Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the challenge and beauty of the Morley Walking Track, located in the heart of Yarra Ranges National Park near Healesville, Victoria. This 9.4km, grade 4 trail immerses hikers in stunning mountain ash forests for roughly 3.5 hours, starting at Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Ground and ending at Fernshaw Picnic Ground. Essential tips for bushwalkers include wearing sturdy footwear, maintaining a reasonable level of fitness, and respecting water catchment regulations by staying on the designated track. The towering mountain ash trees, diverse plant ecosystems, and cool canopy make this an engaging hike all year round.

Length:

9.4km

Duration:

3.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 675m

Min elevation: 221m

Total Ascent: 272m

Start: Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Ground

End: Fernshaw Picnic Ground

Yarra Ranges National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Healesville

From state capital: 80km

Latitude: -37.59243750618827

Longitude: 145.64288735389712

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Hike overview

The Morley Walking Track offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through the heart of Yarra Ranges National Park, approximately 50 kilometres east of Melbourne, Victoria. This 9.4-kilometre trail, classified as grade 4, traverses stunning mountain ash forest, requiring approximately 3.5 hours to complete.

Commencing at the Fernshaw Picnic Area, the track leads to Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area, forming a circuit through diverse landscapes. The trail is well-defined and features informative signage, although it includes several steep sections that can be challenging, especially in wet conditions. Sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are essential for this hike.

The Morley Walking Track is renowned for its towering mountain ash trees, some reaching heights exceeding 90 metres. These ancient giants create a unique ecosystem, supporting a diverse understorey of ferns, wattles, and other plant species. The dense canopy provides a cool and sheltered environment for walkers, making the track enjoyable even during warmer months.

As this area falls within a water catchment, it is crucial to adhere to park regulations and remain on designated tracks to protect the environment. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the natural beauty of the area while minimising their impact.

The Morley Walking Track offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the grandeur of Victoria's mountain ash forests.

Want to find the best trails in Yarra Ranges National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia offers a comprehensive guide to walking, hiking, and running routes across the country.

Tips

You may encounter leaches on this hike. Make sure you have a good map as there are many different roads passing through and it would be easy to take a wrong turn.
Management vehicle tracks and pedestrian pads through forest

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file

Morley Walking Track (9.4km)

Total distance: 9463 m
Max elevation: 675 m
Min elevation: 221 m
Total climbing: 272 m
Total descent: -589 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Belgrave, Emerald, Healesville, Lilydale, Marysville, Monbulk, Montrose, Mount Dandenong, Olinda, Warburton

Getting to the trailhead in Yarra Ranges National Park.

Make your way to Healesville, then continue on the Maroondah Highway for roughly 18km until you see the entry to Dom Dom Saddle Carpark on your right. Be careful as it comes up quickly, but there is a sign notifying of picnic area 300 metres beforehand.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

2WD Access
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Table

About the region

Yarra Ranges National Park, located approximately 65 kilometres east of Melbourne, Victoria, offers a diverse landscape of mountain ranges, forests, and waterways. This significant parkland, situated on the traditional country of the Wurundjeri people, is renowned for its towering mountain ash trees, the tallest flowering plants on Earth.

The park encompasses a vast area, encompassing the towns of Marysville, Healesville, and Warburton. Visitors can explore dense rainforests, clear streams, and stunning lookouts, including the iconic Mount Donna Buang, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding region. The Black Spur Drive winds through the park's heart, providing access to numerous walking trails and picnic areas.

Yarra Ranges National Park is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of bird species inhabiting the area. The park's diverse ecosystems support a rich tapestry of plant life, creating a visually stunning environment for visitors to explore.

Whether you seek a challenging hike, a leisurely stroll, or a scenic drive, Yarra Ranges National Park offers a range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Yarra Ranges National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

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.

Packing checklists

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.

Let someone know

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

Reviews

Morley Walking Track (9.4km)

5 Reviews on “Morley Walking Track (9.4km)”

Overall rating

Tammee Mitchell

Josh

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Wayne Hackett

Susan Hackett

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Bree Bonaccorso

Oliver Bonaccorso

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Anna .

track is so overgrown with ferns and blackberry bushes, we had to turn back 3-4kms from Fernshaw because it was so thick the track disappeared so you couldn’t see if there were snakes around and risked getting (even more) sliced up by blackberry thorns. Only recommend this track with long pants and a machete.

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Shaye Meaghan Scotney

Shannon Maes

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Jo Varley

Most of this track was destroyed in 2009 fires. Was closed for years, so now it is MUCH tougher than a grade 3 hike! DId this on the weekend, 8 hours – 22km in and back from Dom Dom Picnic Ground (very poorly maintained no water, loos are shocking,) to Fernshaw. This trail is very steep up and down, trail is hardly visible but for tree markers in parts, lots of big trees to get over and slippery as hell. Good luck!

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Morley Walking Track (9.4km)