SERIOUSLY STRENUOUS TRAINING HIKE FOR FIT PEOPLE ONLY
This fantastic training hike involves a triple ascent of Mount Dandenong via 3 different routes, covering 11.6km and an elevation gain of 938 metres and all so close to Melbourne! This is not for the faint hearted and ONLY suited to those that currently have a good level of fitness. You will need poles, gaiters, high-energy food, 2L of water and every ounce of willpower you can muster!
Car parking is available at the corner of Glasgow Road and Sheffield Road in Kilsyth South which people that have climbed the Glasgow Track will be familiar with.
All 3 ascents will start at the Glasgow Track trailhead where many will have seen 3 trails, but only ever headed up the Glasgow Track. Why not take all 3!
The route plan
1. Head left on Singleton Track and turn right onto Link Track, heading uphill for around 300 metres. Turn left onto Fireline Track and continue for approximately 10 minutes along a wide undulating path with some steep sections until you reach Jens Hellish Ascent. Jens is not sign posted but is easy to identify, as it is a very steep wide gravel path on your right. Jens is a SERIOUS hill climb, likely to be the most challenging in the Dandenongs due to the limited traction on it. There are occasional flattened areas on the left of the track if you need a break and a dirt track on the right if gravity and traction are making things too hard. If you take the dirt track, use your gaiters as you are sharing the beautiful environment with many creatures, including snakes. If you see one, leave it alone. At the top of Jens, turn right walking passed the Kyeema memorial to the top of the Glasgow Track which you will descend all the way down to the trailhead. I recommend that you use poles on the way down.
2. At the trailhead, take the unnamed track on your right until you reach Camelia Track where you will turn right. Walk for around 500 metres until you reach Birthday Hill Track where you turn left. The first section is a meandering track with steep sections. The second section after you cross Dacite Track becomes even steeper and continues to wind its way up to the Channel 10 TV tower. At the top, turn left and in 100 metres you will be able to enjoy the magnificent views across the suburbs to Port Phillip Bay and the CBD from Burke's Lookout. After catching your breath, continue straight ahead passed the Glasgow Track and the Kyeema wreck site along Kyeema Track for around 1.4 kilometres to the top of Jen's Hellish Ascent which you will descend. I recommend using poles or the dirt track on the left hand side to maintain safe traction. At the bottom, head left on Fireline Track and reverse the directions that you took earlier, turning right at Link Track then left at Singleton Track back to the trailhead.
3. If you've still got energy to burn after the first two ascents, head straight up the well known Glasgow Track (you've done the tracks to the left and right meaning that it's the one in the middle!) which is comprised of 3 sections which are all steep and rocky. Once at the top, head right, passing Burke's Lookout and head down the Birthday Hill Track located across from the Channel 10 TV tower. At the bottom of the 2 sections, turn right onto Camelia Track and walk for 500 metres to the unmarked track on your left that you took earlier which takes you back down to the trailhead. If you miss it, you will shortly arrive at the Glasgow Track where you can head back down the first section to the trailhead.
Job done! Enjoy your hiking!
Poles, gaiters, 2 litres of water, high energy food
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.
Total distance: 13160 m
Max elevation: 618 m
Min elevation: 260 m
Total climbing: 1896 m
Total descent: -1896 m
Contributed by David Drew
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Getting to the trailhead: Dandenong Ranges.
From the carpark, head up Glasgow Road, straight ahead onto the steep gravel road until you reach the gate which blocks the road. Continue up passed this for around 200 metres where you will find the trailhead where you can head in 3 directions
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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.
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: Belgrave, Emerald, Kallista, Kalorama, Monbulk, Montrose, Olinda, Sassafras, Tecoma, Upwey
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Looking for more walks in or near Dandenong Ranges? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
8 Reviews on “Mount Dandenong Triple Track Ascent Hike (13.2km)”
It was a fantastic experience. Some part of the trail was closed.. But you can find an alternative way. I did this one while it was raining. I really enjoyed this one in rain
Unfortunately, this trail needs to be deleted/modified. I’ve done this trek twice in the last year.
Birthday hill Track is now officially closed (as of recently) and has signs indicating that it was an illegal trail and there are fines for using it now. They’ve filled it with branches to indicate that its closed too.
It’s a pity because it was a great trek.
I did the hike yesterday – it’s not obvious from the bottom that Birthday Hill Track is closed – the sign is at the top. It is easy to substitute going up the Rankin track, along Dalcite then the zig zag track to the top. It is longer and the zig zag track is not as steep. Still a good energetic hike with a nice view from Bourke’s lookout.