Best trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park
Want to find the best trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 137 great trails for hiking, walking, and birding and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 6 easy hiking trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 101 to 10,793 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Top trails
1
(2125)
•Moderate
•4.1 mi
•Est. 2h 13m
Beginning from the Coles Ridge car park, follow the road back to the start of the Lyrebird track. Follow the track for about 1 kilometre before branching off and taking Neuman Road through mountain ash forest and past an open meadow.
After the meadow, stay to the right to continue on Paddy Track which crosses Hardy Creek, before becoming the Welch Track. A short trip through more forest and tree ferns leads you to Coles Ridge Track, where you begin the last section back to the car park.
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2
(1757)
•Moderate
•2.5 mi
•Est. 1h 50m
This is a great hike that will get the heart pumping! The walk starts up the infamous 1000 steps on Tree Fern Gully Track, goes on to One Tree Hill, then turns around and comes down Lyrebird Track back to the start.
The Tree Fern Gully Track is also known as the Kokoda Track, so named because veterans of the Kokoda Campaign adopted this park as a memorial site in 1998. The walking track through dense rainforest and fern-covered forest floor so closely resembled the beginning of the Kokoda...
3
(1422)
•Moderate
•3.8 mi
•Est. 1h 58m
On its way to Sherbrooke Falls, this pleasant walk in the Dandenong Ranges flows through a forest of tree ferns and mountain ash. The route can get crowded on busy weekends, especially around the waterfall.
Continuing from the falls, head north on Moores Break before joining Lloyds Track and returning to the car park. It's a primarily shaded area, so ideal for a sunny day and ending the day with a snack at the picnic grounds.
4
(1434)
•Moderate
•7.4 mi
•Est. 3h 29m
This is an excellent, relatively easy hike through the Dandenong Ranges National Park. There are some moderate uphills (or downhills, depending on your direction) along the way, but it makes for great exercise. While the Dandenongs can get crowded, if you find yourself here on a weekday, you’ll likely find some solitude among the walking tracks and rainforest.
This route includes some on-road walking (dirt roads), but many alternate paths can be taken to lengthen or shorten your hike. A...
5
(1086)
•Moderate
•7.2 mi
•Est. 4h 1m
This is an enjoyable trail through the Dandenong Ranges National Park, about 36 kilometres east of Melbourne, Victoria. This looped route begins and ends at the intersection of Glen Harrow Heights Road and Old Monbulk Road in the town of Belgrave.
The trail takes you through beautiful fern forests and features a few good climbs to get your heart pumping.
6
(804)
•Moderate
•3.1 mi
•Est. 1h 59m
This route can be done in either direction, but most hikers choose to go anti-clockwise. Most of the track is easy, except for the 1,000 stairs section, which is steep, narrow, and rocky but leads to great views. You may wish to arrive early as this route is famous and attracts many people, especially on a warm weekend.
The loop links together School Track, Belview Terrace, Ramu Avenue, the 1000 steps and finally, Tree Fern Gully Track to get back to the beginning. Several other walk options...
7
(640)
•Moderate
•4.7 mi
•Est. 2h 37m
This lovely easy walk features rolling hills, steeply weathered valleys and gullies covered in thick temperate rainforest, predominantly of tall Mountain Ash trees and dense ferny undergrowth through the Sherbrooke forest. This walk culminates with two passes of the notable Sherbrooke Falls.
Following the peaceful streams of Sherbrooke Creek and Pound Creek around Dandenong Ranges National Park, this walk showcases wonderful native bushland and rainforest and fauna such as lyrebirds,...
8
(492)
•Moderate
•2.3 mi
•Est. 1h 18m
This is a popular trail through the Dandenong Ranges National Park in Victoria, about 35 kilometres southwest of Melbourne. This looped route begins and ends from the parking area on Belgrave-Ferny Creek Road.
Enjoy hiking along the Ridge Track out to Sherbrooke Falls and following the Hill Climb Track as you descend alongside Sherbrooke Creek. The final stretch takes you alongside Pound Creek and back to the parking area.
