Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 508m
Min elevation: 254m
Total Ascent: 1085m
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Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Belgrave, Emerald, Kallista, Kalorama, Monbulk, Montrose, Olinda, Sassafras, Tecoma, Upwey
Getting to the trailhead in Dandenong Ranges National Park.Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Track grade
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.
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.
8 Reviews on “Olinda Falls & Valley Hike (14km)”
Completed most of this track in Dec 2022.
There is currently a warning sign a the intersection of the KC Track and the Black Hole Track that advises that the track is closed and restricted to Authorised Personnel only due to the 2021 storm damage. It is unclear if the sign is referring to the KC Track (which continues Straight) or the the Back Hole Track (to the Left.) So we doubled back a little way and took the Mathias road to Predator track, then followed Bartlett road to re-join this Hike.
We did see lots of leaches when we sat down for lunch on the side of the track.
You could easily make this hike longer or shorter by taking one of the various side tracks although I would recommend a GPS and/or a map and compass.
Very much enjoyed this hike and recommend it as a great day hike close to Melbourne.
This is a really pleasant walk and a great one for introducing people to hiking
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!
I did this hike today for the first time – I can’t believe I have not done it before.
Beautiful!
Great trails and a few muddy ones for fun.
And a stunning variety of trees.
However my GPS said 16km at the end not 14km as per the notes.
Heading out there today ? love this walk
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 beautiful trail and good fun to run if you don’t mind a bit of climbing.