The Dandenong Ranges Circuit - Olinda is a 9 mi looped trail that starts and ends in Olinda, Melbourne, Victoria and takes on the summit of Mt Dandenong at 633 metres. This mountain trail is graded as Medium and can be completed in approximately 5 hours. (For information on how we grade trails, please click here, and caution is advised on trail times as this depends on multiple variables. For more info, click here.) The circuit, located less than an hour from the centre of Melbourne, showcases the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People, leading you to the peak of Mt Dandenong itself, the RJ Hamer Arboretum with its native and exotic species, Olinda Falls, and rewards with far-reaching views over the city of Melbourne. The terrain is mainly gravel or dirt path and forest trail, although the start of hiking trail in Olinda is accessible by bus or car, with car parks located at the Olinda Recreation Reserve or at the Botanic Gardens, allowing you to extend your walk if you wish to see the impressive gardens. For families wishing for a shorter walk, or those who require wheelchair access, there’s the Sky High café/restaurant which has parking, toilets and is wheelchair friendly, but please not there is a gate fee to access the Sky High café/restaurant via vehicle. Being so accessible from the city, the trail can become busy at weekends so for peace and quiet visit on a week day. Dogs should be kept on a leash at all times for the protection and conservation of the national park and its wildlife. Map Source: https://walkingmaps.com.au/
