Distance: 8.7 Km | Duration: 3 Hrs | Grade: TBA | Rating: | Style: Circuit | Map
Best Season: Autumn, Spring
About the Walk
Overview
A pretty walk, mainly on old water races beside the upper reaches of the Lerderderg River to the site of the old Crown Dam. The return is along a slightly different route on the same side of the river. There are some great views of the river and nearby hills. There is time to admire the beautiful forest and lovely stonework on the races.
The Walk in Detail
Crosses several small creeks via bridges; otherwise an easy hop. Walking pole/s useful. 100m change in elevation.
Start: Jack Cann Reserve. The walk signpost is at the far side of the car park at the Jack Cann Reserve.
Walk north-west on track which becomes water race that contours around the hill above Lerderderg Rd. Continue north-west, crossing some gullies and 4WD tracks, and passing an open mine shaft. Descend to the Lerderderg River and the site of the old Crown Dam. There is little evidence remaining of the dam - a portion of the dam wall is still standing near the information sign. Distance 4.8km.
Continue north-east for a short distance. Turn south on the water race just above the Lerderderg River. There are some relatively lush fern filled gullies in this area - not common in the generally dry Wombat Forest. Climb a gentle hill and cross Lerderderg Rd and walk through the pine forest to the walk end point. Distance 3.9km.
End: Jack Cann Reserve.
Disclaimer: All reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the route description was as accurate as possible at the time of publication.
The accompanying map is general in nature and should not be relied on for navigation purposes.
Getting There
Drive to Blackwood on the Western Highway via Melton and Bacchus Marsh, taking the C318 exit and turning right onto C318. After 6.4 km turn right to stay on C318 and in 10.7km turn left onto Simmons Reef Road in Blackwood. After 1.4 km take a sharp left to stay on Simmons Reef Rd and in 450m you will reach the Garden of St Erth and Jack Cann Reserve. Park away from Garden of St Erth as the closer parking spots are for visitors to the Garden. Click here for a map of Blackwood showing the recreation reserve.Walk Precautions
Track may be slippery when wet. Open mine shafts on the route.
Additional Information
Jack Cann Reserve: 
Car parking
Blackwood Recreation Reserve (en route):