Sherbrooke Forest Circuit Hike in the Dandenong Ranges

Join me for a full-day hike through Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Ranges – towering mountain ash, fern gullies, plenty of hills, and maybe a lyrebird or two if we're lucky.

We'll meet at Boost Juice inside Southern Cross Station at 7:10am, catch the 7:29am train to Belgrave together, then walk about 1km from Belgrave Station to the start of the Sherbrooke Forest Circuit. We'll be on the trails from around 9:15am until about 2:30pm, then walk back to Belgrave for the 3:02pm train, arriving back at Southern Cross around 4:15pm.

Driving instead? You're welcome to meet us directly at the circuit start – just be there before 9:15am.

The circuit is an 11.9km loop with about 608m of elevation gain. AllTrails rates it Moderate and estimates 4.5–5 hours. Add the walk to and from Belgrave Station and it's a long, hilly day on foot, so good fitness is required. This is not a beginner hike.

All RSVPs go to the waitlist first, and I'll move people to "Going" manually – see Important notes for how spots are allocated.

Who this is for

• People with good fitness who are comfortable hiking for around five hours on hilly forest tracks
• Anyone keen to spend a day in the Dandenongs without needing a car
• Solo attendees are very welcome
• Members who have come along to other Melbourne Social events get priority for spots

Links

• Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EWXEutYdFFo6xqVX6
• Hike start (for drivers): https://maps.app.goo.gl/M5CZUEMsCGB71WQX6
• AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/victoria/sherbrooke-forest-circuit

Timeline

• 7:10am – Meet at Boost Juice (inside Southern Cross Station) and say hi
• 7:20am – Walk to the train platform together
• 7:29am – Train to Belgrave
• 8:47am – Walk from Belgrave Station to the Sherbrooke Forest Circuit start (~1km)
• ~9:15am – Hike starts (drivers meet us here)
• ~2:30pm – Hike ends, then walk back to Belgrave Station
• 3:02pm – Train to Southern Cross Station
• 4:15pm – Train arrives at Southern Cross Station and the meetup finishes

Tickets / cost
There's nothing to book for the hike itself. Everyone covers their own train fare, so please bring a Myki (or other valid ticket) with enough credit for the return trip.

Transport

• Train: we'll travel together on the Belgrave line from Southern Cross. If you live further along the line, feel free to jump on our train along the way – just let me know in the comments.
• Driving: meet us at the circuit start (link above) before 9:15am.

Bring

• Myki with enough credit for the return trip
• Packed lunch and snacks – we'll eat along the trail
• Plenty of water (at least 2 litres)
• Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip – tracks can be steep and muddy
• Layers and a rain jacket – the Dandenongs can be cooler and wetter than the city
• Sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent
• Any personal medication and a charged phone

Expect

• Difficulty: Rated Moderate on AllTrails, but 11.9km with 608m of climbing makes for a solid workout
• Pace: Steady, with short breaks and a stop for lunch
• Vibe: Relaxed and social, chatting as we go
• Group style: We'll aim to stay together

Important notes

• Good fitness is required. If you're unsure whether this suits you, have a look at the AllTrails link before RSVPing.
• RSVPing puts you on the waitlist – it isn't a confirmed spot yet. I'll move people to "Going" manually, with priority for members who have been to other Melbourne Social events. Please check your RSVP status before the day.
• All hiking times are approximate and depend on group pace and conditions.
• December is fire season. If there's a high fire danger rating or a park closure, the hike may be changed or cancelled – I'll post an update here. Please also check the forecast the night before.
• Train times can change with timetable updates or planned works. I'll update the event if anything changes, but it's worth checking the PTV app on the morning.
• Keep an eye out for snakes on warmer days and stay on marked tracks.
• If your plans change, please update your RSVP so numbers stay clear.
• Please take part within your own ability. You're joining at your own risk, and you're responsible for your own safety, gear, and wellbeing on the day.