371. Lerderderg Tunnel 10.6km

U3A Hike No 371

Hike Report by David Santamaria

🚶‍♂️ Setting Off from Blackwood

Eighteen intrepid walkers left our vehicles and set out into the bush at Blackwood. The steepness of the early climb soon had us strung out like Brown’s cows, but we eventually regrouped—slightly out of breath—at the top of the hill.

🌸 Spring’s Welcome

Spring rewarded us with groves of pink and white heath brightening our way among tall timber and fallen logs. At 10 o’clock we turned onto the goat’s track, following the ridge with ravines dropping steeply on either side.

🧗 Ridge Walking and Geological Wonders

Gordon cheerfully warned that if we lost our footing, he didn’t have a winch to haul us back up—so we planted our feet securely! The rough path kept us alert, though the views towards the Lerderderg River and its rapids made every careful step worthwhile.

Gordon explained we were walking on a raised strata bed, once horizontal but now tilted completely vertical, creating the dramatic valleys flanking us.

☕ Morning Tea at the River Tunnel

At the end of the ridge, we descended steeply to the Lerderderg River tunnel, where a rocky beach provided the perfect spot for morning tea. Some tested their nerve crossing the surging river, while others explored the tunnel’s mouth or simply soaked in the serenity of cascading water.

🥾 Climbing Gribble and Briers Tracks

Rested and refreshed, we tackled the steep and stony Gribble Track in single file, scrambling upwards until we reached Briers Track. Faces flushed but spirits high, we pressed on.

Briers—more a goat’s path than a proper track—had us walking the hillsides at speed. Sharp bends dipped us into gullies where trickling streams fed the river below, offering fine views of the peaceful Lerderderg glimmering far below.

🌿 Changing Terrain and Wombat Signs

Vegetation changed often along Briers Track: from scrubby bush to mossy, damp gullies where fallen trees from recent storms blocked our way. With agility (and a few carefully executed seat-swings over trunks), the group negotiated each obstacle. Signs of wombat activity reminded us we weren’t the only travelers on this path.

🏞️ Golden Point Finale

Our hike ended at Golden Point, where the river spread into a beachy lagoon beneath a sheer rock wall. Light showers drifted through as we settled in for lunch—a fittingly tranquil end to a walk that had tested our stamina and rewarded us with beauty at every turn.