The Valley and Eagle Nest Loop in the Dandenong Ranges National Park is a 7.9km, grade 3 hike that offers a peaceful and scenic experience through lush forest landscapes. Located near the Silvan Reservoir, this walk is perhaps the most remote of all the trails in the Dandenong Ranges, providing a sense of escape into nature while still being just a short drive from the Olinda Falls carpark. The hike takes around three hours to complete, though it’s easy to extend the journey by exploring additional tracks that branch off the main loop.
The trail begins a few minutes' drive from the Olinda Falls carpark. While the path is not always clearly marked, it’s easy to follow with the help of road signs, guiding you through the circuit. The track itself is well-maintained, making it a comfortable walk despite a few uphill sections, including one that’s fairly steep. The journey culminates with a narrow walkway, adding a touch of adventure towards the end of the loop.
After passing the toilets, continue along Eagle Nest Road to reach the Eagle Nest Picnic Ground. From here, take a left onto Hermons Track, followed by a right onto Georges Track (also known as Possums Track on some maps). Follow this track until you come to Barges Track, where you’ll turn left. Continue on this path, crossing Bartlett Track twice, until you reach Rifle Range Gully. At a fork in the track, take the unmarked left-hand path called Black Hole Track to continue on your loop.
This trail is perfect for those looking for a quiet escape and an opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges. With its variety of landscapes, including dense forests and clearings, it offers an ideal setting for a peaceful day in nature. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick walk or looking to extend the hike, the Valley and Eagle Nest Loop provides a rewarding experience for all who venture through its shaded paths.
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.
- While there are toilets available, they are often not well-maintained, so it's best to avoid using them if possible.
Total distance: 7917 m
Max elevation: 463 m
Min elevation: 239 m
Total climbing: 587 m
Total descent: -587 m
Login to Download GPXGPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Olinda Falls is easy to reach and can be found using Google Maps. From the falls, follow Falls Road past the National Rhododendron Gardens, continuing onto Chalet Road, which will take you past the R. J. Hamer Arboretum. Turn left onto Silvan Road, then another left onto Boundary Road. Continue along Boundary Road until you reach the Valley Picnic Ground, where the trailhead is located.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Small Car Park
- Drinking Water
- Picnic Table
- BBQ Facilities
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Belgrave, Emerald, Kallista, Kalorama, Monbulk, Montrose, Olinda, Sassafras, Tecoma, Upwey
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Dandenong Ranges National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
Click to add your photos >>
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
11 Reviews on “Valley & Eagle Nest Loop Hike (7.9km)”
It’s a nice hike but description is a bit out of date. The Valley Picnic Ground has been closed off to vehicles for about 2.5 years (since the big storm in June 2021). There is decent space to park at the gate where Boundary road starts from Silvan road and you can walk in from there. This will add about 1.8km to the hike. Alternatively, you can start the hike at Eagle Nest Picnic ground, which is open.
There are no toilets on this hike. There used to be toilets at Valley Picnic ground but while the toilet block was still there about 5 years ago, the toilets had not been in use since about 2014. I do not believe there is access to drinking water anywhere on the hike either. There are BBQ facilities, but they are the open fire ones.
I was on a different hike yesterday (28 Dec 2023) and at the point where Black Hole Track meets KC Track, there was a sign saying KC Track is currently closed. I wasn’t going down that way anyway and I can’t say what the situation is exactly.
As for how challenging it is, if you’re fit, it’s probably relatively easy. If you’re my size (rather large), it’s quite hard but still rewarding.
Thanks Chris. I’ll make a note to review and update the info.
We also got confused at the start of the walk as we could not find the toilet (I think they decided to remove it) so we walked past a vehicle gate onto a road called boundary track, we walked down this until a ‘T’ intersection, turned right and followed the above instructions.
We also have the same issue on rifle range gully, we did not see the track that went off to the right so it must be a small track?