Walking With Grace - Dandenong Ranges Outdoor adventures

Nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, Pirianda Gardens offers a peaceful retreat into nature, rich with botanical beauty and seasonal charm. In autumn, the gardens truly shine, transforming into a spectacular landscape of vibrant reds, oranges, and golds as the deciduous trees display their seasonal colors.
Your walk begins with well-maintained stone-wall paths, leading through ornamental plantings, rare exotic trees, and lush greenery. As you stroll along, you'll pass towering oaks, maples, and beech trees, their fallen leaves carpeting the ground in a soft golden blanket.
Key highlights of the walk include: 🍂 Japanese Maples – stunning deep red and orange hues. 🌿 Fern Gully – a tranquil escape surrounded by ancient ferns. 🌳 Lookout Point – panoramic views of the surrounding ranges. 💐 Garden Beds – featuring late-blooming flowers adding pops of color.

This social walk is designed for relaxation and connection, perfect for chatting while taking in the seasonal beauty. With gentle inclines and some uneven surfaces, it's best suited for a leisurely pace.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and perhaps a thermos of warm tea to enjoy while admiring the breathtaking autumn scenery!
Distance: ~3 km Duration: ~2 hours Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Meeting at the entrance (carpark where the sign and entrance is). Our volunteers will be wearing their navy hoodies with the "walking with grace" logo on them.

p.s
The Launch of our new home hiking.org.au has been delayed till later this month

Embark on a breathtaking circuit walk through the Dandenong Ranges, starting in Olinda and winding through lush forests, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints. This hike offers a diverse landscape, from towering Mountain Ash trees to tranquil fern gullies, making it a perfect blend of adventure and serenity.
🍝Optional: Meeting for lunch at Citrine Bistro & Bar in Olinda at 11:30 AM will be a great way to socialize before the walk.

#### Key Highlights Along the Trail

🌿 Olinda Falls – A picturesque waterfall nestled in the forest, offering a peaceful spot to rest and take in the sounds of cascading water.
🌳 Mt Dandenong Arboretum – A stunning collection of exotic and native trees, providing a serene atmosphere as you ascend towards the summit.
🏞 SkyHigh Mt Dandenong – One of the most famous viewpoints in the region, offering spectacular views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. A great spot to pause and soak in the scenery.
🔭 Burkes Lookout – Another incredible vantage point, providing uninterrupted views across the landscape. Perfect for photography enthusiasts!
🎶 Lyrebird Habitat – As you walk along Rifle Range Gully Track, keep an ear out for the mimicking calls of the elusive lyrebird, a fascinating native species.
🌲 Fern Gullies & Forest Trails – The walk takes you through dense rainforest, where towering ferns and ancient trees create a magical, shaded environment.
🚶‍♂️ Challenging Yet Rewarding Terrain – The trail includes gentle inclines, forest paths, and open ridges, making it a moderate hike suitable for those with a reasonable fitness level.

#### Experience the Magic of the Dandenongs

This circuit walk is perfect for those looking to connect with nature, enjoy social hiking, and experience the changing landscapes of the Dandenong Ranges. Whether you're admiring the autumn foliage, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying the fresh mountain air, this hike promises an unforgettable journey.

### Essential Gear

🎒 Daypack – A lightweight backpack to carry essentials. 🥾 Sturdy hiking boots – Waterproof and with good grip for uneven trails. 🧥 Layered clothing – Autumn temperatures can fluctuate, so wear moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece, and a waterproof jacket. 🧤 Gloves & beanie – Mornings and evenings can be chilly. 🕶 Sunglasses & hat – The sun can still be strong, even in autumn. 🩹 First aid kit – Including band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications.

### Food & Hydration

💧 Water bottle or hydration pack – At least 2 liters per person. 🥜 Snacks – Nuts, dried fruit, protein bars, and sandwiches for energy. ☕ Thermos with warm drink – Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy break.

### Extras for Comfort

🦟 Insect repellent – Fewer bugs in autumn, but still handy.
🧴 Sunscreen – UV exposure can still be high.
🪑 Lightweight sit pad – For comfortable breaks.
📷 Camera or phone – To capture the stunning autumn colors!

### Our volunteers carry for your safety

🗺 Maps and GPS – With the routes already pre-walked earlier this month. 🔦 Headlamp or flashlight – In case of late finishes. 📱 live tracking – 🚨 Emergency whistles, first aid and walkie talkies.

### We will be capturing our hike and sharing it

The hiking trail we walk will be available afterwards along with any footage and photos at our soon to be launch website and the new home of our walking and hiking group walking in grace at hiking.org.au