Lerderderg - OBriens Crossing Walks
There are a number of walks starting at O'Briens Crossing in the Lerderderg State Park. They are:
The Tunnel (3km return, easy)
The Lerderderg River diversion tunnel, known as The Tunnel, is located on the Lerderderg River. The river flows around a spur in a horseshoe bend and the tunnel was driven through the spur diverting the river and allowing the exposed river bed to be sluiced for alluvial gold. The tunnel was dug during the Victorian gold rush, most likely between 1855 and 1870.
The tunnel is a 3.0 km walk along Byers Track upstream from the O'Briens Crossing Picnic Area. This walk follows an old water race around the steep Lerderderg valley above the river. At the second cross track, turn right and descend steeply to arrive opposite the Tunnel.
Alternative instructions (from Bushwalking Victoria) - From O'Briens Crossing climb up the steps to Byers Back Track and follow this as it winds north east through gullies and open forest, crossing Ambler Lane, then to the junction with Gribble Track. Turn right (north east) and steeply descend Gribble Track to the river and the Tunnel.
East Walk - Cowan Track Circuit (14km return, medium)
From O'Briens Crossing cross the ford and locate the signposted East Walk. The track wanders up and down along the east bank of the river. Look out for remnants of historical gold mining activity such as water races and mullock heaps. A possible place to stop is the campsite at Mine Camp, opposite Nolan Track. Continue downstream and the track rises above the river to the junction with Cowan Track.
The trail, which initially hugs the Lerderderg River, is rough and narrow in places and subject to flood damage, which can sometimes make the path difficult to follow. If in doubt, stay on the east bank of the river, close to the water, and you will eventually come to Cowan Track on the left.
Follow the steep Cowan Track north up a spur until it becomes a 4WD track at the top of the spur. Continue north along Cowan Track for 4km until it joins O'Briens Road. Then follow O'Briens Road north west for 1km to the Short Cut walking track. Descend westerly down Short Cut Track until it re-joins O'Briens Road. Continue down O'Briens Road to O'Briens Crossing.
Note: The track is close to the water in some parts and some caution is required at times of high river levels.
East Walk - Cowan Track Circuit Lerderderg State Park (Bushwalking Victoria)
Lerderderg East Walk Return Via Cowan Track (Adventure Me)
East Walk, Lerderderg State Park, Victoria (Hiking Fiasco)
East Walk and Cowan Track Loop (AllTrails)
Mackenzie's Flat (20km for experienced hikers)
A challenging overnight (2-3 days) hike which follows old water races along the Lerderderg River.
Lerderderg State Park - OBriens Crossing to Mackenzies Flat (Bushwalk.com)
Blackwood (22km return, medium)
The walk follows Byers Back Track from Blackwood to O'Brien's Crossing and can be undertaken as a one way trip with a car shuttle or a return hike by retracing your path.
The route mainly follows old water races which were used to transfer transfer water to alluvial gold workings where panning for gold would take place. These water races follow the contours of the land which means they are quite flat. The route does have some challenging elements such as steep drop offs and loose surfaces though.
Byers Back Track (AllTrails)
Byers Back Track, Lerderderg State Park (Hiking Fiasco)
Access for Dogs:
O'Briens Crossing picnic area allows dogs on lead.
How to Get There
The park lies north of Bacchus Marsh between Blackwood and Gisborne. Head west from Melbourne on the Western Freeway, taking the Greendale exit toward Greendale. Turn right at the Greendale roundabout and then after about 7.5 km, turn right into a dirt road called O'Briens Road and follow it for 6 km to O'Briens Crossing campground.
Location
OBriens Crossing, Obriens Road, Lerderderg 3458 Map
Web Links
→ Lerderderg State Park - Park Note (PDF)
→ Lerderderg State Park - Map (PDF)
→ Tunnel, Lerderderg State Park, Victoria (Hiking Fiasco)
→ East Walk - Cowan Track Circuit Lerderderg State Park (Bushwalking Victoria)
→ East Walk and Cowan Track Loop - Lerderderg State Park (Parks Victoria)
→ Lerderderg East Walk Return Via Cowan Track (Adventure Me)
→ East Walk, Lerderderg State Park, Victoria (Hiking Fiasco)
→ Lerderderg State Park - OBriens Crossing to Mackenzies Flat (Bushwalk.com)
→ Byers Back Track - Blackwood - OBriens Crossing (AllTrails)
→ East Walk and Cowan Track Loop (AllTrails)
→ Byers Back Track, Lerderderg State Park (Hiking Fiasco)
