Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the heart-pumping Werribee Gorge Offtrail hike, a 6.9km, Grade 4 circuit in Victoria, Australia. Starting from Falcons Lookout Car Park, this trail offers an adventurous journey through Western Bluff and Pyramid Rock with steep climbs, rocky spurs, and riveting river crossings. Marvel at breathtaking views of Werribee Gorge, Werribee River, and the plains of Bacchus Marsh. Prepare for rock scrambling and select your path wisely while ascending Pyramid Rock. A must-try for experienced bushwalkers seeking a challenging and scenic hike.

Length:

6.9km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 399m

Min elevation: 174m

Total Ascent: 528m

Start: Falcons Lookout Car Park

End: Falcons Lookout Car Park

Werribee Gorge State Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Bacchus Marsh

From state capital: 69km

Latitude: -37.66561815

Longitude: 144.33425366878512

Overview

Map

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2,512 views

Important info

Parts of this hiking trail traverse through private land. You will need to seek an alternate route or seek permission of the land owner to access their land.

Hike overview

This Werribee Gorge Offtrail hike explores Western Bluff, Pyramid Rock and a number of steep and rocky spurs. the Circuit hike commences at the Falcons Lookout Car Park and gradually descends the ridge to the rocky outcrop of Western Bluff. From the bluff the main trail descends steeply via Needles spur into the depths of the Werribee Gorge before climbing to the summit of Pyramid Rock.

There are a number of ways to ascend and descend the summit of Pyramid Rock so select a path suited tto your level of skill. We dropped off the face of the rock structure on the descent.

From this high vantage point you will be rewarded with possibly the best views of Werribee Gorge and the Werribee River below. To the south east you will see the plains of Bacchus Marsh while to the north you can see as far as Centenary hill at the other end of the gorge.

The trail then descends down into the heart of the Werribee Gorge, following the river across to Needles beach before ascending an unnamed spur to picnic point and Western Viewpoint. From here you will descend back into the gorge before traversing a narrow ridge and saddle back to the start of the Granties trail and the Ironbark Gorge Track which will return you to the start.

There will be plenty of rock scrambling, a few river crossings and a few steep ascents to get the heart pumping.

Tips

This is an unofficial off-trail hike without formed trails or signage. You will need to be confident with navigation and steep and rocks ascents and descents.

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

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Werribee Gorge: OffTrail (6.9km)

Total distance: 6969 m
Max elevation: 399 m
Min elevation: 174 m
Total climbing: 528 m
Total descent: -527 m

Gallery

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Werribee Gorge State Park.

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.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Small Car Park

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.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Blackwood, Geelong, Gellibrand Hill, Gisborne, Gordon, Greendale, Hoppers Crossing, Little River, Melton, Myrniong, Point Cook, Toolern Vale, Werribee

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Werribee Gorge State Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

Reviews
Werribee Gorge: OffTrail (6.9km)

9 Reviews on “Werribee Gorge: OffTrail (6.9km)”

Overall rating

Tracey Gao

We are going to this trail on this weekend, is it trail closed?

27/03/2023, 20:29

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Candice

Friends and I attempted the trail today. Tracks were closed. Does archive mean that the trail is no longer available? Thanks.

24/03/2022, 05:22

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

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