Werribee Gorge Circuit via Short Circuit Track is a 7.6km, grade 3 hike located in Werribee Gorge State Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 3 hours to complete.
Hike overview
This Werribee Gorge Circuit via Short Circuit Track hike explores the length of the Werribee Gorge. Starting at Meikles Point Picnic area follow the Werribee River to the west until reaching the Short Circuit track to the right. The Short Circuit track ascends a wide gully as winds it way north. Turn right at the trail junction then left at the Werribee Gorge Circuit trail. Continue to walk west via Eastern viewpoint, for views of the Island, past picture point, which overlooks Needles Beach, and on to Western Viewpoint where you can take in a view of the Werribee river below. From Western Viewpoint the trail then descents into the gorge via a rocky but well defined trail. Poles will be useful in this section.
Follow the trail along the eastern side of the river above Blackwood pool. The trail beyond this point follows the Werribee River through the gorge. It is a well defined trail with some rocky sections, a brief scramble up a rocky ledge and a cable traverse over a rocky outcrop. After completing the cable traverse you have now faced the more challenging obstacles of the hike. From this point the trail is quite easy passing Needles Beach, Lions Head Beach and back to Meikles Point via a disused water channel which was built between 1926 and 1929 to supply irrigation to the local area.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 349 m
Min elevation: 147 m
Total climbing: 435 m
Total descent: -434 m
Tips
- Trail can be taken in any direction.
- The river is prone to flooding so avoid after heavy rains.
- Walking poles will be beneficial.
- Be mindful of snakes and hit weather during the summer months
Trail location
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Getting there
Follow the Western Highway past Bacchus Marsh to the Pentland Hills exit (5km beyond Bacchus Marsh). At the end of the exit ramp turn right to pass under the freeway. Turn left onto Pentland Hills Road. After passing under the freeway again turn left onto Myers Road and follow it down to the Werribee Gorge State Park. Continue onto the gravel road at the end of the sealed section and follow this to its end at Meikles Point Picnic area. There is ample parking and pit toilets.
About the region
Werribee Gorge State Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that includes the traditional Country of the Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Peoples. Werribee Gorge is a wild, rugged natural beauty shaped by 500 million years of geological history. A range of challenging walks amid the steep, river-washed gorge and surrounding rocky ridges offer spectacular views and access to a rock-climbing site within the park. Self-sufficient visitors can picnic and hike to explore this unique park and its distinctive settings.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
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.
2 Reviews on “Werribee Gorge: Circuit - Short Circuit Track (7.6km)”
This is an excellent hike through on of Victoria’s spectacular river gorges. This hike has a bit of everything from easy walking along the river, a bit of rock scrambling and a couple of short but steep sections. The views are amazing and the sense of remoteness makes this hike really special. You have to pick your days though as its extremely busy on weekends mow.
The best part of the hike
Mandi Pethick
Was saying recently I should explore Werribee Gorge. Looks really interesting.
We did this loop for the first time at the weekend in glorious weather, but unfortunately the trail markings are pretty inconsistent. Each trail is represented by a colour triangle, but sometimes they disappear! We took wrong turns on numerous occasions along with quite a few other hikers – it was actually quite funny bumping into people who were lost too!
The Park would benefit for some clearer wayfaring design! There are no takeaway maps available at the carpark, so take a photo of the map at the info shelter and take a compass, so at least you’ll know which way to go when you come to a crossroad with confusing signage!
On a positive note, trail is great – lots of variety and a couple of fun scrambles round the bottom of the cliff (hence the pic of the ropes at the top of this page!).
Wow. Did this last week! The 10km circuit! Absolutely awesome
Oliver Bonaccorso day trip?
This is a fantastic walk. One of my favourites.
Sharon Gallagher
Jo Edwards
Nicky Leitch Debbie Jackson we should do this one
Brittney Henderson
David Newton this is it
Great walk. Bec Proctor
Is this hike clearly marked or do you need a map and compass etc?
You can do this as a long circuit too. But park at M…something and walk anti-clockwise… the big up hill first.
52:mins flat. ?
Not too far for a one day walk Alison Gaut Anne Rosolin 🙂
Lisa Maree van Bergen I think this should be our next one after the next two lol