Camping is permitted at O’Brien’s Crossing in the Lerderderg State Park; fires are permitted only in the fireplaces provided and there are no charges to camp at O’Briens Camping Area. It isn’t possible to make a booking; camping is on a first come, first-served basis. No bookings are taken, camping is first in, first-served. You must be fully self-sufficient to camp at the O’Briens Crossing Camping Area – this campsite has toilets.
The O’Brien’s Crossing campsite is 8 kilometres east of Blackwood – the access road can be tricky in places, particularly after heavy rain.
Walking is a popular activity in the Lerderderg State park. From O’Briens Crossing there are a number of walks suitable for all fitness levels and time periods as summarised below:
O’Briens Crossing – Byers Back Track – The Tunnel and return (3km, 1.5 hours) The track follows an old water race around the steep Lerderderg valley and gives fine views of the river; when you reach the second cross track, turn right and descend steeply to a point opposite The Tunnel.
O’Briens Crossing – East Walk – Cowan Track – O’Briens Road – Short Cut track – O’Briens Crossing (14km, 5 – 5.5 hours) The East Walk follows the Lerderderg River downstream and is rough in places and subject to flood damage. Cowan Track is steep and climbs more than 200 metres from the river to O’Briens Road. Return along O’Briens Road and Short Cut Track to O’Briens Crossing.
O’Briens Crossing – Lerderderg River – Mackenzie’s Flat (20km, 2 or 3 days) This is a challenging multi-day walk in the Lerderderg Gorge and is for experienced bushwalkers only. It is best to do the walk when the river is fairly low (ie, Summer and Autumn) as many crossings are necessary and at times the riverbed itself is the track.
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