Walking

Short walks 

Mackenzies Flat - Grahams Dam return

3km, 1 hour return

Follow the river upstream from Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area to Grahams Dam, which is an attractive pool ideal for swimming.

Blackwood Mineral Springs – Shaws Lake – Sweets Lookout and return

3.5km, 1.5 - 2 hours

An easy walk which starts near the caravan camping area and passes some historical features typical of the Blackwood area.

O’Briens Crossing – Byers Back Track – The Tunnel and return

3km, 1.5 hours

The track follows an old water race around the steep Lerderderg valley and gives fine views of the river. At the second cross track, turn right and descend steeply to a point opposite The Tunnel.

Medium walks

Blackwood – Golden Point Road – Byers Back Track – O’Briens Crossing return

22km, 7 hours

Most of the walk is along the track following the old water race. The remains of some gold mines are passed along the way.

O’Briens Crossing – East Walk – Cowan Track – O’Briens Road – Short Cut track – O’Briens Crossing

14km, 5 – 5.5 hours

The East Walk follows the Lerderderg River downstream and is rough in places and subject to flood damage. Cowan Track is steep and climbs more than 200 metres from the river to O’Briens Road. Return along O’Briens Road and Short Cut Track to O’Briens  Crossing.

Overnight Walk

O’Briens Crossing – Lerderderg River – Mackenzies Flat

20km, 2 or 3 days

This is a challenging walk in the Lerderderg Gorge and is for experienced bushwalkers only. It is best to do the walk when the river is fairly low, as many crossings are necessary and at times the riverbed itself is the track. Here you can experience remote, unspoilt bushland.