Whiskey Creek Circuit

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NB. The following information was current at the time of the event

Distance:  10.5 Km   |  Duration:  5 Hrs   |  Grade:  TBA   |  Rating:    |  Style:  Circuit

Best Season:  Autumn, Spring

About the Walk

Overview

An interesting, challenging and varied walk into Lerderderg Gorge. The walk takes in the Lerderderg River, beautiful and steep spur tracks with spectacular views of the river and the gorge.

The Walk in Detail

An interesting, challenging & varied walk into Lerderderg Gorge and return. The walk takes in the delightful Whiskey Ck at the bottom of the steep and lovely North Razorback Tk. There is a scramble up to East Tk, which we follow to Mine Camp—with its evidence of past mining activity— where we cross the Lerderderg River. Finally we go up steep Kenworthy Tk. Spectacular views of the river and its gorge.

Mostly on track; wide gravel track and footpads. 400m change in elevation. Two river crossings; wet feet likely.

Start: Junction of Mt Blackwood Rd and Square Bottle Tk.

  1. Walk north on Square Bottle Tk (passing Razorback Tk), at first a gravel track and then a footpad, to descend to Whiskey Ck. Turn left, cross the creek and follow the north bank of Whiskey Ck on a poorly defined footpad upstream to the GDT marker. Climb steeply to the junction with Vodka Tk. Continue north on Vodka Tk to the junction with Kenworthy Tk. Distance 3.5km.
  2. At the GDT marker, turn right onto Kenworthy Tk and descend steeply into the Lerderderg River gorge. Cross the Lerderderg River and continue through Mine Camp (LER521) to East Tk. Distance 2.2km.
  3. Turn right onto East Tk and walk south. Pass Cowan Tk (LER520), Cowan Bluff and Spanish Onion Tk (LER519). Finally, descend very steeply to the Lerderderg River. Cross the Lerderderg River. Walk west beside the river to join Razorback North Tk. Distance 1.1km.
  4. Climb Razorback North Tk to the junction with Razorback Tk. Distance 800m.
  5. Turn right onto Razorback Tk and continue initially west and then south to the walk end point. Distance 2km.

End: Junction of Mt Blackwood Rd and Square Bottle Tk.

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.

This park is infected with Cinnamon Fungus.  Please observe the following control measures:

  • Be clean on entry and exit. Vehicles, tyres, machinery, footwear and camping gear should be free of soil, gravel and mud prior to entering or leaving any park, reserve or campsite (particularly in high risk areas). Don't bring soil or gravel in – and don't take any home!
  • Where available, use boot cleaning stations and vehicle wash down bays – they are there for a reason.
  • Remain on formed roads, tracks and pathways at all times. Moving from infected to uninfected areas can spread the pathogen - particularly during wet weather when soils are wet and sticky.
  • Obey all track and road closure signs. Do not enter areas of vegetation that have been quarantined.

For full details on the fungus and required control measures please follow link provided in Further Information below.

Getting There

Drive to Blackwood on the Western Highway via Melton and Bacchus Marsh, taking the Greendale-Myrninong Rd exit from the highway and then turn right onto the Myrniong - Greendale Rd.  After 1.1 km continue straight ahead onto the Old Western highway.  After 9km turn right onto Mount Blackwood Rd.  Continue for about 1.3km until reach Square Bottle Tk on right. The walk starts and finishes at the junction of Mt Blackwood Rd and Square Bottle Track.  Click here for a map of Blackwood.

Walk Precautions

Some gravel tracks have loose surfaces which are slippery when wet. Steep footpads down ridges are rocky, and slippery when wet. Challenging river crossings if water wet feet, slippery rocks. Possible road traffic on Mt Blackwood Rd. Cinnamon fungus area.

Additional Information

Small car park at the junction of Mt Blackwood Rd and Square Bottle Tk.


Yes
Central Victoria

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