exit at Bacchus Marsh (Exit 16). From the exit, follow Bacchus Marsh Road and turn right onto Grant Street, which transitions into Bacchus Marsh-Gisborne Road. After approximately 3 kilometers, turn left onto Lerderderg Gorge Road and continue until the road ends at MacKenzies Flat. This scenic area, surrounded by native bushland, offers facilities such as car parking, toilets, picnic tables, and barbecues. While perfect for a picnic or as a base for exploring the park, note that camping and dogs are not permitted in the picnic area.
Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Bullengarook, Coimadai, Darley, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton, Macarthur, Macedon, Maddingley, Melton, Myrniong, Sunbury, Trentham, Woodend
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Gravel Road
- Large Car Park
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
- BBQ Facilities
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Lerderderg State Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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6 Reviews on “The Scenic Rim: River & Spur Track (16km)”
Great hike but can be very slow going along the river. Make sure you allow extra time especially if there is water in the river.
Glad you enjoyed it. Totally agree the river section can be slow (and tedious at times)