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.
Square Bottle and Whiskey Circuit is not one of the Lerderderg's standard hikes. It is an interesting and varied circuit walk that first descends along Square Bottle Track to Whiskey Creek. Instead of heading left (west) along the creek to continue the Whiskey Creek Circuit, you turn right (east) and head off trail along Whiskey Creek to the Lerderderg River.
Crossing the river, you then ascend Spanish Onion Track to the junction of the Lerderderg Track. Immediately turn right and head south back into the Lerderderg Gorge where you will then walk off track again, following the Lerderderg River downstream. After around 700-800m, you will need to locate the start of the Razorback Track. Be mindful here that this is also the junction of the Lower Chadwick Track so you will need to take the track that heads north west. If you do happen to take the Lower Chadwick Track, it will lead you back to Mount Blackwood and you will need to return to your vehicle via the road.
Once on the Razorback Track, follow it along its length back to the trail head at Mount Blackwood Road.
The Square Bottle and Whiskey Circuit has steep terrain along several spurs, with two reasonable ascents. The circuit passes various gold diggings, follows a scenic section of the historic water race and one of Lerderderg's deepest tributaries, Whisky Creek. Sweeping views of the gorge and a strong sense of history and remoteness add to this hikes appeal.
- This is a difficult hike with river and creek crossings (although possibly dry in summer and autumn), a number of steep sections and undefined trails. Poles will be useful.
- Suggested items to pack: Day pack with snacks and lunch with at least 2 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: 14511 m
Max elevation: 643 m
Min elevation: 335 m
Total climbing: 720 m
Total descent: -720 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.
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Small Car Park
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.
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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 “Square Bottle & Whisky Circuit Hike (15km)”
Did this hike a few weeks ago. Gees the hills seem relentless at times. Great challenging hike with beautiful scenery, especially along Whiskey Creek