Lerderderg State Park

A man wearing hiking clothing smiles at a child in a hat holding two long walking sticks as they walk along a dirt track between trees and vegetation. Following closely behind is a smiling woman holding a baby walking with another child wearing a hat and holding a water bottle.

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

Explore

Lerderderg State Park

Lerderderg State Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Wurundjeri Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

The Lerderderg River has carved a deep and picturesque gorge through this rugged park located within easy reach of Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat. Picnic at Shaws Lake or O'Briens Crossing, follow an old water race and hike part of the Great Dividing Trail, or simply stroll along the river from Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area.

Although this park is just an hour's drive from Melbourne, it feels truly remote in many areas. See the Lerderderg River Gorge which dominates and divides it in two from O'Briens Crossing in the north to Mackenzies Flat in the south. Experienced hikers will be rewarded with dramatic views.

Bring the family and enjoy a barbecue by the river then take a gentle stroll upstream to Grahams Dam. Set up camp at Lerderderg Campground, which is a popular spot set in woodland.

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

Lerderderg Campground

Lerderderg campground is five kilometres from O'Brien's Crossing on Upper Chadwick Track and has picnic tables, toilets and fireplaces.
A family stops for lunch at MacKenzie's Flat Picnic Area

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.
Three friends walk up the track from O'Briens crossing.

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.

Lerderderg State Park

This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:

Koalas
Kangaroos
Wallabies

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

Lerderderg State Park

Lerderderg State Park

When you're there

Download the Lerderderg State Park Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders. 
 

Related Sites

When to go

When visiting on hot days, pack enough water and arrive early. If hiking, be prepared for basic bush camping and rough terrain.

Camping & accommodation

Fees do not apply to these campgrounds. No bookings are taken for campgrounds where fees do not apply.  Camping is first in, first-served. Check out these locations.
Check availability

Need to know

Lerderderg State Park

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.


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Safety

Thinking of visiting Lerderderg State Park this summer? If you're planning a hike, here’s what to consider before you leave home:

  • Know your limits. Hikes beyond Graham Dam have difficult terrain.
  • Leave yourself plenty of time to get back - at least four hours.
  • Bring enough water – at least 3-4 litres per person.
  • Wear appropriate footwear.
  • Check for fire and severe weather warnings. Sections of riverside tracks may become flooded and impassable after heavy rain.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Holt's Road and Nuggety Track Closure

    Holt’s Road and Nuggety Track are both closed to all vehicles due to possible collapse of track surfaces. Geotechnical testing will be conducted in the future to determine rectification process of affected surfaces.

    Attachments: HoltsNuggetyClosed (2,704KB)

  • MacKenzies Flat Picnic Area (Lerderderg River Heritage River, Lerderderg State Park)

    Mackenzie's Flat Picnic Area BBQ's closed - Flood Damage

    The BBQ facilities at Mackenzie's Flat Picnic Area are flood impacted and will remain closed until further notice.

How we keep it special

The Management Plan for Lerderderg State Park and Werribee Gorge State Park directs management of both parks. In January 2018, the plan was amended following a risk assessment of camping at O’Brien’s Crossing, Lerderderg State Park. The amendment prohibits camping at O’Brien’s Crossing and directs that the area be managed as a day visitor area. 

Lerderderg State Park

Work Centre
219A Main St
Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340
13 1963
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