Walking Trails in the Dandenong Ranges

Exploring the walking trails in and around the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, Australia can be a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Get some exercise and relax in a peaceful setting whilst enjoying the company of the native wildlife.


Walking Trails


Starts and Finishes at Grants Picnic Ground

This hard-surfaced track has been especially designed for the disabled. The track follows a steady gradient weaving through spectacular Mountain Ash forest and features interpretive signs to introduce you to the surrounding forest.

Starts and Finishes at Olinda Falls Picnic Ground

One of two waterfalls worth visiting and an easy 600m round trip. You can take the track from Mechanics Reserve on the Tourist Rd for a longer walk. The down-hill takes you to a junction where you have the option of visiting the upper or lower falls viewing platforms.

Starts and Finishes at Grants Picnic Ground

This easy Interpretive Walk takes you back in time to ancient origins with signs that will introduce you to the cool temperate rainforest which is threatened throughout the world.

Starts and Finishes at Kyeema Memorial or Burkes Lookout

Join the Kyeema Track and view the Memorial marking the spot where the Kyeema aircraft crashed in 1938. Take a longer walk by starting at Burkes Lookout. This scenic track takes you around to the base of SkyHigh. Drop in for a refreshing drink before returning.

Starts and Finishes at the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground

This short walk is ideal to experience the lush fern gullies of the Ferntree Gully Creek. The area is home to both the Rough and Smooth tree ferns which suit these damp conditions, with the rough tree fern easily identified by the rough stems on its fronds. Crimson Rosellas and possums favour the newly forming fern fronds as a food source. 

Starts and Finishes at Doongalla Homestead Picnic Ground

After viewing the remains of the Doongalla Homestead and Stables and maybe even a picnic lunch you can take this moderate walk though some of the Doongalla Forest.

Start and Finish at Sherbrooke Picnic Ground

This is an easy 1 hour walk which will take you to the falls through a lush forest setting. There are also a number of other walks that start and finish here.

Starts and Finishes at Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground

A favourite for training and those interested in the history of the Kokoda Track. This moderate to steep 3km loop has commemorative plaques along the way depicting the lives of Australia soldiers who fought and died in Papua New Guinea during WWII.

Starts and Finishes at Valley Picnic Ground

This moderate walk will take you about 1 hour to complete through the forest boasting relatively undisturbed native habitat. There are also a number of other walks that start and finish here.

Starts and Finishes at Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground

These tracks pass through remnant Cool Temperate Rainforest and Wet Forest. Sooty Owls have been sighted and heard in this area, sounding their mating call in the early evening. A small population of Superb Lyrebird inhabit the wet forest and are often heard and seen scratching by the side of the track searching for a meal. 

Starts and Finishes at Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground

Belview Terrace passes through open Shrubby Foothill and Grassy Dry Forest. You will notice “slash breaks” on both sides created following the 1968 wildfires. Swamp Wallaby, Possums and Gliders frequent this area, together with the Blue-tongue Lizard known to wander the drier slopes. 

Starts and Finishes at Grants Picnic Ground

The route follows Lyrebird Walk passing though cleared areas of bush created by the successive wildfires of the early 1900’s. At Paddy Track Junction turn south and cross Hardy Creek before climbing Welch Track and following Coles Ridge Rd back to the picnic ground.

The Trailrider

The TrailRider allows people who are wheelchair bound or have limited mobility the freedom to explore some of the more rugged trails. The TrailRider is motorised and requires a minimum of two operators. Four operators are recommended for long trails or walks with significant gradients. The passenger of the TrailRider chair is required to wear a bike helmet when using the chair and visitors are asked to provide their own helmet.

The TrailRider is conveniently located at Grants Picnic Ground and can be booked by calling 03 9755 2888.

Always check conditions before you leave

Check the Parks Vic Website for any change in conditions in the National Parks. Picnic Grounds and Walking Trails could be closed due to adverse weather or fallen trees.

Follow Us