The Olinda Falls and Mechanic Track hike is a 4.4km, grade 2 circuit hike located in the Dandenong Ranges. The hike should take approximately 1.5 hrs to complete and is a great family hike.

Summary

Located in the cool climate of the Dandenong Ranges, Olinda Falls is a perfect place to have a quiet picnic, short walk and spend time with the family.

From Olinda Falls car park head down to the lower falls then back up to the upper falls. The walk to Olinda Falls is only 350 metres to the viewing platform and 500 metres to the base of the falls. The walk itself takes between 10 – 15 minutes and is shaded from the car park all the way down to the falls. There are picnic tables, running water, toilets and plenty of shade to sit in.

From there you will follow Mechanic Track. You will pass over one dirt road but keep going until you reach the end of the track which will be the main bitumen road. Turn right and go past the kindergarten till you reach Falls Rd. Turn right again and go down the hill till you get to the car park again.

Getting There

Olinda falls is in the Olinda Reserve, which can be accessed via Falls road, straight off the Mt Dandenong Tourist road. Mt Dandenong Tourist road begins at Montrose and meanders through Mt Dandenong, Olinda and Sassafras before joining onto the Burwood Highway at Upper Ferntree Gully.

Tips

• Easy walk for the family. Nothing too hard and great for a family morning hike.

Contributed by Antony Boxall