Lerderderg - The Tunnel Walk
The 4km return Tunnel Walk is one of the most fascinating short walks in the Lerderderg State Park, leading to a remarkable piece of Victorian gold rush engineering. During the 1850s and 1860s, miners blasted a tunnel through a rocky spur to divert the Lerderderg River, allowing the original riverbed to be mined for alluvial gold. More than 150 years later, the river still flows through the tunnel, making it one of Victoria's best-preserved river diversion tunnels.
The walk begins at the O'Briens Crossing Picnic Area which has toilets, shelter with seating around the edges, two unshaded picnic tables and an information board. Camping and collecting wood is not permitted. There is a bridge across the river to the campground.
The Tunnel Walk Map
The route follows Byers Back Track through dry eucalypt forest. There are steps leading up to Byers Back Track from the O'Briens Crossing day visitor area. The track heads uphill and near the top of the hill the Circuit Walk (30 minutes) splits off to the right. When the track flattens out there is a track leading off left to the main road. However, continue to the right (marked by an orange triangle) on Byers Back Track.
Much of the route follows the line of an old water race, providing a glimpse into the extensive network of channels once used by gold miners. The route crosses Ambler Lane Track (a 4WD gravel road). In winter there was a range of bushes and trees in flower including pink and white heath and banksias plus mossy areas and a good range of fungi to spot. The track has sections where there are big drops to gullies below and also passes through some gullies with tree ferns, fungi and mosses.
After reaching Gribble Track, turn right and a short but steep descent leads to the river opposite the tunnel.
At the end of the walk you can stand beside the Lerderderg River and watch it disappear into the hand-cut tunnel before emerging on the other side of the ridge. When river levels are low, the exposed riverbed around the horseshoe bend clearly shows why miners chose this location. The surrounding cliffs and rugged gorge scenery make this one of the most photogenic spots in the park.
While most of the route is straightforward, the final descent to the river is steep and can be slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. It is a short lung-buster walk to get back up Gribble Track from the river.
Camping
Camping is not permitted at O'Briens Crossing, which is now managed as a day visitor area. The former campground was closed to protect visitors from flooding and tree hazards.
The nearest camping options are:
- Lerderderg Campground - approximately 6 km from O'Briens Crossing via Upper Chadwick Track. This free campground offers toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces. It is dog-friendly (dogs must be kept on a lead), operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and no bookings or camping fees apply. Campers should bring their own drinking water.
- Ambler Lane Campground - a more remote bush camping area accessible by 4WD or on foot in dry weather only. This is a basic campground with no bookings or fees and is best suited to experienced campers who are fully self-sufficient.
- Blackwood Mineral Springs Caravan Park – for those wanting powered sites and additional facilities, this caravan park is located just a short drive from the walk.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on lead at the picnic ground and on the walk.
How to Get There
The park lies north of Bacchus Marsh between Blackwood and Gisborne. Head west from Melbourne on the Western Freeway, taking the Greendale exit toward Greendale. Turn right at the Greendale roundabout and then after about 7.5 km, turn right into a dirt road called O'Briens Road and follow it for 6 km to O'Briens Crossing campground.
Photos:
Location
OBriens Crossing, Obriens Road, Lerderderg 3458 View Map
Web Links
→ Lerderderg State Park - Park Note (PDF)
→ Lerderderg State Park - Map (PDF)
→ Tunnel, Lerderderg State Park, Victoria (Hiking Fiasco)
