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 Tunnel and Sardine Creek hike is a 11.3 km, grade 4 trail located in Lerderderg State Park, Victoria. Typically taking around 4 hours to complete, this hike offers a mix of challenging terrain and scenic beauty, making it a rewarding experience for those who enjoy a bit of adventure.
Starting at O'Briens Crossing, the trail leads you up a series of steps past the toilet blocks before turning onto the steep ridge of Byers Back Track. From here, you’ll cross Amber Lane and continue along Gribble Track. A right turn at the Gribble Track junction will take you down a steep path towards the Lerderderg River and the iconic Tunnel.
At the Tunnel, the track veers away from the river and continues along the eastern bank. This section can be tricky to follow, and at times, it might be easier to simply make your way along the Lerderderg River until you reach the ford at Amber Lane. There’s also a bit of scrambling involved here, as you navigate a cliff face before descending to the river.
After crossing Amber Lane, follow the track for a couple of kilometres until you reach the Trout Track junction. Alternatively, in dry conditions, you can choose to follow Clear Water Creek for around 2 km, which will eventually bring you to the end of Trout Track.
Descending steeply along Trout Track, you’ll reach Sardine Creek. After crossing the creek at the ford, continue along the track until you reach the end at O'Briens Road. From there, a short walk will lead you to the Short Cut Track, marked by two posts. Following this track back to O'Briens Road, you’ll make your way back to O'Briens Crossing, where the hike concludes.
With its mix of steep ascents, river crossings, and sections requiring a bit of scrambling, the Tunnel and Sardine Creek hike is a rewarding challenge. It’s a trail that offers not only physical exertion but also the chance to experience the natural beauty of Lerderderg State Park from a unique perspective.
- There are some steep sections that will benefit from the use of poles.
- Following rain, when the river is high, several creek crossings may be required.
- The trail along Clear Water Creek is not marked and you will need to pick your way along its length.
- Best not to attempt this section following heavy rains.
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Total distance: 11319 m
Max elevation: 613 m
Min elevation: 449 m
Total climbing: 522 m
Total descent: -524 m
Getting to the trailhead: Lerderderg State Park
Drive to Blackwood on the Western Highway via Melton and Bacchus Marsh, taking the Greendale-Myrninong Rd turn-off from the highway and then the Greendale-Trentham Rd to approximately 2km south of Blackwood and turn into O’Briens Road. Follow O’Briens Road east for approximately 5.5km to O’Briens Crossing. The walk starts and finishes from this point. Parking is available on the west bank of the river.
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
- 4WD Access
- Campfire Pit
- Camping Area
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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9 Reviews on “The Tunnel & Sardine Creek Hike (11.3km)”
Hi All
“”””The trail beyond this point is not particularly easy to follow and in some places, it may be easier to simply follow the Lerderderg River through to the Ambler Lane ford”””
The trail beyond this point is non-existant with no markers what so ever. Walking along the river is difficult and depending on rain, impossible.
At 3325M, east of the tunnel exit after crossing, you are better to set a direct bearing of NEE or about 75-80 degrees, climb up over the ridge and meet up the trail at the amber lane crossing next to Emergency Marker LER524.
If you are doing this counter-clockwise, turn left at LER524 and take Byers track to the tunnel.
Also. 7063M to 9364M is an old abused 4X4 track, lots of shale and loose stones, footing can be very difficult.
This one ambushed us a bit, parts of this walk are definitely class 4 maybe even small parts class 5.