Trail summary
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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.
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Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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.
1 Review 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.