Yep, the name is a bit of a mouthful, but punch it into your GPS and zip on out here after work on a Friday and you’ll be wondering what took you so long.

If work is getting you down, the chores are piling up, and you’re trying to remember the last time you actually engaged low range in your rig… then Lerderberg just might be the name on your lips this weekend, and the answer to your prayers.

You’ll make it here in an hour from the centre of town if you time your run right, and there are over 20,000 hectares of prime Vicco bushland to explore, spread between Bacchus Marsh and Blackwood.

The park’s eponymous river slashes a 300m deep gorge through the middle of the landscape, which is worth a visit for the photo opportunities alone. There’s absolutely no shortage of wheelin’ to be had in these parts either, with a wealth of terrain ripe for a full weekend’s exploration, at a minimum.

STUFF TO DO

4WDING: The more technical tracks are located in the north and east sections of the park, these trails connect O’Briens Road and the Lerderberg Gorge Road, and are occasionally closed between June until October in order to limit track erosion.

HIKING: If you’re not opposed to getting out of the fourby once in a while and strapping on a pair of hiking boots, you’ll love it out here. All bushwalking routes depart and finish at either of the two main picnic areas – O’Briens Crossing and Mackenzies Flat.

IMPORTANT INFO

LOCATION: The park is located between Bacchus Marsh and Blackwood, and can be reached in around an hour’s drive from Melbourne.

CAMPING is available within the park at O’Briens Crossing. Facilities are minimal and visitors must carry in their own drinking water and firewood. Toilets and picnic tables are provided.

FUEL is available in Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh and Blackwood.

MORE INFO is available at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au