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Werribee Gorge State Park

Werribee Gorge State Park has a selection of shorter and long loop walks to choose from. All walks are Grade 3, meaning a moderate level of fitness is required, walking on uneven ground with many steps, some rock hopping and steep hill sections involved.

1. Short Circuit Walk – 5km, 2 hours circuit

A good sample of the open rocky woodlands with a half-way opt out at Meikles Picnic Area. This track overlaps the eastern half of Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk.

2. Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk - 10km, 4.5 hours circuit

Excellent views are provided along the gorge rim. An exciting 50 metre section of cable handrail is provided to assist walkers on tricky high angle rock above the river upstream from Meikles Point Picnic Area.

Walking anti-clockwise will return you on the gentler riverside track leaving the completed, steep sections behind you. Start at either the Quarry or Meikles Point Picnic Area. There are no shortcuts. Allow plenty of time and daylight.

3. Centenary Walk – 4km, 2.5 hours return

Start at Myers or Quarry Picnic Area carparks. Follow Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk before diverging to the right passing through open woodland to the bridge across Myrniong Creek. After crossing the creek there is a very steep climb to the top of the James Whyte Island Reserve where you will be rewarded with panoramic views.

4. Ironbark Gorge Walk - to Falcons Lookout -  3km, 2 hours return

Enter from the Ironbark Gorge Carpark on the Ballan-Ingliston Road. Follow the first section through the scenic Ironbark Gorge Walk before turning right onto Falcons Lookout Walk. An excellent walk with panoramic views of the gorge and beyond.

Things to do in the area

 

Rock climbing at Falcons Lookout

Falcons Lookout is a small climbing area with an east-facing cliff and is best tackled in the cooler morning to avoid afternoon sun. Climbing anchors can be found at the top of the cliff. This is the only area in the park where rock climbing is permitted and climbers must be self-sufficient as there are no facilities in the area.
The Werribee River flowing through Werribee Gorge State Park

Picnicking and paddling at Werribee Gorge

Enjoy a picnic with family and friends at Meikles Point or Quarry Picnic Areas. Fireplaces, picnic tables and toilets are provided. Inland waterways, including rivers, creeks, lakes and dams, are great for water recreation, but, remember they have hidden dangers, such as submerged objects, debris, slippery rocks, flooding and strong currents. Visit Play it Safe by the Water for more information.
A couple sit around a campsite and welcome their friends to their campsite as they walk in.

Lerderderg State Park

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.

How to get there

Walking

Werribee Gorge State Park is approximately 8km west of Bacchus Marsh via the Western Freeway and Pentland Hills Road to Myers Road for three visitor sites: Myers Road Trailhead, Quarry and Meikles Point picnic areas. Ingliston Trailhead is accessed off Ironbark Road from Bacchus Marsh (10km) or Ballan (7km). W James Whyte Island Reserve's Centenary Walk is accessed from Myers Road Trailhead at the park entrance. Access to the park is by vehicle only with no public transport options. 

Facilities

BBQ
Carpark
Lookout
Picnic Area

Need to know

Walking

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