First, I would like to acknowledge the traditional land owners of Werribee Gorge State Park, the Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri peoples. I would like to pay my respects to the past, present and any Indigenous people among us today. I also want to acknowledge that I have profited and benefited from stolen land and that Indigenous people were never ceded sovereignty. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri peoples of, Naarm, where I sit and write this blog and would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the many lands my readers come from.
I have been to the Werribee Gorge State Park three times. The first time in 2021 with a friend, then again that year with my partner and finally in March 2023 with my partner and a friend. I really appreciate how close it is to Naarm, only 1hr drive away. This makes it a really easy day trip. Each time I have gone I have travelled the Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk which is 10km and takes around 4.5 hours depending on your ability. I drove along Myers Rd and stopped at the first carpark on the right to begin the hike at Myers Rd Trailhead.
We hiked towards the Quarry picnic area and traversed through gullies and over a spur line. This area has loose rock and when it hasn’t been raining can be quite dusty. There are drop toilets at this point as well but I would recommend you carry your own toilet paper just in case. Next, we went past the Meikles Point picnic area where there are also drop toilets and parking. The environment starts to change a little here since you are very close to the Werribee River it’s a lovely spot for a picnic, relaxation or a dip. The trail winds its way alongside the gorge here, it’s beautiful seeing the rock faces towering up on both sides of the river. This trail although narrow is extremely relaxing only a slight incline. Here we decided to have lunch so we bush bashed to get down on the rocks beside the river. This kept it interesting but is not necessary and expect lots of extremely thorny bushes. There is no need to go off track since there are plenty of pebbly beaches along the way such as Lionhead Beach.
Before Lionhead Beach there is a deep pool of the river with a rock scramble beside it. This is the only way through to the rest of the trail but is beginner-level with a cable handrail to hold onto. I really enjoy when trails are built more creatively and this was an exciting surprise the first time I did this trail. There is a small cave midway through the scramble and is a favourite lunch spot of mine, I highly recommend it. Once past Lionhead Beach, the trail goes directly up some stairs and you begin to follow the terrain up a spur line that feels never-ending.
The environment changes again, the undergrowth thins out and the grasses become more dry again. Although the most challenging part of the hike you are rewarded with beautiful vistas along the way. This section of the hike would be spectacular to enjoy a sunset if you felt adventurous. Once you arrive at the pinnacle Western Viewpoint the rest of the hike is not as steep. We slowly meandered back to the car and chose to drive over to the Meikles Point picnic area and went for a dip in the river. This was icey yet revitalising for the muscles before driving home.
This is a great day trip that is easily accessible from Naarm. Great for all ages and appropriate for families, friends, couples or solo hikes. I used Alltrails but it is well-signed along the way to make sure you are on the correct trail. If you don’t feel like doing the full 10kms there are options to change routes along the way.
| Trail Name | Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk |
| Distance | 10km |
| Estimated Time | 4.5hrs |
| Grade | 3 |
| Type | Circuit |
| Park | Werribee Gorge State Park |
| Access | 2WD |
