Lerderderg State Park, Victoria, Australia
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.6km (Return)
Dog Friendliness: 9/10
Scenery and Enjoyment: 8/10
Accessibility: 7/10
Overall Score: 8/10
Welcome back to another instalment of our dog-friendly hikes in Victoria! Today, Megan, Yuki, and I headed to one of our go-to spots: The Tunnel from O’Brien’s Crossing in Lerderderg State Park, Victoria.
This walk has it all—a touch of history, some breathtaking views, and plenty of room for Yuki to stretch her legs.
Starting the Adventure
The adventure kicked off at O’Brien’s Crossing, a peaceful little area by the Lerderderg River. As soon as we stepped out of the car, we were greeted by the classic Aussie sound of cicadas buzzing in the heat. A family had already set up their picnic by the riverbank, perfect for a swim in the summer heat.
The trail starts with a gentle uphill section along the Byers Back Track. It didn’t take long before we were weaving our way along the narrow track through the gum trees, with Yuki leading the charge on her Roam Wilder 10m Long Line. She was loving every second, sniffing every bush and bouncing ahead like the happy little explorer she is.
History of Gold Mining at O’Brien’s Crossing
One of the most interested things about this track is its history. Back in the gold rush days, miners used the Byers Back Track to get around the region. The Lerderderg Gorge was a hotspot for gold prospecting in the 1850s, and you can still see signs of their hard work: The Tunnel. This impressive piece of engineering was carved into the rock to divert the river so miners could get to the gold in the riverbed.
These days, the water flow depends on the season, and when we visited, it was pretty low. But we still found a little pool where Yuki had a quick dip—her favourite part of any walk.
Along the Trail
The 3.3km one-way trail hugs the top of the Lerderderg River, giving you stunning views of the gorge below. The track itself is a mix of dirt paths and rocky patches, so make sure you’ve got sturdy shoes. Along the way, we spotted kangaroo paw flowers and even a baby snake darting across the path.
The best part? It’s so quiet. Once we left the parking area, we only saw one other person the entire day. The peacefulness of the bush, with just the sound of the river trickling below, made the whole experience feel like a little escape from the world.
A Quick Scare
On the way back, there was a bit of drama when I realised, I’d dropped my phone somewhere along the trail. I left Megan and Yuki and ran back the way we’d come. Thankfully, I found it sitting on the edge of the path about half a km back. Crisis averted, once my heart rate had returned to normal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a hike with a bit of history, some gorgeous scenery, and a dog-friendly vibe, Byers Back Track is a winner. It’s got that perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, and Yuki definitely gives it her paw of approval.
This one’s staying on our list of favourites, and we’ll be back for sure.
