Wombat-Lerderderg National Park

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

Wombat-Lerderderg National Park protects more than 44,000 hectares of bushland, rivers and gullies between Daylesford and Bacchus Marsh. Bringing together the rugged former Lerderderg State Park and large areas of the former Wombat State Forest, it offers a diverse landscape of bushland, waterways, heritage places and recreation areas. This varied country stretches across a substantial part of central Victoria, yet remains within easy reach of Melbourne.

The Lerderderg River Gorge is one of the park’s defining natural features. Carved through steep, forested terrain, it feels remarkably remote. Beyond the gorge, visitors can discover expansive eucalypt forests, fern-filled gullies, riverside flats, mineral springs and historic forest settlements. Rivers and creeks weave through the landscape, supporting connected wildlife habitat and significant forested catchments across the region.

For thousands of years, these forests, rivers and ridgelines have formed part of the cultural landscapes of Traditional Owners. The park includes places of ongoing cultural significance and remains an important cultural landscape today, reflecting enduring connections between people, Country and waterways.

There are many ways to experience the park. Walk sections of the Great Dividing Trail or follow the Lerderderg River Heritage Walk. Relax at picnic areas beside the Lerderderg and Werribee rivers, or camp beneath towering eucalypts. At Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area, Shaws Lake Picnic Area, Anderson Mill, Pioneer Sawmill and Lyonville Mineral Springs, visitors can explore stories of gold mining, forestry, migration and settlement. Camping is available at Amblers Lane Campground, Balt Camp and Lerderderg Campground. Across the park, visitors can also enjoy mountain biking, horse riding, picnicking and four-wheel driving, with a wide range of outdoor experiences for different interests.

New parks for Victoria's central west and Mirboo North

This park is part of an expanded network of parks across Victoria's central west and Mirboo North following the transfer of 78,838 hectares of public land on 5 October 2026.

The official establishment of these parks and reserves strengthens protection for forests, waterways, wildlife habitat and cultural heritage across the region, while continuing to support opportunities for walking, camping, exploring, connecting with nature, and much more.

You can find out more about where different activities are available across the new and expanded parks on our central west project page.

Wombat-Lerderderg National Park spans the lands of Dja Dja Wurrung, Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Traditional Owner Groups, Parks Victoria acknowledges all Traditional Owners of these lands and waters. We honour their enduring connection to Country and their continuing role as custodians. Together, we commit to protecting and celebrating these landscapes so they remain vibrant for generations to come.

Things To Do

Two women walk an Australian Cattle Dog alongside a rocky creek.

Amblers Crossing

Camping is permitted at Amblers Crossing. Amblers Crossing is 4WD or walk-in access only and due to the terrain and track surface is accessible in dry weather only.

A couple sit around a campsite and welcome their friends to their campsite as they walk in.

Camping in Wombat-Lerderderg National Park

Lerderderg Campground is five kilometres from O'Brien's Crossing on Upper Chadwick Track and has picnic tables, toilets and fireplaces.

A man wearing a blue shirt and jeans walks along the Back Byers Track with two companions.

East Walk and Cowan Track Loop

The East Walk and Cowan Track Loop is a challenging but rewarding day trip for experienced hikers wanting to capture that feeling of remoteness while remaining close to Melbourne.

Mackenzies Flat

Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area, at the end of the Lerderderg Gorge Road, is a popular spot for a picnic.There are toilets, electric barbecues and picnic tables.

OBriens Crossing

Walking is a great way to discover the park. From O'Briens Crossing there are a number of walks catering for a range of fitness levels and time constraints. There are also picnic tables and toilets at the crossing.

Four friends relax by the edge of the Yarra River as their curly brown dog gets ready to jump in the water.

Dog friendly parks

Find where dogs are allowed in parks across Victoria so you can enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend.

A couple in their thirties play with their dog at Johanna Beach Campground next to their tent and campervan.

Dog friendly camping

Looking for dog-friendly camping in Victoria? Find a park where you and your dog can camp together.

Walk through forests, rivers and gorges

Explore a diverse network of walking tracks through rugged river gorges, fern-filled gullies, tall eucalypt forests and historic landscapes. From short riverside strolls to multi-day adventures, the park offers walking experiences for a range of abilities.

Camp and explore the outdoors

Stay overnight among bushland, beside rivers and close to many of the park's recreation areas. Camping, picnicking, mountain biking, horse riding and nature-based experiences can all be enjoyed throughout the park.

Discover natural and cultural heritage

Explore historic sawmills, mining relics, water races, former forestry settlements and cultural landscapes that tell the story of thousands of years of connection to Country and more recent gold rush and forestry history.

Wombat-Lerderderg National Park

The park supports a variety of native wildlife across its forests, rivers, gullies and open woodland habitats. Visitors may encounter mammals, birds and reptiles while exploring the park's extensive network of walking tracks, campgrounds and picnic areas. The large area of connected forest provides important habitat for wildlife across central Victoria. Keep an eye out for:

Kangaroos

Koalas

Platypus

Powerful owls

Wallabies

Wedge-tailed eagles

Tours and adventure experiences in parks

One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.

There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.

Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.

Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

How to get there

Wombat-Lerderderg National Park is about 1 hour from Melbourne and can be accessed from Daylesford, Blackwood, Trentham, Woodend, Bacchus Marsh and surrounding townships via a network of sealed and unsealed roads.

Wombat-Lerderderg National Park

Need to know

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Safety in nature

Thinking of visiting Wombat-Lerderderg National Park? Here are a few things to consider before leaving home:

Know your limits. Some walks, particularly within the Lerderderg Gorge, have steep and rugged terrain.
Leave yourself plenty of time to return before dark.
Bring enough water. Drinking water is not available at many visitor sites.
Wear appropriate footwear.
Check for fire and severe weather warnings before your visit.
Sections of riverside tracks and river crossings may become flooded or impassable after heavy rain.
Mobile phone reception may be limited in some areas of the park.
Conditions on unsealed roads can change, particularly during winter and after storms.

How we keep it special

Wombat-Lerderderg National Park protects important bushland habitat, waterways, cultural landscapes and heritage places. The park contains evidence of Traditional Owner connection to Country and a rich history of gold mining, forestry and settlement. Management of the park aims to protect these values while supporting appropriate recreation opportunities.