This walk attempts to follow the proposed RidgeWalk: Exploring art and landscape in the Dandenongs. The official RidgeWalk won't be ready until around 2022 and will be approximately 26km in length. This hike however this will give you a taste of what to expect.
It is predominately a bush walk, but there are suburban sections and main road sections (Mount Dandenong Tourist Road). It passes through several townships in the Dandenong Ranges and follows several major tracks, in order: Belgrave, Hillclimb Track, Hackett Track, Sassafras, Olinda, Dandenong Creek Track, Channel 10 Track, Zig Zag Track (v. steep), passes Burkes Lookout, Kyeema Track, passes Five Ways and Wols Track. It would be slightly easier to do the walk in reverse from Mount Evelyn to Birdsland, as you would be going down the steeper hills, but my description is for the other way.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
When I did the walk, I was working from my Melways, which is not totally accurate, so I lost the trail a few times and this is shown on the GPX file route. It should be relatively simple for you to identify these errors and pass these obvious dead-ends.
Take your GPS and download the file. The GPX file is very useful. But I have dropped the GPX file onto google maps here and made it public so you can see the exact track and road names.
See where the Ridgewalk will take you when completed: Yarra-Ranges-Council_Ridgewalk.
Hike contributed by Fred Tropp-Asher
Total distance: 28606 m
Max elevation: 603 m
Min elevation: 110 m
Total climbing: 1861 m
Total descent: -1864 m
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You could take a train to Belgrave from Melbourne and walk or catch a bus to the start. There is good parking at the start, so going by car is easier.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
The forested slopes of the Dandenong Ranges are a place of tranquil forest walks, quaint hilltop towns and charismatic animals such as lyrebirds and wallabies. Conquer the famous 1000 Steps, discover Olinda Falls and enjoy commanding views over Melbourne and the Yarra Valley.
The Dandenong Ranges is a rainforest getaway on Melbourne's doorstep. A short drive or train ride from the city you will find steep volcanic hills covered in stands of the world's tallest flowering tree, the Mountain Ash. Living among the greenery are wallabies, lyrebirds, wombats and the Powerful Owl so please ensure you leave your dogs at home to avoid disturbing the local wildlife.
The mountains of the Dandenong Ranges offer stunning views across Melbourne. Waterfalls are also a feature of this cool temperate rainforest. Olinda Falls and Sherbrooke Falls are best after rain. Just don't forget to wear hiking boots.
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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.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
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
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
3 Reviews on “Ridgewalk Exploration Hike (28km)”
Derena Carroll
Did this with teenage kids in 5hrs including 2xcafes. No roads, all in forest. 23.5k – 800m climb. Beautiful ?????
Hahahahahaha!!!
Hi Laurel, you asked if it’s 9hrs one way or all up. It’s 9 hrs one way if you are a slow walking 72 year old like me, but a younger person could probably do it in 6-7 hrs, plus lunch break, plus getting there, plus car shuffling.
Hilary Lawson yes
Jade Hutchinson should we add this one to the list?
Jaki Crow ?? ok but I’ll be in Africa by then. It’ll have to be winter.
Jaki, it is important to wear knee high gaiters for all walks in oz in warmer weather. One day the snake will bite your gaiters.
Jaki, lets do this one
Jenny Mitchell great to know. Thankyou ?
Laurel King 7-9 hours for the hike. As it is a one way hike (requiring a car shuffle)
Leona Xu why me? Sounds more like your kind of walk ?
Leona Xu you are more than capable
Let me check dates! I have a busy few weeks but ASAP!
Nathan Martin
Oh Laurel King yes please
OMG I’m keen!! I love a good car shuffle. X
Peter Gill
Phil Garside when are you doing the walk ?
Sam Stephenson stop sending be stuff…… WHEN are we going!!!!!