9
(364)
•Moderate
•1.9 mi
•Est. 1h 30m
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is an iconic trail just outside Melbourne on Wurundjeri land, nestled within the Dandenong Ranges National Park. The track features a steep climb with plaques devoted to Australian soldiers from the real Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea during World War II.
The stairs were initially constructed in the early 1900s from tree fern trunks in the muddier wet gully sections to make the 260m ascent an easier climb. Most of these steps have now been replaced to...
10
(508)
•Moderate
•6.8 mi
•Est. 3h 34m
This is a long circuit that explores several of the trails in the Sherbrooke region of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. The trail begins from the parking area near the Grants Picnic Area, just off Monbulk Road.
There are loads of opportunities to spot native wildlife and plants along the way. The Grants on Sherbrooke cafe near the picnic area is also a great place for a refreshment after the hike!
Showing results 1–10 of 137
Trail reviews for Dandenong Ranges National Park
Scarr track is the toughest but the most enjoyable section in Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Dandenong Ranges Trail: Section 5 Olinda to William Ricketts
The trails in the Dandenong Ranges never disappoint me. This trail was tranquil and soothing on a Sunday afternoon. The views were extraordinary, and I was lucky enough to see a lyrebird performing its courtship dance—what a shame I can’t share the video here. The track is in great condition, except for the Mechanic Track, which was muddy and slippery despite no rain in the last seven days. Overall, this trail, with its ups and downs, will warm you up in this cold winter and refresh your mind.
Difficulty: Moderate
Cascade, Falls, Kyeema and Dandenong Creek Loop
Beautiful 14 km track along one of my favourite places the Dandenong ranges. I now need to start to “up the ante” and get my fitness back on track after the chemotherapy sessions now that they are finished. And there’s none better than places like this. Looking beautiful with the autumn colour and the birds out in full song. Good for the Soul It never disappoints
Sherbrooke Falls Loop via Hackett, Pound Creek, and Hillclimb Tracks
A true grade 3 hike in the Dandenong Ranges, which will get you heart pumping! Lovely tree ferns and gum trees. Parking can be an issue on nice days so go early.
Was a great track. Despite being in the Dandenong ranges still need hat and sunscreen. Was great with our dog.
Mathias Road
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Dandenong Ranges National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Dandenong Ranges National Park is Lyrebird Walk, Neuman, Paddy, and Coles Ridge Loop, which has a 4.7 star rating from 2,125 reviews. This trail is 4.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,007 ft.
What is the longest trail in Dandenong Ranges National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Dandenong Ranges National Park is Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne 2023. This trail is estimated to be 62.3 mi long.
How many trails are in Dandenong Ranges National Park?
There are 137 trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 27,308 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Dandenong Ranges National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Dandenong Ranges National Park has you covered. Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne 2024 - 100km Course boasts the most elevation gain with 10,793 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne 2023, which will get you 10,725 ft of elevation gain.
Are there running trails available in Dandenong Ranges National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 77 running trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park and the most popular is Dandenong Ranges Loop with an average 4.5 star rating from 1,434 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Dandenong Ranges National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 19 biking trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park and the most popular is Dandenong Ranges Loop with an average 4.5 star rating from 1,434 community reviews.
Top national parks in Victoria
Suitability
Points of interest
- Sherbrooke Falls
- Olinda Creek waterfall middle
- Olinda Creek waterfall upper
- Chandlers Hill
- Burkes Lookout
- Grants picnic ground
- Doongalla Homestead Picnic Ground
- Upper Viewing Platform
- Kalorama Lookout
- Valley Picnic Ground
- Lower Viewing Platform
- Olinds Falls Picnic Ground
- Kokoda Lest We Forget
- Doongalla Stables Picnic Ground
- Eagle Nest Picnic Ground
- Sherbrooke Picnic Ground
- Mount Corhanwarrabul
- Griffith Falls
- Olinda Creek waterfall lower