Circuit Walk Overview
Looking for a circuit that blends river song, ridge views and living history. My pick is the Circuit Walk that starts at O'Briens Crossing in Lerderderg State Park. It links Byers Back Track,The Tunnel East Walk and Cowans Track into one satisfying loop.
It's a simple, easy, short and adventurous without the fuss. Perfect for this mid forties mum with two children who love a wander while I soak up the country calm and reset for the week ahead.
At 30 mins (if that) this is a small walk to add if you are coming to O'Briens Crossing for a picnic. I wouldn't come here specifically for this walk given it's super short duration. The Circuit walk really is designed for visitors and particularly families who need something to do after they've enjoyed their picnic lunch or need to provide some entertainment for the kids.
Circuit snapshot for planning
A short 30 minute or less loop walk accessible direct from O'Briens Crossing. Kid friendly with a short ascent at the start and some steps of dubious quality.
Instructions: Start at the day visitor car park area at the river. Follow steps up towards Byers Back Track. This ensures you'll have elevated views before you descend down to river level.
Within a minute or two you'll reach a sign "Circuit Walk" where you'll make a right turn.
You will continue walking on this track that is basically a ridge line above the river. Most of the views will be to your right.
Just keep walking and eventually you'll reach a point where you begin you descent and there is a series of steps.
Just keep heading down the steps and eventually you'll come to an intersection where you turn right. Note that this intersection can become overgrown and you could miss the sign and keep heading straight ahead by accident. If you start ascending then you know you've missed the right turn.
Once you've turned right you just keep following the path back to O'Briens Crossing. You'll walk beside the stream/river where the surroundings become more lush and the trickling sound of the stream is calming and serene. If you aren't walking with kids the serenity is kinda bliss and if with kids it's still great too.
Soon you'll be back at O'Briens Crossing. It's only a 30 minute walk but definitely worth the short effort.
Route highlights you will love
It's short so even the kids can do it - plus its pretty and calming.
Track conditions and difficulty
This is an easy walk although there is a small climb at the start and you will have to walk down steps of semi-dubious quality. Still at less than 30 minutes walk time and in close proximity to O'Briens Crossing it's pretty much a walk for everyone.
When to go and what to pack
Spring and early summer bring wildflowers and clear views through the canopy.
Getting there and parking
Reach O'Briens Crossing via the Western Freeway then Greendale Trentham Road and finally O'Briens Road which is unsealed and usually fine in dry weather. Parking fills quickly on sunny weekends so arrive early and ease into the day without a rush.
Why this circuit wins my heart
The loop feels complete and satisfying with river magic and ridge views and a real sense of place. Okay it could be longer but for what it is I have no complaints. You can only pack so much into such a short walk.
Trivia: The Lerderderg River has cut a gorge up to three hundred metres deep creating a valley that almost splits the park in two which is why the views feel so dramatic so close to Melbourne.
Other walks in Lerderderg State Park
More walks in Lerderderg State Park:
- O'Briens Crossing via Byers Back Track to The Tunnel walk
- Mackenzie's Flat to Grahams Dam Walk
- Blackwood Mineral Springs to Shaws Lake to Sweets Lookout
Other nearby walks
Other nearby walks: These walks are all very user friendly and better signposted than the walks from O'Briens Crossing.
- Whipstick loop walk
- Lerderderg Heritage River Walk
- Domino Rail Trail Walk
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.
Getting there and bases
O'Briens Crossing is located at O'Briens Road, Blackwood, 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.
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.
- Hanging Rock Reserve: Iconic volcanic formation with walks and picnic areas. Address South Rock Road Newham Victoria 3442.
- Hanging Rock Winery: Cellar door tastings with views to the rock. Address 88 Jim Road Newham Victoria 3442.
- 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.
- Mount Macedon Memorial Cross: Significant memorial with sweeping views. Address Cameron Drive Mount Macedon Victoria 3441.
- Mount Macedon Winery: Cellar door and dining with rural views. Address 433 Bawden Road Woodend Victoria 3442.
- Trentham Falls: Tall single drop waterfall in cool forest. Address Falls Road Trentham Victoria 3458.
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