Discover the wild beauty of Werribee Gorge

Nestled just an hour’s drive west of Melbourne, Werribee Gorge State Park offers a breathtaking escape into nature. This hidden gem is a paradise for hikers! Several trails crisscross the park, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You may even have the chance to observe koalas there! Come discover the wild beauty of Werribee Gorge, the perfect place for a day trip from Melbourne.

A breathtaking escape into nature

Summary

Werribee Gorge State Park
The Circuit Walk
The fauna of Werribee Gorge
Getting there

Werribee Gorge State Park

Located about 70km/an hour's drive from Melbourne's CBD, Werribee Gorge State Park is a truly enchanting place. Its wild natural beauty has been shaped by 500 million years of geological history. Its rich and varied vegetation is home to a large number of animals, including a colony of koalas. Will you have the chance to spot one?

If you like hiking, you will be in heaven in this park. You will have the choice between several trails to explore it. During my visit on a weekday in the middle of winter, I often felt completely alone, lost in the middle of nowhere. What a contrast with the bustling streets of Melbourne yet so close!

The Circuit Walk

From the summit, and throughout the descent to the bottom of the gorge, several lookouts will allow you to enjoy the magnificent panorama. The landscapes are of a surprising variety along the trail. The arid rocky outcrops rising to the sky at the top, the eucalyptus-covered valley, the lush banks of the Werribee River meandering all the way below... It’s truly splendid, and it gives off an impression of peace and serenity.

The Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk is the most spectacular of the trails that crisscross the park. This is one of the most beautiful hikes around Melbourne! It is 8km long and relatively challenging, so allow between two and a half and four hours to complete it. I recommend starting from Meikles Point picnic area and walking counter clockwise. In this way, you will start with the hardest part of the hike, a long and steep climb through the forest. Once at the top, you will only have descent and flat terrain along the Werribee River to return to your starting point!

Once you reach the riverbanks, you will just have to follow the current to return to Meikles Point. The refreshing shade of the trees is very pleasant in summer! Shortly before the arrival, you will have to use chains to cross a somewhat acrobatic passage on the cliffside. Nothing too dangerous or difficult fortunately. Congratulations, you have completed the Circuit Walk!

The fauna of Werribee Gorge

Werribee Gorge State Park is home to a very rich and diverse fauna. Its most famous resident is undoubtedly the koala. It’s one of the closest places to Melbourne to observe one in the wild! However, there is no guarantee that you will have the chance to spot one during your hike. Look carefully in the branches of the eucalyptus trees, mainly along the river. Good luck!

You'll have to be even luckier to spot a platypus. This very shy animal can be found in the waters of the Werribee River. It is generally active at nightfall, which makes it even harder to observe. Don't strain your eyes looking for one in the photos below, these are only illustrative images as I never saw one there myself!

Don’t forget to look up at the sky as well during your hike. You might be able to admire a wedge-tailed eagle in flight. With a wingspan of up to 3m, it is Australia's largest bird of prey.

From largest to smallest, or almost! You will surely see many superb fairywren hopping around you near Meikles Point. You will easily recognize them with their characteristic long tails. During the breeding season, the males take on bright blue plumage in several places on the body. The females and young have a more common grey-brown colour.

Getting there

There is no public transport to Werribee Gorge, so you will have to drive there. From Melbourne, take the M8 (Western Freeway) towards Ballarat, then take the exit leading to Pentland Hills Road. Follow this road for approximately 3km. Just after passing under the highway, take the hairpin turn on the left onto Myers Rd, which will take you to the park. The last section to Meikles Point is a dirt road. It is accessible to all types of vehicles, but be careful on the descent. The total journey takes around 1 hour from the CBD.

The park is open all year round and entry is free. There are very few facilities on site: a few dry toilets, but no drinking water point. Always carry enough with you, especially in the heat of summer. Make sure as well to wear walking shoes with good grip.

Finally, click here to download the Visitor Guide, including a detailed map of the park.

So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your backpack, and go hiking at Werribee Gorge State Park. You won’t be disappointed!