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.
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.
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.
Total distance: 14237 m
Max elevation: 508 m
Min elevation: 254 m
Total climbing: 1085 m
Total descent: -1087 m
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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.
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Table
- BBQ Facilities
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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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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
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What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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1 Review 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.
Hi all, did this hike today, has become a new favourite. Great variety, and trails, though definitely need a map/nav. I used the ViewRanger app with my Apple Watch 3, works so well using the Gpx from here, thanks.