Werribee Gorge Offtrail (6.9km)

Summary

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.

Getting there

Werribee Gorge State Park is approximately 11.6km west of Bacchus Marsh via Ironbark Road (Ballan-Ingliston Road) from Bacchus Marsh-Balliang Road.

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.