By Ewen McRae
Walkers and mountain bikers will soon be enjoying an improved Lerderderg Track, with upgrade work beginning recently.
The track, which runs for 87 kilometres from Bacchus Marsh to Daylesford via Blackwood, is popular among hikers and bikers because of its rugged terrain, but had fallen into disrepair in recent years.
The state government is funding the upgrade, which will include re-posting and repainting post tops.
To distinctively brand the Lerderderg Track, post tops are gaining a sky blue stripe.
The government is also building new bridges across two of the track’s more challenging wet areas.
For much of its length, the Lerderderg Track follows the heritage-listed Lerderderg River, which falls steeply into a deep gorge.
At the gorge-end, the river contains a rich repository of geological features of international significance.
At the Daylesford end of the Lerderderg Track, upgrades have begun on signage at the new trailhead overlooking Lake Daylesford at the Bridport Street lookout.
New maps have been produced, showing a variety of bike routes, as well as directions from the track to Bacchus Marsh train station.
The upgrades are expected to be completed by spring.
