O'Briens Crossing to The Tunnel overview
Looking for a day walk that blends river scenery with living history? My pick is the O'Briens Crossing via Byers Back Track to The Tunnel in Lerderderg State Park. It feels adventurous without fuss which suits this mid forties mum with two children who love a treasure hunt while I enjoy that quiet country rhythm that resets the week. Tommy our Labrador would give it two paws up!
Route at a glance
The walk is 2km one way and 4km return. Note that that this is a one way walk so you retread your path on the return journey.
From the day visitor / car park area climb the steps and follow Byers Back Track as it benches along the hillside above the Lerderderg River.
You will cross Ambler Lane Track and make sure to continue walking on the Byers Back Track.
Keep walking on the Byers Back Track before continuing toward the signed turn for The Tunnel near Gribble Track. At this intersection you can either:
- Turn left and climb up Gribble Track,
- Keep going straight; or
- Turn right and downwards towards The Tunnel.
WARNING: Make sure you turn right and go down to head to The Tunnel.
Drop to the river for the best view then return the same way for a simple out and back that still feels wild.
The Tunnel itself isn't that spectacular and is like a mini mini mini Giants Causeway (as in Ireland). Believe me, the Giants Causeway in Ireland is somewhat more spectacular.
Extra: If so inclined you can climb up and over to the other side of The Tunnel. You don't really benefit from any better views or scenery but if you don't think you are ever going to be coming back you may as well add this to the walk.
The walk is 2km one way and 4km return. Unfortunately this is NOT a loop walk so you retread your path on the return journey. Allow two to three hours with time for photos and snacks to complete the whole walk.
Why this walk stands out
This trail delivers the full bodied Lerderderg experience. Eucalypt scent. Quiet water. Gorge views that make you pause. It is compact yet remote enough to feel like a proper reset for the whole family and a golden choice for bushwalks near Melbourne.
At certain points you get nice views looking across and over the river that look relatively spectacular.
The walk has patches where vegetation is a bit more lush and green but generally is your typical more dry scrubby bush for most of the walk and even more so if walking in summer.
The Tunnel story
The Tunnel is a hand cut river diversion from the gold rush era created to shift the flow and expose the bed for mining. Hearing water rush through rock shaped by human hands is a goosebump moment and a great talking point for curious children.
Track conditions and difficulty
Byers Back Track is narrow in places with short steep pinches and airy benched sections above the river. Confident walkers will love the flow while newer hikers should take it steady and use poles if helpful. Sturdy shoes, water and a downloaded map are smart choices.
Safety and access notes
O'Briens Road is unsealed yet usually fine when dry. Always check Parks Victoria updates before you go. Reception can fade in the gorge. Dogs on lead are allowed at O'Briens Crossing so keep pups close and well clear of the river edge.
When to go and what to pack
Spring and early summer bring wildflowers and clearer views through the canopy. Start early for cool air and soft light. Pack layers water snacks and a simple first aid kit. Let someone know your plan and timing.
Make it a mini escape
Refuel in Blackwood with a warm drink or wander the Garden of St Erth then swing by Trentham Falls on the way home. It turns a solid day walk into a Macedon Ranges mini holiday that the children remember long after the drive home.
Trivia: The Lerderderg River diversion tunnel known as The Tunnel was most likely cut between 1855 and 1870 during the Victorian gold rush and is one of about thirteen river diversions from that era in Victoria.
Getting there and bases
O'Briens Crossing is located at O'Briens Road Lerderderg Victoria 3458.
- Drive times (approx.): Melbourne to O'Briens Crossing about one hour fifteen minutes. Bacchus Marsh to O'Briens Crossing about thirty five minutes.
- Good bases: Blackwood and Trentham are calm country bases with cafes gardens short walks and easy access to the park.
- Visitor Centres: Bacchus Marsh Visitor Information Centre at 215 Main Street Bacchus Marsh for maps and local tips.
Parks Victoria Info
View the Parks Victoria guide to Lerderderg State Park here.
Disclaimer and warning: This information may be out of date. Use at your discretion.
Nearby Wineries and Tourist Destinations
While you are here why not visit these other great locations:
- Blackwood Mineral Springs Reserve: Classic mineral springs and picnic space. Address 41 Golden Point Road Blackwood Victoria 3458.
- Garden of St Erth: Historic garden with Diggers shop and seasonal colour. Address 189 Simmons Reef Road Blackwood Victoria 3458. More INFO here.
- Hanging Rock Reserve: Iconic volcanic formation with walks and picnic areas. Address South Rock Road Newham Victoria 3442. More INFO here.
- Hanging Rock Winery: Cellar door tastings with views to the rock. Address 88 Jim Road Newham Victoria 3442. More INFO here.
- Kyneton Botanic Gardens: Heritage gardens by the Campaspe River. Address 17A Mollison Street Kyneton Victoria 3444.
- Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area: Riverside picnic spot and gentle walk to Grahams Dam. Address Lerderderg Gorge Road Darley Victoria 3340. More INFO here.
- Mount Macedon Memorial Cross: Significant memorial with sweeping views. Address Cameron Drive Mount Macedon Victoria 3441. More INFO here.
- Mount Macedon Winery: Cellar door and dining with rural views. Address 433 Bawden Road Woodend Victoria 3442. More INFO here.
- Trentham Falls: Tall single drop waterfall in cool forest. Address Falls Road Trentham Victoria 3458. More INFO here.
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