-
Length: 12.5km
-
Duration: 5hrs
-
Grade: 4
-
Style: Circuit
-
Start: Square Bottle Track
-
End: Square Bottle Track
-
Location: Lerderderg State Park
-
Closest Town: Myrniong
-
Distance from CBD: 75km
-
State: VIC
-
Latitude: -37.53065826
Longitude: 144.3693386
Keep the Trail Access info current...



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
Keep the Trail Features current...









Lerderderg State Park...
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
Hike Summary
This hike is a variation of one of Lerderderg's most interesting and varied circuit walks. This variation follows the Lerderderg River downstream from the bottom of the Kenworthy Track to the start of the Razorback Spur. The name of this hike is inspired by the 3km section along the rocky Lerderderg River. It is advisable not to follow the river section if the river level is high or following heavy rain.
The Whiskey Creek Circuit trail passes various gold diggings, follows a scenic section of the historic water race and crosses one of Lerderderg's deepest tributaries, Whisky Creek. Sweeping views of the gorge and a strong sense of history add greatly to this walks appeal.
About the region
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.
Getting there
From Melbourne, follow the Western Freeway 9km past Bacchus Marsh and take the Myrniong exit. Continue along the Myrniog-Greendale Road for 1km, then turn right on the Mt Blackwood Road. Follow this narrow surfaced road north for 10km to pull into a turnoff on the right at Square Bottle Track (just 250m past Shuter Track). Park near the gate overlooking a small dam.
Tips
- This is a difficult hike with river and creek crossings (although possibly dry in summer and autumn), a number of steep sections and undefined trails. Poles will be useful.
- Suggested items to pack: Day Pack with Picnic Lunch and at least 2-3 litres of water.
- Do now enter the gorge following heavy rain.
- Hiking poles recommended and I also highly recommend water shoes if you have them as it will make the crossings easier.
GPX File
Max elevation: 641 m
Min elevation: 379 m
Total climbing: 679 m
Total descent: -679 m
Hikes Nearby
33 thoughts on “Whiskey on the Rocks (12.5km)”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Karen H McGregor Baker
Lederderg looks exciting Michael. A few of us are planning to trek it over the coming month or so. Thanks for inspiring us to head this way?
Im back there this sunday morning been walkn tracks in other areas , might do this one.
Amanda Huaa
when??I’m keen.
After my comp
Kate Patterson….. Sunday ?
Maaaaybe??
I’m free….. oh hangon, shit.
Michelle Krivohlavek
Training run Tim, or have you already done it?
Havent done it yet Jo Tyson. Its close to the DU135 course…
Veronica Strachan
May Ling Yong
Let’s do it! 12.5k in 5 hours sounds tough!
Peggy Peng Queens birthday weekend hike?
Lock it in
Great and challenging hike with steep sections
Carmen Hollway
Sheree McKenzie, Lederderg keeps calling….?
Alexandra!!!
Hell yeah! Let me know when you have two days off, I will fly down so we can do the track! I miss ? so much!!
David Barr
Slightly insane…gotta walk down into Whisky Creek then out. Down Kenworthy to the river…insanely steep downhill. Along the river to Razorback spur…madness. Then up the Razorback…wow?
Elise
Suzie Sharp Joelene Gordon-Cooke Tracky Dax maybe a good one to begin the new year with?
Leesa Swanson sounds good. I’m back on the 11th if you haven’t already done it by then. 🙂
Who’s in!!? Angela Rebecka Sherwood Rhiannon Koch
When is it Elly?
Do it at our leisure ! Whenever u like x
Elly Stringer when?
Angela Rebecka Sherwood whenever we like x
A challenging and fun walk. Quite a bit of bush bashing involved for the section along the river. Sporting some pretty cut up legs after today!