Lerderderg Gorge Circuit: Where Hikers Earn Their Stripes

Looking for a hike that makes your legs scream and your spirit soar? Enter the Lerderderg Gorge Circuit near Bacchus Marsh—Victoria’s own wild, rocky, knee-busting adventure playground. This beast of a loop walk delivers epic scenery, river crossings, and just enough existential crisis to keep things spicy.

The Stats:

• Length: 8.2km
• Time: 3-4 hours, or longer if you’re constantly ‘taking in the view’
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Elevation Gain: 387 metres
• Start Point: Mackenzie Flat Picnic Area

What You’ll Love (and Probably Swear About):

• River Crossings: Be prepared to get wet. The Lerderderg River doesn’t care about your socks.
• Cliffside Views: Views so good they’ll make you forget about the blisters.
• Peace and Solitude: Unless you count the sound of your heavy breathing.
• Trail Variety: Gorge walls, rocky climbs, forest trails, and ankle-twisting boulders.
• Wildlife: Kangaroos, wallabies, and the occasional very judgemental kookaburra.

Top Tips:

• Shoes Matter: Leave the Converse at home. This is hiking boot territory.
• Water is Life: Bring at least 2–3L. There’s no servo halfway through.
• Navigation Counts: Signage is minimal. Download a map from AllTrails.
• Weather Watch: Avoid after heavy rain unless you love river roulette.
• Leave No Trace: Don’t be that guy—pack it in, pack it out.