Melbourne - East

A large park in the Dandenong Creek Valley, this circuit walk goes around the peaceful lake which is edged on one side by large grassy slopes that welcome play and picnics, while on the far side is a quiet conservation area that is natural bush.  Visit a bird hide or several delightful children's playgrounds. 

The best vertical kilometer (1100m) training walk within 1.5 hrs drive of Melbourne.

Excellent long distance, 12km, 6 times vertical gain, substitute for the 1000 steps (Kokoda trail) walk.

Excellent training walk for The Alps of Europe or NZ, Himalaya, Kokoda Trail, Pyrenees etc. May be between 11.2 and 14.4 kms depending on route taken.

Passes through Mountain Ash, Myrtle Beach and Snowgum forests with Lyrebirds and Sambar deer. Average slope 19% or 1 in 5.

This area has been appreciated by Victorians for a long period of time. The area of the Yarra River a short way downstream was an important meeting site for the Wurrundjeri people, with good hunting and fishing.  In 1863 the boat house was established and is now the oldest operating boathouse in Victoria.  Around this walk you will see original native bushland and maybe some local lorikeets, parrots and cockatoos.