The Olinda Falls and Valley Circuit is a very picturesque walk through the Olinda Forest area. This is a highly varied walk through some really beautiful native bush, but the R.J. Hamer Forest Arboretum provides some highly varied introduced trees. It can almost feel like a walk around the world. This version includes a short side trip to the Olinda Falls. You'll likely hear and see a lot of birdlife here as well, especially the Lyrebird.
Start at Woolrich Lookout, near the toilet block you'll see the Dam Rd track, follow that then follow Sequoia, Rock, KC, Rifle Range Gully and then Bartlett to reach the road. Follow that briefly looking out for Cascade Track on the right. Follow this until you see the side track off to the Olinda Falls to the right. The falls are quite small, but a worthwhile short visit. Return back to Cascade Track to follow that north until you reach Barbers Road. Turn right and shortly you'll see VW Track to your right. This is a fairly gentle walk uphill until you reach Barges. Take this left, follow to the junction to continue on Barges until you reach the junction with Georges. Continue along this, note it passes some junctions and eventually meets Eagle Track to take you to Valley Picnic Ground. From here you can take Black Hole Track, then Yallambee Way to join Matthias then back up to Woolrich Lookout.
Total distance: 14237 m
Max elevation: 508 m
Min elevation: 254 m
Total climbing: 1085 m
Total descent: -1087 m
Download file:
Olinda Falls and Valley.gpx
- Gravel Path
- Rough Trail
- Trail Running
- Scenic Viewpoints
The area is a real maze of trails with many possible combinations to take. It is essential to take a map to ensure you don't get lost.
- There tends to be a lot of vandalism of signs, so don't rely on these being there.
- Leeches can be encountered so bring your favourite leech repellent/remedy.
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- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Table
- BBQ Facilities
Make your way to Olinda, follow the Olinda-Monbulk Road for 900 metres approx, turn left onto Chalet Road. Look for the carpark at the lookout.
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
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.
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Dandenong Ranges National Park
0 Reviews on “Olinda Falls and Valley (14km)”
Any way of posting photos on here from the hike? I tried it today. After the rains it was quite nice! Definitely a reminder I need to keep fit haha.
This is a really pleasant walk and a great one for introducing people to hiking
Very good walk. Appreciate the map you provided as the trail was barely marked at all. Can easily get lost there.
Very grateful for the GPX map as a few times I wasn’t certain which route to take.
Completed mid May 2018 – there are sections of fire trail that were very slippery and sticky clay that you’ll benefit from trekking poles or a good stick.
I enjoyed this a lot but my favourite sections were definitely the more narrow foot trail parts through forest and when I go back I’d modify my route to include more of them.
The arboretum is quite lovely in Autumn with the deciduous trees being all sorts of colours and the leaf confetti underfoot.
No leeches encountered, but many interesting fungi to be observed.
Saw a deceased dunnart (?), or other native small animal near the falls (not a rat, long nose).
Pretty tired after this one!