The Lerderderg River rises below the Blackwood Ranges, part of the Great Dividing Range, in the Lerderderg State Forest near Blackwood. The river flows along a meandering 40km course with the Lerderderg Gorge Picnic Ground, various camping sites, bush walking tracks and fishing spots along its banks.
A wide variety of wildlife and vegetation call the river valley home, all of which you can see on the various tracks around the river. As well as sightseeing, you can also enjoy the river's popular swimming spots.
During the gold rush, the precious metal was mined in the upper reaches, and some of the old mines can still be seen as you travel along the sluice on the east bank. While these mines can't be entered, it's still nice to see a piece of Victorian history preserved in a true bush setting.