The Lerderderg State Park is rugged and remote with limited directional signage. You should be prepared for all conditions and have suitable navigation experience (not just a phone app) before venturing beyond the main picnic/parking areas or Grahams Dam. Many rescues have occurred in this park that could have been avoided.
Razorback and Ah Kow Spurs represents a remote gorge walk along the Lerderderg River. It's a demanding walk into one of the more remote areas of the Lerderderg Gorge. There is considerable evidence of gold mining operations in the form of diggings, water races and dry stone walls. Razorback Track's decent into the gorge is along one of the easiest and most enjoyable spurs in the park.
HOWEVER, the Aw Kow Spur is one of the parks steepest and most tiring climbs!
- A section of this hike (at least a 2.5 kilometres) follows the Lerderderg River. You may need to cross several times to find the best path so poles and water shoes will benefit if you have them. Wading may also be required.
- Suggested items to pack: Day Pack with Picnic Lunch and at least 2-3 litres of water.
- Do now enter the gorge following heavy rain.
- Hiking poles recommended and I also highly recommend water shoes if you have them as it will make the crossings easier.
Total distance: 13560 m
Max elevation: 724 m
Min elevation: 296 m
Total climbing: 553 m
Total descent: -552 m
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Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
From Melbourne, follow the Western Freeway 9km past Bacchus Marsh and take the Myrniong exit. Continue along the Myrniog-Greendale Road for 1km, then turn right on the Mount Blackwood Road. Follow this narrow surfaced road north for 10km to pull into a turnoff on the right at Square Bottle Track (just 250m past Shuter Track). Park near the gate overlooking a small dam.
Rising in the Great Dividing Range, the Lerderderg River has cut a 300 metre deep gorge through sandstone and slate, almost bisecting the park. The park has a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife and some interesting relics of gold mining. Lerderderg State Park encompasses scenic and geological gorge formations surrounding the Lerderderg River as well as the volcanic cone of Mount Blackwood. The adjacent and separate block called the Pyrete Range forms part of the park. The Lerderderg is known for its remote setting and the 300m deep Lerderderg River gorge is a dominant feature. Private land abuts the park to the south and the Wombat State forest abuts to the north and west.
Lerderderg State Park (incorporating the former Pyrete State Forest) is a 14,250-hectare park located between Bacchus Marsh and Blackwood, an hour's drive from Melbourne, Australia. There are several maintained tracks for walking through the park and camping is allowed.
The park is named for the Lerderderg River which has cut the 300 metre deep Lerderderg Gorge through sandstone and slate, almost bisecting the park. Parks Victoria maintains six designated walks: three short walks of 3.5 km or less; Blackwood-O'Briens Crossing and return (22 km); O'Briens Crossing-Cowan Track loop (14 km); and the overnight walk O'Briens Crossing to Mackenzies Flat (20 km).
In addition, one leg of the Great Dividing Trail, the Lerderderg Track, passes through the park, entering from Blackwood in the park's northwest, and exiting south towards Bacchus Marsh. Bicycles are prohibited from one section of this track, due to a conservation area.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Lerderderg State Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
1 Review on “Razorback & Ah Kow Spurs Hike (13.5km)”
Love this hike. Its nice to be so close to Melbourne but able to get so remote. It’s a challenging hike that requires good navigation skills and a reasonable level of fitness. The Ah Kow spur is certainly steel but thankfully didn’t feel that long. Highly recommended but just remember it is remote and slow going along the river where you have to cross multiple times. Would not be passable after a lot of rain.
Rory Thomson-McIntyre Kathleen Boag ?? Another hike for another day ?
Stephen lets do this one.
Sheree McKenzie and Anita Cook, a nice little challenging stroll.
Sheree McKenzie ?
Sari Caroline
Vanessa Ham
This has to be one of the best Lerderderg hikes. The western side of the park is where all the adventure is
This is one of my favourite hikes. Nice steep sections in and out of the gorge
Hmmm..you’ve got me thinking Darren Edwards..☺ Last time the river was too high to cross:-(
If you’re lucky enough, you might come across this guy…
Laura Jane
Neil Teasdale