Grade 1

Olinda Falls & Valley Hike (14km)

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Victoria

14km

4 hrs

Grade 3

Circuit

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Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the picturesque 14km Olinda Falls and Valley Circuit, a moderate Grade 3 hike nestled amidst the beautiful Olinda Forest. Starting from Woolrich Lookout, this trail offers a diverse journey through native bush and the R.J. Hamer Forest Arboretum's varied tree species. Don't miss the short detour to the charming Olinda Falls and keep an ear out for the Lyrebirds. Perfect for bushwalkers who love diverse terrains and abundant birdlife, this circuit trail comes full circle at Woolrich Lookout.

Max elevation: 508m

Min elevation: 254m

Total Ascent: 1085m

Hike overview


Tips


Track grade


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.

Walk map and GPX file

Olinda Falls & Valley Hike (14km)


Content use


Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.

Getting there


Getting to the trailhead: Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions


About the region


Find a place to stay


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

Let someone know


Register your plans

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.

Similar walks nearby


Looking for more walks in or near Dandenong Ranges National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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Suggest an edit


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.

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Explore safe


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.

Packing checklists


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.

Reviews

Olinda Falls & Valley Hike (14km)


8 Reviews on “Olinda Falls & Valley Hike (14km)”

Overall rating
  • 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.

  • Avatar of darren edwards Darren Edwards Trail Author

    This is a really pleasant walk and a great one for introducing people to hiking

    1. 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.

  • Avatar of john feeney John Feeney

    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.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Olinda falls & valley hike (14km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

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