Werribee Gorge is a renowned location for hiking. Hikers love Werribee’s natural trails and the challenges these trails offer. However, if hiking is not your thing, there are still so many other activities to enjoy at Werribee Gorge. Some of the exciting activities include exploring Werribee Gorge’s circuit track, swimming, rock climbing, or visiting the unique tourist spots nearby.
If you want to make most of your day visit to Werribee, doing some homework and collecting information about the surrounding areas is always a good idea. Not sure where to start from? Let’s cover the fabulous attractions at Werribee Gorge and what a perfect day itinerary looks like!
About Werribee Gorge
With natural beauty and spectacular views, Werribee Gorge is a State Park and a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. This gorge is 200 meters deep and formed over a time period of 500 million years. Werribee Gorge is a free attraction and good for social distancing. The views are stunning and you can picnic while hearing the water flow and the birds chirping.
You can take children to Werribee Gorge, but remember prams are not easy to maneuver around because of the rough and uneven terrain. There might be loose rocks around too which can be pretty risky for toddlers. Start early as daylight makes hiking a bit easy and wear your most comfortable shoes as trails can be tricky even for experienced hikers. If you want a quiet visit, avoid the weekends to experience a tranquil side of Werribee Gorge State park instead of a usual busy attraction.
Now let’s get into the top 6 things to do at Werribee Gorge.
1. Explore the Werribee Gorge circuit track
Werribee Gorge State Park’s top activity is hiking. You can pick and choose between loop walks of longer and shorter distances depending on your stamina and skill level. Werribee Gorge circuit track involves steep hill sections, traversing rocks and climbing steps along uneven ground. So you must have a suitable level of fitness to walk along its trails and accompany children on this adventure.
If you opt for the short circuit walk that overlaps the eastern half of Werribee Gorge, you will need to walk 5km up to Meikles picnic area. Close to Meikles picnic area, there is a 50-meter section of cable handrail which makes trekking a bit easier. This is a good option for beginners. You will need at least 2 hours to accomplish this Werribee Gorge circuit. On the other hand, if you want to hike more, there is an option of a 10 km Werribee Gorge trail which will take a minimum 4.5 hours from start to finish point.
Hiking along Centenary Walk or Ironbark Gorge Walk are two more options that you can also consider.
2. Picnic at Meikles Point
When you go for the Werribee Gorge hike on a day trip, don’t forget to visit Meikles point. It is an ideal spot for picnicking and is loved by tourists and locals. It has dedicated areas for picnicking, with picnic tables and other conveniences like toilets. If you are a family with kids, this is a great option. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at Meikles Point, so you will have to keep your furry friend at home. If you are planning to take on a Werribee Gorge walk, then be sure to make the picnic your reward at the end or you can make the Meikles Point your home base for those who want to stay while others explore.
3. Enjoy swimming at Werribee Gorge
Werribee Gorge swimming, a good idea? It can be! The park has lakes, creeks, rivers and inland waterways, however, you need to be careful while taking part in water recreational activities as the gorge has strong currents, slippery rocks and some other submerged objects which might miss your eye. Needles Beach Werribee is a great swimming spot, and there is sand to lay your towel and enjoy the sun. The water quality at Werribee River is quite poor in comparison to Needles Beach, so don’t get into the river if you can avoid it.
4. Visit the St Anne’s Winery
If you are a wine enthusiast, you might want to visit St Anne’s Winery, which is just 3km away from Werribee Gorge State Park. Here you will get an opportunity to taste high-quality wine in a relaxed atmosphere, and what a great way to cap off a day out in the fresh air at Werribee Gorge! You can also purchase personalized wine barrels according to your requirements so be sure to find out what those custom options are. St Anne’s Winery offers group bookings and caters for other special events. Don’t forget to take a stroll and enjoy the scenic views around after enjoying a glass of wine at St Anne’s Winery.
You can check out St Anne’s Winery and Vineyard here on their website.
5. Rock Climbing at Falcon’s Lookout
Into rock climbing? Then head to Falcon’s Lookout at Werribee Gorge. You can access Falcon’s Lookout through Ironbark road and it is a small rock climbing area but well worth the visit. It’s best to rock climb at Falcon’s Lookout in the mornings when it is cooler, as the afternoon sun can be harsh on the eyes and not ideal for looking up as you climb. You will find climbing anchors on the rocks for assistance, but be sure to have a rock climbing buddy. This is the only area in Werribee Gorge where rock climbing is allowed and with no facilities around, you have to be well-equipped.
6. Check out Long Forest Flora and Fauna Reserve
You will love this reserve if you are an admirer of flora and fauna. Set on a generous 600-acre block, the main aim of this reserve is the conservation of the rich biodiversity of the region, and it is a beautiful site to behold. Around 170 bird species can be spotted here, and the reserve is a peaceful spot to have a picnic, read a book or even just enjoy the green space. There are picnic tables in designated areas and you are just 5.1 km away from the Werribee Gorge State Park. Spot the unlimited varieties of the rich flora and fauna at the Long Forest Flora and Fauna Reserve that this Werribee Gorge gem has to offer. If you are lucky, you might spot a Koala bear!
How to get to Werribee Gorge
Werribee Gorge is located 1.5 hours away from Melbourne via National Highway M8 and accessible by private transport only. There is only 3 Parking slots available onsite, but others are not far away when the weekend parking gets crazy. Werribee Gorge State Park is about 8km west of Bacchus Marsh and can be approached by two routes. The first is via the Western Freeway and the Pentland Hills Road to Myers Road. The second is via Ironbark Road (the Ballan-Ingliston Road) which is approached from the Bacchus Marsh-Anakie Road.
Mark the attractions where you would like to drop by and plan your route accordingly.
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