Mamma says for family fun and adventure in nature, you can't beat this GORGEous spot.

Spend an hour here, or the whole day - or even camp overnight in some areas - you can tailor your fun and do as much or as little as your family can manage.

Start at the Mackenzies Flat picnic area. It is a lovely spot to have a bbq or picnic lunch and has a beautiful grassy area with lovely draping Peppercorn trees covering a few picnic tables. This overlooks the Lerderderg River with plenty of rocky pools to have a splash, skip stones along the water, or go on the hunt for frogs, skinks and yabbies.

For families with small children, or if you have less time, take the bush track to Grahams Dam - a 1 hour to-and-fro walk along the river with sandstone and slate gorges, a stone bridge crossing, and gums galore. This walk is breathtaking, and beautifully shady for warm days. At the end of the track is the serene Grahams Dam, a great spot for the swimmers to have a dip, or just to dangle your toes. Head back the way you came after you've rested the legs and had a chug of water.

Mamma says this walk is best for 3 and up - or just bring a carrier for the smaller ones - the 5 year olds may even need a shoulder ride or piggy back part of the way back! There is so much to see though (Mamma even spotted billy goats on the mountain!), that the kiddies don't actually realise how much they have actually walked!

For further adventures, there are a few bush walks that lead off from here.

There are a couple of more intensive walks that begin from Mackenzies Flat for more experienced hikers, including a 3 hour link track loop extending beyond Grahams Dam and a 3 day walk to O’Brien’s Crossing.

the nitty gritty

Start at Mackenzies Flat picnic area in Bacchus Marsh - car parking - toilets - water holes/river - no dogs allowed - BYO water - walk in bush camping only in certain areas - no phone service in some areas
Cost: FREE!!

Mackenzies Flat Picnic area Lerderderg Gorge Road, Darley

**This is bushland, as usual please be aware of native flora and fauna and take care

**Make sure to always keep an eye on the children around water

** Please also take your rubbish home with you**