Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 520m
Min elevation: 358m
Total Ascent: 396m
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Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Dandenong Ranges.
Closest towns to this walk: Belgrave, Emerald, Kallista, Kalorama, Monbulk, Montrose, Olinda, Sassafras, Tecoma, Upwey
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Dandenong Ranges? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Track grade
Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
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
Suggest an edit
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.
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.
4 Reviews on “Olinda Falls & Mechanic Track (4.4km)”
ohhhh is Mechanics Track back open now?! Happy days! The last time I went there (Dec 2021) the track was a disaster zone! I ended up traipsing very quickly and embarrassingly through someones garden to get to Dandenong Tourist Rd!
Liz Owen not sure if it’s back open or not. You’d have to check with the land manager
Liz Owen It was closed when I visited earlier this year also – will be v. glad if it’s open again 👍
Liz Owen just looked up the Parks Vic website. Sorry, bad news.
Mechanics walking track from the Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd through to Falls Rd is closed due to significant damage from the June 2021 Storm. Parks Victoria is currently working with contractors on a plan to re-open this severely impacted walking track.
Works completed so far has been the replacement of a timber bridge that was destroyed along with most of the large fallen trees having been cut through, the remaining walking track requires re-benching and tree branch removal where limbs have been partly buried due to the force of the impact with the ground.
Trail Hiking Australia thanks for looking that up and sharing ❤️ I’ll avoid it for a while longer
Liz Owen No worries. I wish there was a way for these updates to automatically appear on my site but parks Vic don’t have a facility last time I checked with them.
Trail Hiking Australia not surprising given that the PV website is a crime against the internet! 😂
Liz Owen hahaha. They almost told me the same thing many years ago when I tried to join forces with them. They looked at me across the table and whispered ‘you’re better off going it alone’.
Easy walk achievable for most people.
The Olinda Falls section is very short from the car park and the falls themselves are more like a rushing creek.
Mechanics track (hiked Sept 2023) is open again and the highlight of this as families and children can enjoy rainforest-type surrounds on an easy trail.
Even though it’s a large sign, the sign into the track is in an odd location. I watched quite a few walkers stroll past without realising.
Even on a dry day, the track is muddy in places.
A good introduction to bushwalking for kids.