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Length: 16.5km
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Duration: 7hrs
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Grade: 4
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Style: Circuit
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Start: Mackenzies Flat
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End: Mackenzies Flat
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Location: Lerderderg State Park
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Closest Town: Bacchus Marsh
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Distance from CBD: 75km
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State: VIC
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Latitude: -37.6151545417
Longitude: 144.4251169525
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Select items to indicate conditions for access to the trail.


2WD Access


4WD Access


Public Transport


Bitumen Road


Gravel Road


Steep Road


Winding Road


Speed Bumps


Vehicle Ford


Entry Fee


Large Car Park


Small Car Park


Accessible Parking


Accessible Toilet


Public Toilets


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Picnic Shelter


Picnic Table


BBQ Facilities


Campfire Pit


Camping Area
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Select items to indicate features found along the trail.


Concrete Path


Timber Boardwalk


Gravel Path


Sandy Trail


Rough Trail


Undefined Trail


Prams & Strollers


Manual Wheelchair


Motorised Wheelchair


Bicycle Trail


Mountain Bike Trail


Historic Rail Trail


Dog Friendly


Urban Walk


Coast & Beach


Historic Lighthouse


Waterfalls & Lakes


Rainforest Walk


Goldfields & Mining


Heritage Walk


Aboriginal Art


Alpine Region


Alpine Huts


Exposed Ledges


Rock Scrambling


Steep Terrain


Bush Bashing


River Crossings


Scenic Viewpoints


Well Marked


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Fishing Spots


Swimming Spots


Overnight Campsites


Trail Running


Horse Riding
The Scenic Rim via Link 2 is a 16.5km, grade 4 Circuit hike located in Lerderderg State Park Victoria. The hike should take approximately 7hrs to complete.
Summary
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.
The Scenic Rim via Link 2 hike is rated as a difficult circuit . The trail includes water crossings (possibility of your feet getting wet unless river is dry), one steep and steady climb our of the river from Grahams Dam and a significant river section back to Grahams Dam on loose and possibly wet terrain.
Follow the river upstream from Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area to Grahams Dam, which is an attractive pool ideal for swimming. Cross the river at this point and continue along the eastern river bank upstream for approximately 600m (trail marker LER503). Continue past this point along the eastern banks of the river to trail marker LER504. It is worth noting that any mapping system I have used actually shows the Link No. 2 track as starting further around this spur They are all incorrect and the trail actually commences at the marker. Ascent the broad spur via Link 2 Track to the top of the range. Turn right when you reach the Blackwood Ranges Track and continue along this track to the junction of Long Point Track. The Blackwood Ranges track is a well made vehicle track which follows relatively level ground.
Long Point Track descends a steep and rocky ridge into the gorge below. Follow this trail along its length until you emerge onto the Lerderderg River and Weir.
On reaching the river, cross at the safest spot on the southern side of the dam wall. Ascend the metal stairs on the right hand side of the wall and follow the Lerderderg Tunnel Access Track (which is a well made gravel road) as it gradually ascends the eastern side of the range. Pass through the large Southern Rural Water gate and after a short distance keep an eye out for the spur track t your right (it is on a bend just opposite the first road intersection). Commence your descent of the 1.6km Spur Track to the river below. Turning left at the river, follow it downstream to Grahams Dam and back to your start point at MacKenzies Flat Picnic Area.
Tips
- Trail can be taken in any direction.
- The river is prone to flooding so avoid after heavy rains.
- Walking poles will be beneficial.
- This is a challenging walk in the Lerderderg Gorge and is for experienced bush walkers only. It is best to do the walk when the river is fairly low, as many crossings are necessary and at times the riverbed itself is the track. Here you can experience remote, unspoiled bush land.
- Map used: Lerderderg and Werribee Gorges by Meridian.
Max elevation: 531 m
Min elevation: 142 m
Total climbing: 923 m
Total descent: -924 m
12 thoughts on “The Scenic Rim via Link 2 (16.5km)”
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Thanks for an awesome hike! Did it today and the river levels were perfect for it. It is worth crossing the river a little bit earlier when heading up to the Link 2 trail but otherwise spot on info and description.
Glad you liked it. It’s in my backyard so I love hiking in the Lerderderg.
Great hike! I strongly advise doing this on an overcast day as the ascent is steep and loose from Grahams dam in areas and there isn’t much shade.
Christie Dowell Fiona Crawford Vanessa Waters Marisa Dawn …. they day I thought Marisa was gonna fall off the cliff!!!
Kevin Truong 🤣🤣 gotta keep u on ur toes!
Tammy next one?
Diane Donoghue sure
Aaron Cardy 😜🤣🤣
Kat Ní Dhubhghaill when my hammy is better.
Laura de Lange that is a good goal
Stephen
Shane Daniel wowsers!