The Dandenong's Pixie Waltz

Explore the enchanting Dandenongs on a 16.5 km hike starting from Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station and ending at Mt Dandenong Hotel, Olinda. Immerse yourself in the Tolkien-like scenery of towering mountain ash and mossy gullies, and visit sights like One Tree Hill and the Doongalla Picnic Ground.

GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 4: Medium to Hard 16.5 km point-to-point walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System), with public transport access at each end. There is quite a bit of climbing, and descending, on this walk, though there are no prolonged climbs. The total vertical climb is 967 m, and total descent is 588 m. The walk is expected to take at least 6 hours.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Is there a more enchanted forest than the Dandenongs? Tall mountain ash stretch to the sky whilst Gondwana ferns decorate the mossy gullies. With such Tolkien-like scenery, the bushwalker soon becomes convinced that pixies must surely live among the ferns.

This hike follows little used trails from Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station to Mt Dandenong Hotel. Mainly on track, with the occasional wombat trail, the route has a total elevation gain of almost a kilometre. Thankfully, not all this elevation comes at once. Rather there's a little uphill, then a little downhill, and so it goes until you reach your destination.

On the way there are several sights including One Tree Hill and the Doongalla Picnic Ground, set in an English garden next to an historic homestead. It's probably the most romantic picnic ground you can find. There's also a number of hillbillies who live on the route and if you're lucky to get one talking, you will be spun a yarn about the history of the area.

From the end of the walk, a bus will take you back to the start (or to Croydon Station if you prefer) following a charming route that is worth the price of the Myki pass alone. On weekends buses leave hourly. First though, a refreshing beverage at the Mt Dandenong Hotel is strongly recommended. 

BOOKING: By Friday 24th April. To register click on Get Tickets.
Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.

FURTHER INFORMATION: TrailHiking.com: The Dandenong's Pixie Waltz.

MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:25am at Railway Ave, at the top of the exit ramp (northern) exit of the Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station (though an earlier start is being considered). 

MAP REFERENCE:

• Google map (starting point): maps.app.goo.gl/H6PaBXCHQGG7dZMD7. 
• Route Map: TrailHiking.com Dandenongs Pixie Waltz

DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 40 km, 1 hour 10 mins by train from Flinders Street Station. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: 

• GETTING THERE: Take the Lilydale line train that departs from Flinders Street at 9:06am and change at Ringwood (on the other side of the platform) to the Belgrave line train, arriving in Upper Ferntree Gully at 10:18am.
• RETURNING: From the Mt Dandenong Hotel take a #688 bus from Ridge Rd/Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd (Olinda) to either Croydon or Belgrave, then catch a train back to the CBD. The bus stop for Upper Ferntree Gully is in front of the Mt Dandenong Hotel, and for Croydon is in front of Kelly's. Potential PT options:
  • Olinda 3:55pm-5:27pm Flinders Street Station via Upper Ferntree Gully and Belgrave line
  • Olinda 4:47pm-6:17pm Flinders Street Station via Croydon and Lilydale line
  • Olinda 4:59pm-6:27pm Flinders Street Station via Upper Ferntree Gully and Belgrave line
  • Olinda 5:45pm-7:17pm Flinders Street Station via Croydon and Lilydale line
  • Olinda 5:54pm-7:36pm Flinders Street Station via Upper Ferntree Gully

FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and two litres of water.

APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. The Dandenongs are generally cooler than central Melbourne, but you won't be! Wear layers that can easily be added or removed. Bring a waterproof layer if there's any chance of rain.

LEADER: Stephan C. | Email LeaderStephanC@nomads.org.au if you have any questions.
Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.

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