Dandenong Ranges Circuit — Forest Flirt Edition- Moderate/Hard - 15km

🌿 Eat Drink & Dance Melbourne: Dandenong Ranges Circuit — Forest Flirt Edition
Sunday • about 11:15am • Meet at Olinda Café
15 km • ~5 hours • Rainforest, views, and social chaos (the good kind)

This Sunday we’re escaping into the cool temperate rainforest of the Dandenong Ranges — a lush, fern‑soaked circuit featuring the Botanic Gardens, Olinda Falls, the Arboretum, SkyHigh Restaurant/Cafe, Bourke’s Lookout, and all the micro‑adventures that happen when a group of semi‑prepared humans wander through nature together.

Expect towering mountain ash, mossy gullies, sweeping lookouts, and the kind of group bonding that only emerges when everyone is slightly damp, slightly tired, and slightly too honest about their snack choices.

I do recommend the Sky High Vanilla Slice where we will be stopping for lunch/rest. (Hopefully they still have it!)

+++Ensure you read the rules at the end before joining. Registering = agreeing to them+++

🌲 What we’re exploring

• Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens — floral drama
• Olinda Falls — nature’s ASMR
• Mount Dandenong Arboretum — trees doing their catwalk
• SkyHigh & Bourke’s Lookout — panoramic posing platforms
• Forest paths, winding trails, and that delicious “wow, this is actually stunning” feeling

👟 What to wear & bring (important!)
This is a proper hike, not a Sunday fashion stroll.
Please bring:

• Hiking clothes (activewear or outdoor layers — not jeans, not streetwear)
• Suitable hiking footwear (trail runners or hiking boots — no sneakers with flat soles)
• Raincoat or umbrella — there is a chance of rain
• Snacks + lunch
• 2 litres of water minimum
• Optional: hiking poles, good vibes, forest‑compatible flirting

🚆 Public Transport Option
For the car‑free adventurers:

• With changing PT timetables I can't plan this for you
• Best to choose your own route, there are multiple ways to get there by PT depending on the timetable of the day

🍰 Post‑Walk Wind‑Down
We’ll finish back in Olinda where you can:

• Refuel with pastries, chips, or something leafy
• Continue the socialising
• Or wander the village for a slow, sweet Sunday finish

⚠️ Group Rules & Event Etiquette ⚠️
These are basic, commonsense standards that keep events safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone.

👟 Fitness Requirements
Walking: 3–4 km/hr + 200m vertical/hr in hilly terrain. Ability to walk 20km with some rest stops. Average to good fitness.

We walk at a relaxed pace. Please ensure you meet the fitness level for the event. If the group is forced to wait excessively, you may be asked to leave the event.

⛹️ Pace: Too Fast or Too Slow
Small social events rely on staying together. If you prefer a very different pace, consider going solo, joining a faster/slower group, or choosing events that match your fitness.

👩‍💼 Time Constraints
If you’re on a tight schedule, this may not be the right event. Social activities rarely run exactly on time.

⚠️ CRITICAL EXPECTATIONS ⚠️

👻 No‑Shows
No‑shows block waitlisted people from attending and disrupt small-group events.

• Remove yourself at least 24 hours before the event.
• No‑shows will likely be removed and blocked from the group.
• Last‑minute cancellations (“flaking”) may also result in group removal, especially when there is a waitlist.

👀 Attending Without Being on the Going List
This is a security issue.
Do NOT turn up unannounced.
If you’re not on the Going list and haven’t arranged it with the organiser beforehand, you will be asked to leave. Event check‑ins are performed.

⏰ Late Arrivals
If you’re late, the group will not wait.

• You may be marked as a No‑Show and removed from the group.
• It’s your responsibility to communicate and catch up—this may not be possible for some events.

🎲 Second Chances
If something goes wrong, communicate with the organiser. Silence + poor behaviour = removal. Communication + accountability = second chances. As the organiser is busy organising this may be impossible during the event.

🚩Disclaimer: No Liability & Organiser Indemnity
By participating in this event, you acknowledge and accept full personal responsibility for your own safety, wellbeing, and belongings. The organiser assumes no liability for injury, loss, or damage incurred during the activity. Participation is entirely at your own risk.