Mechanics Track is closed from Apr 2022 to May 2022 for repairs (both sides of Olinda Falls). Check conditions before heading out. The area is littered with trees and the ground is soft in many places due to trees being uprooted. It is not possible to see the track in most sections and there's a high chance of anyone attempting this getting lost or having to walk back.
The circuit walk of the summit of Mount Dandenong links two large sections of the national park, visits Olinda Falls, Mount Dandenong, Arboretum and two of the best view points overlooking Melbourne.
From the Olinda Recreation Reserve walk along the Olinda-Monbulk road towards Monbulk, past the old Golf Course and then turn left down Chalet Road, just by the Olinda Pool. A short way down Chalet Road, turn left onto the Golf Course Track / Rock Track. Follow Golf Course Track/Rock Track, at the junction with Cornius Track, keep left. At the 4 way junction with Mathias Track, go straight ahead onto Blackhole Track. Join KC Track where it junctions with Blackhole Track.
Follow KC Track, turn left on Rifle Range Gully Track, look and listen for Lyrebirds'
Turn left after a couple of km's onto Bartlett Track. Bartlett Track joins onto Falls Road, walk down Falls Road for about 200 metres to join Mechanics Track on the right, which leads to Olinda Falls. Signposting is clear to Olinda Falls. Return the same way and join the top section of Mechanics Track from the other side of Falls Road. OR walk up to the Olinda Falls Picnic Area (toilets available) turn left on Falls Road then right onto Mechanics Track. Mechanics Track crosses over Farndon's Road and then continues up to finish at the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road (beside the Mount Dandenong Pre-School). Cross carefully over the Tourist Road, there is a small track visible, walk up through the Mount Dandenong Arboretum.
Stay to the trail on the right through the Arboretum, coming to Ridge Road where you cross over to Kyeema Track. Follow Kyeema Track, about 100m on the left is Trig Track, going up to the Mount Dandenong Summit. Cafe, views, toilets. Return the same way and continue walking along Kyeema Track towards Burkes Lookout, about 1.5 km's away. At the junction with Tower Track, turn right and head down the hill.
Turn right onto ZigZag Track, then left onto Channel 10 Track. Follow Channel 10 Track until meeting Dandenong Creek Track, turn right, staying on Dandenong Creek Track until coming to the Olinda-Basin Road. Turn left onto the Olinda-Basin Road and walk about 200 metres until Caterpillar Track on the right. Follow up Caterpillar Track which joins Dodds Track and then continues onto Dodds Road OR keep walking up Olinda-Basin Road for 1.2km's to Mount Dandenong Village and return to Olinda via the roads). Dodds Road joins Range Road, turn left and walk the short distance back to Olinda.
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Total distance: 15653 m
Max elevation: 627 m
Min elevation: 398 m
Total climbing: 782 m
Total descent: -782 m
Getting to the trailhead: Dandenong Ranges.
- Parking at Olinda Recreation Reserve, Olinda-Monbulk Road or the Old Golf Course next to the reserve.
Closest towns to this walk: Belgrave, Emerald, Kallista, Kalorama, Monbulk, Montrose, Olinda, Sassafras, Tecoma, Upwey
Less than an hour from Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges is a whole life experience away, offering breathtaking scenery, romantic hideaways and indulgent adventures. The Dandenong Ranges is a haven of hidden delights with scenic winding roads to quaint hilltop villages. There is an abundance of artist studios, craft stores and renowned gardens to explore as well as walking and cycling trails through mountain ash forests and clean, refreshing air.
Looking for more walks in or near Dandenong Ranges? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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7 Reviews on “Dandenong Ranges Circuit Hike (15.7km)”
Walk this route in January 2023. The Mechanics Track and is still closed.
Jim White
Thanks for your comment Rory, If you have a current GPX file that I can compare and replace, that would be appreciated. I have had hundreds of people complete this circuit and no one commented that it was wrong so I am intrigued as to why you felt it was.
The Mechanics Walk section of this circuit is no longer accessible due to storm damage from earlier this year. Falls Road is now the most direct way to Olinda Falls.
Vaughan Bowman
Walked on 15 Apr in anticlockwise direction. Good walk and surprised me on the last hill. Caution required on Mechanics Track if wet (slippery).
Great walk but we needed to allow extra time (about 5 hours)
Walked on 27.8.16 in an anticlockwise direction, seems to be the best for the slopes in wet conditions
Excellent walk all around
Walked this on 29/12/18 anticlockwise, great hike, took 4.5 hours. Both the “link trails” between Dandenong Creek Track and Range Rd were closed so I walked down the road a bit and went down Todd Rd.
Walked this route yesterday 26/08/19, the path from Basin-Olinda Road to Range Rd was nowhere to be found requiring a detour along the road. Took me longer than most clocking up 5.5 hours and 16.36 km without the Skyhigh section. The section between Olinda Falls and the Arboretum was very muddy and slippery which is what cost me most of the extra time and oh boy I did not need that last climb at the end! However beautiful views and well worth the effort.
Did this walk today and it was great, might get a little slippery on some on the smaller tracks in the coming weeks. We went anti clockwise, 4 hours but cut out the the sky high loop. Get ready for a couple of steep hills at the end
Chloe Farrow
Gpx file was horrible and super inaccurate
Did this walk on 9 June. Walked anticlockwise and found it really enjoyable, lots of variety in terrain and forest type. We had lunch at Mt Dandenong, with picnic tables and toilets. Clocked up 18km, but followed pretty closely to the route, so not sure where we got the kms.