Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the beauty of the Dandenongs on this challenging 28km RidgeWalk, a Grade 4 trail traversing diverse terrains from bushland to suburban areas. Starting in Belgrave and passing through iconic townships like Sassafras and Olinda, this trail provides a sneak peek into the upcoming official RidgeWalk. Encounter steep inclines like the Zig Zag Track, admire scenic views from Burkes Lookout, and immerse yourself in the unique landscape of the Dandenong Ranges. Tip: consider tackling the trail in reverse for a less strenuous journey.

Length:

28km

Duration:

8 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 603m

Min elevation: 110m

Total Ascent: 1861m

Start: Birdsland Reserve cnr McNicol Rd and Apsley Rd Belgrave

End: Mount Evelyn Football Ground (Tramway Rd)

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Belgrave

From state capital: 43km

Latitude: -37.91848889043465

Longitude: 145.34134268760684

Overview

Map

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Weather

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Hike overview

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.

Tips

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

Gallery

Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!

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Walk map and GPX file
Ridgewalk Exploration Hike (28km)

Total distance: 28606 m
Max elevation: 603 m
Min elevation: 110 m
Total climbing: 1861 m
Total descent: -1864 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Dandenong Ranges National Park.

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.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Belgrave, Emerald, Kallista, Kalorama, Monbulk, Montrose, Olinda, Sassafras, Tecoma, Upwey

About the region

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.

Similar walks nearby

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

Track grade

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.

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.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Ridgewalk Exploration Hike (28km)

10 Reviews on “Ridgewalk Exploration Hike (28km)”

Overall rating

Sam Stephenson

Derena Carroll

24/03/2022, 05:20

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1. Jenny Mitchell
  
  Did this with teenage kids in 5hrs including 2xcafes. No roads, all in forest. 23.5k – 800m climb. Beautiful ?????
  
  24/03/2022, 05:20
  
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  1. Phil Garside
    
    Hahahahahaha!!!
    
    24/03/2022, 05:20
    
    Like
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    1. Fred Tropp-Asher
      
      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.
      
      24/03/2022, 05:20
      
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      1. Angela Mellerick
        
        Hilary Lawson yes
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      2. Stacey Eley
        
        Jade Hutchinson should we add this one to the list?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      3. Craig Ward
        
        Jaki Crow ?? ok but I’ll be in Africa by then. It’ll have to be winter.
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      4. Fred Tropp-Asher
        
        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.
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      5. Craig Ward
        
        Jaki, lets do this one
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      6. Catherina Punturere
        
        Jenny Mitchell great to know. Thankyou ?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      7. Darren Edwards
        
        Laurel King 7-9 hours for the hike. As it is a one way hike (requiring a car shuffle)
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      8. Beck Barnes
        
        Leona Xu why me? Sounds more like your kind of walk ?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      9. Beck Barnes
        
        Leona Xu you are more than capable
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      10. Phil Garside
        
        Let me check dates! I have a busy few weeks but ASAP!
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      11. Kostandina Pangidis
        
        Nathan Martin
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      12. Tracey Gibbins
        
        Oh Laurel King yes please
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      13. Phil Garside
        
        OMG I’m keen!! I love a good car shuffle. X
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      14. Steven Willuweit
        
        Peter Gill
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      15. Leona Xu
        
        Phil Garside when are you doing the walk ?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like
      16. Derena Carroll
        
        Sam Stephenson stop sending be stuff…… WHEN are we going!!!!!
        
        24/03/2022, 05:20
        
        Like

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Ridgewalk Exploration Hike (28km)